(21 Feb 2005)
1. Various of United States President George W. Bush and Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt approaching podium
2. Bush and Verhofstadt shake hands
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President:
"The alliance of Europe and North America is the main pillar of our security. Our robust trade is one of the engines of the world economy. Our example of economic and political freedom gives hope to millions who are weary of poverty and oppression. In all these ways, our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us."
4. Cutaway of room
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"Our shared commitment to the democratic progress is being tested in Lebanon. A once thriving country that now suffers under the influence of an oppressive neighbour. Just as the Syrian regime must take stronger action to stop those who support violence and subversion in Iraq and must end its support of terrorist group seeking to destroy the hope of peace between Israelis and Palestinians, Syria must also end its occupation of Lebanon."
6. Cutaway of room
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"Our greatest opportunity, and our immediate goal, is peace in the Middle East. After many false starts, and dashed hopes, and stolen lives a settlement of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is now within reach."
8. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice listening to speech
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"We seek peace between Israel and Palestine for its own sake. We also know that a free and peaceful Palestine can add to the momentum of reform throughout the broader Middle East."
10. Cutaway of Bush profile during speech, audience applauds
11. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"(In the) coming months, Iraq''s newly-elected assembly will carry out the important work of establishing a government, providing security, enhancing basic services and writing a democratic constitution. Now is the time for established democracies to give tangible political, economic and security assistance to the world''s newest democracy. In Iran, the free world shares a common goal. For the sake of peace, the Iranian regime must end its support for terrorism and must not develop nuclear weapons."
12. Verhofstadt applauding
13. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"In safeguarding the security of free nations, no option can be taken permanently off the table. Iran is however different from Iraq. We''re in the early stages of diplomacy. The United States is a member of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association) Board of Governors which has taken the lead on this issue. We''re working closely with Britain, France and Germany as they oppose Iran''s nuclear ambitions, and as they insist that Tehran comply with international law. The results of this approach now depend, largely, on Iran."
14. Cutaway of room
15. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush , US President:
"Status quo of tyranny and hopelessness in the Middle East, the false stability of dictatorship and stagnation can only lead to deeper resentment in a troubled region and further tragedy in free nations."
16. Standing ovation, Bush leaves stage
STORYLINE:
U.S. President George W. Bush, on a visit to Europe on Monday, hailed transatlantic ties and said Middle East peace was an immediate goal.
The US president also issued a strong warning to Syria, which he said "must end" its three-decade occupation of Lebanon.
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