    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 3, 2008]
    [Pages 463-464]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

     Remarks at a North Atlantic Council Summit Meeting in Bucharest
     April 3, 2008

        President Bush. Mr. Secretary General, President Basescu, thank you all very much. For nearly six decades, the
    NATO alliance has been the hope of a world moving toward freedom and
    justice and away from patterns of conflict and fear. During times of
    great challenge, we have advanced our ideals. We've stood form in
    defending them--firm in defending them, and we have offered NATO's
    promise to nations willing to undertake the hard work and sacrifices
    required of its members.
         Since the end of the cold war, NATO has welcomed 10 liberated
    nations to its ranks. These countries have brought new ideas, new
    enthusiasm, and new vigor. NATO's embrace of these new members has made
    Europe stronger, safer, and freer. These countries have made our
    alliance more relevant to the dangers we confront in the new century.
         In Bucharest, we're inviting more nations to join us. I'm pleased
    that the alliance has agreed to invite Albania and Croatia to become
    members of NATO. Both these nations have demonstrated the ability and
    the willingness to provide strong and enduring contributions to NATO.
    Both have undertaken challenging political, economic, and defense
    reforms. Both have deployed their forces on NATO missions. Albania and
    Croatia are ready for the responsibility NATO brings, and they will make
    outstanding members of this alliance.
         We regret that we were not able to reach consensus today to invite
    Macedonia to join the alliance. Macedonia has made difficult reforms at
    home. It is making major contributions to NATO missions all--abroad. The
    name issue needs to be resolved quickly so that Macedonia can be
    welcomed into NATO as soon as possible. In the interim, NATO needs to
    intensify its engagement with Macedonia to make sure that NATO looks
    forward to the day when Macedonia takes its place among the members of
    the Atlantic alliance.
         Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia all know the difference between
    good and evil, because they clearly remember evil's face. These nations
    do not take their freedom for granted, because they still remember life
    without it. These nations respect the hard work of building democracy,
    because they brought it to life in their countries.
         The United States and all members of the alliance strongly support
    the aspirations of their people, and we pledge to stand with them as
    they continue to work on reform. Together, we will continue to help
    build a Europe that is stable, strong, and free. We'll bring more
    stability to a once troubled Balkan region. We will be able to
    demonstrate the benefits that come from siding with the forces of
    freedom.
         NATO's door must remain open to other nations in Europe that share
    our love for liberty and demonstrate a commitment to reform and seek to
    strengthen their ties with the transatlantic community. We must give
    other nations seeking membership a full and fair hearing. As we invite
    new members today, we're also clear that the progress of enlargement
    will continue.
         The alliance has always welcomed those willing to make the
    sacrifices necessary to

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    protect our nations and serves as forces for peace. And that is what's
    made our alliance unbreakable, and that is why NATO remains the most
    successful alliance in the history on behalf of human freedom.
         Congratulations, and thank you.
        Secretary General Jakob Gijsbert ``Jaap'' de Hoop Scheffer of the North Atlantic
    Treaty Organization. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

      Note:  The President spoke at 2:05 p.m. at the Palace of Parliament.
    In his remarks, he referred to President Traian Basescu of Romania.