    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 4, 2008]
    [Pages 315-316]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Situation in Colombia
    March 4, 2008

        This morning I spoke to President Uribe of Colombia. He updated me on the situation in his
    country, including the continuing assault by narcoterrorists as well as
    the provocative maneuvers by the regime in Venezuela.
        I told the President that America
    fully supports Colombia's democracy and that we firmly oppose any acts
    of aggression that could destabilize the region. I told him that America
    will continue to stand with Colombia as it confronts violence and terror
    and fights drug traffickers.
        President Uribe told me that one of
    the most important ways America can demonstrate its support for Colombia
    is by moving forward with a free trade agreement that we negotiated. The
    free trade agreement will show the Colombian people that democracy and
    free enterprise lead to a better life. It will help President Uribe
    counter the radical vision of those who are

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    seeking to undermine democracy and create divisions within our
    hemisphere.
        Our country's message to President Uribe and the people of Colombia is that we stand with our
    democratic ally. My message to the United States Congress is that this
    trade agreement is more than a matter of smart economics; it is a matter
    of national security. If we fail to approve this agreement, we will let
    down our close ally, we will damage our credibility in the region, and
    we will embolden the demagogues in our hemisphere.
        The President told me that the people
    across the region are watching to see what the United States will do. So
    Republicans and Democrats in Congress need to come together and approve
    this agreement. By acting at this critical moment, we can show the
    Colombian people and millions across the region that they can count on
    America to keep its word and that freedom is the surest path to
    prosperity and peace.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:05 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.