[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.