Spain Stands With United States Against Terror

American Forces Press Service ^ | Feb. 4, 2004 | By Jim Garamone

[Calpernia]

Spain stands with the United States in the fight against terrorism, Spanish President Jose Maria Aznar told a joint session of Congress today.

Spain has a brigade and a headquarters serving with the Multinational Division Central/South based in Hillah, Iraq. A number of Spanish soldiers have been killed or wounded in the country.

Aznar, speaking through a translator, said Spain understands "that we have to face risks and shoulder commitments -- commitments that must be met."

He said Spain wants to occupy a position in the first line in defense of democracy and the rule of law alongside friends and allies. "We share with you values and principles," he said. "And let me say that our commitment to freedom is unwavering."

Aznar used the opportunity to pay tribute to the American people "for the indispensable role that they have played in the fight for democracy and freedom."

Aznar told Congress that the Atlantic relationship is key to worldwide stability. "The Atlantic relationship strengthens Europeans and Americans alike, and it makes the world a safer and freer place," he said.

He said European integration must be carried forward, but always with an eye to transatlantic ties. "As a European, let me say that I have no wish whatsoever for an alternative to the transatlantic relationship," the Spanish president said.

"I want no alternative to the Atlantic relationship. Wanting a strong European Union, as Spain does, and being at the vanguard of Europe, as Spain is, doesn't entail working to be a counter power to the United States. It means working toward an Atlantic-minded Europe."

Aznar said that when terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, they were challenging the core values of humanity: freedom, moral decency, compassion and respect for the lives of others. "Immediately after the attacks, Spain expressed its active solidarity and its commitment to the government and the people of the United States," he said. "Allow me here, in this chamber, to reiterate that solemn commitment today."

Aznar said both countries would both like to see the U.N. Counterterrorism Committee play a real and effective role. "We would like to see a world list of terrorist organizations drawn up and approved," he said. "We also feel it important to ensure that the voice of the victims of terrorism is listened to permanently."

He said the fight against terrorism continues in Afghanistan and Iraq. "In Iraq, terrorists are trying to prevent the Iraqi people from taking their own destiny in hand," Aznar said. "We refused to countenance the repeated violations of international law by Saddam Hussein's tyranny."

Aznar pointed out the fight against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is crucial to a more stable world. "Recent progress in the fight against the proliferation of these weapons would not have been possible had it not been for the firm stance that we have taken," he said.

"Proliferation poses a very real threat to everyone's security," he continued. "Faced with the risk that these weapons might be used by terrorist groups, we cannot stand by and do nothing. In addressing this challenge, we have to act together and with resolve."

[Calpernia]

Pro Military, Pro Coalition News

Spain stands with the United States in the fight against terrorism, Spanish President Jose Maria Aznar told a joint session of Congress today.

Aznar, speaking through a translator, said Spain understands "that we have to face risks and shoulder commitments -- commitments that must be met."

Private Mail to be added to or removed from the GNFI (or Pro-Coalition) ping list.

[SAMWolf]

It's really interesting to see who our Allies are in the War on Terror

[livius]

Yes! At least some countries seem to understand what this is all about.

[Bedford Forrest]

The Spanish, after all, have had some experience with the joys of life under the rule of Islamo Fascist sand goblins, almost 800 years worth, in fact. Interestingly, Charles Martel kept the sand goblins from occupying France, which may explain why the French don't think they have a problem just now. That is, they repelled the invaders then so they can do it now, right? We shall see, and sooner rather than later.

[MaverickCoast]

God bless Spain!

Mav

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 

 Spanish allied ping!

 

 

Our MULTI-National Coalition Allies

[blackie]

Spain Stands With United States Against Terror ~ Bump!

[WestTexasWend]

Bet this confused the Dems...after all, we're supposed to be in this alone.
I sent Christmas cards to some of our Allied leaders, saying thanks and extending sympathy for the troops they've lost, and I received a hand-written note from Asnar. Can't read it but I was flattered to get a reponse.
(My daughter hopes it's inviting us to visit over Spring Break ;)

[serurier]

Bless Spain army and soldier , they will fight for freedom !

[Arpege92]

"...and I received a hand-written note from Asnar. Can't read it but I was flattered to get a response."

If I had received a hand-written note from Asnar, I'd be flattered as well.

[WestTexasWend]

Today I got a hand-written note from Berlusconi! The first word is "thanks" and the end is "from the heart" or "heartfelt"...the middle is a mystery. ;)

Good that these leaders take note of support from average Americans. Too bad they don't get more of it from their own people!

[David1]

If you like I can translate it for you.

[WestTexasWend]

Problem is the handwriting...most of the script is very hard to decipher and nothing I "guessed" into the online translators scored a hit. I did make out "Feliz navidad" and a reference to the new year, but a couple of words look like shorthand! I don't have a scanner or I'd try to post it. Thanks for your kind offer, though!

[Lady In Blue]

VIVA ESPANA! After the United States, Spain is absolutely my favorite country-always has been! Thank you,Spain!

[AmericanVictory]

What nation bore the brunt, and broke the Turkish power at Lepanto?

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[windchime]

Bump!

[radu]

"Proliferation poses a very real threat to everyone's security," he continued. "Faced with the risk that these weapons might be used by terrorist groups, we cannot stand by and do nothing. In addressing this challenge, we have to act together and with resolve."

Exactly!!

Thank you, President Jose Maria Aznar!