    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 20, 2004]
    [Page 912]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Konstandinos
    Karamanlis of Greece
    May 20, 2004

        President Bush. Thank you for coming. I've really been looking
    forward to this discussion with our friend. Welcome. It's the first
    chance I have to wish you a happy Name Day--tomorrow, isn't it?
        Prime Minister Karamanlis. Tomorrow, you know about that?
        President Bush. I know about that, and I'm glad to do so.
        We will talk about a lot of subjects--we've already covered quite a
    few--and then I'm going to host a lunch with the Prime Minister here
    shortly.
        One of the topics I do want to discuss is the Olympic games, how
    excited I am for your country to host the Olympic games. I wish I could
    attend, but this is a political season. So instead, I'm sending my
    father to lead our delegation.
        I want to thank you for your very close cooperation, working
    together to make sure the games are successful, that people are able to
    travel to your beautiful country in as secure an environment as
    possible. You're making very good progress, Mr. Prime Minister, and I
    appreciate your hard work. I know your intentions are to have this the
    best possible games, and for that, I'm grateful.
        I look forward to continuing our discussion over lunch, and of
    course, I want to congratulate you for your--for the victories you
    achieved and look forward to working with you. Welcome.
        Prime Minister Karamanlis. Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I
    would like to thank you for your warm hospitality. And since you raised
    the question of the Olympic games, I would like to take the opportunity
    to say that we are doing everything humanly possible, in terms of
    energy, resources, professionals, to secure really successful games, and
    I'm confident that we'll succeed.
        President Bush. Welcome.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:48 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.