布什总统向哥伦比亚独立日表示祝贺(2008-07-22)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Siéntese. Gracias. Buenos dias. Bienvenidos a la Casa Blanca. (Applause.) I am pleased to welcome you to the gathering¹ of the 198th anniversary of Colombias independence, which was celebrated² last Sunday in grand style. Colombia and the United States have a long history of close ties. As many of you may know, Colombia supports [sic] Americas primary source of energy -- a resource that many Americans use, and we thank you for your coffee. (Laughter.)

 Im proud that the Secretary of Agriculture is with us, Eddie Schafer, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Chief of Staff Bolten, Director John Walters, the Office of Drug -- of National Drug Control Policy; other members of my administration who are concerned about making sure our relationship with Colombia is strong and vibrant³.

I appreciate very much the members of the Congress who have come today: Dreier, Herger, Diaz-Balart. Thank you all for coming. Thank you for showing your solidarity⁴ with the people of Colombia.

I appreciate very much the Embajadora de Colombia. Ambassador Barco, thanks for coming. Carolina Rentería is with us, of the cabinet, the Presidents cabinet. Welcome. Hector Morales, the Ambassador of the United States to the Organization of American States. Camilo Ospina, Ambassador of Colombia to the Organization of American States. Luis Moreno, proud Colombian citizen, President of the Inter-Amercian Development Bank -- hola, Luis. Representatives of LULAC, I am so proud of the resolution you recently passed, thank you for your -- (applause.)

And after this brief discurso, Ill be welcoming Jorge Celedón y Jimmy Zambrano to entertain us with some songs.

Before we do, though, I want to -- got some comments Id like to make.

The anniversary of Colombias independence falls only a couple weeks after Americas Independence Day celebration. And thats appropriate, because our two nations have much in common. Like the United States, Colombia gained its independence when a band of patriots⁵ rallied together against a distant monarchy⁶. Like the United States, Colombia was unified⁷ in its earliest days by a daring general who became the countrys first President. And like the United States, Colombia built a new government around the rule of law and the notion that liberty was an unalienable right.

Our countries have shared a strong bond from the very beginning. In 1822, President James Monroe was one of the first heads of state to recognize Colombias independence. And that same year, America became one of the first countries to establish a new diplomatic mission with that republic. From those strong foundations we built a lasting⁸ friendship on a mutual⁹ respect for liberty and a commitment to a more peaceful world.

This friendship has endured through good times and bad. Less than a decade ago, it looked as if peace and freedom were on retreat in Colombia. The country was in the grip of drug cartels and kidnappers¹⁰. The Marxist terrorist network known as the FARC threatened to overthrow¹¹ the democratically elected government. These were tough times for our friend. Our two nations launched an ambitious program that helped rescue Colombia from the brink¹² of becoming a failed state.

 Plan Colombia, which started under my predecessor¹³, made it clear that the United States would support the Colombian governments efforts to modernize¹⁴ its military, to fight terrorists and drug kingpins, to expand educational opportunities, and provide Colombians with alternatives to a life of terror and narco-trafficking. The Colombian government has taken the lead on this bold plan, and the United States has been proud to help. And today, Plan Colombia is working. (Applause.)

One of the main reasons for Plan Colombias success is the courage of Colombias President, President Uribe. (Applause.) President Uribe has taken bold stands to defend our shared democratic values. He has been a strong and capable partner in fighting drugs and crime and terror. Hes demonstrated that he is deeply committed to providing a better future for the people of his country.

Since President Uribe took office, the Colombian government reports that homicides have dropped by 40 percent, kidnappings have dropped by more than 80 percent, terrorist attacks have dropped by more than 70 percent. Reforms to Colombias criminal justice system have dramatically increased conviction rates. And last year, Colombias economy saw its largest growth in nearly three decades. These are impressive achievements -- and theyre a testament¹⁵ to the determination of the Colombian people and their outstanding President.

Earlier this month, President Uribes administration scored another impressive triumph. In a daring covert¹⁶ operation, members of the Colombian military infiltrated¹⁷ the FARC, and convinced the terrorists to transfer 15 hostages -- including three Americans -- to a new location. Disguised Colombian agents arrived in a helicopter to carry out the transfer. And when the hostages lifted off, they were astonished to hear an army officer say nine words they thought they would never hear: "We are the Colombia Army, and you are free." (Applause.)

Today, three Americans are back with their families because of the heroism¹⁸ of the Colombian allies. On behalf of our entire nation, I welcome home Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell -- and I thank the brave members of the Colombian military who rescued them.

 The success of this rescue mission underscores the progress the Colombian government has made. This progress is also evident in the hearts and minds of the Colombian people. On Sunday, more than a million Colombians marched in their nations streets, and called on FARC to release its remaining hostages and to stop practicing terror. They chanted a simple, but powerful message -- "Libertad" -- that means freedom. (Laughter.) America should support this noble stand by the Colombian people. And the single most important step we can do so is for the United States Congress to approve the Colombia free trade agreement that our countries signed more than a year and a half ago. (Applause.)

Approving this agreement would strengthen our nations economy. Because of legislation that the Congress has passed -- particularly the Andean Trade Preference Act -- today, almost all Colombian exports enter the United States duty free. The Congress made that decision. Yet our products exported to Colombia face tariffs¹⁹ of up to 35 percent, with rates even higher for some agricultural products. In other words, the current situation is one-sided. And the failure to approve the free trade agreement is hurting our businesses who want to sell their products into Colombia.

Tariffs imposed on U.S. exports to Colombia are estimated to have exceeded $1.1 billion while the trade agreement has awaited congressional approval. Every day that passes without the agreements approval, that number only gets bigger. Congress has already voted to allow duty free access to American markets for Colombian products. Now Congress should create a level playing field -- they ought to give American workers and farmers the same access to Colombias markets. And the way for them to do that is to approve the free trade agreement. (Applause.)

Opening markets is especially important during this time of economic uncertainty²⁰. Last year, exports accounted for more than 40 percent of Americas total economic growth. Doesnt it make sense to continue that kind of growth during these economic uncertain times? I think it does. We ought to be working to open up new opportunities and new markets. More than 8,000 small and mid-sized American businesses export to Colombia. Approving this agreement will help these small businesses and middle-sized businesses grow their businesses and create high-paying jobs.

Approving this agreement is also an urgent national security priority. It makes good economic sense, but its important for our national security that the Congress approve this agreement. While the FARC has seen its power reduced, the terrorists are still actively²¹ plotting against the Colombian government. Colombia also faces a hostile and anti-American neighbor in Venezuela, where the regime has forged an alliance with Cuba, collaborated²² with FARC terrorist leaders, and provided sanctuary²³ to FARC units. It is in Americas interests to stand by Colombia in the face of this threat -- and the best way to do so is for Congress to allow a vote on the Colombia free trade agreement.

President Uribe has stood strong against tyranny and terror. Hes done everything we have asked him to do and more. Hes told members of Congress that approving this agreement is one of the most important steps that America can take to show its support for Colombia. Now the Colombian people are waiting to see what our Congress will do. To demonstrate Americas good faith, to stand by our strong friend, to send a clear signal that we appreciate our ally, the United States Congress must approve this free trade agreement. (Applause.)

And once they do so, Congress should quickly approve our free trade agreements with Panama and South Korea. By doing so, they can reassure²⁴ these countries that America will stand by its word -- and that we will not abandon our friends.

Its been nearly two centuries since the United States of America and the nation of Colombia forged a friendship in the earliest days of our independence. In the years since, both of our nations have learned that the cost of maintaining a free society is remaining vigilant²⁵ against the enemies of freedom. We believe that freedom is the birthright of all. We believe that it is the responsibility of free nations to support one another against those who would undermine our freedom.

The United States is committed to the security of Colombia -- were committed to defeating the forces of terror. Our countries can meet this challenge together. And through our partnership²⁶ we can usher²⁷ in a new era of enhanced prosperity and peace in our neighborhood.

I want to thank you for coming. Que Dios le bendiga. (Applause.)

1 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

2 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

3 vibrant   

adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的

参考例句：

• He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings. 他在画中总是使用鲜明的色彩。
• She gave a vibrant performance in the leading role in the school play.她在学校表演中生气盎然地扮演了主角。

4 solidarity   

n.团结；休戚相关

参考例句：

• They must preserve their solidarity.他们必须维护他们的团结。
• The solidarity among China's various nationalities is as firm as a rock.中国各族人民之间的团结坚如磐石。

5 patriots   

爱国者，爱国主义者( patriot的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Abraham Lincoln was a fine type of the American patriots. 亚伯拉罕·林肯是美国爱国者的优秀典型。
• These patriots would fight to death before they surrendered. 这些爱国者宁愿战斗到死，也不愿投降。

6 monarchy   

n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国

参考例句：

• The monarchy in England plays an important role in British culture.英格兰的君主政体在英国文化中起重要作用。
• The power of the monarchy in Britain today is more symbolical than real.今日英国君主的权力多为象徵性的，无甚实际意义。

7 unified   

(unify 的过去式和过去分词)； 统一的； 统一标准的； 一元化的

参考例句：

• The teacher unified the answer of her pupil with hers. 老师核对了学生的答案。
• The First Emperor of Qin unified China in 221 B.C. 秦始皇于公元前221年统一中国。

8 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。

9 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

10 kidnappers   

n.拐子，绑匪( kidnapper的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• They were freed yesterday by their kidnappers unharmed. 他们昨天被绑架者释放了，没有受到伤害。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The kidnappers had threatened to behead all four unless their jailed comrades were released. 帮匪们曾经威胁说如果印度方面不释放他们的同伙，他们就要将这四名人质全部斩首。 来自《简明英汉词典》

11 overthrow   

v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆

参考例句：

• After the overthrow of the government,the country was in chaos.政府被推翻后，这个国家处于混乱中。
• The overthrow of his plans left him much discouraged.他的计划的失败使得他很气馁。

12 brink   

n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿

参考例句：

• The tree grew on the brink of the cliff.那棵树生长在峭壁的边缘。
• The two countries were poised on the brink of war.这两个国家处于交战的边缘。

13 predecessor   

n.前辈，前任

参考例句：

• It will share the fate of its predecessor.它将遭受与前者同样的命运。
• The new ambassador is more mature than his predecessor.新大使比他的前任更成熟一些。

14 modernize   

vt.使现代化，使适应现代的需要

参考例句：

• It was their manifest failure to modernize the country's industries.他们使国家进行工业现代化，明显失败了。
• There is a pressing need to modernise our electoral system.我们的选举制度迫切需要现代化。

15 testament   

n.遗嘱；证明

参考例句：

• This is his last will and testament.这是他的遗愿和遗嘱。
• It is a testament to the power of political mythology.这说明，编造政治神话可以产生多大的威力。

16 covert   

adj.隐藏的；暗地里的

参考例句：

• We should learn to fight with enemy in an overt and covert way.我们应学会同敌人做公开和隐蔽的斗争。
• The army carried out covert surveillance of the building for several months.军队对这座建筑物进行了数月的秘密监视。

17 infiltrated   

adj.[医]浸润的v.（使）渗透，（指思想）渗入人的心中( infiltrate的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The headquarters had been infiltrated by enemy spies. 总部混入了敌方特务。
• Many Chinese idioms have infiltrated into the Japanese language. 许多中国成语浸透到日语中。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

18 heroism   

n.大无畏精神，英勇

参考例句：

• He received a medal for his heroism.他由于英勇而获得一枚奖章。
• Stories of his heroism resounded through the country.他的英雄故事传遍全国。

19 tariffs   

关税制度； 关税( tariff的名词复数 )； 关税表； （旅馆或饭店等的）收费表； 量刑标准

参考例句：

• British industry was sheltered from foreign competition by protective tariffs. 保护性关税使英国工业免受国际竞争影响。
• The new tariffs have put a stranglehold on trade. 新的关税制对开展贸易极为不利。

20 uncertainty   

n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物

参考例句：

• Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
• After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后，压力开始产生影响了。

21 actively   

adv.积极地，勤奋地

参考例句：

• During this period all the students were actively participating.在这节课中所有的学生都积极参加。
• We are actively intervening to settle a quarrel.我们正在积极调解争执。

22 collaborated   

合作( collaborate的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾结叛国

参考例句：

• We have collaborated on many projects over the years. 这些年来我们合作搞了许多项目。
• We have collaborated closely with the university on this project. 我们与大学在这个专案上紧密合作。

23 sanctuary   

n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区

参考例句：

• There was a sanctuary of political refugees behind the hospital.医院后面有一个政治难民的避难所。
• Most countries refuse to give sanctuary to people who hijack aeroplanes.大多数国家拒绝对劫机者提供庇护。

24 reassure   

v.使放心，使消除疑虑

参考例句：

• This seemed to reassure him and he continued more confidently.这似乎使他放心一点，于是他更有信心地继续说了下去。
• The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe.航空公司尽力让乘客相信飞机是安全的。

25 vigilant   

adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的

参考例句：

• He has to learn how to remain vigilant through these long nights.他得学会如何在这漫长的黑夜里保持警觉。
• The dog kept a vigilant guard over the house.这只狗警醒地守护着这所房屋。

26 partnership   

n.合作关系，伙伴关系

参考例句：

• The company has gone into partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation.这家公司已经和瑞士银行公司建立合作关系。
• Martin has taken him into general partnership in his company.马丁已让他成为公司的普通合伙人。

27 usher   

n.带位员，招待员；vt.引导，护送；vi.做招待，担任引座员

参考例句：

• The usher seated us in the front row.引座员让我们在前排就座。
• They were quickly ushered away.他们被迅速领开。