[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 11 (Monday, March 15, 2004)]
[Page 393]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Victims of the March 11 
Madrid Terrorist Attack

March 12, 2004

    Mr. Ambassador, thank you for having Laura and me here during this 
solemn occasion. The United States of America sends our prayers and 
sympathies to the Spanish people, who mourn the loss of life, who today 
weep for their loved ones, who wonder about their future now that 
there's been such tragedy.
    The bombings in Spain are a grim reminder that there are evil people 
in the world who are willing to kill innocent life. I appreciate so very 
much your Government's strong stand against terrorism and terrorist 
organizations like ETA. The United States of America stands firmly with 
you as we work to make the world more peaceful and more free.
    Killers try to shake our will. They try to shake our confidence in 
the future. Spanish people will stand firm against this type of killing, 
and they'll have a friend with the American people. So Mr. Ambassador, 
we ask for God's blessings for the people of your great country.
    Thank you very much for having Laura and me here.

Note: The President spoke at 1:08 p.m. at the Embassy of Spain. In his 
remarks, he referred to Francisco Javier Ruperez Rubio, Spain's 
Ambassador to the U.S.; and Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA).