Presidential Visit
On
March 11th, United States President Bush and First Lady
Laura Bush arrived in Guatemala on Air Force One, accompanied
by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, National Security
Advisor Stephen Hadley, and Chief of Staff Joshua Bolton.
The purpose of the trip, in President Bush’s own
words was: “My trip is an opportunity to remind
the folks in our neighborhood that the United States
has a robust policy toward empowering individuals to
realize their full potential….. I'm really looking
forward to going down and visiting with the respective
leaders with whom I'll be meeting. These are men I respect.
These are people whose opinions matter.”
Early
on the morning of March 12th, President Bush, Guatemala
President Berger, First Lady Laura Bush and First Lady
Wendy de Berger, Secretary Rice and other dignitaries
traveled to three sites in the state of Chimaltenango
in the Guatemalan highlands. They then returned to Guatemala
City where the two presidents held a press conference
followed by the Rose Ceremony and a state dinner at
the National Palace of Culture.
When
President Bush visited the Labradores Mayas vegetable
packing plant he addressed Mr. Mariano Canú and
said: “Mrs. Bush and I have been looking forward
to meeting you, because you represent people who dream,
people who work hard, and people who make wonderful
products. And there's two things I want to share: one,
that USAID, which is funded through the generosity of
the American people, is helping people like you all
throughout the region to realize your dreams. Because
we believe in the dignity of every person. We want people
to realize their God-given potential. You have proven
that if given a chance, you and hundreds of others can
succeed, and that's what we want. Secondly, free trade
is important for a lot of people. It's important for
our country, it's a gateway. It creates jobs in America
just like it creates jobs here. And so we thank you
for your wonderful hospitality. We loved being with
your families. Gracias. Que Dios les bendiga.”
Please peruse the following links for further information
on the Presidential visit. The White House and U.S.
Embassy in Guatemala Websites are also good sources
of information:
www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/latinamerica/
www.guatemala.usembassy.gov/
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