Confirmation Hearing Statement of George L. Argyros, Ambassador to Spain and Andorra
10/31/01
Mr. Chairman, I am honored to appear before the distinguished
members of this committee as the President’s nominee to be the United
States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. I am grateful for the confidence
and trust of the President in nominating me for this important assignment.
I would like to introduce my wife, Judie, who has
been my partner for 39 years of marriage and has played an essential part
in my success.
Mr. Chairman, relations between the United States
and Spain are stronger than ever. President Bush's decision to begin his
first trip to Europe in Madrid underscored the importance of the
relationship. We continue to see evidence of this in President Aznar’s
pledge of all possible support for our effort to fight terrorism,
including "Operation Enduring Freedom."
In addition to our excellent defense relationship,
we consult closely with Spain in many areas including, counter terrorism,
global trouble spots, nonproliferation, narcotics, trade and economic
issues and in a variety of defense-related fields.
As a Californian, I am keenly aware of the
contributions of Spain to the cultural heritage of our country, as well as
Spain’s strong interest in the Western Hemisphere. Spain and the U.S.
have much in common.
I have personally devoted a great deal time and
effort in support of higher education. I serve on the Board of Trustees at
Caltech, and for the past 26 years I have served as Chairman of the Board
of Trustees at Chapman University Board. If confirmed, I will seek every
opportunity to enhance our already rich relationship with Spain in the
fields of culture and education. I will also work closely with the
U.S.-Spain Council which has benefited from the leadership of Senator
Dodd, and before him Senator Graham, and which will have its next meeting
in the U.S. early next year.
After their June meeting, President Bush and
President Aznar issued a joint statement that reconfirmed our close and
multi-faceted relationship. If confirmed, I would work to further this
shared agenda. Spain will assume the six-month rotating EU presidency in
January 2002. During the Spanish Presidency and beyond, I will work to
enhance strong transatlantic political, security and economic ties. As
Ambassador, I will do my utmost to promote American commercial interests
and work to expand our market opportunities in Spain.
If confirmed, I will also become the second U.S.
Ambassador to be accredited to the Principality of Andorra. Building on
the efforts of my predecessor, I will work with the Andorran government to
forge a closer relationship.
Mr. Chairman, I want to express how much America
means to me and my family. All four of my grandparents emigrated from
Greece approximately 100 years ago. They arrived at Ellis Island with very
little except the hope of becoming U.S. citizens and providing a future
for their children. The American Dream became a reality for my family.
I have had a wide and versatile business career that
started at age 14 when I began working in a supermarket, then progressed
to working full-time supporting myself while attending college, and on to
founding and building companies. If given the opportunity to represent my
country, I will bring to this position my ability to work with and empower
people to get things done. I will also place my highest priority on the
safety and protection of U.S. citizens – both private and official –
in Spain.
I am deeply honored by the President’s nomination,
and if confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to continuing to work
closely with this Committee and others in Congress at this critical time
in the history of our nation and the world.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the Committee.
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