Missile Defense Agreement W/Poland VIDEO PODCAST

Remarks at the Prime Ministry of Poland Secretary Condoleezza Rice FULL STREAMING VIDEO Warsaw, Poland August 20, 2008 PODCAST OF THIS ARTICLE

Secretary Rice and Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski signed in Warsaw the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Poland Concerning the Deployment of Ground-Based Ballistic Missile Defense Interceptors in the Territory of the Republic of Poland.

In addition to deepening the bilateral strategic relationship between our two countries, U.S.-Poland cooperation in this area will make a substantial contribution to NATO's collective security and will be an integral part of any future NATO-wide missile defense architecture.

SECRETARY RICE: Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, dear colleagues, other ministers, especially my good friend Radek Sikorski, my counterpart, I want to thank all of you very much for welcoming us here in Warsaw, this extraordinary city, this extraordinary city that stands in so many ways as a monument to the fact that freedom can be denied for a while, but it cannot be denied forever.

Poland has always been a strong defender of freedom, even in dark days when it was not able to fully express its desire for freedom. And now, as we stand here in the halls of a free and democratic Poland, fully integrated into the transatlantic structures of the European Union and NATO, it is really not just an historic occasion, but an extraordinary occasion that we celebrate the signing of this important missile defense agreement.

It is an agreement, of course, which will help us to respond to the threats of the 21st century. It is an agreement that evens the defense cooperation between Poland and the United States. It does so, of course, in the context of our great alliance with NATO and our Article 5 commitments to one another in that alliance. It will help both the alliance and Poland and the United States respond to the coming threats. Missile defense, of course, is aimed at no one. It is in our defense that we do this.

But I am very pleased that we have been able to achieve this accomplishment. As you said, the negotiations have sometimes been tough, but they have never been unfriendly. They have sometimes been difficult, but they have always been purposeful. And because they have been friendly and purposeful, we (inaudible).

I want very much to thank our negotiators. If I may, I would like to pay special tribute to Under Secretary John Rood, who I think logged more miles to Poland in recent months than he might have expected to. It has been great work on the part of our (inaudible). But I also recognize that we have – you have before you the process of ratification, and I want to acknowledge the important goal of (inaudible) this agreement and it’s important.

This is a very special day and I, again, just want to acknowledge that for Poland and the United States, this is, of course, an important defense cooperation. It’s an important shield against future threats. But it is just one more example of the deepening of our relationship over the last 20 years. And in troubled times, the most important thing is to have friends. But it is more important to have friends with shared values, and your aspirations and your dreams. And Poland and the United States are those kinds of friends. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

2008/T24-7 Released on August 20, 2008

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A First Look at the 2008 Republican National Convention Podium

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Stage Design Complements the Direct and Personal Tone of Presumed Nominee John McCain SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the 2008 Republican National Convention released the dimensions and a digital rendering of the podium area from which Senator John McCain will deliver his acceptance speech.

The details are the latest developments in the ongoing build-out of the Xcel Energy Center.

"Our transformation of the Xcel Energy Center continues, and today, Americans got a glimpse of what the arena will look like when the convention is gaveled to order," said Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention. "The stage was designed to facilitate the candid and personal tone that Americans have come to expect from Senator McCain. The intimate setting will be a fitting backdrop for Senator McCain’s acceptance speech."

When designing the podium area, every effort was made to ensure it would complement the direct and personal interaction that has characterized John McCain’s candidacy. The podium will be positioned only four feet above the arena’s floor, where the delegates will be seated. The podium’s close proximity to the audience will ensure the speakers’ remarks remain the central feature of the proceedings.

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When completed, the black hard laminate stage of the podium area will measure 51 feet, six inches wide by 34 feet deep. It will be bordered by 101 feet, six inches of recessed lighting. Behind it, there will be a video wall, measuring 51 feet, six inches wide by 30 feet tall. The wall will be made up of 561 Hibino four-millimeter Chroma LED panels, giving everyone in the convention hall a perfect view of the speeches and videos that will be part of the program of events.

About the Republican National Convention - The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Tags: Republican National Convention