    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [January 4, 2004]
    [Page 5]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Afghanistan's Adoption of a New Constitution
    January 4, 2004

        I congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the adoption of their
    new constitution. This document lays the foundation for democratic
    institutions and provides a framework for national elections in 2004. A
    democratic Afghanistan will serve the interests and just aspirations of
    all of the Afghan people and help ensure that terror finds no further
    refuge in that proud land. This new constitution marks a historic step
    forward, and we will continue to assist the Afghan people as they build
    a free and prosperous future.