*EPF513 09/05/2003
Text: Bush Sends Greeting to OSCE Conference on Racism
(U.S. stands firmly against bigotry of all kinds, president says) (280)

The United States stands firmly against bigotry of all kinds, President Bush said in a greeting to the OSCE Conference on Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination September 4-5 in Vienna, adding that "the principles of tolerance and equality remain the core of our identity as a nation."

Following is a text of the president's remarks, from the Web site of the U.S. Mission to the OSCE:

(begin text)

I send greetings to those gathered for the Conference on Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination, hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The United States is proud to participate in this important forum. The United States stands firmly against bigotry of all kinds. Our country was built on a foundation of liberty and equality for people of all races, religions, and backgrounds. The principles of tolerance and equality remain the core of our identity as a nation.

OSCE-participating countries have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to countering racism, xenophobia and discrimination. This conference promotes understanding and peace among people of different religions and different nations.

I applaud all those participating in this conference for your dedication to rejecting racism. I also call on you as government leaders, members of civil society, and individuals to develop legislative measures, institutional mechanisms and public policies to combat all forms of discrimination and intolerance. Together, we will work to defend liberty and the democratic principles that are the pillars of a peaceful world.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes for a productive conference.

GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE
September 2, 2003

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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