[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 48 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Pages 2081-2082]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Interview With TVR of Romania

November 18, 2002

    Q. So, first of all, may I remark, sir, that you are the first 
President of the United States who grants an interview to the public 
television. And I thank you very much for that.
    The President. Well, I'm honored. Thank you. And I'm so looking 
forward to coming to Romania. It's going to be an exciting trip for 
Laura and me.

Romania's Role in NATO

    Q. To what extent, sir, Romania's candidacy has helped to implement 
your vision of a broad, robust NATO expansion?
    The President. Well, first of all, I believe in the concept of 
Europe, free, whole, and at peace. And I think the fact that Romania 
will be a part of NATO recognizes that vision.
    Secondly, Romania will be an active participate in the war against 
terror. And as we change the NATO strategy to reflect the true threats 
we face, Romania will work alongside the United States and other nations 
to make the world more peaceful.
    Thirdly, I think it's very important for us to recognize that new 
countries that--admitted countries which had lived under a totalitarian 
state will bring a breath of fresh air, a vigor to the relationship 
because you remember the difference between freedom and a non-free 
state. You remember the difference between--you've seen the difference 
between good and evil. And that spirit, that strong determination for 
freedom is important in this Alliance.

Romanian Popular Support for NATO

    Q. Sir, more than 80 percent of Romania's population supports NATO 
membership of my country. How important is this popular support in 
promoting America's policy towards a world of freedom and prosperity?
    The President. Well, first of all, you got to understand some of my 
view on freedom. It's not American's gift to the world. See, freedom is 
God--is God-given. And--but we believe so strongly in freedom that we 
believe that when people have a taste of freedom, they will demand the 
institutions necessary to make sure freedom lasts.
    And the Romanian people want to be free. People everywhere want to 
be free if they've seen the other side. And so the fact that Romania is 
a strong supporter of NATO really reflects more about Romania than it 
does reflect about us. What we want to do is we want to have an Alliance 
that is strong enough and capable enough to meet the true threats that 
we all face. And global terror is a threat. Believe me, it is a threat.
    It is a threat not only to the United States, but it's a threat to 
any country which embraces freedom. No one is immune from global terror. 
And therefore--but we're more likely to succeed if we work together, 
which means work to cut off money, work to cut off access, work to share 
intelligence, and if need be, work together in the military way to 
defeat terror.

Romanian Economy

    Q. What are the challenges facing the common people, the taxpayers, 
once Romania is a part of NATO?
    The President. Well, the biggest problem that is going to face the 
taxpayers is to make sure the economy grows. But that's the problem we 
all face. I mean, we want to make sure people work. The most important 
criterion for success of any country, NATO or otherwise, is: Can people 
find a job? Will the economies flourish? Will open markets be able to 
yield the fruits of the labor for the common person? And the answer is, 
yes.
    Romania is on its way to reform. We've got to be patient with 
Romania because Romania has come from a history of state-dominated--
state-dominated industry, which

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failed. And it failed to provide for the people. And so the reforms to 
the marketplace are going to take time. But the reforms will yield--will 
yield great prosperity, in my judgment. And it's a matter of time for 
that to happen.

Expectations of New NATO Members

    Q. What do the United States expect from their new Allies, from 
Romania and the others?
    The President. Well, we expect friendship. We expect that concept 
that says, if one of us is attacked, we're all attacked. That works both 
ways. If Romania is attacked, the Alliance comes to Romania's defense. 
If another country is attacked, we all go to that country's defense. 
That common defense will help make the world more peaceful.
    Secondly, as we develop a new strategy as to how to face the new 
threats of the 21st century, a new military strategy, Romania will be 
called upon to do its part, as will the United States. And together, the 
sum of our parts will be significant in terms of keeping the peace.

President's Upcoming Visit to Romania

    Q. What is going to be the message you will deliver to the Romanian 
people when you meet some of the inhabitants in the city of Bucharest?
    The President. The message is: For a long time you struggled; you're 
now free. And you've got a great friend in the United States of America.
    Q. Mr. President, it's been a great honor and privilege to interview 
you. Thank you very much for sharing your views with our public.
    The President. Well, I am so looking forward to coming. It's going 
to be an honor to be there. I have--I'm working on my speech to the 
Romanian people. It's going to be a powerful moment for me and my wife, 
to see the people and to be in the famous square and to look at the 
statues of people who represent freedom. And it's going to be one of the 
highlights of my Presidency.
    Q. You'll be most welcome, sir.
    The President. Thank you, sir.
    Q. Thank you.
    The President. Good to meet you.
    Q. Good to meet you, sir, and I hope you'll have a very good and 
successful trip.
    The President. Thank you, sir.

Note: The interview was taped at 1:39 p.m. in the Library at the White 
House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on November 23. A tape was not available for verification of 
the content of this interview.