    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [June 27, 2004]
    [Pages 1143-1144]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Secretary General Jakob Gijsbert
    ``Jaap'' de Hoop Scheffer of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and an
    Exchange With Reporters in Istanbul
    June 27, 2004

        President Bush. This man is doing a great job, and we're proud to
    call him friend. He believes in freedom and peace. And I really
    appreciate what you've done, sir.
        Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer. Thank you. It's a challenge, but
    NATO is worth it.
        President Bush. It is worth it.
        Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer. NATO is worth it, and the
    transatlantic relationship is worth it, more than just in words but all
    in deeds.
        President Bush. Right. I was hoping to change the mission of NATO so
    it meets the threats of the 21st century, and we're going to work
    together to help make sure NATO is configured militarily to meet the
    threats of the 21st century as well. But you're the right man for the
    job, and we're honored you took it. I really appreciate working with
    you.
        Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer. We're defending values, and
    values never come out. And I think they should be defended every single
    day and every single hour. We see examples of that everywhere around
    that NATO is--it's about values, has always been about values, and it's
    still about values. But Turkey has changed. We have terrorism
    everywhere. There's fights everywhere, be it here in this city, be it in
    New York, Uzbekistan, Mombasa, Yemen, you name it. This Alliance has to
    participate in fighting it first and winning it.
        President Bush. Thank you.

    Kidnaping of Turks

        Q. Does the kidnaping of the Turks cast a pall over this meeting?

    [President Bush responded to the question by shaking his head to
    indicate no.]

    Note: The President spoke at 5:04 p.m. at the Hilton Istanbul. A tape
    was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.

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