[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 9 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Pages 322-323]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Situation in Colombia

March 4, 2008

    This morning I spoke to President Uribe of Colombia. He updated me 
on the situation

[[Page 323]]

in his country, including the continuing assault by narcoterrorists as 
well as the provocative maneuvers by the regime in Venezuela.

    I told the President that America fully supports Colombia's 
democracy and that we firmly oppose any acts of aggression that could 
destabilize the region. I told him that America will continue to stand 
with Colombia as it confronts violence and terror and fights drug 
traffickers.

    President Uribe told me that one of the most important ways America 
can demonstrate its support for Colombia is by moving forward with a 
free trade agreement that we negotiated. The free trade agreement will 
show the Colombian people that democracy and free enterprise lead to a 
better life. It will help President Uribe counter the radical vision of 
those who are seeking to undermine democracy and create divisions within 
our hemisphere.

    Our country's message to President Uribe and the people of Colombia 
is that we stand with our democratic ally. My message to the United 
States Congress is that this trade agreement is more than a matter of 
smart economics; it is a matter of national security. If we fail to 
approve this agreement, we will let down our close ally, we will damage 
our credibility in the region, and we will embolden the demagogues in 
our hemisphere.

    The President told me that the people across the region are watching 
to see what the United States will do. So Republicans and Democrats in 
Congress need to come together and approve this agreement. By acting at 
this critical moment, we can show the Colombian people and millions 
across the region that they can count on America to keep its word and 
that freedom is the surest path to prosperity and peace.

    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 1:05 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.