[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 13 (Monday, April 7, 2008)]
[Pages 473-474]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
 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 Macedonio--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.

[[Page 474]]

     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 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.