    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 29, 2008]
    [Pages 600-601]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Discussion With Special Representative of the United
    Nations Secretary-General for Afghanistan Kai Eide
    April 29, 2008

        President Bush. I have just had a very constructive and important
    dialogue with the United Nations envoy to Afghanistan. Mr. Ambassador,
    thank you so very much for coming to the Oval Office, and thank you so
    much for serving the cause of peace.
        Ambassador Eide. Thank you.
        President Bush. You've been given a very difficult job, which is to
    help coordinate world--the world's efforts to help this young democracy
    succeed. And I want to assure you that the United States Government and
    I personally support you in everything you're going to do.
        We've supported this--the creation of this position. We supported
    your nomination because you're a man of action, a man of determination,
    and a man willing to sacrifice to help the Karzai Government, but more importantly, help the people of
    Afghanistan realize the blessings of liberty.
        The Afghan theater in this war against the extremists is a vital
    part of making sure that peace prevails. And no question, there's
    challenges. As I told the Ambassador, if this were easy, we wouldn't
    have selected a man of his caliber to--or the U.N. wouldn't have
    selected a man of his caliber to take on the task.
        And so I appreciate your time. This is our first meeting, and I hope
    that--I know it won't be the last. He's given me good advice. He's given
    me a picture of what--on how the United States Government can help him
    accomplish his missions, and we're more than willing to help.
        And so I welcome you to the Oval Office. And thank you for your
    great service.
        Ambassador Eide. Thank you very much, Mr. President. For me, it's
    been an honor to be here and also to feel the support and confidence
    that you have shown me as I now take on this very difficult assignment.
    That support is very important to me; that I know that I have the
    confidence of the international community and also the confidence of the
    Afghan Government and the President of Afghanistan, which I feel very
    strongly----
        President Bush. Yes, sir.
        Ambassador Eide. ----after my first few weeks. That's--those are
    important tools for me in order to perform my duties effectively.
        We also discussed one important event that lies ahead of us, which
    is the Paris conference on the 12th of June, and the importance of doing
    everything we can to mobilize support, mobilize donors, and also see to
    it that our efforts are as coordinated and as effective as they possibly
    can.
        So thank you very much, Mr. President, for this occasion and for the
    support you give me.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Glad you're here.
        Ambassador Eide. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:48 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to President Hamid Karzai of
    Afghanistan.

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