September 26th, 2001

U.S. AMBASSADOR MICHAEL GUEST'S
FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE FOR ROMANIAN JOURNALISTS
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OPENING STATEMENT

"First, let me say how pleased and honored I am to have been appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania. I've received a very warm welcome from the Government and people of Romania. I appreciate very much President Iliescu agreeing to receive me so quickly after my arrival. I have had constructive talks with him, with Prime Minister Nastase, and with Foreign Minister Geoana, and last night met a number of American business members in the Bucharest community. I hope to have the opportunity soon to travel and to meet with Romanian citizens all across this wonderful country.

I'd like to express particular appreciation for many expressions of sympathy I have received from Romanians about the tragic events of September 11. Many of you have offered your condolences personally to me; other have left flowers and signed the condolence book at the Embassy; still others have written to officials in Washington some very moving letters, many of which I've had the chance to read. These messages speak of the strong ties that underscore the excellent relations between our countries and our peoples.

I also appreciate the strong stance that the Government of Romania has taken against terrorism, and its offer to be of assistance as the United States considers how to respond to the attacks on the Pentagon and Word Trade Center. These attacks were in some measure attacks against symbols of America. But in a larger way, they were attacks against all of us - against our daily lives, against our civilization, as we have known it. We look forward to working with all concerned governments and institutions as we seek to put a stop to this terrible evil.

Romania is such a wonderful country, and the United States has long enjoyed positive relations with its Government and its people. My goal, during my time in this country, is to build on our relations in order to make our partnership even stronger.

One of the most important issues in our bilateral relationship is Romania's interest in joining the NATO alliance. Clearly, this is a high priority issue for Romania. As many of you know, much of my career has been devoted to NATO issues, and I believe strongly that the Alliance should be enlarged to include other countries that share our Western beliefs and values and that can contribute to our common security. Already Romania has shown, in response to the events of September 11, that it shares our abhorrence of terrorism and is willing to act like an ally in defending against future such threats. And already the Government of Romania is working to reform its military, and to participate proudly in peacekeeping activities in the region. I look forward to working with the Government as it accelerates its preparations for possible NATO membership in the coming months.

There are other priorities that I also intend to address. The new Government has taken some impressive decisions to move forward with privatizing some state-owned concerns that have sapped the economy and made it harder to carry forward with economic reform. But further reform is needed if Romania is to grow the economy and ensure the prosperity of its citizens. My government can offer advice and assistance in this area.

I also will devote attention to how we can work together to strengthen the rule of law - an important issue that no doubt will be discussed as NATO leaders took toward a decision next year on what countries share our value system and should be invited to join the Alliance. Romania needs to tackle its corruption problem, increase transparency in business dealings, and reduce the red tape that not only fosters corruption but makes life for ordinary citizens so much more difficult than it should be. I also want to work with Romania and with the Southeastern Europe Cooperative Initiative to strengthen the fight against human trafficking. In all of these areas I will offer America's assistance as a helping partner and friend.

Again, I'm very happy to be in Romania and look forward to working vigorously with you to build ever stronger relations between our governments and peoples."