In his final address in Brazil, Sunday, November 6, US president George W. Bush spoke on behalf of democracy and equal rights for all on the American continent.
Bush told an audience composed of entrepreneurs, politicians, and government ministers that democracy begins with "freedom of expression, belief, and markets."
"Some say that democracy is no longer useful, but it is indispensable to ensure human rights," he said in his speech. He also declared that social justice does not exist without democracy and education.
"It is not possible to achieve social justice without educating the country’s children. All children deserve a decent education."
Bush also commented that the ideal envisioned for the Americas includes "security for everybody." He said that the United States is helping in the war on drug traffickers and smugglers in various countries, such as Colombia and Mexico. According to the US president, the idea "is to prevent terrorists from using the Americas as a base for money-laundering."
Bush praised "Brazil’s international leadership" and the job the country has been doing in the campaign against AIDS and its participation in peace missions. He underscored that the United States is a "strong partner" of Brazil.
Bush also said that the governments on the American continent must get rid of corruption. "The governments must be strong, listen to their populations, and they cannot waste resources. The governments all over the hemisphere must get rid of corruption," he affirmed.
After his visit to Brazil, Bush left for Panama.
Agência Brasil