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Visit to Greece and Turkey 7/91 [OA 4424]
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Visit to Greece and Turkey 7/91 [OA 4424]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mary Kate Grant Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Grant, Mary Kate, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1988-1991
OA/ID Number:
13880
Folder ID Number:
13880-015
Folder Title:
Visit to Greece and Turkey, 7/91
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
19
2
7
5
Tukey last umarks
UNCLASSIFIED
(with CONFIDENTIAL attachment)
MEMORANDUM FOR BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject:
Draft Remarks for President's Public Statements
Attached are proposed remarks for the dinner the President
will attend in Ankara during his July 20-22 visit to Turkey.
Attachment: As stated.
UNCLASSIFIED
(with CONFIDENTIAL attachment)
Drafted: EUR/SE:BITurner
SESE 6642, 15 Jun 91, x7-6114
Prez Ankara Speech State Dinner
Cleared: EUR: RRJohnson
EUR/SE: DMRansom, PCCollins
S/P: JHughes
P: CvanVoorst
C: MFoulon
NEA/RA : AKeiswetter
EUR/PA:MPearson
DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
CONFIDENTIAL
By Rm NARA, Date 12/20/04
DECL: 6/21/91
PROPOSED REMARKS
FOR THE PRESIDENT AT THE
STATE DINNER HOSTED BY PRESIDENT OZAL
JULY 20, 1991
MR. PRESIDENT, MINISTERS, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND FRIENDS,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I WANT AGAIN TO THANK PRESIDENT OZAL FOR INVITING ME TO SEE
FIRST-HAND THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY AND EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND
LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE. IT IS TRULY AN
HONOR AND A DELIGHT TO BE HERE. I UNDERSTAND BETTER NOW WHY IT
IS WRITTEN OUTSIDE ATATURK'S TOMB: "NE MUTLU TURKUM DIYENE."
(NAY MUT-LOO TURK-UM DEE-YEN-EH) ("How happy am I to be a
Turk. ")
STANDING THERE THIS MORNING, I COULD NOT HELP BUT THINK OF
THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE FOUNDER OF THE MODERN TURKISH
REPUBLIC--WHOSE NAME I UNDERSTAND MEANS LITERALLY, "FATHER OF
THE TURKS"-AND THE MAN WE AMERICANS CALL THE FATHER OF OUR
COUNTRY, GEORGE WASHINGTON. BOTH MEN WERE GREAT GENERALS,
CAPABLE OF PROSECUTING A WAR TO VICTORY. WHAT MADE THEM
ENDURING HISTORICAL FIGURES WAS THEIR UNDERSTANDING THAT
WINNING THE WAR MEANT SECURING THE PEACE BY MAKING FRIENDS OUT
OF ONE'S FORMER ENEMIES. IN ADDITION, BOTH HAD A VISION FOR
THEIR COUNTRIES' FUTURES WHICH, WHILE REQUIRING PROFOUND AND
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-1-
DIFFICULT CHANGE AT THE TIME, WOULD PROVE ITSELF OVER TIME A
VITAL AND INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR RESPECTIVE NATIONS'
SELF-UNDERSTANDING.
THEN AS NOW, TURKEY AND AMERICA HAVE ESPOUSED THE SAME
IDEALS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS AND PERSONAL LIBERTY, DEMOCRACY,
OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPERITY--WHAT WE CALL THE PURSUIT OF
HAPPINESS--AND THE RULE OF LAW. BOTH OF US BELIEVE IN WHAT
ATATURK CALLED "PEACE AT HOME AND PEACE ABROAD," BUT WE BOTH
ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PROTECTING PEACE SOMETIMES MEANS BEING
WILLING TO DEFEND IT. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER IN
NATO FOR NEARLY FORTY YEARS. THAT IS WHY WE FOUGHT TOGETHER IN
THE KOREAN WAR. THAT IS WHY WE STOOD TOGETHER TO REVERSE THE
OCCUPATION OF KUWAIT.
IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS FROM NOW, ON AUGUST 2, A YEAR WILL
HAVE PASSED SINCE SADDAM HUSSEIN UNLEASHED HIS INVASION OF
KUWAIT. BY THAT TIME I HOPE THAT THE LAST AMERICAN WILL HAVE
DEPARTED FROM NORTHERN IRAQ. IT HAS BEEN AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR
FOR BOTH YOUR COUNTRY AND MINE. WE HAVE HAD TO RISE TO
EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGES. THAT WE SUCCEEDED IN MEETING THESE
CHALLENGES IS A TRIBUTE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN
OUR TWO COUNTRIES. IT IS ALSO A TRIBUTE TO OUR WILLINGNESS TO
SACRIFICE. NOT LAST, THIS DIFFICULT PERIOD HAS REQUIRED
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOUR PRESIDENT, TURGUT
OZAL.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW--AND I SPEAK HERE ON BEHALF OF THE
ENTIRE AMERICAN PEOPLE--THAT TURKEY'S ROLE IN THE GULF CRISIS
WAS NOT, AND WILL NOT BE, FORGOTTEN. YOU HAVE DESERVEDLY WON
THE THANKS OF MIDDLE EASTERN AND EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AS WELL AS
THE UNITED STATES. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, TURKEY STOOD ON
PRINCIPLE IN CONDEMNING IRAQ'S INVASION OF KUWAIT. TURKEY'S
EARLY AND DECISIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE UN SANCTIONS REGIME WAS
CRITICAL TO INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO ISOLATE IRAQ
ECONOMICALLY. FOLLOWING THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES ON
JANUARY 16, THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT TOOK THE COURAGEOUS DECISION
OF VOTING TO ALLOW COALITION FORCES TO USE TURKISH BASES FOR
MILITARY ACTIONS AGAINST IRAQ. IT DID so DESPITE THE IMMEDIATE
RISK OF IRAQI RETALIATION AS WELL AS THE LONGER-TERM RISK THAT
TURKEY'S TIES WITH ITS SOUTHERN NEIGHBOR MIGHT SUFFER FOR MANY
YEARS TO COME. FINALLY, ON APRIL 2, JUST WHEN IT APPEARED THAT
COALITION FORCES HAD SUCCEEDED IN CONTAINING SADDAM HUSSEIN'S
AGGRESSION OUTWARD, TURKEY WAS CONFRONTED WITH YET ANOTHER
CRISIS WHEN OVER 450,000 IRAQI REFUGEES FLED TO THE
TURKISH-IRAQI BORDER.
THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY CAN BE PROUD OF WHAT THEY HAVE
ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER OVER THE LAST YEAR, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
WITHOUT COST. TURKEY INCURRED ENORMOUS COSTS, ESPECIALLY IN
THE SOUTHEAST, AS A RESULT OF ITS COMPLIANCE WITH UN SANCTIONS,
ITS DECISION TO DEPLOY TROOPS CLOSE TO THE TURKISH-IRAQI
BORDER, AND ITS GENEROUS RELIEF ASSISTANCE TO THE HUNDREDS OF
THOUSANDS OF DISPLACED IRAQIS CAMPED ALONG ITS BORDERS. THE
UNITED STATES HAS TAKEN THE LEAD, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMANSHIP OF
THE GULF CRISIS FINANCIAL COORDINATION GROUP, TO OBTAIN
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE. FOR TURKEY. WE HAVE ALSO MADE SIGNIFICANT
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO TURKEY ON A BILATERAL BASIS.
I HAVE TALKED OF EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR NOT OUT OF
NOSTALGIA BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN so EXTRAORDINARY. BOTH OF
OUR COUNTRIES CAN BE PROUD OF HAVING RISEN so MAGNIFICENTLY TO
THE CHALLENGE. AS I THINK PRESIDENT OZAL WOULD AGREE, WE
SHOULD VIEW OUR BILATERAL COOPERATION OVER THE LAST TWELVE
MONTHS AS A GUIDE TO THE FUTURE. IT IS FOR THAT REASON THAT WE
ARE NOW EMBARKED ON A PROGRAM OF STRATEGIC COOPERATION. THE
UNITED STATES AND TURKEY HAVE A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND A SHARED
DESTINY.
TURKEY'S GROWING ABILITY TO EXPORT TO THE WORLD, ATTRACT
TOURISTS AND INVESTORS, DEVELOP THE AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL OF
THE REGION THROUGH MAMMOTH WATER PROJECTS, AND EDUCATE ITS
TALENTED PEOPLE, HAVE BEEN WATCHED WITH ADMIRATION BY ALL OF
TURKEY'S FRIENDS. ALONG WITH OTHER WESTERN STATES, TURKEY AND
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-4-
THE UNITED STATES CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CONTRIBUTE TO PEACE AND
PROSPERITY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BY ADDRESSING CHALLENGES TO
FREE TRADE, STABILITY, AND JUSTICE WHEREVER WE MIGHT FIND
THEM. I SAY TO YOU, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND ATATURK WERE ONLY
THE BEGINNING.
PLEASE JOIN ME IN RAISING YOUR GLASSES TO PRESIDENT AND
MRS. OZAL.
CONFIDENTIAL
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject:
Draft Remarks for President's Public Statements
Attached are proposed remarks for the President's meeting
in Turkey with the American community, his arrival statement,
and the major policy speech he will deliver in Istanbul.
Attachment: as stated
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted: EUR/SE:
SESE 6666, 15 Jun 91, x7-6114
Pres. Remarks to American Community
Cleared: EUR:RRJohnson
S/P: JHughes
C:MFoulon
P:CvanVoorst
EUR/PA:MPearson
UNCLASSIFIED
PROPOSED REMARKS
FOR THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY
WHENEVER I VISIT AN EMBASSY THESE DAYS I AM REMINDED OF MY
OWN DAYS AS AN AMBASSADOR--I KNOW FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WHAT
IT TAKES TO MAKE A VISITOR FROM WASHINGTON FEEL WELCOME. I
ALSO KNOW HOW MUCH MORE EFFORT IT TAKES WHEN THE VISITOR IS A
PRESIDENT, AND FOR THAT YOU HAVE, WELL, MY SYMPATHY-BUT ALSO
MY THANKS AND MY ADMIRATION.
LET ME BE CLEAR: EVERY MAN AND WOMAN EMPLOYED IN THIS
EMBASSY, BOTH AMERICAN AND TURKISH, CAN TAKE SATISFACTION THAT
THE VISITOR WHO IS TALKING TO YOU RIGHT NOW FEELS VERY WELCOME,
AND FEELS THAT EVERY MINUTE OF HIS VISIT WILL BE USEFUL AND
ENJOYABLE.
Behindema
I AM ALSO KEENLY AWARE THAT FOR THE LAST YEAR THIS EMBASSY
HAS BEEN WORKING AT FULL TILT--ALL THE COMPLICATED AND
EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS TO BRING IN A US MILITARY FORCE THAT
twork
CONTRIBUTED so MAGNIFICENTLY TO THE DEFEAT OF SADDAM'S MILITARY
AFTER IT INVADED KUWAIT. I SEE MANY PROUD MEMBERS HERE TODAY
FROM OUR MILITARY, STANDING TALL, AS WELL YOU SHOULD, AND I
KNOW THAT MANY OF YOU ARE FROM THE CRACK FORCE THAT CAME BACK
TO TURKEY, AFTER THE WAR ENDED, WHEN SADDAM USED THE REMNANTS
OF HIS MILITARY TO DRIVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS
FROM THEIR HOMES. IT IS A REMARKABLE FACT THAT YOUR EFFORTS--
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
-1-
ALONG WITH THOSE OF THOUSANDS OF TURKISH AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS--
HAVE HELPED GET THESE UNFORTUNATE REFUGEES OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS
AND BACK TO THEIR HOMES. I SALUTE YOU.
IN THESE TWO OPERATIONS, DESERT STORM AND PROVIDE COMFORT,
WE SHOWED THE WORLD WHAT TURKISH-US COOPERATION CAN DO--AND IN
THE PROCESS CREATED SOME IMPORTANT STRATEGIC FACTS FOR THE
FUTURE. THE EMBASSY HERE HAS BEEN IMAGINATIVE AND TIRELESS IN
ORCHESTRATING ALL THIS, AND I HAVE THE HONOR TO CITE YOUR
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND ANNOUNCE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS
AWARDED THE SUPERIOR HONOR AWARD TO THE EMBASSY AS A WHOLE--
AND HAS AWARDED TO AMBASSADOR ABRAMOWITZ THE DISTINGUISHED
HONOR AWARD.
MORT, YOU ARE RETIRING IN A FEW DAYS, AFTER REACHING THE
HIGHEST RANK IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE: CAREER AMBASSADOR. YOU
ARE GOING ON TO A POSITION OF GREAT INFLUENCE AND HONOR--THE
HEAD OF THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE. YOU
WILL LEAVE HERE IN TURKEY MANY FRIENDS--FROM THE PRESIDENT ON
DOWN-BUT YOU CAN CONSOLE YOURSELF WITH THE THOUGHT THAT WHEN
YOU GET TO WASHINGTON YOU WILL FIND MANY FRIENDS THERE--FROM
THE PRESIDENT ON DOWN, I MIGHT ADD.
MORT, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, AND TO YOUR ABLE AND
HARD-WORKING STAFF.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
-2-
FINALLY, I WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE
SACRIFICES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU--FOREIGN SERVICE AND
MILITARY PERSONNEL, SPOUSES AND CHILDREN--HAVE MADE TO
REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES OVERSEAS. I REALIZE YOU WOULD NOT
BE HERE TODAY IF YOU DID NOT DERIVE GREAT SATISFACTION FROM
SERVING YOUR COUNTRY AND HELPING GIVE SHAPE TO THE HISTORY OF
OUR TIME. ON THE OTHER HAND, I KNOW IT CAN BE TOUGH AT
TIMES--WHAT WITH THE LONG HOURS, DEPLOYMENTS TO THE MOST REMOTE
CORNERS OF TURKEY, LIVING CONDITIONS SOMETIMES BORDERING ON
HARDSHIP, THE THREAT OF TERRORISM-- NOT TO MENTION THE STRAIN OF
BEING FAR-REMOVED FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME. ALL OF
YOU CAN LOOK WITH PRIDE AT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE LAST
YEAR, AND I HOPE YOU WILL CONCLUDE--AND I AM CONFIDENT YOU
WILL--THAT THE SACRIFICES WERE WORTH IT.
I LOOK FORWARD TO MY VISIT HERE IN TURKEY, AND HOPE THAT IT
WILL HAVE A FAVORABLE IMPACT ON THE FUTURE COURSE OF
U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS. IT IS THE RESULT OF YOUR HARD WORK AND
TIRELESS DEDICATION, AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH I
APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted: DMRansom/GMStaples
tru.
SESE 6664, 15 Jun 91, x7-6114
President's Arrival Statement - Ankara
Cleared: EUR: RRJohnson
P:CvanVoorst
EUR/PA:MPearson DAV AM
C:MFoulon
S/P: JHughes
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Department of State Guidelines
DECL: 6/22/91
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By Rail NARA, Date 12/20/04
PROPOSED ARRIVAL STATEMENT FOR THE PRESIDENT
MR. PRESIDENT, YOUR EXCELLENCIES, MY FRIENDS:
I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR THE WARM WELCOME YOU HAVE EXTENDED
TO ME AND MY PARTY, AND AM EXTREMELY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO
VISIT TURKEY WITH ITS DYNAMIC, RICH HISTORY AND TRADITIONS.
THE LAST US PRESIDENT TO VISIT TURKEY WAS DWIGHT
EISENHOWER. WHEN HE ARRIVED IN ANKARA IN 1959, HE SAID HE
WANTED TO TALK ABOUT A "WORLD OF PLENTY IN WHICH ALL NATIONS
CAN LIVE -- INDEPENDENT AND PROSPEROUS, AT PEACE WITH THEIR
NEIGHBORS." THESE SENTIMENTS ECHOED THE WORDS OF YOUR GREAT
STATESMAN, KEMAL ATATURK--"PEACE AT HOME, PEACE ABROAD," A GOAL
TOWARD WHICH ALL NATIONS SHOULD STRIVE.
I ARRIVE TODAY TO SAY THAT, THROUGH A STRONG ALLIANCE, HARD
WORK AND FIRM VALUES, ALL OF THE WEST -- AND ESPECIALLY THE
PROUD AND ABLE TURKS -- HAVE NOT JUST PROSPERED GREATLY BUT
ALSO SUCCEEDED IN MOVING FROM A COLD WAR TO A WARM PEACE.
THESE ARE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS, AND THE LONDON SUMMIT I HAVE
JUST ATTENDED CONFIRMS MY BELIEF THAT FREE MEN IN BOTH THE EAST
AND THE WEST CAN COOPERATE FOR A STABLE PEACE AND GREATER
PROSPERITY.
CONFIDENTIAL
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-2-
THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT WITH YOU, PRESIDENT OZAL:
THE COMING ERA. WHEN I REFLECT ON ALL THE YEARS SINCE MY
ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR VISITED TURKEY, AND ESPECIALLY ON THE
TUMULTUOUS YEAR JUST PASSED, I SEE THE COMING ERA AS ONE OF
ESPECIALLY CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE UNITED
STATES.
THANK YOU FOR THIS WARM RECEPTION. I KNOW, ALREADY, THAT I
AM AMONG FRIENDS AND ALLIES. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF
THIS IMPORTANT, BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC LAND AND PEOPLE.
CONFIDENTIAL
Drafted:EUR/SE:GMStaple0 Les.
SESE 6643, June 13,1991, x7-6114
President's Speech - U.S.-Turkish Relations
Cleared: EUR: JFDobbins
EUR/SE:DMRansom
EUR/SE:PCollins
P:CvanVoorst
C:MFoulon
S/P: JHughes/Dwarder
EUR/PA:MPearson
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Department of State Guidelines
DECL: 6/22/91
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By Rmc NARA, Date 12/20/04
PROPOSED REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENT
U.S. TURKISH RELATIONS
MR. PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:
LET ME EXPRESS AGAIN HERE TONIGHT ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE IN
OUR PARTY OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THE OUTPOURING OF WARMTH
AND AFFECTION WE HAVE RECEIVED DURING OUR VISIT. I COULD NOT
HELP THINKING DURING MY TOUR TODAY OF THE BLUE MOSQUE, AYA
SOFIA, AND THE TOPKAPI PALACE OF THE HISTORY THAT SURROUNDS
THESE SITES AND INDEED ALL OF TURKEY. HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
HAVE MADE TURKEY AN INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS, WITH A GLORIOUS
PAST AND A DAZZLING FUTURE.
WE MEET TONIGHT IN A WORLD CHANGED BY THE EVENT OF THE PAST
TWO YEARS. FOR OVER FORTY YEARS, THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY
SUCCEEDED IN SAFEGUARDING THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE
NATIONS OF THE WESTERN ALLIANCE. IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, WE
REAPED THE REWARD OF OUR VIGILANCE BY WITNESSING THE FALL OF
THE IRON CURTAIN AND THE FREEDOM OF THE NATIONS OF EASTERN
EUROPE. THE WARSAW PACT HAS BEEN DISSOLVED AND NATIONS THAT
WERE ONCE OUR ENEMIES HAVE BECOME OUR FRIENDS. WE HAVE
SUPPORTED THE DRAMATIC CHANGES SWEEPING EASTERN EUROPE
CONF IDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
AND THE SOVIET UNION. AT THE SAME TIME, WE RECOGNIZE THAT
TENSIONS ARE INEVITABLE WHEN COUNTRIES MUST SUDDENLY RESHAPE
THEIR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS, NOT TO MENTION THE
IDEOLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF THEIR ENTIRE WAY OF LIFE. THE
UNITED STATES HAS SOUGHT TO FORGE NEW ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL
TIES IN THIS ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL STRENGTHEN THE BONDS OF
FRIENDSHIP WITH THESE EVOLVING SOCIETIES, MUCH AS TURKEY HAS
DONE.
AS PART OF ITS EFFORT TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIET
UNION, TURKEY HAS TAKEN BOLD STEPS SUCH AS ITS BLACK SEA
COOPERATION INITIATIVE. THIS WILL ENCOURAGE THE MUTUALLY
ADVANTAGEOUS EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES AS WELL AS GREATER
ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE AMONG THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
WHICH SURROUND THIS IMPORTANT BODY OF WATER. TURKEY'S EFFORTS
TO INCREASE TRADE WITH THE SOVIET REPUBLICS, PARTICIPATE IN
CULTURAL AND TECHNICAL EXCHANGES, AND, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH
ARMENIA, OPEN ITS BORDERS TO FACILITATE TRADE AND POLITICAL
EXCHANGES ARE EXAMPLES OF A NEW DETERMINATION BY so MANY
NATIONS TODAY TO ENRICH THEIR TIES WITH THEIR NEIGHBORS TO
AVOID THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF THE PAST THAT HAVE LED TO
CONFLICT.
THESE POSITIVE, INNOVATIVE STEPS BY TURKEY IN ITS
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS BALKAN NEIGHBORS
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
STAND, HOWEVER, IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE ACTIONS OF TURKEY'S
NEIGHBOR TO THE SOUTH - IRAQ. SADDAM HUSSEIN'S BRUTAL INVASION
OF KUWAIT LAST AUGUST 2 PROMPTED AN UNPRECEDENTED RESPONSE BY
THE WORLD COMMUNITY. TURKEY PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE, BY FIRST
SHUTTING DOWN THE IRAQI OIL PIPELINE AND BANNING CROSS BORDER
TRADE. THESE STEPS, AT GREAT ECONOMIC COST, WERE KEY TO THE
SUCCESSFUL ENFORCEMENT OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST THE IRAQI
REGIME. THE U.S. IN TURN, SOUGHT ASSISTANCE FOR TURKEY FROM
ALLIES WHO PLEDGED AID TO REIMBURSE TURKEY FOR THE LOSSES IT
SUFFERED FROM ENFORCING SANCTIONS.
IN JANUARY WHEN MILITARY ACTION BECAME UNAVOIDABLE,
TURKEY'S COURAGEOUS DECISION TO PERMIT ALLIED MILITARY STRIKES
AGAINST IRAQ TO BE LAUNCHED FROM TURKISH BASES WAS CRITICAL TO
THE SUCCESS OF DESERT STORM. TURKEY'S DECISION TO REDEPLOY
OVER 100,000 TROOPS TO THE IRAQI BORDER TIED DOWN OVER TEN
IRAQI DIVISIONS AND HELPED DETER FURTHER IRAQI ADVENTURISM. I
COULD NOT HELP BUT BE REMINDED AS THE COALITION FORCES SWEPT
INTO KUWAIT TO LIBERATE IT FROM THE INVADER, OF THE BRAVERY AND
HEROISM OF TURKEY'S SOLDIERS IN THE KOREAN CONFLICT WHERE OUR
FORCES AGAIN JOINED TOGETHER TO THWART AGGRESSION. FOR THAT
EFFORT AND SACRIFICE FORTY YEARS AGO, AND FOR HER STEADFASTNESS
AGAIN IN THIS CRISIS, THE WORLD OWES TURKEY A GREAT DEBT OF
GRATITUDE.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-4-
IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE WAR, TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE TO THE
U.S. AND HER STRATEGIC ROLE IN THE REGION BECAME CLEARER TO US
ALL. TURKEY REMAINS THE LINCHPIN OF NATO'S SECURITY
PERIMETER. HOWEVER, BEYOND ITS TRADITIONAL --AND VITALLY
IMPORTANT-- ROLE IN NATO AND EUROPE, TURKEY'S POSITION AS
NATO'S ONLY MUSLIM MEMBER MAKES IT A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WESTERN
AND MUSLIM WORLDS AND WE BELIEVE ENABLES IT TO PLAY A
STABILIZING ROLE IN THE VOLATILE MIDDLE EAST.
ASIDE FROM ISRAEL, TURKEY IS THE ONLY STATE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
REGION WITH A LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO PARLIAMENTARY
DEMOCRACY. TURKEY'S COMMITMENT TO SECULARISM, INSTITUTED BY
THE FAR-SEEING FOUNDER OF MODERN TURKEY, KEMAL ATATURK, IS
EPITOMIZED BY THE CITY OF ISTANBUL WITH ITS MOSQUES AND WESTERN
SHOPS AND INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTING TOGETHER, EACH IN ITS OWN WAY
TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN TURKEY. TURKEY THUS OFFERS A
UNIQUE MODEL FOR ISLAM, NOT IN CONFLICT WITH SECULARISM AND
DEMOCRACY, BUT RATHER SUPPORTIVE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN
VALUES CHERISHED BY BOTH OUR COUNTRIES OF FREEDOM AND
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY.
BEYOND THIS, HOWEVER, TURKEY ALSO SERVES AS A PROVEN MODEL FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ITS FREE MARKET REFORMS, UNDER THE
STEWARDSHIP OF THEN PRIME MINISTER OZAL, OPENED THE ECONOMY AND
EXPANDED ACCESS BY TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS TO FOREIGN IMPORTS,
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-5-
CREDIT, AND INVESTMENT. AS A RESULT, TURKEY IN THE 1980'S
BOASTED THE STRONGEST GROWTH RATE OF ANY OF THE COUNTRIES THAT
BELONG TO THE ORGANIZATION FOR COOPERATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT. EXPORTS SURGED, AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT INCREASED
FIVEFOLD. WE HOPE THESE RESULTS WILL ENCOURAGE NEEDED ECONOMIC
REFORMS BY TURKEY'S NEIGHBORS IN THE REGION, WHO STAND TO
BENEFIT GREATLY FROM CLOSER ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TIES WITH
THE TURKISH REPUBLIC, THE NATIONS OF EUROPE, AND WITH THE
UNITED STATES. WHEN THAT DAY COMES, I COULD EASILY FORESEE
TURKEY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION TO
BECOME A REGIONAL ECONOMIC HUB BETWEEN EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST,
THE SOVIET UNION, AND THE BALKANS.
FINALLY, TURKEY HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THE EASTERN
MEDITERRANEAN. ONE OF MY SINCEREST HOPES IS THAT IN THE
AFTERMATH OF THE GULF CONFLICT, RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH GREECE
AND TURKEY CAN BE IMPROVED. FOLLOWING WORLD WAR TWO, SOVIET
MEDDLING IN THE GREEK CIVIL WAR AND TERRITORIAL DEMANDS ON
TURKEY GAVE BOTH A COMMON ENEMY, AND EARNED BOTH A COMMON
FRIEND IN THE U.S. HOWEVER, DISPUTES OVER AEGEAN AIRSPACE,
COASTAL WATERS, THE SEABED AND CYPRUS HAVE SINCE PLAGUED THE
RELATIONSHIP. BOTH GREECE AND TURKEY COOPERATED MAGNIFICENTLY
DURING THE GULF CONFLICT, AS THEY HAVE AS NATO ALLIES FOR so
MANY YEARS. YESTERDAY, I WAS PRIVILEGED TO LAY A WREATH AT THE
ATATURK MAUSOLEUM, AND WHEN I WAS IN CRETE I VISITED THE TOMB
CONFIDENTIAL
MK
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject:
Draft Remarks for President's Public Statements
Attached are proposed remarks for the President's meeting
in Turkey with the American community, his arrival statement
and the major policy speech he will deliver in Istanbul.
Attachment: as stated
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted: EUR/SE: DMRAnsom/BITurne M.
SESE 6666, 15 Jun 91, x7-6114
Pres. Remarks to American Community
Cleared: EUR:RRJohnson
S/P: JHughes
C:MFoulon
P: CvanVoorst
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UNCLASSIFIED
PROPOSED REMARKS
FOR THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY
WHENEVER I VISIT AN EMBASSY THESE DAYS I AM REMINDED OF MY
OWN DAYS AS AN AMBASSADOR--I KNOW FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WHAT
IT TAKES TO MAKE A VISITOR FROM WASHINGTON FEEL WELCOME. I
ALSO KNOW HOW MUCH MORE EFFORT IT TAKES WHEN THE VISITOR IS A
PRESIDENT, AND FOR THAT YOU HAVE, WELL, MY SYMPATHY-BUT ALSO
MY THANKS AND MY ADMIRATION.
LET ME BE CLEAR: EVERY MAN AND WOMAN EMPLOYED IN THIS
EMBASSY, BOTH AMERICAN AND TURKISH, CAN TAKE SATISFACTION THAT
THE VISITOR WHO IS TALKING TO YOU RIGHT NOW FEELS VERY WELCOME,
AND FEELS THAT EVERY MINUTE OF HIS VISIT WILL BE USEFUL AND
ENJOYABLE.
I AM ALSO KEENLY AWARE THAT FOR THE LAST YEAR THIS EMBASSY
HAS BEEN WORKING AT FULL TILT--ALL THE COMPLICATED AND
EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS TO BRING IN A US MILITARY FORCE THAT
CONTRIBUTED SO MAGNIFICENTLY TO THE DEFEAT OF SADDAM'S MILITARY
AFTER IT INVADED KUWAIT. I SEE MANY PROUD MEMBERS HERE TODAY
FROM OUR MILITARY, STANDING TALL, AS WELL YOU SHOULD, AND I
KNOW THAT MANY OF YOU ARE FROM THE CRACK FORCE THAT CAME BACK
TO TURKEY, AFTER THE WAR ENDED, WHEN SADDAM USED THE REMNANTS
OF HIS MILITARY TO DRIVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS
FROM THEIR HOMES. IT IS A REMARKABLE FACT THAT YOUR EFFORTS--
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
-1-
ALONG WITH THOSE OF THOUSANDS OF TURKISH AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS--
HAVE HELPED GET THESE UNFORTUNATE REFUGEES OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS
AND BACK TO THEIR HOMES. I SALUTE YOU.
IN THESE TWO OPERATIONS, DESERT STORM AND PROVIDE COMFORT,
WE SHOWED THE WORLD WHAT TURKISH-US COOPERATION CAN DO--AND IN
THE PROCESS CREATED SOME IMPORTANT STRATEGIC FACTS FOR THE
FUTURE. THE EMBASSY HERE HAS BEEN IMAGINATIVE AND TIRELESS IN
ORCHESTRATING ALL THIS, AND I HAVE THE HONOR TO CITE YOUR
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND ANNOUNCE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS
AWARDED THE SUPERIOR HONOR AWARD TO THE EMBASSY AS A WHOLE--
AND HAS AWARDED TO AMBASSADOR ABRAMOWITZ THE DISTINGUISHED
HONOR AWARD.
MORT, YOU ARE RETIRING IN A FEW DAYS, AFTER REACHING THE
HIGHEST RANK IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE: CAREER AMBASSADOR. YOU
ARE GOING ON TO A POSITION OF GREAT INFLUENCE AND HONOR--THE
HEAD OF THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE. YOU
WILL LEAVE HERE IN TURKEY MANY FRIENDS--FROM THE PRESIDENT ON
DOWN-BUT YOU CAN CONSOLE YOURSELF WITH THE THOUGHT THAT WHEN
YOU GET TO WASHINGTON YOU WILL FIND MANY FRIENDS THERE--FROM
THE PRESIDENT ON DOWN, I MIGHT ADD.
MORT, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, AND TO YOUR ABLE AND
HARD-WORKING STAFF.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
-2-
FINALLY, I WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE
SACRIFICES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOREIGN SERVICE AND
MILITARY PERSONNEL, SPOUSES AND CHILDREN--HAVE MADE TO
REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES OVERSEAS. I REALIZE YOU WOULD NOT
BE HERE TODAY IF YOU DID NOT DERIVE GREAT SATISFACTION FROM
SERVING YOUR COUNTRY AND HELPING GIVE SHAPE TO THE HISTORY OF
OUR TIME. ON THE OTHER HAND, I KNOW IT CAN BE TOUGH AT
TIMES--WHAT WITH THE LONG HOURS, DEPLOYMENTS TO THE MOST REMOTE
CORNERS OF TURKEY, LIVING CONDITIONS SOMETIMES BORDERING ON
HARDSHIP, THE THREAT OF TERRORISM--NOT TO MENTION THE STRAIN OF
BEING FAR-REMOVED FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME. ALL OF
YOU CAN LOOK WITH PRIDE AT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE LAST
YEAR, AND I HOPE YOU WILL CONCLUDE--AND I AM CONFIDENT YOU
WILL--THAT THE SACRIFICES WERE WORTH IT.
I LOOK FORWARD TO MY VISIT HERE IN TURKEY, AND HOPE THAT IT
WILL HAVE A FAVORABLE IMPACT ON THE FUTURE COURSE OF
U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS. IT IS THE RESULT OF YOUR HARD WORK AND
TIRELESS DEDICATION, AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH I
APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted:
SESE 6664, 15 Jun 91, x7-6114
President's Arrival Statement - Ankara
Cleared: EUR: RRJohnson
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DECLASSIFIED
CONF IDENTIAL
Department of State Guidelines
DECL: 6/22/91
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
By Rm NARA, Date 12/20/04
PROPOSED ARRIVAL STATEMENT FOR THE PRESIDENT
MR. PRESIDENT, YOUR EXCELLENCIES, MY FRIENDS:
I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR THE WARM WELCOME YOU HAVE EXTENDED
TO ME AND MY PARTY, AND AM EXTREMELY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO
VISIT TURKEY WITH ITS DYNAMIC, RICH HISTORY AND TRADITIONS.
THE LAST US PRESIDENT TO VISIT TURKEY WAS DWIGHT
EISENHOWER. WHEN HE ARRIVED IN ANKARA IN 1959, HE SAID HE
WANTED TO TALK ABOUT A "WORLD OF PLENTY IN WHICH ALL NATIONS
CAN LIVE -- INDEPENDENT AND PROSPEROUS, AT PEACE WITH THEIR
NEIGHBORS." THESE SENTIMENTS ECHOED THE WORDS OF YOUR GREAT
STATESMAN, KEMAL ATATURK- "PEACE AT HOME, PEACE ABROAD," A GOAL
TOWARD WHICH ALL NATIONS SHOULD STRIVE.
I ARRIVE TODAY TO SAY THAT, THROUGH A STRONG ALLIANCE, HARD
WORK AND FIRM VALUES, ALL OF THE WEST -- AND ESPECIALLY THE
PROUD AND ABLE TURKS -- HAVE NOT JUST PROSPERED GREATLY BUT
ALSO SUCCEEDED IN MOVING FROM A COLD WAR TO A WARM PEACE.
THESE ARE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS, AND THE LONDON SUMMIT I HAVE
JUST ATTENDED CONFIRMS MY BELIEF THAT FREE MEN IN BOTH THE EAST
AND THE WEST CAN COOPERATE FOR A STABLE PEACE AND GREATER
PROSPERITY.
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THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT WITH YOU, PRESIDENT OZAL:
THE COMING ERA. WHEN I REFLECT ON ALL THE YEARS SINCE MY
ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR VISITED TURKEY, AND ESPECIALLY ON THE
TUMULTUOUS YEAR JUST PASSED, I SEE THE COMING ERA AS ONE OF
ESPECIALLY CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE UNITED
STATES.
THANK YOU FOR THIS WARM RECEPTION. I KNOW, ALREADY, THAT I
AM AMONG FRIENDS AND ALLIES. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF
THIS IMPORTANT, BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC LAND AND PEOPLE.
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Drafted: EUR/SE: GMStaples as.
LAD.
SESE 6643, June 13, 1991, x7-6114
President's Speech - U.S. -Turkish Relations
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DECLASSIFIED
Department of State Guidelines
CONFIDENTIAL
E.O. 12958, SEC 3.4 (B), July 21, 1997
DECL: 6/22/91
By Run NARA, Date 12/20/04
PROPOSED REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENT
U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS
MR. PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:
LET ME EXPRESS AGAIN HERE TONIGHT ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE IN
OUR PARTY OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THE OUTPOURING OF WARMTH
AND AFFECTION WE HAVE RECEIVED DURING OUR VISIT. I COULD NOT
HELP THINKING DURING MY TOUR TODAY OF THE BLUE MOSQUE, AYA
SOFIA, AND THE TOPKAPI PALACE OF THE HISTORY THAT SURROUNDS
THESE SITES AND INDEED ALL OF TURKEY. HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
HAVE MADE TURKEY AN INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS, WITH A GLORIOUS
PAST AND A DAZZLING FUTURE.
WE MEET TONIGHT IN A WORLD CHANGED BY THE EVENT OF THE PAST
TWO YEARS. FOR OVER FORTY YEARS, THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY
SUCCEEDED IN SAFEGUARDING THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE
NATIONS OF THE WESTERN ALLIANCE. IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, WE
REAPED THE REWARD OF OUR VIGILANCE BY WITNESSING THE FALL OF
THE IRON CURTAIN AND THE FREEDOM OF THE NATIONS OF EASTERN
EUROPE. THE WARSAW PACT HAS BEEN DISSOLVED AND NATIONS THAT
WERE ONCE OUR ENEMIES HAVE BECOME OUR FRIENDS. WE HAVE
SUPPORTED THE DRAMATIC CHANGES SWEEPING EASTERN EUROPE
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AND THE SOVIET UNION. AT THE SAME TIME, WE RECOGNIZE THAT
TENSIONS ARE INEVITABLE WHEN COUNTRIES MUST SUDDENLY RESHAPE
THEIR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS, NOT TO MENTION THE
IDEOLOGICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF THEIR ENTIRE WAY OF LIFE. THE
UNITED STATES HAS SOUGHT TO FORGE NEW ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL
TIES IN THIS ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL STRENGTHEN THE BONDS OF
FRIENDSHIP WITH THESE EVOLVING SOCIETIES, MUCH AS TURKEY HAS
DONE.
AS PART OF ITS EFFORT TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIET
UNION, TURKEY HAS TAKEN BOLD STEPS SUCH AS ITS BLACK SEA
COOPERATION INITIATIVE. THIS WILL ENCOURAGE THE MUTUALLY
ADVANTAGEOUS EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES AS WELL AS GREATER
ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE AMONG THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
WHICH SURROUND THIS IMPORTANT BODY OF WATER. TURKEY'S EFFORTS
TO INCREASE TRADE WITH THE SOVIET REPUBLICS, PARTICIPATE IN
CULTURAL AND TECHNICAL EXCHANGES, AND, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH
ARMENIA, OPEN ITS BORDERS TO FACILITATE TRADE AND POLITICAL
EXCHANGES ARE EXAMPLES OF A NEW DETERMINATION BY so MANY
NATIONS TODAY TO ENRICH THEIR TIES WITH THEIR NEIGHBORS TO
AVOID THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF THE PAST THAT HAVE LED TO
CONFLICT.
THESE POSITIVE, INNOVATIVE STEPS BY TURKEY IN ITS
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS BALKAN NEIGHBORS
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STAND, HOWEVER, IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE ACTIONS OF TURKEY'S
NEIGHBOR TO THE SOUTH - IRAQ. SADDAM HUSSEIN'S BRUTAL INVASION
OF KUWAIT LAST AUGUST 2 PROMPTED AN UNPRECEDENTED RESPONSE BY
THE WORLD COMMUNITY. TURKEY PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE, BY FIRST
SHUTTING DOWN THE IRAQI OIL PIPELINE AND BANNING CROSS BORDER
TRADE. THESE STEPS, AT GREAT ECONOMIC COST, WERE KEY TO THE
SUCCESSFUL ENFORCEMENT OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST THE IRAQI
REGIME. THE U.S. IN TURN, SOUGHT ASSISTANCE FOR TURKEY FROM
ALLIES WHO PLEDGED AID TO REIMBURSE TURKEY FOR THE LOSSES IT
SUFFERED FROM ENFORCING SANCTIONS.
IN JANUARY WHEN MILITARY ACTION BECAME UNAVOIDABLE,
TURKEY'S COURAGEOUS DECISION TO PERMIT ALLIED MILITARY STRIKES
AGAINST IRAQ TO BE LAUNCHED FROM TURKISH BASES WAS CRITICAL TO
THE SUCCESS OF DESERT STORM. TURKEY'S DECISION TO REDEPLOY
OVER 100,000 TROOPS TO THE IRAQI BORDER TIED DOWN OVER TEN
IRAQI DIVISIONS AND HELPED DETER FURTHER IRAQI ADVENTURISM. I
COULD NOT HELP BUT BE REMINDED AS THE COALITION FORCES SWEPT
INTO KUWAIT TO LIBERATE IT FROM THE INVADER, OF THE BRAVERY AND
HEROISM OF TURKEY'S SOLDIERS IN THE KOREAN CONFLICT WHERE OUR
FORCES AGAIN JOINED TOGETHER TO THWART AGGRESSION. FOR THAT
EFFORT AND SACRIFICE FORTY YEARS AGO, AND FOR HER STEADFASTNESS
AGAIN IN THIS CRISIS, THE WORLD OWES TURKEY A GREAT DEBT OF
GRATITUDE.
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IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE WAR, TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE TO THE
U.S. AND HER STRATEGIC ROLE IN THE REGION BECAME CLEARER TO US
ALL. TURKEY REMAINS THE LINCHPIN OF NATO'S SECURITY
PERIMETER. HOWEVER, BEYOND ITS TRADITIONAL AND VITALLY
IMPORTANT-- ROLE IN NATO AND EUROPE, TURKEY'S POSITION AS
NATO'S ONLY MUSLIM MEMBER MAKES IT A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WESTERN
AND MUSLIM WORLDS AND WE BELIEVE ENABLES IT TO PLAY A
STABILIZING ROLE IN THE VOLATILE MIDDLE EAST.
ASIDE FROM ISRAEL, TURKEY IS THE ONLY STATE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
REGION WITH A LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT TO PARLIAMENTARY
DEMOCRACY. TURKEY'S COMMITMENT TO SECULARISM, INSTITUTED BY
THE FAR-SEEING FOUNDER OF MODERN TURKEY, KEMAL ATATURK, IS
EPITOMIZED BY THE CITY OF ISTANBUL WITH ITS MOSQUES AND WESTERN
SHOPS AND INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTING TOGETHER, EACH IN ITS OWN WAY
TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN TURKEY. TURKEY THUS OFFERS A
UNIQUE MODEL FOR ISLAM, NOT IN CONFLICT WITH SECULARISM AND
DEMOCRACY, BUT RATHER SUPPORTIVE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN
VALUES CHERISHED BY BOTH OUR COUNTRIES OF FREEDOM AND
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY.
BEYOND THIS, HOWEVER, TURKEY ALSO SERVES AS A PROVEN MODEL FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ITS FREE MARKET REFORMS, UNDER THE
STEWARDSHIP OF THEN PRIME MINISTER OZAL, OPENED THE ECONOMY AND
EXPANDED ACCESS BY TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS TO FOREIGN IMPORTS,
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CREDIT, AND INVESTMENT. AS A RESULT, TURKEY IN THE 1980'S
BOASTED THE STRONGEST GROWTH RATE OF ANY OF THE COUNTRIES THAT
BELONG TO THE ORGANIZATION FOR COOPERATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT. EXPORTS SURGED, AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT INCREASED
FIVEFOLD. WE HOPE THESE RESULTS WILL ENCOURAGE NEEDED ECONOMIC
REFORMS BY TURKEY'S NEIGHBORS IN THE REGION, WHO STAND TO
BENEFIT GREATLY FROM CLOSER ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TIES WITH
THE TURKISH REPUBLIC, THE NATIONS OF EUROPE, AND WITH THE
UNITED STATES. WHEN THAT DAY COMES, I COULD EASILY FORESEE
TURKEY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION TO
BECOME A REGIONAL ECONOMIC HUB BETWEEN EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST,
THE SOVIET UNION, AND THE BALKANS.
FINALLY, TURKEY HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THE EASTERN
MEDITERRANEAN. ONE OF MY SINCEREST HOPES IS THAT IN THE
AFTERMATH OF THE GULF CONFLICT, RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH GREECE
AND TURKEY CAN BE IMPROVED. FOLLOWING WORLD WAR TWO, SOVIET
MEDDLING IN THE GREEK CIVIL WAR AND TERRITORIAL DEMANDS ON
TURKEY GAVE BOTH A COMMON ENEMY, AND EARNED BOTH A COMMON
FRIEND IN THE U.S. HOWEVER, DISPUTES OVER AEGEAN AIRSPACE,
COASTAL WATERS, THE SEABED AND CYPRUS HAVE SINCE PLAGUED THE
RELATIONSHIP. BOTH GREECE AND TURKEY COOPERATED MAGNIFICENTLY
DURING THE GULF CONFLICT, AS THEY HAVE AS NATO ALLIES FOR SO
MANY YEARS. YESTERDAY, I WAS PRIVILEGED TO LAY A WREATH AT THE
ATATURK MAUSOLEUM, AND WHEN I WAS IN CRETE I VISITED THE TOMB
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OF PRIME MINISTER VENIZELOS. BOTH LEADERS WERE REVERED FIGURES
AND WORKED TOGETHER AS PEACEMAKERS, AGREEING IN 1930 ON A
TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP. LET ME CALL TONIGHT AS I DID IN ATHENS
FOR BOTH COUNTRIES TO RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES AND FIND
SOLUTIONS TO THEIR DISPUTES. AS WE MOVE TOWARD THE MYRIAD
OPPORTUNITIES THAT AWAIT US AS WE ENTER THE NEXT CENTURY,
NEIGHBORS AND ALLIES THAT WE CONSIDER TO BE OUR GOOD FRIENDS
CAN SURELY FIND A WAY TO BETTER COOPERATE WITH EACH OTHER.
LET ME CONCLUDE BY REEMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE THAT WE ATTACH
TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY. AS I SAID EARLIER, THE UNITED
STATES AND TURKEY HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR OVER FORTY YEARS.
THROUGH OUR CLOSE SECURITY PARTNERSHIP WITHIN NATO, WE HAVE
WORKED TOGETHER TO MEET THE CHALLENGES TO FREEDOM AND
DEMOCRACY. WE RECOGNIZE THAT TURKEY IS A STEADFAST ALLY THAT
HAS EARNED OUR RESPECT AND ADMIRATION AND DESERVES OUR
SUPPORT. WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH TURKEY TO
ENSURE THAT NATO REMAINS THE BACKBONE OF WESTERN COLLECTIVE
SECURITY, AND THAT TURKEY PARTICIPATES FULLY IN ANY NEW
EUROPEAN SECURITY STRUCTURES THAT ARISE. I SHOULD ALSO
REEMPHASIZE BEFORE CLOSING OUR FIRM SUPPORT FOR TURKEY'S
ADMISSION INTO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE WESTERN
EUROPEAN UNION, EVENTS THAT FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE CAN ONLY
STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING BONDS BETWEEN NATO MEMBERS AND ALL OF
EUROPE IN THE POST COLD WAR ERA.
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I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT WE TAKE SERIOUSLY OUR COMMITMENT
UNDER THE DEFENSE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT TO MAKE A
"BEST EFFORT" TO SECURE FOR TURKEY THE SECURITY ASSISTANCE
NEEDED TO HELP MODERNIZE HER ARMED FORCES, AND WE WILL CONTINUE
TO CARRY OUT THAT COMMITMENT. FINALLY, WE CONSIDER OURSELVES
FORTUNATE TO HAVE A FRIEND LIKE TURKEY WILLING TO JOIN US, IF
NECESSARY, ON THE FRONT LINES TO DEFEND FREEDOM AND DETER
AGGRESSION AGAINST ITS NEIGHBORS. YOU SEE, I KNEW THAT WHEN
THE UN DECIDED TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAQ, TURKEY WOULD
NOT HESITATE. AND I NEVER DOUBTED THAT WHEN, REGRETFULLY, IT
BECAME NECESSARY TO USE FORCE TO FREE KUWAIT, TURKEY WOULD
ASSIST IN EVERY WAY IN A JUST CAUSE.
so MR. PRESIDENT, HONORED GUESTS AND FRIENDS, AGAIN LET ME
EXPRESS TO YOU ALL THE IMMENSE PLEASURE THAT I FEEL TONIGHT ON
THIS OCCASION, IN THIS MAGNIFICENT SETTING so RICH IN HISTORY.
THERE IS A SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN THE TURKISH AND AMERICAN
PEOPLES WHICH I HOPE HAS GROWN STRONGER AS A RESULT OF MY
VISIT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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Grant / Blymire
A: TURKEY. EMB
Draft one
July 2, 1991
TALKING POINTS: EMBASSY GREETING / AMERICAN EMBASSY
ANKARA, TURKEY
SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1991
Ambassador Mort Abramowitz, [wife?], members of the Embassy
be here with
staff and the American community. It's a pleasure to meet
all of you. Barbara and I had the privilege similar of similarly
representing the United States -- a few years and a couple
of jobs ago -- when I was Ambassador to the People's
Republic of China. As a result of that experience, we have
a great appreciation for the amount of work that goes into a
Presidential visit. We thank you for it.
For the last year, this Embassy has been working at full
played an integral stra gic role
tilt. Turkey was at the strategic center in Desert Storm,
Greece palous
and you played a key role in our operations. Your hard work
willget hear
and tireless dedication truly made a difference in defeating
when this
Saddam Hussein.
Maybe
I see many members of the armed forces here today -- and I
know that many of you are from the crack fighting? force that came
too DEA- sounding
back to Turkey after the war ended to assist with Operation
Provide Comfort. The world watched as you and thousands of
Turkish airmen and soldiers helped the unfortunate Kurdish
people as they returned from the mountains to their stet own
refuge of the
u.s. is
often blamed
homes. I salute you and your colleagues.
fortheir
plight.
In these two Operations, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort,
we showed the world what Turkish-American cooperation can
2
achieve. And you showed what one Embassy can achieve. For
your exceptional service to the United States, it is my
honor announce that the State Department has awarded the
Superior Honor Award to this Embassy as a whole.
Congratulations on a job well done. //
I am also pleased to announce that the State Department has
awarded the Distinguished Honor Award to Ambassador
Abramowitz, for his commitment and leadership.
Congratulations, Mr. Ambassador. //
Mort, I hear you are retiring in a few days, after reaching
the highest rank in the Foreign Service -- Career
Ambassador. You have my best wishes in your new position as
head of the Carnegie Institute for International Peace. Of
course, you will leave behind many friends in Turkey -- from
Ozal
the
President on down. But try to think of it this way:
when you get to Washington, you will find many friends there
-- from the this President on down, I might add.
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you --
Foreign Service and military personnel, spouses, and
children -- for the many sacrifices you've made to serve
your country overseas. I know it can be tough: long hours,
distant deployments, terrorist threats, and living
conditions that are no picnic
not to mention the strain
of being far from family and friends back in the States.
But all of you can look with pride at your historic
3
accomplishments over the last year and conclude that the
sacrifices were worth it.
O
Barbara and I look forward to our visit here in Turkey, and
once again, we thank you for your hard work and dedication
in making this visit possible.
# # #
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BUSH
MK
TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
MR. SPEAKER:
I APPEAR BEFORE THIS EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF PARLIAMENT WITH A
GREAT SENSE OF HONOR.
THE LAST HEAD OF STATE WHO SPOKE TO THIS CHAMBER WAS THE GREAT
FRENCH STATESMAN CHARLES DE GAULLE. AND FOUR YEARS BEFORE THAT
PRESIDENT DE GAULLE, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST BELOVED PRESIDENTS,
DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF STANDING HERE.
GREEK DEMOCRACY, OF COURSE, HAS A SPECIAL STANDING IN THE
WORLD. IN HIS DECEMBER 15, 1959 ADDRESS TO THIS ASSEMBLY,
PRESIDENT EISENHOWER REMARKED: "IN THIS CITY OF ATHENS, MORE
THAN A SCORE OF CENTURIES AGO, DEMOCRACY - IN ITS PRINCIPLES
AND IN ITS PRACTICES - FIRST WON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MEN.
THIS HOUSE OF FREE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYMBOLIZES THE
VIGOR OF MODERN DEMOCRACY IN ITS ANCIENT BIRTHPLACE;
DEMONSTRATES THAT THE WILL OF MEN TO BE FREE IS IMPERISHABLE."
ONE MAN WHO WAS ACTUALLY PRESENT ON THAT COLD WINTER MORNING TO
HEAR PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S WORDS IS ALSO HERE TODAY. HE IS A
MAN WHO LED HIS PEOPLE THROUGH THE DANGERS AND CHALLENGES OF
THOSE SAME YEARS. ONE WHO LATER RESTORED DEMOCRACY TO GREECE,
AND THEN BROUGHT HIS COUNTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC
COMMUNITY. THAT GREAT STATESMAN IS, OF COURSE, YOUR PRESIDENT,
THEN PRIME MINISTER -- CONSTANTINE KARAMANLIS.
-2-
(TURN TO ADDRESS KARAMANLIS) TO HONOR YOU AND OUR FRIEND AND
ALLY WHOSE PRESIDENT YOU ARE, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO
WASHINGTON IN 1992. I HOPE YOU WILL ACCEPT, AND LOOK FORWARD
TO RECEIVING YOU IN OUR CAPITAL.
PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS AND PRESIDENT EISENHOWER CHAMPIONED
THE CAUSE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM DURING PERILOUS TIMES. BUT
THE U.S. AND GREECE HAVE A LONGSTANDING RECORD OF FIGHTING
TOGETHER ON THE SIDE OF THOSE SACRED PRINCIPLES. WE HAVE
SHARED A UNITY OF PURPOSE IN ALL OF THE MAJOR CONFLICTS IN THIS
CENTURY. WORLD WAR I. WORLD WAR II. THE KOREAN WAR. WHILE
ALL WERE TERRIBLE STRUGGLES, THE FORCES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHT
TRIUMPHED EACH TIME.
WE WERE VICTORIOUS ONCE AGAIN OVER AGGRESSION WHEN SADDAM
HUSSEIN ATTEMPTED TO ANNEX HIS NEIGHBOR, KUWAIT. THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ROSE UP TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THIS
TYRANT. IT WAS AN AWESOME COLLECTIVE EFFORT. AND PRIME
MINISTER MITSOTAKIS RESPONDED JUST AS I EXPECTED HE WOULD. HE
KNEW WHAT WAS AT STAKE. HE GAVE THE FULL, UNSTINTING SUPPORT
OF HIS GOVERNMENT TO THAT NOBLE CAUSE. I HAVE TOLD HIM, BUT
WISH NOW TO ALSO SAY TO ALL OF YOU HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATED
GREECE'S HELP IN MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE US FORCES AND
EQUIPMENT QUICKLY TO THE REGION. WE WILL REMEMBER THIS.
-3-
AS I STAND HERE NOW, I AM REMINDED OF THE GOALS WE SHARE AS
PARTIES TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY. TO SAFEGUARD THE
FREEDOM, COMMON HERITAGE AND CIVILIZATION OF OUR PEOPLES. OF
THE FOUNDATION WHICH THOSE GOALS REST -- THE PRINCIPLES OF
DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY AND THE RULE OF LAW. SINCE 1949
THESE IDEAS HAVE GUIDED THE ALLIANCE IN STANDING FIRM AGAINST
THE FORCES OF AGGRESSION AND TOTALITARIANISM. WE HAVE
PERSEVERED. AND WE HAVE SUCCEEDED. THE WARSAW PACT IS NO
MORE. GREECE IS NOT ONLY MORE SECURE, BUT WE ARE WITNESSING IN
EASTERN EUROPE AND THE USSR THE EMERGENCE OF DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS AND FREE MARKETS. FRAGILE IN SOME CASES BUT
NURTURED BY THE LONG SUPPRESSED HOPES OF MILLIONS.
GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER FOR ALL
THESE EPOCHAL CHANGES. WE WERE NATO PARTNERS. WE WERE GOOD
FRIENDS. OUR WORK IS NOT FINISHED . WE MUST AND CAN MEET THE
NEW CHALLENGES OF PEACE JUST AS WE DID THE OLD -- BY WORKING
TOGETHER CLOSELY.
THE FACE OF EUROPE -- ITS INSTITUTIONS AND ITS STRUCTURES --
ARE CHANGING ALMOST DAILY. CHANGE REPRESENTS NEW
OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND HORIZONS FOR THE PEOPLES OF
EUROPE. WE DISCUSSED MANY OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE
ECONOMIC SUMMIT IN LONDON FROM WHICH I HAVE JUST COME. I WANT
TO MENTION A FEW OF WHAT SEEM TO ME TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT
POINTS FROM THAT MEETING TO YOU NOW.
- -4-
INSERT SUMMIT POINTS
WE ARE HEADING, I BELIEVE, TOWARD A NEW WORLD ORDER THAT HAS AS
A CENTRAL COMPONENT A TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH STRETCHES
FROM VANCOUVER TO VLADIVOSTOK. A COMMUNITY BASED ON THE
CENTRAL VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC
LIBERTY WHICH UNDERPIN DEMOCRATIC, FREE MARKET SOCIETIES. A
COMMUNITY FREE AND AT PEACE.
GREECE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS NEW
ORDER. MANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS IN THE BALKANS ARE VALIANTLY
STRUGGLING -- SOME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER -- TO IMPLEMENT
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR POLITICAL AND
LEGAL SYSTEMS.
-5-
BUT THERE IS YET MORE WHICH GREECE CAN DO. THE BALKANS HAVE
BEEN AN HISTORICALLY TROUBLED REGION. AND NOW, RESURGENT
ETHNICITY AND NATIONALISM ONCE AGAIN THREATEN STABILITY AND
PEACE. THESE FORCES UNDERMINE THE ONGOING ATTEMPTS TO NURTURE
STILL INFANT DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS. WE LOOK TO GREECE TO
SERVE AS A FORCE FOR STABILITY IN THE BALKAN REGION.
I HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUSLY IMPRESSED WITH THE ABILITY OF STATES
IN THE NEW TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH IS UNFOLDING BEFORE
US TO PUT OLD ENMITIES BEHIND THEM. THE UNITED STATES ENJOYS
GREATLY IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIET UNION. THE ALLIANCE
SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED A TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES
IN EUROPE. GERMANS HAVE SET ASIDE THE BITTER DIVISIONS OF THE
COLD WAR YEARS AND REUNITED THEIR COUNTRY. GERMANY AND POLAND
HAVE AGREED ON THE DEMARCATION OF THEIR BORDER. THE EASTERN
EUROPEAN STATES HAVE EXPRESSED A STRONG INTEREST IN AFFILIATION
WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. WE ARE WITNESSES TO ONE OF THE
GREATEST REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES FOR THE GOOD THAT MODERN MAN HAS
EVER SEEN.
TOMORROW I WILL TRAVEL TO CRETE. WHILE THERE, I WILL LAY A
WREATH AT THE TOMB OF ONE OF GREECE'S GREAT MODERN STATESMAN --
ELEUTHERIOS VENIZELOS. I WILL STOP THERE TO HONOR THE MEMORY
OF HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENT OF 1930 -- THE TREATIES OF FRIENDSHIP
AND COMMERCE WITH TURKEY. THIS HISTORIC MILESTONE WAS ACHIEVED
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 6-25-91 ; 2:16PM ;
96475087-202 395 6926
;# 7
-6-
BECAUSE VENIZELOS' VISION OF THE FUTURE WAS SHARED BY THE
FOUNDER OF MODERN TURKEY -- KEMAL ATATURK. THEIR PERSONAL
FRIENDSHIP, AND THE PEACE THEY ESTABLISHED BETWEEN GREECE AND
TURKEY, REMAIN AS PROUD LEGACIES TODAY.
IT IS MY FERVENT HOPE THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 1930 MAY TODAY
INSPIRE THESE TWO GREAT COUNTRIES, BOTH VALUED FRIENDS AND
ALLIES OF THE UNITED STATES, TO INVOKE THAT SAME SPIRIT OF
COOPERATION AND PEACE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH COUNTRIES SHARE THE
ASPIRATION FOR SUCCESS IN THIS REGARD. IT IS A DEVELOPMENT
WHICH WOULD BE WARMLY WELCOMED NOT ONLY BY THE UNITED STATES,
BUT THROUGHOUT EUROPE. YOU HAVE MY EVERY WISH FOR SUCCESS.
IN THIS CONTEXT I ALSO SHOULD BRIEFLY MENTION CYPRUS. WE ARE
ACTIVELY WORKING TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS
SECRETARY-GENERAL IN HIS GOOD OFFICES MISSION. ALL INTERESTED
PARTIES MUST ACCEPT THAT COMPROMISE AND GOOD-WILL ARE ESSENTIAL
COMPONENTS OF ANY SOLUTION. AND ANY SOLUTION MUST, OF COURSE,
PROVIDE FOR A JUST AND LASTING SETTLEMENT. SUCH A SOLUTION
NEEDS TO BE FOUND SOON AND CAN BE. WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO
HELP, BUT IN THE END, THE SOLUTION MUST BE NEGOTIATED BY THE
PARTIES INVOLVED.
THESE ISSUES ARE AMONG THE ONES WHICH I EXPECT TO DISCUSS WITH
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS WHEN WE MEET LATER TODAY. I WAS
-7-
PLEASED TO MEET HIM IN WASHINGTON WHEN HE VISITED THERE IN JUNE
1990. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE DEVELOPED A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP,
EXCHANGING IDEAS OVER THE PHONE AND BY LETTER. I LOOK FORWARD
TO RENEWING OUR PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCESHIP IN ATHENS, AND WHEN I
VISIT HIS HOME IN CHANIA. I WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
RETURN HIS HOSPITALITY WHEN HE VISITS WASHINGTON THIS FALL FOR
AN OFFICIAL VISIT.
I BELIEVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GREECE HAVE
NEVER BEEN BETTER. WE ENJOY GOOD COMMUNICATION, EXCELLENT
COOPERATION, AND MUTUAL TRUST. PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND
MEMBERS OF HIS GOVERNMENT HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH US TO FIND
WAYS OF IMPROVING EVEN FURTHER THE MUTUAL RESPECT AND BENEFIT
WHICH CHARACTERIZES OUR RELATIONSHIP.
OF COURSE, PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND I HAVE HAD MANY
ADVANTAGES IN THIS ENDEAVOR. THERE IS A LONG HISTORY OF
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES. AMERICANS OF GREEK DESCENT ARE
AN ACTIVE ETHNIC GROUP IN THE PLURALISTIC MELTING-POT WHICH IS
AMERICAN SOCIETY. WE ALSO HAVE OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE
ALLIANCE. FINALLY, WE SHARE A COMMITMENT TO THE BASIC
PRINCIPLES WHICH UNDERLIE OUR SOCIETIES AND GOVERNMENTS, AND A
DESIRE TO SEE THESE PROSPER AND FLOURISH THROUGHOUT EUROPE.
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WE OWE YOUR ANCESTORS A GREAT DEBT. THEIR CONCEPTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES SHOWN AS A LIGHT WHICH
WAS NEVER EXTINGUISHED, EVEN DURING THE DARKEST MOMENTS OF
HUMAN HISTORY. GREECE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 2500TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THOSE PRINCIPLES IN ATHENS
THIS FALL. FREE PEOPLES EVERYWHERE WILL WISH YOU WELL IN
THIS. FOR WE ALL ENJOY THE LEGACY YOUR ANCIENT FORBEARERS
LEFT AS A GIFT FOR ALL MANKIND.
BUT GREECE TODAY IS NOT A SIMPLE REFLECTION OF ITS PAST. IT IS
A VIBRANT SOCIETY WITH A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS EXPANDING ITS
DIPLOMACY AND ITS INTERESTS. WE WELCOME THAT PROCESS AND LOOK
FORWARD TO COOPERATING WITH YOU TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER THE TIES
BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES. MAY THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES
NOURISH RELATIONS BETWEEN US. AND MAY OUR COMMON DEVOTION TO
THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, AND MARKET
ECONOMIES HASTEN THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF
PEACE AND PROSPERITY WHERE FREE MEN DETERMINE THEIR OWN
DESTINIES.
WE HAVE MUCH TO ACCOMPLISH. LET US NOT DELAY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
324
Eisenhower also expressed interest in the steps His Imperial Majesty is
taking to promote social progress. The President said that the United
States intends to continue to assist Iran in the mutual interest of both
nations.
The President took the opportunity to express the admiration of the
people of the United States for the brave stand of the Iranian people
and Government in the face of outside pressure.
NOTE: This joint statement was released in Tehran.
323
9
Remarks at the Mehrabad Airport,
Tehran, Upon Leaving for Greece.
December 14, 1959
Your Majesty, Ladies and Gentlemen:
During my brief hours here in Iran, I have learned much. First of all,
I have learned about the hospitality and cordiality of the Iranian people
and their leaders. I appreciate and am grateful for every greeting from
every citizen that I saw all along the route.
I am particularly grateful to His Majesty for his many courtesies this
morning to me and my party.
I should like to say a special word of farewell to the Diplomatic Corps.
I should like to greet you again personally, but the hour grows late for
my departure, and I must leave. I am sorry, and I want to apologize to
this beautiful country and all its citizens because I didn't and couldn't
stay longer. I would like to stay as many days as I have hours.
Thank you until we can meet again. Goodbye.
NOTE: Following the luncheon at the airport accompanied by the Shah of Iran.
Marble Palace, the President left for the
324
Ч
Remarks Upon Arrival at Hellinikon
Airport, Athens. December 14, 1959
Your Majesty, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great privilege to be welcomed to this city for the first time in
7 years. I come back to a country that is responsible for much that
belongs to Western culture and civilization.
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When I came here 7 years ago, I found this nation to be one-
in its courage, in its hardihood, in its adherence to principle-truly as
great as those Greek city states that we learned to love and admire from
the days when as little boys we learned our ancient history.
So I assure you again that the welcome from His Majesty, the audience,
and the people-individuals here, it means much to me, and I hope as
I have my talks with His Majesty, His Majesty's Government, that we
will find much that we can exchange between ourselves that will be
fruitful for the solution of any problems between us.
Thank you very much.
NOTE: The President spoke at 4:47 p.m.
manlis, Greek officials, U.S. Ambassador
He was met by King Paul, the Crown
Ellis O. Briggs, and members of the U.S.
Prince, Prime Minister Constantine Kara-
Embassy.
325
I
Address to the Members of the Parliament
of Greece. December 15, 1959
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, Your Beatitude, Excellencies, Ladies
and Gentlemen, Honorable Representatives of the Hellenes:
I am greatly honored that I have been invited to speak before this
distinguished Parliament.
Greatness and grandeur are all about us; greatness and grandeur of
ideas and ideals that were born and first enunciated nearby; of men
forever memorable who walked and lived here, of a people whose valor
and vitality and wisdom are written large on the human record. Your
present Government and its leaders, your distinguished Prime Minister,
are producing a record of achievement that makes them worthy suc-
cessors to their illustrious predecessors.
I represent in this place 180 million men and women who with you
of Greece share the golden legacy of culture and civilization bequeathed
by your forebears to the Western World. We Americans, with you
Greeks, are fellow-heirs to the glory of Greece.
In this city of Athens, more than a score of centuries ago, democracy-
in its principles and in its practices-first won the hearts and minds of
men. This house of free representative government symbolizes the vigor
of modern democracy in its ancient birthplace; demonstrates that the
will of men to be free is imperishable.
856
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
325
In our common dedication to the ideals of democracy our two coun-
tries-America and Greece-feel a basic kinship. An American can
feel as much at home here as in Washington or Abilene, my own village,
or Brooklyn-just as Greeks quickly find themselves at home in those
three places in America.
To this Parliament, I come with a message of admiration and respect
from the American people to the Greek people, and for the light of
inspiration that shone out, in our own day, to all the free world from
this land and its islands.
You have proved yourselves fearless of defense in your independence;
tireless in your attack on the evils of hardship and privation; ready for
sacrifice that your children might enjoy a brighter day. And, beset with
hardship and difficulty at home, you joined in cooperation with the
other countries of the Atlantic Alliance for mutual defense and security.
Your Expeditionary Force to Korea, by its valor and heroism, helped
sustain the rule of law and the United Nations in that divided nation.
The American people-and I am sure all the free peoples of the
world-salute you, valiant and worthy heirs to the Greek traditions.
And now, briefly, permit me to speak on a cause close to my heart;
close, I hope, to the hearts of all who believe in the brotherhood, the
dignity, the divine origin and destiny of man as a child of God, created
in His image.
The cause is: peace and friendship in freedom.
The Greek and American peoples share a common and deep devotion
to peace. We share further the conviction that we must sustain the condi-
tions under which the goal of peace may be pursued effectively.
We must be strong militarily, economically-but above all, spiritually.
By developing and preserving such strength-by forever repudiating the
use of aggressive force-we shall win the sort of peace we want; with
friendship in freedom.
I mean peace that is creative, dynamic, fostering a world climate that
will relieve men and their governments of the intolerable burden of
armaments; liberate them from the haunting fear of global war and
universal death.
I mean friendship that is spontaneous and warm, welling up from a
deep conviction that all of us are more concerned with the bettering of
our circumstances; giving our children wider opportunity and brighter
promise-than in destroying each other.
857
I mean freedom in which, under the rule of law, every human will
have the right and a fair chance to live his own life; to choose his own
path; to work out his own destiny; that nations will be free from mis-
givings and mistrust, able to develop their resources for the good of their
people.
To this cause of peace and friendship in freedom, Greeks are contribut-
ing all their hearts and minds and energies. Joined with the free men
of the world they can help mankind at long last to enjoy the fullness of
life envisioned by the sages of ancient Greece.
Honorable Members of Parliament, I want to assure you again of the
very deep sense of distinction that I feel in the invitation to address you.
I feel that here I am with men who, like myself and all other Americans,
love peace and freedom and want to work with you for it.
NOTE: The President spoke at 10:10 a.m.
the unicameral parliament, Constantine
His opening words "Mr. Speaker, Mr.
Karamanlis, Prime Minister, and Arch-
Prime Minister, Your Beatitude" referred
bishop Theoklitos, Primate of Greece.
to Constantine Rodopoulos, Speaker of
326 q Toast by the President at a Luncheon
Given in His Honor by King Paul.
December 15, 1959
Your Majesty:
My heartfelt thanks are extended to the people of Greece for the
warm welcome they have accorded me. This welcome reflects the
friendship between our two peoples-a friendship cemented in war and
in our common effort to preserve and to amplify the concept of liberty,
a heritage from the ancient Greeks.
Your Majesty has spoken eloquently of the mission of my country.
I believe that the essential element in the alliance of people dedicated
to freedom, including those sharing the responsibilities of NATO, is
that we are equals who respect each other's interest.
Our alliance is based upon single will to maintain human dignity.
This alliance of ours is a union of like-minded peoples, each contributing
to the limit of their capacity. The devotion of the Greek people to this
common ideal is nowhere more amply attested than in the settlement of
the Cyprus problem.
858
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
327
I agree with Your Majesty that we in the free world today confront
a great challenge.
How we shall meet it depends in large measure upon our determina-
tion, patience, and strength in union. In this test, I have no doubt
that the heroic Greek people, who for thousands of years have guarded
their independence with fierce decisiveness, will stand in the vanguard.
And SO I raise my glass to His Majesty, the King, stalwart standard-
bearer of the unquenchable spirit of Hellenism, and to the people of
Greece, whose steadfast allegiance to right inspires the admiration of
the American people. In union, and with the guidance of the Almighty,
may we forge ahead to peace, justice, and prosperity for all mankind.
NOTE: The President proposed this toast at a luncheon at the royal palace.
327
g Joint Statement Following Discussions
With Prime Minister Karamanlis.
December I5, 1959
ON THE occasion of his official visit to Greece on the fourteenth and
fifteenth of December, the President of the United States Mr. Dwight
Eisenhower concluded talks with the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Con-
stantine Karamanlis. Present at the talks were the American Ambassador,
Mr. Ellis O. Briggs, and the Under Secretary of State Mr. Robert Murphy,
and on the Greek side the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Panayotis Kanel-
lopoulos, and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Constantine
Tsatsos.
The President expressed his warm appreciation of the hospitality ex-
tended by Their Majesties King Paul and Queen Frederika, and of all
the Greek people.
The talks covered a wide range of general and specific topics of common
interest to both countries.
Both countries affirmed their faith in the principles of the Charter of the
United Nations and their staunch support of the objectives of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization which based on the solidarity of its mem-
bers, aim at the firm establishment of security, and at peace with justice.
The relaxation of world tensions was discussed in this spirit.
The Greek Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the great
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endeavor for peace undertaken by President Eisenhower. Both agreed
that the consolidation of world peace must be pursued in such a way as to
guarantee the independence of all nations and the freedom of the
individual.
Historic instances in which both countries stood side by side in hard
struggles were recalled, and in this context the importance of Greece in
the common defense effort was recognized.
Opinions were exchanged concerning those parts of the world of par-
ticular interest to Greece. Careful account was taken of her special posi-
tion in the Balkans and the general situation in this area as well as in the
Eastern Mediterranean, was examined. It was agreed that the two gove
ernments should exchange views on matters of mutual concern involving
these areas. The prospective emergence of an independent Cyprus State
was hailed with special satisfaction.
The Greek Prime Minister expressed the gratitude of the Greek people
for the enduring interest and help being extended by the American people.
He also explained to the President the problems the country faces in seek-
ing to raise the standard of living of the Greek people and maintaining
the obligations and responsibilities of its position in the defense structure
of the Free World.
President Eisenhower, recognizing the special economic and social
conditions of Greece, expressed his admiration for the improvement
being accomplished by the country and reaffirmed the interest of the
American people in the security and economic development of Greece.
Generally it was recognized that improvement in the standard of
living in the economically less developed countries constitutes a vital
element in the consolidation of international peace.
The conversations were held in an atmosphere of deep sincerity and
warm cordiality such as have traditionally characterized the relations
of the two countries, and which were SO happily confirmed by the visit
to Greece of the President of the United States.
NOTE: This joint statement was released
dium for departure by helicopter for the
in Athens,
U.S.S. Des Moines, the flagship of the
The President took leave of Their Maj.
Sixth Fleet. The President spent 2 days
esties at the royal palace. Prime Minister
aboard the Des Moines en route to
Karamanlis accompanied him to the sta-
Tunisia.
86o
4
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Public Papers of the Presidents
NOTE: Prior to making these remarks the
lege for the airport, where he was met by
President "attended services at St. Paul's
Premier Antonio Segni, Foreign Minister
Protestant Episcopal Church and visited
Gluscpps Pella, Manlio Brosio, Italian
Pope John XXIII at the Vatican. He
Ambassador to the United States, and
then left by helicopter from the grounds
James D, Zellerbach, U.S. Ambassador to
of the North American Ecclesiastical Col-
Italy.
295
9 Remarks Upon Arrival at Esenboga
Airport, Ankara. December 6, 1959
Mr. President, Citizens of Turkey:
President Bayar, from my heart I thank you and your people for your
welcome for my party and myself.
Almost 8 years have passed since my last visit to Ankara. In those years
the bonds of friendship and partnership between the Turkish and Ameri-
can peoples have grown stronger. So I return to the capital of this sister
republic, hopeful that my visit here will be fruitful for the good of both
nations.
My purpose in returning to Turkey is twofold: first, I have wanted to
take advantage of a long-standing invitation to visit this nation once again
and see all the developments that have taken place since I was here in
the spring of 1952.
Second, in my official capacity as President of the United States, I
return the visit which you, President Bayar, so graciously paid America.
This visit will permit me to discuss with the leaders of your govern-
ment some of the problems that confront free nations today. We shall
take also the opportunity to talk about opportunities that present them-
selves to achieve a world of plenty in which all nations can live-inde-
pendent and prosperous, at peace with their neighbors. I want you to
know that we in America greatly respect and highly regard our staunch
friend and ally, Turkey. We know that you will be strong and per-
sistent and dedicated in all efforts for peace and friendship in freedom:
President Bayar, I am delighted to be here once again among my
Turkish friends, and I know that I speak for all the members of my
party when I respond to your warm words of welcome by saying, some-
what haltingly I fear, but nevertheless sincerely, "Hos bulduk. Cok
tesekkur ederim" [We are happy to be here. I thank you very much].
804
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
9 296
NOTE: The President spoke at $:15 p.m.
He was met by President Bayar, Turkish
the diplomatic corps, and by U.S. Am-
bassador Fletcher Warren.
civilian and military officials, members of
296
Ч
Remarks by the President at a Dinner
Given in His Honor by President Bayar.
December 6, 1959
Mr. President, distinguished guests:
On this visit, as on my first more than 7 years ago, the unmatched
hospitality of our Turkish allies and friends has been for the members
of my party and myself a most heartwarming experience. The leaders
and people of Turkey have extended to us a welcome that makes us feel
more like friends returning to pleasant and well-remembered scenes
rather than like strangers in this land.
For myself, it is in truth a return to a land I cannot forget. In March
of 1952, I came here to inspect the troops which Turkey had committed
to the common defense of the Atlantic nations. Here through a 3-day
visit, along with the encouragement and inspiration I got from your
armed forces and your leaders, I absorbed evidence of the beauty, the
progress, the growth of Turkey. I developed a real admiration for both
your military and civil leaders and for the great people they represented.
As tenacious defenders of your land and independence, you of Turkey
have achieved a worldwide reputation. From two experiences with you,
I can testify that you deserve an equal prestige as gracious hosts. For
all of my party, it is indeed a high honor to be welcomed as partners of
your nation.
All Americans who know you have a tremendous respect for your
courage and your vision of a Republic dedicated to the good of its people,
their freedom and their prosperity. You Turks, by your own efforts
and by deliberate decision, resolved a generation ago to build a modern
nation, free from aggressive intent on its neighbors, at peace with all
nations of good will, but resolved never to be cowed by any threat.
Under the outstanding and farsighted leadership of the founder of
Modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, you of this country have wrought revo-
lutionary changes. In government, customs, and traditions these
changes were breathtaking in scope. They were remarkable for the
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swiftness of their achievement. They are an inspiration and a guiding
light to all newly independent nations, determined on progress, prosperity,
and peace.
No nation of today encounters greater obstacles to progress than you
faced when you made your great national decision. You had just
emerged from the ruin and devastation of the first World War. On every
side, you were plagued with problems that seemed beyond solution. But
you were rich in your spirit and in the idealism and vitality of your
leaders. In them you had a wealth and strength beyond money and
machines.
You, the people of Turkey forged steadily ahead on the path to indus-
trial development and social progress. You made your country a modern
proving ground that democracy and stout hearts are a people's best
instruments for the achievement of greatness.
Much, I know, remains to be achieved. But I am impressed-even
amazed-as I return to Turkey to see all around me the results of the
past 7 years' progress and the evidences of determination and of dynamic
growth.
The United States is proud of your achievements-very proud of our
increasingly close friendship and associations. The American people
understand your desire for progress and for higher standards of living.
They are happy that they can provide some measure of assistance to help
you realize the goals you yourselves have established.
I am confident that the United States, with other friends and allies,
will continue to help in your economic development and security. And
no power on earth, no evil, no threat, can frustrate a people of your
spirit.
We of America as you in Turkey are much concerned today with the
economic progress and political stability of the world's newly emerging
nations. We believe that all free nations should cooperate in a great
combined effort to achieve increased levels of free world economic
strength. But alongside this purpose and because both of us are also
concerned with our security and that of our friends we are joined with
others in NATO to insure the safety of all of us. Here, my friends, I
might as well have brought in CENTO, but since Turkey and ourselves
are both full partners of NATO, and we are merely an associate of
CENTO, I confine my remarks to NATO.
NATO is a defensive alliance, solely and simply for our mutual
806
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
9
297
security. We know that we are building defenses only against the possi-
bility of an emergency, an aggression, a catastrophe which will never be
of our making. Those who say otherwise speak for their own ulterior
motives.
The peoples of Turkey and the United States seek peace. But the
peace we are striving to achieve, as free, God-fearing nations, must be a
just and enduring peace based upon individual freedom and human
dignity. These values, the Koran and the Bible teach us, are fundamental
to man's life on earth. We will not deviate from our goal nor compromise
our principles.
We will continue in our search for peace and in our efforts to reach
mutually enforceable agreements with the leaders of the world Communist
movement.
With steadfast adherence to our principles, and with faith in Almighty
God, we will do our best to achieve the goal we are seeking.
To all our Turkish friends, I express again on behalf of the American
people and the members of my party my deep appreciation and sincere
thanks for your exceptional welcome and hospitality. In closing I should
like to say:
Long live Turkish-American friendship.
Long live the Turkish and American Republics.
Long live world peace, justice, and human freedom.
And in this spirit I propose a toast to your distinguished Head of State-
President Bayar.
NOTE: The dinner was held at President Bayar's palace.
297
4
Joint Statement Following Discussions
With President Bayar. December 7, 1959
PRESIDENT EISENHOWER visited Turkey on December 6 through
December 7, 1959. The sincere rejoicing of the Turkish Nation and the
outstanding reception extended to President Eisenhower and to his party
during this brief but meaningful visit reaffirmed in the most impressive
way the existing strong friendship and close cooperation between the
Governments and peoples of Turkey and the United States. The visit
demonstrated anew the desire of both countries to continue this fruitful
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cooperation in their mutual interest as well as in that of the community
of free nations to which they both belong.
In the course of this visit talks were held at President Bayar's residence
on Sunday evening between the two Presidents with the participation of
Prime Minister Menderes and Foreign Minister Zorlu, Under Secretary
of State Murphy, Secretary General Esenbel and Ambassador Warren.
During the talks a full and friendly exchange took place on a wide range
of problems of common interest.
The alliance and partnership of Turkey and the United States within
the defense organization of NATO and active association in CENTO,
together with their common participation in the actions of the United
Nations for the preservation of peace, influenced the nature and the scope
of the talks. Turkish cooperation in the United Nations Command,
Korea, was recalled in this connection.
On the vital question of the creation of an atmosphere that would lead
to establishment of a true detente in the whole world, the two Presidents
agreed that such a detente, in order to be effective, should be based on
justice and equality and provided with the essential safeguards. Since
it is not possible to divide the many problems at present separating East
and West into separate compartments, they recognized that detente like
peace had to be considered as an indivisible entity. It was understood that
an efficient, controlled system of disarmament is necessary.
In the course of the discussions particular attention was paid to existing
areas of tension and danger throughout the world. President Bayar and
President Eisenhower jointly expressed strong conviction that at this point
in history the future of humanity depended above all on the degree of
solidarity in thought and action which the free nations can master in
meeting their common problems. They agreed that cooperation and
continuing consultation between the two countries both on a bilateral
basis and within NATO and CENTO were paramount.
President Bayar expressed his sincere appreciation of the admirable
efforts made by President Eisenhower in order to reduce International
tensions and both Presidents voiced the hope that these efforts would bear
fruit for the benefit of the whole world. Particular attention was paid to
the question of subversive activities in the Middle East and the situation
was appraised in the light of an eventual atmosphere of detente.
Economic aspects of the Turkish-American relations, as well as the
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1959
297
broader problem of the assistance to underdeveloped countries, were con-
sidered. President Bayar stressed the importance of securing a sufficient
raising of the living standard of the Turkish people in order to enable
Turkey to assume adequately the responsibilities which her geographic
position imposes upon her. He outlined the economic progress achieved
in the last ten years in Turkey and expressed appreciation for the generous
assistance given by the American people to Turkey.
President Eisenhower expressed his appreciation of the economic and
social goals met by the Turkish Nation. He expressed confidence that
the United States will continue to support, in concert with other friends
and allies, the economic development and security efforts of Turkey. He
expressed his belief that such efforts would be successful.
The two Presidents recognized that improvement in the standard of
living of the less developed countries is a necessary ingredient to the
achievement of peace and security in the world. They expressed the
view that coordinated action is desirable and that any aid extended
would prove most effective when providing and receiving countries were
united through a dedication to common goals.
The economic collaboration realized after the war constitutes a re-
markable example in the field of economic assistance. The hope was
expressed as well that European efforts in this field could be directed to
the assistance of the less developed areas of the European continent, like
Turkey.
The initiative of Turkey to be an associate member of the European
Common Market was also examined and the hope was expressed that
such association would foster solidarity among these countries.
In concluding their talk the two Presidents reiterated their dedication
to the ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. They ex-
pressed their determination to marshal all their efforts to the attainment
of a lasting peace embracing full security and justice for all.
NOTE: This joint statement was released in Ankara.
809
JUN 6 '91 12:08
96475087 PAGE. 013
298
Public Papers of the Presidents
298
9
Remarks at Esenboga Airport, Ankara,
Upon Leaving for Pakistan. December 7, 1959
Mr. President, Prime Minister Menderes, Members of the Government,
Citizens of Turkey:
Through you, President Bayar, and your government, I should like
to express to the Turkish people my very warm thanks for the extraordi-
nary reception they accorded to my party and me as we went through
Ankara yesterday.
I have been deeply touched. I take their demonstration as a symbol
of the true affection that exists between the peoples of America and of
Turkey.
For the second time I say goodbye to this country-both times real-
izing that the visit that I have made is far too short.
This country takes hold of my heart. I should like to stay here and
mingle with the people a far longer time than my official duties will
permit me to do. But I do assure you that I leave with the greatest
expression of appreciation and affection.
Our two countries have been friends for a long time. I think that
they have been growing stronger and firmer friends, every year, every
month, every day. I am confident this will continue to be so.
We stand together on the major issues that divide the world. And I
can see no reason whatsoever that we shouldn't be two of the sturdiest
partners standing together always for freedom, security, and the pursuit
of peace.
Permit me, as I say Godspeed, good luck to you, to again attempt
another Turkish expression, this time: Allah'a ismarladik. [I commend
you to Allah.]
NOTE: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m.,
salute was fired as President Eisenhower
following his arrival by helicopter from
filed through lines of members of the
the Guest House in Ankara. He was
diplomatic corps and Turkish government
accompanied to the airport by President
officials, shaking hands with each on his
Bayar. The farewell ceremonies were
way across the ramp to his aircraft.
held in the airport building. A a1-gun
810
JUN 6 '91 12:08
96475087 PAGE.014
ISTANBUL
A poet writing fourteen centuries ago described Istanbul
as being surrounded by a garland of water, and the city
still owes much of its spirit and beauty to the waters
that bind and divide it. The former capital of three
world empires, Istanbula the ONLY in the world
which stands upon accontinents. The main part of the
city 1108 in Europe and is separated from its Asian
suburbs by the Bosphorus. The Golden Horn divides the
European city into two parts, the old imperial town of
Stamboul on the south bank and the more modern town of
Galata on the north.
Tradition says that the original settlement of Byzantium
was established where the Topkapi Palace now stands, in
the seventh century B.C., although the actual date was
probably much Garlier. Known from the beginning as an
important center of trade anducommeron, during its first
millennium Byzentium had much the same history as other
cities in the region. This changed when Constantine the
Great, fresh from reuniting the Roman Empire under his
control, decided to reconstitute the Empire with Byzantium
as its capital. In 330 A.D. the city was rededicated as
New Rome, which soon changed to Constantinople, For the
next eleven centuries Constantinople served as the
imperial and religious capital of the Syzantine Empire.
This first golden age of the city is symbolized by the
magnificent Haghia Sophia church, which was considered the
center of the orthodox Christian world.
The combination of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the
great land walls built by the early rulers protected
Constantinople from numerous sieges. Indeed, the city was
taken by force only twice by the armies of the Fourth
Crussoe in 1204 and by the Ottoman Turks in 1453,
The city taken by Mohmet the Conqueror was a pale shadow
of the former Imperial Byzantine capital. The Ottomans
repeopled and rebuilt it, making it by the beginning of
the sixteenth century 8 thriving and populous metropolis,
once again the capital of a vast empire. The Ottoman
empire reached its peak during the reign of Suleyman the
Magnificent, who ruled from 1520 to 1560. This second
golden age of the city is symbolized by the great
Suleymaniye Mosque built in 1557.
when the Ottoman empire foundered at the end of the First
World War, Istanbul was occupied by the victorious allied
armies. Kemal Atatora, leader of the Turkish nationalist
forces, decided to make a clean break with the imperial
past of the city, and placed the capital of the new
Turkish Republic in Ankars, Its imperial past reflected
in the unforgettable skyline of the city, Istanbul today
remains R vast matropolis that continues to sarve as the
economic, industrial and cultural heart of Turkey.
HAGHIA SOPHIA
AYA SOFYA
The history and architacture of Hanhla Sonhia make 1+ one
JUN 18 '91 17:24
96475087 PAGE 002
of church of the Divine bul dings wisdom, was dedicated by the
the truly great
the Justinian on December 26 in the year A.O. 537.
Emperor nearly a thousand years it served as the cathadral life of
For Constantinople and was the center of the religious the of
the Byzantine Empire. For almost five centuries the after
Turkish Conquest in 1453 it ranked pirst among
Republic, Haghia Sophis was converted into & museum. in The
Camii. In 1935, during the early years of the
imperial mosques of Istanbul under the name of Aya Turkish So*ys
architectural genius of the building is most evident
its magnificant dome, which was pictured by the anciants
as being suspended from heaven by a golden chain.
JUN 18 '91 17:25
96475087 PAGE 003
SULTAN AHMET CAMII
THE BLUE MOSQUE
Not far from Heghia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmet Camii,
commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is a splendid example
of Ottoman imperial architecture. It forms one of the
principal landmarks of the Istanbul skyline, with its
minarets and the lovely gray color of the stone set off by
graceful cascade of domes and semidomes, its six slender
the gilded ornaments on domes and minarets. The Blue
Mooque was Pounded by Sultan Ahmet I and constructed
between 1609 and 1616. The mosque is celebrated for the
the splendor of the tiles used in the interior--hence the
light that streams in from its 260 windows HS well as for
name "Blue Mosque."
TOPKAPI SARAYI
TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapi Sarayi, the Great Palace of the Ottoman Sultans,
1.6 the most extensive and fascinating monument of Ottoman
civil architecture in existence. It served as the seat of
Ottoman power for over 400 years. Perched the Ananhorus on A hill
math
the
Hare
and
JUN 18 '91 17:25
96475087 PAGE.004
Topkapi PALACE was
Constantinopis, Fatih Sulten Mahmet, between 1459 and
1465, It served not only as the private residence of the
Sultan, his Haram and his court, but was also the 30at of
the supreme executive and judicial council of the Ottoman
empire, known ao the Divan, as wall as the home of the
iargest and most select training school for the imperial
civil service, The Palace 19 divided into four courts and
ourrounded on its slopes by gardens and parks. It also
houses B museum with superb collections of porcelsins,
armor, fabrics, jewels, illuminated manuscripts, and
calligraphy.
JUN 18 '91 17:26
96475087 PAGE. 005
DOLMABAHCE SARAYI
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Dolmabachce Palace stretches for 600 meters along the
shore of the Bosphorus mear where the Pirsi Bosphorus
bridge (1974) links Asia-and Europe? It was built in 1853
by Sultan Abdul Mecit who found Topkapi too old
fashioned. After completion, it served as the chief
residence of the Sultans until the and of the Empire.
Ataturk stayed there when in Istanbul and died there on
November 10, 1936. Predominantly Mastern in style,
Dolmabance Palace is most noted for the baroque
extravagance of its decor. It houses, among other things,
an incredible crystal staircase and an alabaster
bathroom.
JUN 18 '91 17:26
96475087 PAGE.006
ROBERT COLLEGE
Located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus in Arnavutkoy,
Robert Collage is a private American coeducational high
school founded in 1871 88 the American College for Girls.
It was the First modern high school of its kind in Turkey
and produced many women who played & leading part in the
life of their country. In 1971, on the occasion of its
centennial, it was combined with the boy's high school of
the old Robert Collage, taking the latter's name. (The
original boys' school, located a short distance to the
north on the Bosphorus, today houses Bosphorus University
(Bogazioi Universitesi), one of Turkey's most prestigious
institutions of higher learning.) Robert College is still
considered by many the best high school in Turkey, and its
graduates continue to occupy prominent positions In all
walks of Turkish life.
JUN 18 '91 17:27
96475087 PAGE.007
President's Trip to Greece and Turkey
Concept Paper
Overview
The President's July 18-22 trip to Greece and Turkey provides a
major opportunity for us to advance our relationships with the
Mitsotakis and Ozal governments. The President will be the first
American President since Eisenhower (1959) to visit both
countries. His trip has dominated the Greek and Turkish press
since it was announced and has assumed enormous symbolic
importance in each country. Ozal and Mitsotakis have signalled
that they expect new security and economic assistance initiatives
from us and their publics have high expectations that the visit
will result in stronger and closer relations with the U.S.
We are well positioned to use the trip to strengthen and broaden
our relationships with both countries. We should announce new
initiatives to convey in concrete terms our interest in closer
ties with Greece and Turkey. We should also emphasize our
willingness to work with them to promote better Greek-Turkish
relations and progress on Cyprus. This will be more difficult to
achieve. We will have to use the President's speeches and
remarks to pound away at this theme and should prepare ideas for
the President to put forward on the trip.
The stop in Greece is in many ways the more important of the two.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis has adopted a clear U.S. bias since
taking office in April 1990. He has consistently backed us on
major international issues, such as the Gulf crisis, and has not
pushed the President publicly on Cyprus.
Mitsotakis has been criticised by Papandreou and even some in his
own party for having allowed the U.S. to tilt toward Turkey on
his watch without having received anything tangible in return for
Greece. In essence, Mitsotakis cannot now demonstrate that his
close relationship with the U.S. has paid off for Greece.
Retaining only a slim, two-vote majority in Parliament,
Mitsotakis wants and needs a greater demonstration of support
from the President during the visit.
The President's visit to Turkey, on the other hand, will likely
take on a celebratory air of the extraodinary expansion of the
relationship during the past year. Total U.S. aid has never been
greater and Ozal's close relationship with the President has
convinced many Turks and Greeks that the U.S. has chosen to shift
2
its traditionally careful balance of Greek and Turkish interests
decidely in favor of Ankara.
The Turks want the President to articulate an even more expansive
vision of the relationship, however, during his visit. They are
pressing us for a joint statement proclaiming new strategic
cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. They
want more U.S. defense and economic aid. The challenge for the
President's trip to Turkey is to convey the sense of a closer
relationship while avoiding promising more than we can deliver.
Ozal will also insist on joining himself to the President for the
entire two days in Turkey. While the President will want to show
support for him, he should also go out of his way to demonstrate
an interest in and respect for Turkey itself and the interests
and values that have made us partners for forty years.
OBJECTIVES FOR BOTH COUNTRIES
1)
Emphasize U.S. desire to improve and expand relations with
both countries, especially on defense and security issues.
-Public remarks should emphasize what U.S. has in
common with both Turkey and Greece--NATO partnership;
democratic and free market values; interest in
stability for the Eastern Mediterranean.
-We should avoid, however, arguing publicly the merits
of 7:10.
2)
Affirm U.S. willingness to help resolve Greek-Turkish
differences, including Cyprus, stressing need for compromise
and flexibility on major, divisive issues.
-President should suggest ways to move forward on
Cyprus: we should support UNSYG's attempt to convene
an international conference by September.
-President should also convince Ozal and Mitsotakis to
agree to a bilateral meeting this summer on major
differences, including a non-agression pact, agreement
on avoiding altercations in Aegean; and agreement on
Aegean seabed issues.
-We should hold open the possibility of the President
suggesting Ozal and Mitsotakis meet with him together
during the trip on Crete or in Istanbul to seek
progress on some of these issues.
3
OBJECTIVES FOR GREECE
1)
Encourage Mitsotakis' inclinations to seek closer ties with
the U.S. but demonstrate to him, the Greek political
establishment and public that pro-U.S. policies pay off in
concrete terms.
-Visit itself will help to draw attention to long-
standing ties between U.S. and Greece. We should
emphasize in remarks fact that this is first
Presidential visit in 30 years.
-President should announce in speech to Parliament
invitation for Karamanlis to make State visit in 1992.
He should also reaffirm invitation for Mitsotakis to
make an official working visit.
-Announce initiatives in security assistance: F-16
purchases; lease of Knox frigates; COBS MOU; continued
healthy $350 million in security assistance.
2)
Work with the Greeks to forge compromises on key issues with
Turkey--Cyprus, Aegean issues, non-aggression pact.
-As noted previously, will require Presidential
involvement with both leaders and possible tripartite
meeting.
3)
Consult closely with Greece to maintain stability in the
Balkans.
-Follow up June 27 bilateral discussions on Balkans by
stressing U.S.-Greek consultation on this issue during
visit.
-We should refer to our support of Greek interests in
Balkans in public statements. This will also reinforce
message of benefits of close relationship with U.S.
-In addition, we should propose joint U.S. -Greek
technical assistance for Albania, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria
to emphasize Greek expertise and our common objectives.
4)
Communicate privately and publicly our rationale for a
strong U.S. relationship with Turkey and need for increased
aid.
4
-President should make this point in meetings with
Mitsotakis, as he has done before so that Greeks
understand from him necessity of continued expanded
ties to Turkey.
-We should be careful about framing this publicly. May
be able to do best by reference to Turkey's Gulf war
commitment in speech and remarks.
OBJECTIVES FOR TURKEY
1)
Seek agreement on continued, enhanced U.S. -Turkish security
relationship produced by the Gulf conflict.
-We will want to maintain greater access to Turkish
facilities enjoyed during the Gulf conflict for at
least as long as our redeployed forces from northern
Iraq are in Turkey.
-Frame enhanced U.S. access as manifestation of our
desire for a strategic dialogue/understanding with
Turkey on the Gulf and Middle East.
-Emphasize strategic dialogue in public remarks but
avoid a joint statement which could antagonize Greece.
Compromise could be both Presidents mentioning
strategic dialogue and common interests in their
respective press statements at joint press conference.
2)
Strenghten Turkish military capabilities to respond to
future regional contingencies:
-Make commitment to 80-plane F-16 buy. President could
dramatize by visiting F-16 plant at Murted.
-Reconfirm Administration commitment to greater FY-92
FMS level--assert privately and publicly that we will
seek full funding ($625 FMS, $75 ESF)..
-Resell package of security assistance Administration
produced for Turkey since start of Gulf conflict.
3)
Support Turkey's desire for further economic integration
with West.
--Reaffirm support for EC membership and enhanced trade
and investment relationship with EC in meantime.
5
-Suggest ways to expand U.S. -Turkish trade but hold off
on FTA. Point to greater Turkish use of GSP privileges
and personal involvement of Mosbacher and Hills as
avenues for more active discussion of these issues.
-Keep pushing for international community to make good
on Gulf crisis economic support payments to Turkey,
including Saudi oil aid.
4)
Convey support for Ozal to help him domestically while being
careful to not personalize the relationship excessively.
President should also pay respect to importance of Turkey
and its institutions to western security.
-Since Ozal will be with President for entire schedule,
their personal friendship and Gulf alliance will be
emphasized. President will want to continue to praise
Ozal's leadership and courage during Gulf conflict.
-At the same time, President should stress our respect
for the Turkish people, the military and other leaders
to convey an interest in Turkey beyond Ozal. We can do
this by meeting with opposition leaders, praising the
role of the Turkish military in the Gulf conflict and
paying attention to this theme in the public
statements.
-Visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum and historic sites in
Istanbul will also help on this theme.
5)
As with Greece, emphasize the importance of movement on
Cyprus and Greek-Turkish issues and need for compromise and
flexibility on both sides.
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BUSH
TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
TS
MR. SPEAKER:
I. APPEAR BEFORE THIS EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF PARLIAMENT WITH A
GREAT SENSE OF HONOR.
THE LAST HEAD OF STATE WHO SPOKE TO THIS CHAMBER WAS THE GREAT
FRENCH STATESMAN CHARLES DE GAULLE. AND FOUR YEARS BEFORE THAT
PRESIDENT DE GAULLE, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST BELOVED PRESIDENTS,
DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF STANDING HERE.
GREEK DEMOCRACY, OF COURSE, HAS A SPECIAL STANDING IN THE
WORLD. IN HIS DECEMBER 15, 1959 ADDRESS TO THIS ASSEMBLY,
PRESIDENT EISENHOWER REMARKED: "IN THIS CITY OF ATHENS, MORE
THAN A SCORE OF CENTURIES AGO, DEMOCRACY - IN ITS PRINCIPLES
AND IN ITS PRACTICES - FIRST WON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MEN.
THIS HOUSE OF FREE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYMBOLIZES THE
VIGOR OF MODERN DEMOCRACY IN ITS ANCIENT BIRTHPLACE;
DEMONSTRATES THAT THE WILL OF MEN TO BE FREE IS IMPERISHABLE."
ONE MAN WHO WAS ACTUALLY PRESENT ON THAT COLD WINTER MORNING TO
HEAR PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S WORDS IS ALSO HERE TODAY. HE IS A
MAN WHO LED HIS PEOPLE THROUGH THE DANGERS AND CHALLENGES OF
THOSE SAME YEARS. ONE WHO LATER RESTORED DEMOCRACY TO GREECE,
AND THEN BROUGHT HIS COUNTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC
COMMUNITY. THAT GREAT STATESMAN IS, OF COURSE, YOUR PRESIDENT,
THEN PRIME MINISTER -- CONSTANTINE KARAMANLIS.
-2-
(TURN TO ADDRESS KARAMANLIS) TO HONOR YOU AND OUR FRIEND AND
ALLY WHOSE PRESIDENT YOU ARE, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO
WASHINGTON IN 1992. I HOPE YOU WILL ACCEPT, AND LOOK FORWARD
TO RECEIVING YOU IN OUR CAPITAL.
PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS AND PRESIDENT EISENHOWER CHAMPIONED
THE CAUSE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM DURING PERILOUS TIMES. BUT
THE U.S. AND GREECE HAVE A LONGSTANDING RECORD OF FIGHTING
TOGETHER ON THE SIDE OF THOSE SACRED PRINCIPLES. WE HAVE
SHARED A UNITY OF PURPOSE IN ALL OF THE MAJOR CONFLICTS IN THIS
CENTURY. WORLD WAR I. WORLD WAR II. THE KOREAN WAR. WHILE
ALL WERE TERRIBLE STRUGGLES, THE FORCES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHT
TRIUMPHED EACH TIME.
WE WERE VICTORIOUS ONCE AGAIN OVER AGGRESSION WHEN SADDAM
HUSSEIN ATTEMPTED TO ANNEX HIS NEIGHBOR, KUWAIT. THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ROSE UP TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THIS
TYRANT. IT WAS AN AWESOME COLLECTIVE EFFORT. AND PRIME
MINISTER MITSOTAKIS RESPONDED JUST AS I EXPECTED HE WOULD. HE
KNEW WHAT WAS AT STAKE. HE GAVE THE FULL, UNSTINTING SUPPORT
OF HIS GOVERNMENT TO THAT NOBLE CAUSE. I HAVE TOLD HIM, BUT
WISH NOW TO ALSO SAY TO ALL OF YOU HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATED
GREECE'S HELP IN MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE US FORCES AND
EQUIPMENT QUICKLY TO THE REGION. WE WILL REMEMBER THIS.
-3-
AS I STAND HERE NOW, I AM REMINDED OF THE GOALS WE SHARE AS
PARTIES TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY. TO SAFEGUARD THE
FREEDOM, COMMON HERITAGE AND CIVILIZATION OF OUR PEOPLES. OF
THE FOUNDATION WHICH THOSE GOALS REST -- THE PRINCIPLES OF
DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY AND THE RULE OF LAW. SINCE 1949
THESE IDEAS HAVE GUIDED THE ALLIANCE IN STANDING FIRM AGAINST
THE FORCES OF AGGRESSION AND TOTALITARIANISM. WE HAVE
PERSEVERED. AND WE HAVE SUCCEEDED. THE WARSAW PACT IS NO
MORE. GREECE IS NOT ONLY MORE SECURE, BUT WE ARE WITNESSING IN
EASTERN EUROPE AND THE USSR THE EMERGENCE OF DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS AND FREE MARKETS. FRAGILE IN SOME CASES BUT
NURTURED BY THE LONG SUPPRESSED HOPES OF MILLIONS.
GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER FOR ALL
THESE EPOCHAL CHANGES. WE WERE NATO PARTNERS. WE WERE GOOD
FRIENDS. OUR WORK IS NOT FINISHED . WE MUST AND CAN MEET THE
NEW CHALLENGES OF PEACE JUST AS WE DID THE OLD -- BY WORKING
TOGETHER CLOSELY.
THE FACE OF EUROPE -- ITS INSTITUTIONS AND ITS STRUCTURES --
ARE CHANGING ALMOST DAILY. CHANGE REPRESENTS NEW
OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND HORIZONS FOR THE PEOPLES OF
EUROPE. WE DISCUSSED MANY OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE
ECONOMIC SUMMIT IN LONDON FROM WHICH I HAVE JUST COME. I WANT
TO MENTION A FEW OF WHAT SEEM TO ME TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT
POINTS FROM THAT MEETING TO YOU NOW.
-4-
INSERT SUMMIT POINTS
WE ARE HEADING, I BELIEVE, TOWARD A NEW WORLD ORDER THAT HAS AS
A CENTRAL COMPONENT A TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH STRETCHES
FROM VANCOUVER TO VLADIVOSTOK. A COMMUNITY BASED ON THE
CENTRAL VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC
LIBERTY WHICH UNDERPIN DEMOCRATIC, FREE MARKET SOCIETIES. A
COMMUNITY FREE AND AT PEACE.
GREECE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS NEW
ORDER. MANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS IN THE BALKANS ARE VALIANTLY
STRUGGLING -- SOME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER -- TO IMPLEMENT
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR POLITICAL AND
LEGAL SYSTEMS.
-5-
BUT THERE IS YET MORE WHICH GREECE CAN DO. THE BALKANS HAVE
BEEN AN HISTORICALLY TROUBLED REGION. AND NOW, RESURGENT
ETHNICITY AND NATIONALISM ONCE AGAIN THREATEN STABILITY AND
PEACE. THESE FORCES UNDERMINE THE ONGOING ATTEMPTS TO NURTURE
STILL INFANT DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS. WE LOOK TO GREECE TO
SERVE AS A FORCE FOR STABILITY IN THE BALKAN REGION.
I HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUSLY IMPRESSED WITH THE ABILITY OF STATES
IN THE NEW TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH IS UNFOLDING BEFORE
US TO PUT OLD ENMITIES BEHIND THEM. THE UNITED STATES ENJOYS
GREATLY IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIET UNION. THE ALLIANCE
SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED A TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES
IN EUROPE. GERMANS HAVE SET ASIDE THE BITTER DIVISIONS OF THE
COLD WAR YEARS AND REUNITED THEIR COUNTRY. GERMANY AND POLAND
HAVE AGREED ON THE DEMARCATION OF THEIR BORDER. THE EASTERN
EUROPEAN STATES HAVE EXPRESSED A STRONG INTEREST IN AFFILIATION
WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. WE ARE WITNESSES TO ONE OF THE
GREATEST REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES FOR THE GOOD THAT MODERN MAN HAS
EVER SEEN.
TOMORROW I WILL TRAVEL TO CRETE. WHILE THERE, I WILL LAY A
WREATH AT THE TOMB OF ONE OF GREECE'S GREAT MODERN STATESMAN --
ELEUTHERIOS VENIZELOS. I WILL STOP THERE TO HONOR THE MEMORY
OF HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENT OF 1930 -- THE TREATIES OF FRIENDSHIP
AND COMMERCE WITH TURKEY. THIS HISTORIC MILESTONE WAS ACHIEVED
SENT
-6-
BECAUSE VENIZELOS' VISION OF THE FUTURE WAS SHARED BY THE
FOUNDER OF MODERN TURKEY -- KEMAL ATATURK. THEIR PERSONAL
FRIENDSHIP, AND THE PEACE THEY ESTABLISHED BETWEEN GREECE AND
TURKEY, REMAIN AS PROUD LEGACIES TODAY.
IT IS MY FERVENT HOPE THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 1930 MAY TODAY
INSPIRE THESE TWO GREAT COUNTRIES, BOTH VALUED FRIENDS AND
ALLIES OF THE UNITED STATES, TO INVOKE THAT SAME SPIRIT OF
COOPERATION AND PEACE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH COUNTRIES SHARE THE
ASPIRATION FOR SUCCESS IN THIS REGARD. IT IS A DEVELOPMENT
WHICH WOULD BE WARMLY WELCOMED NOT ONLY BY THE UNITED STATES,
BUT THROUGHOUT EUROPE. YOU HAVE MY EVERY WISH FOR SUCCESS.
IN THIS CONTEXT I ALSO SHOULD BRIEFLY MENTION CYPRUS. WE ARE
ACTIVELY WORKING TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS
SECRETARY-GENERAL IN HIS GOOD OFFICES MISSION. ALL INTERESTED
PARTIES MUST ACCEPT THAT COMPROMISE AND GOOD-WILL ARE ESSENTIAL
COMPONENTS OF ANY SOLUTION. AND ANY SOLUTION MUST, OF COURSE,
PROVIDE FOR A JUST AND LASTING SETTLEMENT. SUCH A SOLUTION
NEEDS TO BE FOUND SOON AND CAN BE. WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO
HELP, BUT IN THE END, THE SOLUTION MUST BE NEGOTIATED BY THE
PARTIES INVOLVED.
THESE ISSUES ARE AMONG THE ONES WHICH I EXPECT TO DISCUSS WITH
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS WHEN WE MEET LATER TODAY. I WAS
-7-
PLEASED TO MEET HIM IN WASHINGTON WHEN HE VISITED THERE IN JUNE
1990. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE DEVELOPED A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP,
EXCHANGING IDEAS OVER THE PHONE AND BY LETTER. I LOOK FORWARD
TO RENEWING OUR PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCESHIP IN ATHENS, AND WHEN I
VISIT HIS HOME IN CHANIA. I WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
RETURN HIS HOSPITALITY WHEN HE VISITS WASHINGTON THIS FALL FOR
AN OFFICIAL VISIT.
I BELIEVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GREECE HAVE
NEVER BEEN BETTER. WE ENJOY GOOD COMMUNICATION, EXCELLENT
COOPERATION, AND MUTUAL TRUST. PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND
MEMBERS OF HIS GOVERNMENT HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH US TO FIND
WAYS OF IMPROVING EVEN FURTHER THE MUTUAL RESPECT AND BENEFIT
WHICH CHARACTERIZES OUR RELATIONSHIP.
OF COURSE, PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND I HAVE HAD MANY
ADVANTAGES IN THIS ENDEAVOR. THERE IS A LONG HISTORY OF
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES. AMERICANS OF GREEK DESCENT ARE
AN ACTIVE ETHNIC GROUP IN THE PLURALISTIC MELTING-POT WHICH IS
AMERICAN SOCIETY. WE ALSO HAVE OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE
ALLIANCE. FINALLY, WE SHARE A COMMITMENT TO THE BASIC
PRINCIPLES WHICH UNDERLIE OUR SOCIETIES AND GOVERNMENTS, AND A
DESIRE TO SEE THESE PROSPER AND FLOURISH THROUGHOUT EUROPE.
JUN 25 '91 14:59
96475087 PAGE
-8-
WE OWE YOUR ANCESTORS A GREAT DEBT. THEIR CONCEPTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES SHOWN AS A LIGHT WHICH
WAS NEVER EXTINGUISHED, EVEN DURING THE DARKEST MOMENTS OF
HUMAN HISTORY. GREECE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 2500TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THOSE PRINCIPLES IN ATHENS
THIS FALL. FREE PEOPLES EVERYWHERE WILL WISH YOU WELL IN
THIS. FOR WE ALL ENJOY THE LEGACY YOUR ANCIENT FORBEARERS
LEFT AS A GIFT FOR ALL MANKIND.
BUT GREECE TODAY IS NOT A SIMPLE REFLECTION OF ITS PAST. IT IS
A VIBRANT SOCIETY WITH A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS EXPANDING ITS
DIPLOMACY AND ITS INTERESTS. WE WELCOME THAT PROCESS AND LOOK
FORWARD TO COOPERATING WITH YOU TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER THE TIES
BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES. MAY THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES
NOURISH RELATIONS BETWEEN US. AND MAY OUR COMMON DEVOTION TO
THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, AND MARKET
ECONOMIES HASTEN THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF
PEACE AND PROSPERITY WHERE FREE MEN DETERMINE THEIR OWN
DESTINIES.
WE HAVE MUCH TO ACCOMPLISH. LET US NOT DELAY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
PRESIDENT BUSH'S ARRIVAL STATEMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
MR. PRESIDENT -- I AM GREATLY HONORED TO HAVE YOU WELCOME ME
HERE TODAY, AND TO SEE PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND OTHER
DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT. AS SOME OF YOU MAY
KNOW, I VISITED ATHENS ONCE BEFORE IN THE EARLY 1960'S AS A
PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN. I COME NOW AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE, WHO TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THEIR LONGSTANDING
TIES OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF GREECE.
DWIGHT EISENHOWER WAS THE LAST U.S. PRESIDENT TO VISIT GREECE,
IN DECEMBER OF 1959. THE WORLD WAS A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE
THEN. TENSIONS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST WERE ESCALATING. THE
RESOLVE OF THE ALLIANCE IN UPHOLDING THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM AND
DEMOCRACY WAS BEING TESTED. AND THE LIGHT OF LIBERTY IN MANY
COUNTRIES WAS ALREADY EXTINGUISHED BY TOTALITARIAN RULE.
DURING PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S VISIT, OUR TWO COUNTRIES
REAFFIRMED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE OBJECTIVES OF NATO. TO UNITE
FOR THE COLLECTIVE DEFENSE AND FOR PRESERVATION OF PEACE AND
SECURITY. TO DEFEND THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL
LIBERTY, AND THE RULE OF LAW. THE ALLIANCE ROSE TO MEET EVERY
CHALLENGE TO ITS MEMBERS AND ITS BELIEFS. IT HAS PROSPERED AND
FLOURISHED. TOTALITARIANISM HAS BEEN ERODED BY ITS DEFEATS AND
COLLAPSED UNDER ITS OWN UNSUSTAINABLE WEIGHT.
-2-
I HAVE JUST COME FROM THE ECONOMIC SUMMIT MEETING IN LONDON.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY HOLDS MORE
PROMISE THAN EVER BEFORE. I SEE EVERY REASON FOR HOPE. EVERY
REASON TO JOIN IN BUILDING A WORLD ORDER FOUNDED ON THOSE SAME
TRIED AND TRUE ALLIANCE PRINCIPLES. AND ONE REASON I AM HERE
TODAY IS TO DISCUSS THAT FUTURE WITH GREECE'S LEADERS.
I AM ALSO HERE TO AFFIRM AMERICA'S INTEREST IN A STRONG AND
MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES. AND
TO HONOR THE COUNTRY WHICH GAVE BIRTH TO DEMOCRACY IN THIS VERY
CITY 2,500 YEARS AGO.
DWIGHT EISENHOWER WAS HERE IN A COLD WINTER OF THE COLD WAR. I
AM FORTUNATE TO BE WITH YOU IN THE SUN-WASHED SUMMER OF GREECE
AND A NEW AGE. PERHAPS YOUR OWN NOBEL PRIZE-WINNING POET
GEORGE SEFERIS SAID IT BEST: "A LITTLE FARTHER -- WE WILL SEE
ALMOND TREES BLOSSOMING -- THE MARBLE GLEAMING IN THE SUN --
THE SEA BREAKING INTO WAVES. A LITTLE FARTHER -- LET US RISE A
LITTLE HIGHER."
LET US RISE TOGETHER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BUSH
TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
MR. SPEAKER:
I APPEAR BEFORE THIS EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF PARLIAMENT WITH A
GREAT SENSE OF HONOR.
THE LAST FOREIGN HEAD OF STATE WHO SPOKE TO THIS CHAMBER WAS
THE GREAT FRENCH STATESMAN CHARLES DE GAULLE. AND FOUR YEARS
BEFORE THAT, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST BELOVED PRESIDENTS, DWIGHT
DAVID EISENHOWER, HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF STANDING HERE.
GREEK DEMOCRACY, OF COURSE, HAS A SPECIAL STANDING IN THE
WORLD. IN HIS DECEMBER 15, 1959 ADDRESS TO THIS ASSEMBLY,
PRESIDENT EISENHOWER REMARKED: "IN THIS CITY OF ATHENS, MORE
THAN A SCORE OF CENTURIES AGO, DEMOCRACY - IN ITS PRINCIPLES
AND IN ITS PRACTICES - FIRST WON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MEN.
THIS HOUSE OF FREE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYMBOLIZES THE
VIGOR OF MODERN DEMOCRACY IN ITS ANCIENT BIRTHPLACE;
DEMONSTRATES THAT THE WILL OF MEN TO BE FREE IS IMPERISHABLE."
ONE MAN WHO WAS ACTUALLY PRESENT ON THAT COLD WINTER MORNING TO
HEAR PRESIDENT EISENHOWER'S WORDS IS ALSO HERE TODAY. HE IS A
MAN WHO LED HIS PEOPLE THROUGH THE DANGERS AND CHALLENGES OF
THOSE SAME YEARS. ONE WHO LATER RESTORED DEMOCRACY TO GREECE,
AND THEN BROUGHT HIS COUNTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC
COMMUNITY. THAT GREAT STATESMAN IS, OF COURSE, YOUR PRESIDENT,
THEN PRIME MINISTER -- CONSTANTINE KARAMANLIS.
-2-
(TURN TO ADDRESS KARAMANLIS) TO HONOR YOU, AND OUR FRIEND AND
ALLY WHOSE PRESIDENT YOU ARE, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO
WASHINGTON IN 1992. I HOPE YOU WILL ACCEPT, AND LOOK FORWARD
TO RECEIVING YOU IN OUR CAPITAL.
PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS AND PRESIDENT EISENHOWER CHAMPIONED
THE CAUSE OF DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM DURING PERILOUS TIMES. BUT
THE U.S. AND GREECE HAVE A LONGSTANDING RECORD OF FIGHTING
TOGETHER ON THE SIDE OF THOSE SACRED PRINCIPLES. WE HAVE
SHARED A UNITY OF PURPOSE IN ALL OF THE MAJOR CONFLICTS IN THIS
CENTURY. WORLD WAR I. WORLD WAR II. THE KOREAN WAR. WHILE
ALL WERE TERRIBLE STRUGGLES, THE FORCES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHT
TRIUMPHED EACH TIME.
WE WERE VICTORIOUS ONCE AGAIN OVER AGGRESSION WHEN SADDAM
HUSSEIN ATTEMPTED TO ANNEX HIS NEIGHBOR, KUWAIT. THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ROSE UP TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THIS
TYRANT. IT WAS AN AWESOME COLLECTIVE EFFORT. AND PRIME
MINISTER MITSOTAKIS RESPONDED JUST AS I EXPECTED HE WOULD. HE
KNEW WHAT WAS AT STAKE. HE GAVE THE FULL, UNSTINTING SUPPORT
OF HIS GOVERNMENT TO THAT NOBLE CAUSE. I HAVE TOLD HIM, BUT
WISH NOW TO ALSO SAY TO ALL OF YOU HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATED
GREECE'S HELP IN MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE US FORCES AND
EQUIPMENT QUICKLY TO THE REGION. WE WILL REMEMBER THIS.
-3-
AS I STAND HERE NOW, I AM REMINDED OF THE GOALS WE SHARE AS
PARTIES TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY. TO SAFEGUARD THE
FREEDOM, COMMON HERITAGE AND CIVILIZATION OF OUR PEOPLES. OF
THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH THOSE GOALS REST -- THE PRINCIPLES OF
DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY AND THE RULE OF LAW. SINCE 1949
THESE IDEAS HAVE GUIDED THE ALLIANCE IN STANDING FIRM AGAINST
THE FORCES OF AGGRESSION AND TOTALITARIANISM. WE HAVE
PERSEVERED. AND WE HAVE SUCCEEDED. THE WARSAW PACT IS NO
MORE. GREECE IS NOT ONLY MORE SECURE, BUT WE ARE WITNESSING IN
EASTERN EUROPE AND THE USSR THE EMERGENCE OF DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS AND FREE MARKETS. FRAGILE IN SOME CASES BUT
NURTURED BY THE LONG SUPPRESSED HOPES OF MILLIONS.
GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER FOR ALL
THESE EPOCHAL CHANGES. WE WERE NATO PARTNERS. WE WERE GOOD
FRIENDS. OUR WORK IS NOT FINISHED WE MUST AND CAN MEET THE
NEW CHALLENGES OF PEACE JUST AS WE DID THE OLD -- BY WORKING
TOGETHER CLOSELY.
THE FACE OF EUROPE -- ITS INSTITUTIONS AND ITS STRUCTURES --
ARE CHANGING ALMOST DAILY. CHANGE REPRESENTS NEW
OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND HORIZONS FOR THE PEOPLES OF
EUROPE. WE DISCUSSED MANY OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE
ECONOMIC SUMMIT IN LONDON FROM WHICH I HAVE JUST COME. I WANT
TO MENTION A FEW OF WHAT SEEM TO ME TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT
POINTS FROM THAT MEETING TO YOU NOW.
-4-
INSERT SUMMIT POINTS
WE ARE HEADING, I BELIEVE, TOWARD A NEW WORLD ORDER THAT HAS AS
A CENTRAL COMPONENT A TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH STRETCHES
FROM VANCOUVER TO VLADIVOSTOK. A COMMUNITY BASED ON THE
CENTRAL VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC
LIBERTY WHICH UNDERPIN DEMOCRATIC, FREE MARKET SOCIETIES. A
COMMUNITY FREE AND AT PEACE.
GREECE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS NEW
ORDER. MANY OF YOUR NEIGHBORS IN THE BALKANS ARE VALIANTLY
STRUGGLING -- SOME FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER -- TO IMPLEMENT
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR POLITICAL AND
LEGAL SYSTEMS.
-5-
BUT THERE IS YET MORE WHICH GREECE CAN DO. THE BALKANS HAVE
BEEN AN HISTORICALLY TROUBLED REGION. AND NOW, RESURGENT
ETHNICITY AND NATIONALISM ONCE AGAIN THREATEN STABILITY AND
PEACE. THESE FORCES UNDERMINE THE ONGOING ATTEMPTS TO NURTURE
STILL INFANT DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS. WE LOOK TO GREECE TO
SERVE AS A FORCE FOR STABILITY IN THE BALKAN REGION.
I HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUSLY IMPRESSED WITH THE ABILITY OF STATES
IN THE NEW TRANS-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY WHICH IS UNFOLDING BEFORE
US TO PUT OLD ENMITIES BEHIND THEM. THE UNITED STATES ENJOYS
GREATLY IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH THE SOVIET UNION. THE ALLIANCE
SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED A TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES
IN EUROPE. GERMANS HAVE SET ASIDE THE BITTER DIVISIONS OF THE
COLD WAR YEARS AND REUNITED THEIR COUNTRY. GERMANY AND POLAND
HAVE AGREED ON THE DEMARCATION OF THEIR BORDER. THE EASTERN
EUROPEAN STATES HAVE EXPRESSED A STRONG INTEREST IN AFFILIATION
WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. WE ARE WITNESSES TO ONE OF THE
GREATEST REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES FOR THE GOOD THAT MODERN MAN HAS
EVER SEEN.
TOMORROW I WILL TRAVEL TO CRETE. WHILE THERE, I WILL LAY A
WREATH AT THE TOMB OF ONE OF GREECE'S GREAT MODERN STATESMEN --
ELEUTHERIOS VENIZELOS. I WILL STOP THERE TO HONOR THE MEMORY
OF HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENT OF 1930 -- THE TREATIES OF FRIENDSHIP
AND COMMERCE WITH TURKEY. THIS HISTORIC MILESTONE WAS ACHIEVED
-6-
BECAUSE VENIZELOS' VISION OF THE FUTURE WAS SHARED BY THE
FOUNDER OF MODERN TURKEY -- KEMAL ATATURK. THEIR PERSONAL
FRIENDSHIP, AND THE PEACE THEY ESTABLISHED BETWEEN GREECE AND
TURKEY, REMAIN AS PROUD LEGACIES TODAY.
IT IS MY FERVENT HOPE THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 1930 MAY TODAY
INSPIRE THESE TWO GREAT COUNTRIES, BOTH VALUED FRIENDS AND
ALLIES OF THE UNITED STATES, TO INVOKE THAT SAME SPIRIT OF
COOPERATION AND PEACE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH COUNTRIES SHARE THE
ASPIRATION FOR SUCCESS IN THIS REGARD. IT IS A DEVELOPMENT
WHICH WOULD BE WARMLY WELCOMED NOT ONLY BY THE UNITED STATES,
BUT THROUGHOUT EUROPE. YOU HAVE MY EVERY WISH FOR SUCCESS.
IN THIS CONTEXT I ALSO SHOULD BRIEFLY MENTION CYPRUS. WE ARE
ACTIVELY WORKING TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS
SECRETARY-GENERAL IN HIS GOOD OFFICES MISSION. ALL INTERESTED
PARTIES MUST ACCEPT THAT COMPROMISE AND GOOD-WILL ARE ESSENTIAL
COMPONENTS OF ANY SOLUTION. AND ANY SOLUTION MUST, OF COURSE,
PROVIDE FOR A JUST AND LASTING SETTLEMENT. SUCH A SOLUTION
NEEDS TO BE FOUND SOON AND CAN BE. WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO
HELP, BUT IN THE END, THE SOLUTION MUST BE NEGOTIATED BY THE
PARTIES INVOLVED.
THESE ISSUES ARE AMONG THE ONES WHICH I EXPECT TO DISCUSS WITH
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS WHEN WE MEET LATER TODAY. I WAS
-7-
PLEASED TO MEET HIM IN WASHINGTON WHEN HE VISITED THERE IN JUNE
1990. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE DEVELOPED A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP,
EXCHANGING IDEAS OVER THE PHONE AND BY LETTER. I LOOK FORWARD
TO RENEWING OUR PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCESHIP IN ATHENS, AND WHEN I
VISIT HIS HOME IN CHANIA. I WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
RETURN HIS HOSPITALITY WHEN HE VISITS WASHINGTON THIS FALL FOR
AN OFFICIAL VISIT.
I BELIEVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GREECE HAVE
NEVER BEEN BETTER. WE ENJOY GOOD COMMUNICATION, EXCELLENT
COOPERATION, AND MUTUAL TRUST. PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND
MEMBERS OF HIS GOVERNMENT HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH US TO FIND
WAYS OF IMPROVING EVEN FURTHER THE MUTUAL RESPECT AND BENEFIT
WHICH CHARACTERIZES OUR RELATIONSHIP.
OF COURSE, PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS AND I HAVE HAD MANY
ADVANTAGES IN THIS ENDEAVOR. THERE IS A LONG HISTORY OF
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES. AMERICANS OF GREEK DESCENT ARE
AN ACTIVE ETHNIC GROUP IN THE PLURALISTIC MELTING-POT WHICH IS
AMERICAN SOCIETY. WE ALSO HAVE OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE
ALLIANCE. FINALLY, WE SHARE A COMMITMENT TO THE BASIC
PRINCIPLES WHICH UNDERLIE OUR SOCIETIES AND GOVERNMENTS, AND A
DESIRE TO SEE THESE PROSPER AND FLOURISH THROUGHOUT EUROPE.
-8-
WE OWE YOUR ANCESTORS A GREAT DEBT. THEIR CONCEPTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES HAVE SHOWN AS A LIGHT
WHICH WAS NEVER EXTINGUISHED, EVEN DURING THE DARKEST MOMENTS
OF HUMAN HISTORY. GREECE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 2500TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THOSE PRINCIPLES IN ATHENS
THIS FALL. FREE PEOPLES EVERYWHERE WILL WISH YOU WELL IN
THIS. FOR WE ALL ENJOY THE LEGACY YOUR ANCIENT FORBEARERS
LEFT AS A GIFT FOR ALL MANKIND.
BUT GREECE TODAY IS NOT A SIMPLE REFLECTION OF ITS PAST. IT IS
A VIBRANT SOCIETY WITH A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS EXPANDING ITS
DIPLOMACY AND ITS INTERESTS. WE WELCOME THAT PROCESS AND LOOK
FORWARD TO COOPERATING WITH YOU TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER THE TIES
BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES. MAY THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES
NOURISH RELATIONS BETWEEN US. AND MAY OUR COMMON DEVOTION TO
THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY, INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY, AND MARKET
ECONOMIES HASTEN THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF
PEACE AND PROSPERITY WHERE FREE MEN DETERMINE THEIR OWN
DESTINIES.
WE HAVE MUCH TO ACCOMPLISH. LET US NOT DELAY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
RETURN TOAST TO KARAMANLIS
STATE DINNER -- JULY 18
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, FOR THAT WARM WELCOME AND THOSE KIND
WORDS. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW PLEASED I AM TO BE IN GREECE ONCE
AGAIN AFTER so LONG A TIME.
MR. PRESIDENT, WE OFTEN SPEAK OF THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF
DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES, INDIVIDUAL HUMAN LIBERTIES AND THE RULE
OF LAW. THE NORTH ATLANTIC ALLIANCE IS GROUNDED ON RECOGNITION
OF THOSE PRINCIPLES. MANY OTHER COUNTRIES LONG AGO BASED THEIR
GOVERNMENTS ON THESE IDEAS. AND WE ARE NOW WITNESSING THE
TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT OVER TOTALITARIANISM AS THE SPARK
OF DEMOCRACY FLICKERS AND CATCHES IN VIRTUALLY EVERY CORNER OF
EUROPE.
WITH THE REFORMS OF CLEISTHENES, SOME 2,500 YEARS AGO,
DEMOCRACY WAS FIRST BORN HERE IN ATHENS. GREECE WILL BE
CELEBRATING THAT SEMINAL OCCASION THIS FALL, AND I WISH YOU
EVERY SUCCESS AND CONGRATULATIONS.
YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, HAVE PLAYED A TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT ROLE
IN PRESERVING THE FLAME OF DEMOCRACY. IT WAS YOU WHO RESTORED
DEMOCRACY TO GREECE IN 1974. MANY WORLD LEADERS HAVE WORKED
WITHIN AN OPERATING DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM. BUT ONLY A GALLANT FEW
HAVE FACED THE CHALLENGE OF REVERSING AUTOCRACY AND RETURNING
-2-
DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES TO GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY. YOU ARE A
BEACON IN THAT SMALL, VERY DISTINGUISHED GROUP. YOUR SUCCESS
IN THIS PROFOUND ENDEAVOR WAS A VICTORY FOR GREECE AND FOR US
ALL.
TWICE PRIME MINISTER OF GREECE, AND NOW TWICE PRESIDENT YOU ARE
AN INSPIRATION NOT ONLY TO YOUR PEOPLE, BUT TO ME AND MANY
OTHERS.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I ASK YOU TO RISE AND JOIN ME IN A TOAST
TO THE HEALTH OF PRESIDENT KARAMANLIS, TO THE ENDURING TIES OF
ALLIANCE AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
HELLENIC REPUBLIC, AND TO THE IDEALS FOR WHICH WHICH WE STAND.
LONG MAY THEY PROSPER.
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SOUDA BAY, CRETE
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS, CAPTAIN AND CREWS OF THE LEMNOS AND
USS
, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:
I CAN'T IMAGINE A MORE GLORIOUS SETTING FOR HONORING THE
SERVICEMEN -- AND WOMEN -- OF GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES THAN
THIS MAGNIFICENT HARBOR. I WAS, AS SOME OF YOU KNOW, A NAVAL
PILOT DURING WWII. IT IS THEREFORE ALWAYS A SPECIAL PLEASURE
FOR ME TO VISIT A U.S. NAVY SHIP. I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE
GREEK NAVY, AND IN PARTICULAR ADMIRAL LAGARAS, FOR MAKING IT
POSSIBLE FOR ME TO PAY MY FIRST VISIT TO A GREEK NAVAL VESSEL.
THE PRESENCE OF THE LEMNOS CALLS TO MIND THE RECENT VICTORY OF
THE COALITION FORCES OVER THE BLATANT AGGRESSION OF SADDAM
HUSSEIN. HOW THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ROSE TO DEFEAT THAT
TYRANT. THIS VESSEL'S PARTICIPATION IN THAT GREAT ENDEAVOR IS
TRIBUTE TO GREECE'S STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS
WHICH INEVITABLY PREVAILED OVER SADDAM. OFFICERS AND CREW OF
THE LEMNOS AND YOUR SISTER SHIP IN THE GULF EFFORT, THE ELLI,
-- I SALUTE YOU.
THE BOW-TO-BOW MOORING OF THESE TWO SHIPS SYMBOLIZES, FOR ME,
THE CLOSENESS OF OUR SECURITY RELATIONS. THE BILATERAL
SECURITY RELATIONSHIP BENEFITS BOTH OUR COUNTRIES. THAT
RELATIONSHIP -- IN CONCRETE TERMS -- IS NOW BASED ON THE
-2-
1990 MUTUAL DEFENSE COOPERATION AGREEMENT. THAT AGREEMENT
PROVIDES FOR USE OF OUR FACILITY AT THIS SPLENDID BAY, AND OF
OUR COMMUNICATIONS STATION AT IRAKLION.
FOR OUR PART, WE HAVE A COMMITMENT TO GREECE TO ASSIST IN
MODERNIZING YOUR MILITARY FORCES. LET ME SAY THAT WE FULLY
INTEND TO ABIDE BY THAT PLEDGE. GREECE'S ABILITY TO DEFEND
ITSELF AND CARRY OUT ITS NATO ROLE ARE IMPORTANT TO US. PART
OF THAT COMMITMENT IS FULFILLED THROUGH PROVISION OF MILITARY
ASSISTANCE. THESE FUNDS HELP YOU PURCHASE U.S. MILITARY
EQUIPMENT. (THE GREEK GOVERNMENT RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT IT
INTENDED TO PURCHASE 20 ADDITIONAL F-16 AIRCRAFT. IT WILL PAY
FOR THOSE AIRCRAFT BY DRAWING ON OUR MILITARY ASSISTANCE
FUNDS. I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER EXAMPLE THAN THIS OF THE
VITALITY OF OUR SECURITY RELATIONSHIP.) THIS, AND OTHER LIKE
SALES, ARE PROOF POSITIVE OF THE DYNAMISM OF OUR BILATERAL
SECURITY TIES.
U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE TAKES SEVERAL FORMS. THE TRANSFER OF
EXCESS DEFENSE ARTICLES HAS BEEN ANOTHER IMPORTANT WAY THAT WE
HAVE TRIED TO ASSIST WITH THE MODERNIZATION OF YOUR MILITARY.
SINCE OUR FISCAL YEAR 1990, WE HAVE TRANSFERRED EXCESS DEFENSE
ARTICLES VALUED AT OVER $81 MILLION FOR USE BY YOUR MILITARY
SERVICES. THIS PROGRAM IS A KEY COMPONENT OF OUR OVERALL
-3-
ASSISTANCE PACKAGE. AND I HAVE SOME NEWS WHICH I THINK GEN.
STATHIAS WILL BE HAPPY TO HEAR. I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT
WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCELERATE THE DELIVERY SOME OF THE 28F-4E
AIRCRAFT YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE UNDER THIS PROGRAM. TEN
WILL NOW BE AVAILBLE ON JULY ?
AS FOR THE NAVY, YOU ALREADY KNEW, OF COURSE, THAT WE WILL BE
LEASING YOU FOUR CHARLES F. ADAMS-CLASS DESTROYERS. WE HAVE
KNOWN FOR SOME TIME OF YOUR STRONG INTEREST IN OBTAINING
FRIGATES. OUR OWN NAVY, ESPECIALLY DURING DESERT STORM, NEEDED
THOSE FRIGATES AND NONE WERE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE. AS AN
EX-NAVY MAN, I TAKE PARTICULAR PRIDE IN INFORMING YOU THAT WE
ARE NOW ABLE TO LEASE YOU THREE KNOX-CLASS FRIGATES. I BELIEVE
ADMIRAL LAGARAS WILL AGREE THAT THESE VESSELS WILL GREATLY
ENHANCE THE GREEK NAVY'S ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE CAPABILITIES.
I KNOW YOU WILL USE THEM WELL IN CARRYING OUT YOUR ALLIANCE
MARITIME ROLE .)
OUR SECURITY TIES ARE STRONG. THEY ARE HEALTHY. AS WE LOOK
TOWARD THE FUTURE, I SEE SECURITY COOPERATION CONTINUING TO
REFLECT THE CLOSENESS OF RECENT YEARS. I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT
THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SHARES THIS VIEW. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE
WILL CONTINUE TO PROGRESS ON THE BASIS OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND
UNDERSTANDING.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ON
THE ACROPOLIS
I WISH THAT EVERYONE COULD VISIT THIS ANCIENT PLACE BY GREECE'S
FABLED MORNING LIGHT. CENTURIES AFTER ITS CONSTRUCTION, THE
PARTHENON REMAINS THE UNIVERSALLY-RECOGNIZED SYMBOL OF ONE OF
THE PROUDEST PERIODS IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION.
ATHENS WILL CELEBRATE THIS AUTUMN THE TWO THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ITS DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS. THIS WILL BE AN HISTORIC OCCASION FOR THE
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE TODAY WHO ENJOY THE RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES
GUARANTEED BY DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.
ARISTOTLE, IN HIS POLITICS, WROTE, "DEMOCRACY AROSE FROM MEN'S
THINKING THAT IF THEY ARE EQUAL IN ANY RESPECT, THEY ARE EQUAL
ABSOLUTELY." THE INFLUENCE OF GREECE'S ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS ON
THE GREAT THINKERS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT DIRECTLY AFFECTED THE
BELIEFS OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS. OUR CONSTITUTION RESTS ON THE
FOUNDATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES FIRST ESTABLISHED HERE.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, GREAT POPULIST AND THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES WROTE, "IT IS AN AXIOM IN MY MIND THAT OUR
LIBERTY CAN NEVER BE SAFE BUT IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE
THEMSELVES." LET US CHERISH OUR RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES. AND MAY
DEMOCRACY PROSPER HERE IN ITS FIRST HOME -- AND AROUND THE
GLOBE.