KUWAIT, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- Ali Al-Salem is the first base where American and Kuwaiti flags were flown together and this is the perfect place to recognize the friendship between the two countries, said US First Lady Laura Bush on Thursday.
Addressing US army, airforce, navy and marine personnel prior to her departure from the base, Mrs. Bush said, "This is the perfect place to recognize the friendship between Kuwait and the United States and to thank all of the Kuwaitis who support our American armed forces."
She said that no matter what was reported in newspapers, "people do appreciate the gift of freedom," adding that because of the "sacrifices" the American troops made in early 1991, "Kuwait today is a prosperous nation making important strides for democracy."
The First Lady noted that two years ago, Kuwaiti women attained their political rights, adding that during her meeting yesterday with women who were working to expand their representation in parliament, a Kuwaiti government official told her, "We will never forget America's liberation of Kuwait. It's engraved in our hearts and in our history books."
Mrs. Bush noted the "vital" work of Americans stationed at Ali Al-Salem Base for troops that were on their way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 700,000 personnel are moved in and out of the location every year, she said.
She said that it was "difficult to be away from homes and families and to miss the birthdays and holidays," but that through the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, "you're keeping your loved ones and millions of Americans safe at home."
Because of the efforts of American armed forces, she said, more than 50 million people who once lived in tyranny around the world could now choose their destiny.
"We are seeing signs of progress as thousands of Iraqis are stepping up to work with coalition soldiers. Iraqis are providing intelligence and information on Al-Qaeda and other violent groups in their neighborhoods. They are bringing security and stability to their communities. Brave and young Iraqis are defying terrorists by joining the Iraqi army," she said.
Iraqis could now make strides toward self-governance because of efforts of coalition troops to bring security and stability to the country, Mrs. Bush added.
Mrs. Bush was greeted at the base by Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army Commander and some 700 army, marine, navy, and airforce troops stationed at Ali Al-Salem Base.
The First Lady arrived in Kuwait yesterday as part of a tour that took her first to the UAE and then to Saudi Arabia. She left Kuwait headed for Jordan, the last leg of her regional tour.
Yesterday, she met with women activists at the diwaniya of Education Undersecretary Sheikha Dr. Rasha Al-Sabah, and attended an orientation for students of the English Access Microscholarship Plan administered by AMIDEAST. She also met with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
By Eman Al-Awadhi
