    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 30, 2003]
    [Pages 107-109]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Silvio
    Berlusconi of Italy and an Exchange With
    Reporters
    January 30, 2003

        President Bush. I will make an opening statement; Silvio will make
    an opening statement; we'll have one question from the Americans, one
    question from the Italians. We're running a little late. We'd like to
    spend hours answering your questions, but the problem is we've got other
    matters to work on.
        First, it's my honor to welcome Silvio Berlusconi back. He is a
    personal friend. Italy is a great friend of America; America is a great
    friend of Italy. The Prime Minister and I will of course be talking
    about a lot of matters, the most significant matter will be how to keep
    the peace, how to make the world a peaceful place.
        I am most grateful that the Prime Minister signed a letter, along
    with other leaders of European countries, which clarified the issue that
    we're dealing with, and that is that Saddam Hussein who the other day in
    commenting about this process said this is a matter of weeks, not
    months. In other words, for the sake of peace, this issue must be
    resolved. Hopefully, it can be done peacefully. Hopefully, the pressure
    of the free world will convince Mr. Saddam Hussein Dickens.
    Only one question.
        President Bush. I would have answered it, but they said no.
    [Laughter] But I don't even know the question. Go ahead.
        Prime Minister Berlusconi. We will never forget that we owe our
    freedom--our freedom, our wealth to the United States of America, and
    our democracy. And we also will never forget that there have been many
    American young lives that were lost and sacrifice themselves for us.
        So for us, the United States is not only our friend, but they are
    the guarantee of our democracy and our freedom. And I already had the
    opportunity to say this to President Bush: Every time I see the U.S.
    flag, I don't see the flag only representative of a country, but I see
    it as a symbol of democracy and of freedom.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thanks.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:13 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. Except for his opening remarks, Prime Minister Berlusconi spoke
    in Italian, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter.

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