    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 31, 2003]
    [Pages 578-579]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    May 31, 2003

        Good morning. This weekend I am beginning a journey to Europe and
    the Middle East. My first stop is Poland, the home of a proud people who
    have known both the horror of tyranny and the hope of liberty.
        On a visit to Warsaw 2 years ago, I affirmed our Nation's commitment
    to a united Europe, bound to America by close ties of history, commerce,
    and friendship. Today, we are striving for a world in which men and
    women can live in freedom and peace instead of in fear and chaos, and
    every civilized nation has a stake in the outcome.
        Poland and America are proud members of NATO, and our military
    Alliance must be prepared to meet the challenges of our time. Our common
    security requires European Governments to invest in modern military
    capabilities so our forces can move quickly with a precision that can
    strike the guilty and spare the innocent.
        NATO must show resolve and foresight to act beyond Europe, and it
    has begun to do so. NATO has agreed to lead security forces in
    Afghanistan and to support Polish Allies in Iraq. A strong NATO
    Alliance, with a broad vision of its role, will serve our security and
    the cause of peace.
        In the last 20 months, the world has seen the determination of our
    Nation and many others to fight the forces of terror. Yet armed force is
    always a last resort, and Americans know that terrorism is not defeated
    by military power alone. We believe that the ultimate answer to hatred
    is hope. The ideology of terror takes hold in an atmosphere of
    resentment and despair, so we help men and women around the world to
    build lives of purpose and dignity.
        In Africa and elsewhere, America is committed to a comprehensive,
    $15-billion effort to prevent and treat AIDS and provide humane care for
    its victims. I urge our partners in Europe to make a similar commitment,
    so we can work together in turning the tide against AIDS in Africa.
        My administration has proposed an emergency famine fund, so we can
    rush help to countries where the first signs of famine appear. The
    nations of Europe can greatly help in this effort with emergency funds
    of their own. I urge European Governments to reconsider policies that
    discourage African farmers from using safe biotechnology to feed their
    own people.
        I have also proposed a 50-percent increase in America's core
    development assistance to help spur economic growth and alleviate
    poverty. This aid will go where it will do the most good, not to corrupt
    elites but to nations with leaders that respect the rule of law, invest
    in the health

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    and education of their people, and encourage economic freedom. If
    European Governments will adopt these same standards, we can work side
    by side in providing the kind of development aid that helps transform
    entire societies.
        America and Europe are called to advance the cause of freedom and
    peace. Next week in the Middle East, I will meet with the
    Palestinian ``Abu Mazen'' and Israeli Prime
    Ministers and other leaders in the region. The
    work ahead will require difficult decisions and leadership, but there is
    no other choice. No leader of conscience can accept more months and
    years of humiliation and killing and mourning. For peace to prevail,
    terrorism must end. All concerned must shake off the old arguments and
    the old ways and act in the cause of peace. And I will do all I can to
    help the parties reach an agreement and to see that agreement is
    enforced.
        This is America's agenda in the world. From the defeat of terror to
    the alleviation of disease and hunger to the spread of human liberty, we
    welcome and we need the help, advice, and wisdom of friends and allies.
    When Europe and America are united, no problem and no enemy can stand
    against us.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 4:05 p.m. on May 29 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m., eastern daylight
    time, on May 31. Due to the 6-hour time difference, the radio address
    was broadcast after the completion of all other Presidential remarks for
    May 31. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 30 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast.
    In his remarks, the President referred to Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas
    (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian Authority; and Prime Minister Ariel
    Sharon of Israel. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of this address.