Remarks by Ambassador Aguirre on U.S. Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 2008
U.S. Embassy Madrid, Spain
Howdy!! Welcome to the residence of the U.S. Ambassador.
We are excited to have friends from Texas with us. A very special welcome to
Drayton and Elizabeth McLane, who own the Houston Astros Baseball team; also to
Chairman Rex Tillerson, his wife
Renda, and his associates from Exxon–Mobil.
As in past years, as a courtesy to our many Spanish friends who do not speak
English, I will make my main remarks in Spanish. There are English translations
available.
Good evening.
My wife Tere and the rest of our Embassy team, join me in extending a warm
welcome to everyone; especially to our fellow Americans, to my fellow
Ambassadors and colleagues in the diplomatic corps.
I particularly appreciate the presence of Minister Carme Chacón, Spanish
Minister of Defense Minister Elena Salgado, Spanish Public Administration
Bernardino León Gross, General Secretary to the President Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón,
Mayor of Madrid.
Also, I extend greetings to the officers of the Spanish Armed Forces, Security
Forces, the Civil Guard and the Police, who honor us with their presence. A
special welcome to my friends, the distinguished Chief of Defense State (JEMAD),
General Sanz Roldán, the AJEMA Admiral Zaragoza, and the JEMA General Garcia de
la Vega.
Thank you all for joining us this evening to celebrate the 232nd anniversary of
the Independence of the United States of America.
I would like to take a moment to recognize our sponsors who have generously
donated monies or their delicious products to make this a successful event.
Thank you also to the Banda y Música del Mando Aéreo General del Ejército del
Aire and Marianne McBell group for their contribution to the Western atmosphere.
Marianne thank you for a beautiful interpretation of the U.S. National Anthem.
Finally, a special thanks to these outstanding Marines of the United States and
Spain, for that inspirational ceremony in honor of our nations’ flags.
Our country pays a special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces,
both past and present, for defending the values that America hold so dear.
This is my fourth U.S. Independence Day Celebration in Madrid. It will be my
last as the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.
My personal commitment to the nation and the President will be fulfilled when
President Bush departs from office in January 2009.
Tere and I are honored to serve our valued friend President George W. Bush as
his personal representatives in Spain and Andorra. For over 7 years, he has
given me the honor to serve in 3 senior executive level positions in his
Administration.
Speaking of Presidential appointments; congratulation to Hugo Llorens for being
an exceptional DCM. We wish him and Lisett every success as the next U.S.
Ambassadors to Honduras.
Today, once again, we celebrate the birth of a democratic nation; my United
States of America. We remember the ideals of our Declaration of Independence
which have guided us to be one of the oldest functioning democracies in the
world.
Our founding fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor
in signing the Declaration of Independence. They proclaimed liberty as the
natural right for all mankind. Those freedoms take the form of our democratic
process, and are celebrated each time we hold an election as prescribed by our
Constitution. Choices in leadership are a natural and healthy part of democracy.
Four months ago, Spanish voters re-elected President Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero. He will lead the government for up to four more years.
In four months, the people of the United States will vote for a new president
and vice president, along with over twenty governors, one-third of the members
of the Senate, and all members of the House of Representatives.
The new tenant of the White House will be one of two remarkable people who will
bring new ideas and new priorities. After his cabinet is in place, the
President’s staff will fill over 500 key executive positions, plus all
politically named ambassadors,
including my successor as ambassador to Spain.
The lengthy process of selection and Senate confirmation means that it will take
months before the next U.S. ambassador arrives in Spain. This is the normal
process. In the meanwhile, Arnold Chacon, the new Deputy Chief of Mission will
run the Embassy as the Charge d’Affaires. He has been carefully chosen, and will
do a fine job.
These two dates, March 9 and November 4, are milestones that will guide the
future path of our bilateral relationship.
At this point, let’s briefly recall the past 3 years. When President Bush asked
me to serve as his ambassador to Spain in Madrid, he gave me instructions to
move forward, and to normalize the U.S. relationship with Spain, despite some
ill feelings between our respective Administrations.
My strategy was to focus our mutual attention on the many issues of shared
interest; and, to set aside our differences, so that we could address them
independently.
Back in those days, my good friend Minister Moratinos and I, under instructions
from our respective Presidents, focused our attention
on the many years of friendship and the strong trans-Atlantic alliance between
our countries.
Furthermore, we recognized our vigorous cooperation on areas like counter-terrorism,
the fight against narcotics trafficking, support for democracy and human rights
around the world, and a commitment to open and liberal trade.
That was 3 years ago! A lifetime in diplomacy!
Since then, the entire Spanish government hasbeen our partner. We have overcome
past disagreements, and constructed a strong relationship. We now cooperate
fully on most matters of strategic importance.
President Bush will continue to represent all Americans - Democrats, Republicans
and Independents - until he transfers power to the newly elected President.
Occasionally I hear disparaging comments regarding President Bush and his
Administration. That pains me. It would be counterproductive to allow reckless
and gratuitous rhetoric to erode our good will, and setback some of the ground
gained.
On January 20, 2009, the 44th president of the U.S. will take his oath of
office.
The new U.S. Administration will spend some time settling in and learning their
complex portfolios. My successor will arrive in Madrid well prepared. However,
during the first half of 2009, I expect that the heavy lifting during the
“get-reacquainted” phase will take place in Washington, D.C. by the Spanish
Ambassador to the U.S.
This period will offer an opportunity for the Spanish Government to communicate
its goals and priorities to the new U.S. government officials.
No one can tell what issues will arise in the coming years.
But I can predict with some confidence that they will be similar to the ones we
face today.
Opinion surveys show that Americans and Spaniards share the same concerns:
- We want to stop terrorism,
- We want jobs and economic growth,
- We want a safe environment, and
- We want a better and more peaceful future for our children.
So, we will continue to discuss the economy, cooperate on counter-terrorism and
international security. We will continue to fight against narcotics trafficking,
and find ways to make the world a safer place. In short, we will continue to
promote democracy, security, commerce, and open markets.
I am an optimist. I see a great opportunity for the U.S. Government and the
Spanish Government to continue our excellent dialogue together, promoting our
shared values and interests.
We might disagree on some issues. But in the end, the best policies are those
that arise from our “enlightened self-interests.”
The most important thing to remember… is that our bilateral relationship is a
multifaceted, productive and mature one…based on the best interests of both
countries.
Next year, as I begin my new private life in Houston, I will be cheering the new
players from the sidelines. I wish the new Ambassadors, in Washington and
Madrid, every success.
Before departing in January, Tere and I will personally visit with most of you.
Again, and again, we will thank you individually, and Spain in general, for
giving us your friendship, and allowing us to represent our nation in your great
country. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your making us feel at home.
¡Que Viva España!
And
God Bless America!
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