April 29, 2008
PRESIDENT BUSH: I have just had a very constructive and important dialogue
with the United Nations Envoy to Afghanistan. Mr. Ambassador, thank you so very
much for coming to the Oval Office, and thank you so much for serving the cause
of peace.
You've been given a very difficult job, which is to help coordinate world --
the world's efforts to help this young democracy succeed, and I want to assure
you that the United States government and I personally support you in everything
you're going to do.
We've supported this -- the creation of this position. We supported your
nomination because you're a man of action, a man of determination, and a man
willing to sacrifice to help the Karzai government, but more importantly, help
the people of Afghanistan realize the blessings of liberty.
The Afghan theater in this war against the extremists is a vital part of
making sure that peace prevails. And no question there's challenges. As I told
the Ambassador, if this were easy we wouldn't have selected a man of his caliber
to -- or the U.N. wouldn't have selected a man of his caliber to take on the
task.
And so I appreciate your time. This is our first meeting, and I hope that --
I know it won't be the last. He's given me good advice. He's given me a picture
with -- on how the United States government can help him accomplish his
missions, and we're more than willing to help.
And so I welcome you to the Oval Office, and thank you for your great
service.
AMBASSADOR EIDE: Thank you very much, Mr. President. For me, it's been an
honor to be here, and also to feel the support and confidence that you have
shown me as I now take on this very difficult assignment. And that support is
very important to me. And then -- I have the confidence of the international
community, and also the confidence of the Afghan government and the President of
Afghanistan, which I feel very strongly of my first few weeks, that's -- those
are important tools for me in order to perform my duties effectively.
We also discussed one important event that lies ahead of us, which is the
Paris Conference on the 12th of June, and the importance of doing everything we
can to mobilize support, mobilize donors, and also see to it that our efforts
are as coordinated and as effective as they possibly can.
So thank you very much, Mr. President, for this occasion, and for the support
you give me.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir. Glad you're here.
END 1:50 P.M. EDT
