[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 12 (Monday, March 24, 2003)]
[Page 336]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement of the Atlantic Summit: Commitment to Transatlantic Solidarity

March 16, 2003

    We, the leaders of four democracies with strong Transatlantic 
affiliation, meet at a time of great challenge. We face painful choices.
    We uphold a vision of international security we share with other 
nations. Our nations and people know the horror of war, whether visited 
upon us, or whether we are called to confront a great danger.
    At this difficult moment, we reaffirm our commitment to our core 
values and the Transatlantic Alliance that has embodied them for two 
generations. Our alliance rests on a common commitment to democracy, 
freedom, and the rule of law. We are bound by solemn commitment to 
defend one another. We will face and overcome together the twin threats 
of the 21st century: terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass 
destruction. All nations must unite to defeat these dangers. We will not 
allow differences of the moment to be exploited in ways that bring no 
solutions.
    Our security is tied to peace and security throughout the world. 
Together, we are working to bring security to Afghanistan, and to root 
out the terrorists who remain there. We affirm a vision of a Middle East 
peace in which two states, Israel and Palestine, will live side by side 
in peace, security, and freedom. We welcome the fact that the roadmap 
designed to implement this vision will soon be delivered to Palestinians 
and Israelis, upon the confirmation of an empowered Palestinian Prime 
Minister. We would welcome the appointment of a Palestinian Prime 
Minister with sufficient authority to put an end to terrorism and 
consolidate necessary reforms. We shall look to the parties to work 
constructively together. We have today issued a statement outlining the 
challenge that Saddam Hussein poses for the world, and our vision of a 
better future for the Iraqi people.
    We urge our friends and allies to put aside differences, and work 
together for peace, freedom and security. The friendship and solidarity 
between Europe and the United States is strong and will continue to grow 
in years to come.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.