25 September 2001

Ambassador-nominee to EU Schnabel Statement to Senate Panel

Rockwell A. Schnabel, President Bush's nominee to head the U.S. Mission to the European Union, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee September 25 that he will work vigorously to step up U.S.-EU common efforts against terrorism.

Schnabel, who was born in The Netherlands and has previously served as Ambassador to Finland and Deputy Secretary of Commerce, succeeds Richard Morningstar.

Following is the text of Schnabel's statement at his confirmation hearing:

Rockwell A. Schnabel
Ambassador-nominee to the European Union
Statement Prepared For The Senate Foreign Relations Committee
September 25, 2001

Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. It is a great privilege to appear before you as President Bush's nominee to head the Mission of the United States of America to the European Union.

The European Union and its member states have promised to stand by our side in the fight against terrorism worldwide. The EU declared Friday, September 14, a day of mourning for those who died as a result of the despicable attacks on New York and on this great capital city. The U.S. and the EU have already begun to take concrete measures together to combat this global threat to all those who love liberty and peace. These measures include cooperation between law enforcement authorities, intelligence sharing, and suppression of terrorist financing.

We share with the EU an abiding interest not only in mutual protection against external attack, but also in building a Europe whole and free. In troubled regions throughout the world, U.S. and EU cooperation is essential to the cause of peace, freedom and respect for human rights. While several major trade disputes demand attention, the EU is our largest economic partner, with over two trillion dollars in trade and investment, and shares in our objective of promoting stable, strong economies and liberalizing commerce throughout the world.

Mr. Chairman, if confirmed, I will work vigorously to step up our common efforts against terrorism as my first priority. In addition, I will press the full agenda I have alluded to in these remarks.

Mr. Chairman, I was born in Holland and speak Dutch, one of the languages used in Brussels. I was Ambassador to Finland and the Deputy Secretary of Commerce. In the private sector, I have been active in international finance and banking for 30 years. I believe this will help me to represent the United States, if confirmed.

I would be pleased to answer any questions you and the members of the committee may have. Thank you.