US Consul General's Remarks on Inauguration Day
Ladies and Gentlemen: Good evening.
Today represents the culmination of the exercise in American democracy, of which Americans across the political spectrum are justifiably proud. For us here today the Inauguration of a new president is not a celebration of a political or a party victory, but the end result of our democratic process in the United States.
As President Bush has said, "No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that has been made. Across the country citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of the American democracy and the strides we have made towards a more perfect union. They chose a president whose journey represents a triumph of the American story-- a testament to hard work, optimism and faith in the enduring promise of our nation ..."
One of the great things about representing the United States is that it continues to surprise; it continues to renew itself; it continues to beat odds and expectations. It is a country that draws on its great internal strengths of enterprise, opportunity and diversity. It's a country that despite our internal crises, and there have always been many, seems to find a way to overcome them with resolute commitment to fundamental "American" and human values.
Today, we celebrate the vision, the tenacity, and the courage of America's founding fathers, who, through a process of compromise and debate established the Constitutional framework that we still have today for democratic governance and peaceful transition of executive authority from a sitting President of the United States to an elected successor.
In America, this legacy, this remarkable act of faith in the capacity of the average citizen, continues to flourish. And more than 230 years after our nation's founding, this democratic process continues to mature. The election this last year was historic, and Americans are proud of the fact that all voices were included in the process. Today, Inauguration Day, we move forward as one nation.
We are embarking on a period of change in Washington, yet there are some things that will not change. The United States government will stay vigilant in meeting its most important responsibilities and the world can be certain its commitment will remain steadfast. The Department of State, US Embassies and US Consulates around the world will work to ensure a smooth transition in the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.
Once again, we thank you all for coming today. In closing, I want to assure you that Saudi Arabia has been and will continue to be a close American friend and key strategic partner. We appreciate the congratulatory messages and we look forward to the next chapter of cooperation between our great nations. Thank you so much for joining us in observing and experiencing the American democratic process.
Shukran...