Posted on 05/05/2009 1:10:04 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief press availability with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the top of their meeting in the Capitol this afternoon. Below are their remarks:
Speaker Pelosi. It is a very special day indeed. The Speaker of the House has the privilege of welcoming the President of Israel to the Capitol of the United States.
President Peres is a hero to many of us. He is a great visionary and has been recognized by the world as such. The President is a tremendous leader, a fighter for peace, a Nobel laureate recognized for his vision, his intellect, and his strategic thinking for peace.
He is a personal friend to many of us here -- a hero to all who know of him. And again, the personification of a strong bond between the United States and Israel.
Today, I look forward to hearing from him about the state of affairs of the Middle East. He's always been a tremendous intellectual resource to us.
Last year, I had the privilege of leading the delegation -- as part of the 60th Anniversary of the birthday of the state of Israel. We were welcomed to the President's home and we shared our views, intellectually and emotionally, about the commitment of America to Israel.
The pride we take, that President Truman, in a matter of minutes, recognized the state of Israel. Just a matter of days ago, we recognized the 61st anniversary and now we are pleased to, again, welcome the President to the Capitol to hear how we go forward and give peace and security for Israel in the Middle East.
Welcome, Mr. President.
President Peres. Thank you very much. I am coming, to see the leader of the House, Madam Speaker, with a heart full of thanks.
I cannot see a much more reliable cousin, a greater friend, a pride to the United States and Israel, which is so eloquently represented by her. We listen to every word she has to say, because every word she says is commitment; it is not niceties.
For us, it is the greatest asset, the greatest consideration, the United States of America and I think Nancy represents it in the best possible way. We are friends, we are struggling for the same purpose: for peace all over the world against poverty, against discrimination, for a world that will be free and open for all.
I must say, I have your remarks on Independence Day in my mind; they were profoundly moving. There is something I want to say privately. Nancy saw the family of Gilad Shalit in her office. She received them as a mother. They were so moved.
Speaker Pelosi. They were just here a few days ago. His father.
President Shimon. Yes, his father was. And you are our friend, so we want to thank you very much. Thank you.
The Speaker of the House has the privilege of welcoming the President of Israel to the Capitol of the United States. President Peres is a hero to many of us. He is a great visionary and has been recognized by the world as such. The President is a tremendous leader, a fighter for peace, a Nobel laureate recognized for his vision, his intellect, and his strategic thinking for peace.Rope a dope.
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