[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.