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CNN Live Event/Special
President Bush, Irish Prime Minister Hold Press Conference
Aired March 13, 2003 - 09:51 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The president made comments some regarding the situation with Iraq a short time ago. You're going to see videotape in a moment from the White House, a meeting there with the Irish prime minister, Bernie Ahern. The topic of Iraq, as it always does, was brought up at the white house.
We'll listen to this videotape a short time ago.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you very much, Taoiseach, and welcome back to the White House. Laura and I are honored you came and really glad you're here.
On behalf of the American people, I thank you for the bowl of shamrocks and the good fortune they promise. This annual gift symbolizes the deep and enduring friendship between our two countries. The strong ties between Ireland and the United States reach back centuries. These strong ties have been affirmed at critical moments in our country's history.
It is said that during the Revolutionary War an Irish-American woman, Leddy Darrar (ph), provided valuable intelligence to George Washington's troops, helping prevent a planned British offensive. During the Civil War the famed Irish brigade fought valiantly on the Union side in terrible battles, some not far from where we stand. And throughout America's history we have benefited from the industry and the talents and the ideals of millions of Ireland's sons and daughters.
Today our two countries share a deep commitment to building a world of peace and security and prosperity and freedom. We have stood together in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, in Bosnia, and beyond to stop aggression and to alleviate suffering. Ireland is a valued member of the coalition against global terror, and we thank you, sir.
The American people appreciate Ireland's work on the U.N. Security Council to help secure passage of Resolution 1441. That resolution demanded that Iraq disarm itself of all weapons of mass destruction. We appreciate Ireland's support for ensuring that the just demands of the world are enforced. The responsibilities of freedom are not always easy to bear, but Ireland and America are joined by a common commitment to freedom's defense against tyranny and terror.
Our two countries also stand together in another cause; working to achieve lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Recent years have seen historic progress thanks to the tireless efforts of Prime Ministers Ahern and Blair and many other people who long for peace. Now our parties can and must build on this progress so that the people of Northern Ireland can replace old resentments with new cooperation and new hope. America has long supported this vital work, and today that support endures and continues. We will help where we can.
St. Patrick's Day reminds us of the close ties of family and friendship between our countries, but every day of the year America's proud to call Ireland a friend.
Taoiseach, may good fortune be yours. May your joys never end. May good luck be with you wherever you go and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
Welcome.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: A statement of support and unity between the Irish prime minister, Bernie Ahern, and the president right there. Clearly, the topic, war on terror and Iraq, laced throughout that entire statement right there.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Conference>
Aired March 13, 2003 - 09:51 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The president made comments some regarding the situation with Iraq a short time ago. You're going to see videotape in a moment from the White House, a meeting there with the Irish prime minister, Bernie Ahern. The topic of Iraq, as it always does, was brought up at the white house.
We'll listen to this videotape a short time ago.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you very much, Taoiseach, and welcome back to the White House. Laura and I are honored you came and really glad you're here.
On behalf of the American people, I thank you for the bowl of shamrocks and the good fortune they promise. This annual gift symbolizes the deep and enduring friendship between our two countries. The strong ties between Ireland and the United States reach back centuries. These strong ties have been affirmed at critical moments in our country's history.
It is said that during the Revolutionary War an Irish-American woman, Leddy Darrar (ph), provided valuable intelligence to George Washington's troops, helping prevent a planned British offensive. During the Civil War the famed Irish brigade fought valiantly on the Union side in terrible battles, some not far from where we stand. And throughout America's history we have benefited from the industry and the talents and the ideals of millions of Ireland's sons and daughters.
Today our two countries share a deep commitment to building a world of peace and security and prosperity and freedom. We have stood together in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, in Bosnia, and beyond to stop aggression and to alleviate suffering. Ireland is a valued member of the coalition against global terror, and we thank you, sir.
The American people appreciate Ireland's work on the U.N. Security Council to help secure passage of Resolution 1441. That resolution demanded that Iraq disarm itself of all weapons of mass destruction. We appreciate Ireland's support for ensuring that the just demands of the world are enforced. The responsibilities of freedom are not always easy to bear, but Ireland and America are joined by a common commitment to freedom's defense against tyranny and terror.
Our two countries also stand together in another cause; working to achieve lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Recent years have seen historic progress thanks to the tireless efforts of Prime Ministers Ahern and Blair and many other people who long for peace. Now our parties can and must build on this progress so that the people of Northern Ireland can replace old resentments with new cooperation and new hope. America has long supported this vital work, and today that support endures and continues. We will help where we can.
St. Patrick's Day reminds us of the close ties of family and friendship between our countries, but every day of the year America's proud to call Ireland a friend.
Taoiseach, may good fortune be yours. May your joys never end. May good luck be with you wherever you go and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
Welcome.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: A statement of support and unity between the Irish prime minister, Bernie Ahern, and the president right there. Clearly, the topic, war on terror and Iraq, laced throughout that entire statement right there.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Conference>
