    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 12, 2004]
    [Pages 372-373]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Victims of the March 11
    Terrorist Attacks in Madrid, Spain
    March 12, 2004

        Mr. Ambassador, thank you
    for having Laura and me here during this solemn
    occasion. The United States of America sends our prayers and sympathies
    to the Spanish people, who mourn the loss of life, who today weep for
    their loved ones, who wonder about their future now that there's been
    such tragedy.
        The bombings in Spain are a grim reminder that there are evil people
    in the

    [[Page 373]]

    world who are willing to kill innocent life. I appreciate so very much
    your Government's strong stand against terrorism and terrorist
    organizations like ETA. The United States of America stands firmly with
    you as we work to make the world more peaceful and more free.
        Killers try to shake our will. They try to shake our confidence in
    the future. Spanish people will stand firm against this type of killing,
    and they'll have a friend with the American people. So Mr.
    Ambassador, we ask for God's
    blessings for the people of your great country.
        Thank you very much for having Laura and me here.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:08 p.m. at the Embassy of Spain in
    Washington, DC. In his remarks, he referred to Francisco Javier Ruperez
    Rubio, Spain's Ambassador to the U.S.; and Basque Fatherland and Liberty
    (ETA).