For Immediate Release
September 29, 2003

Global Message

From remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Armitage at the Eisenhower National Security Conference, 9/26/03

The United States offers the world a flexible model of representative government -- one which thrives on free minds and free markets. It is a model based on values that everyone in the world wants, and not enough people have.

Millions of people around the world aspire to these values in spite of their own governments -- so it is not surprising that some governments try to distract attention with convenient anti-Americanism.

President Bush's national security strategy is based on the basic desire to live free.

The goal is to prevail against terrorists -- whether they are freelancing or holding a state hostage -- and to promote and support the development of democratic institutions across the Middle East and around the world.

It is in the world's interest to see a strong America that succeeds, just as it is in the world's interest to see success in Iraq. A victory for terror, chaos and tyranny would be an unacceptable failure.

It is in America's interest to stand together with our partners and with the United Nations to help Iraq and -- in doing so -- ourselves.