    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 16, 2003]
    [Pages 274-275]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement of the Atlantic Summit: Commitment to Transatlantic Solidarity
    March 16, 2003

        We, the leaders of four democracies with strong Transatlantic
    affiliation, meet at a time of great challenge. We face painful choices.
        We uphold a vision of international security we share with other
    nations. Our nations and people know the horror of war, whether visited
    upon us, or whether we are called to confront a great danger.
        At this difficult moment, we reaffirm our commitment to our core
    values and the Transatlantic Alliance that has embodied them for two
    generations. Our alliance rests on a common commitment to democracy,
    freedom, and the rule of law. We are bound by solemn commitment to
    defend one another. We will face and overcome together the twin threats
    of the 21st century: terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass
    destruction. All nations must unite to defeat these dangers. We will not
    allow differences of the moment to be exploited in ways that bring no
    solutions.
        Our security is tied to peace and security throughout the world.
    Together, we are working to bring security to Afghanistan, and to root
    out the terrorists who remain there. We affirm a vision of a Middle East
    peace in which two states, Israel and Palestine, will live side by side
    in peace, security, and freedom. We welcome the fact that the roadmap
    designed to implement this vision will soon be delivered to Palestinians
    and Israelis, upon the confirmation of an empowered Palestinian Prime
    Minister. We would welcome the appointment of a Palestinian Prime
    Minister with sufficient authority to put an end to terrorism and
    consolidate necessary reforms. We shall look to the parties to work
    constructively together. We have today issued a statement outlining the
    challenge that Saddam Hussein poses for the
    world, and our vision of a better future for the Iraqi people.
        We urge our friends and allies to put aside differences, and work
    together for peace, freedom and security. The friendship and solidarity
    between Europe and the United States is strong and will continue to grow
    in years to come.

    [[Page 275]]

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.