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Transcript of Spanish President José María Aznar's address to the Spanish nation.
El País (Madrid, Spain) ^ | March 11, 2004 | José María Aznar

Posted on 03/11/2004 4:03:28 PM PST by El Conservador

Good afternoon to everyone.

March 11, 2004 has now its place in the history of infamy. This morning, in Madrid, terrorists have detonated several bombs placed in metropolitan commuter trains which circulated full of citizens.

In this moment of deep sadness, my first words are for the victims of these unqualifiable attacks. It's now more than one humdred dead, to which mourning has come without knocking, thousands living times of uncertainty. Let me tell you that I feel your anguish as my own, I want you to know that, in these hours of pain and democratic resolve, the national Government is with them, as well as most Spaniards.

I full well know that words aren't enough to comfort your pain. We are and we will be with all of them for whatever they need, now and always, and we won't forget what has happened.

We're living difficult hours, but we have also had the time to appreciate how many nameless people have given the best of themselves. The citizen response has been exceptional. The spontaneous collaboration to aid victims, to move wounded or donate blood is worthy of the highest recognition. In name of the Government I want to expres my deepest gratitude to all these people.

Equally, I want to thank the selfless work of the emergency service workers, the Madrid FD, the Madrid PD, and the security forces, as well as the judicial, local, regional and Government authorities for their effectiveness and their sense of responsibility and duty.

The national Government has taken all measures within reach to guarantee the safety of all citizens and to reestablish the affected public services. In collaboration with the Madrid authorities the evacuation of the wounded and the attention of victims and their families has been activated. Of course, the police investigations to pursue the killers has started right away.

I've informed HM the King. I've spoken with the leaders of the main political parties, as well with the representatives of the various institutions. Three days of mourning have been decreed, as public expression of the mourning we all share as law abiding Spaniards.

I've received expressions of solidarity and pain from numerous allied and friendly countries. In the name of the Spaniard people I've thanked those expressions and I've emphasized the importance of an international fight firmly determined to defeat terrorism.

The terrorists wanted to inflict as much damage as possible. It is a mass murder that, as every terrorist attack, lacks any justification. But terrorism isn't blind. They've killed many people by the mere fact of being Spaniards.

We all know this mass murder has not been first tried. The security forces have thwarted several times a similar tragedy. I want to express my strongest support to all its components, and the commanders of the antiterrorist fight. Thanks to their splendid labor the terrorist have been weaker than ever. Their killer instinct and their will to subdue Spain to their will are nonetheless, and tragically, active.

We'll defeat them. Let nobody doubt it. We'll defeat the terotist group with the force of the rule of law and the unity of all Spaniards. We'll finish them with strong laws, with security force and courts firmly backed by and decidedly resolved to uphold and enforce the law.

The criminals that today have caused so many dead will be detained. They'll be tried and convicted by courts only bound by the rule of law. They'll fully serve their sentences and will have no horizon other than to see dawn between the walls of prison.

We're on the victims' side. It's to them we have to support and give a voice. The families of those murdered today will always have the support and the aid of the Government and the institutions. They'll have the love of all Spaniards. No isntitution nor social group can protest the recognition and the respect they'll always deserve.

We're on the Constitution's side. It's the pact of almost all Spaniards that guarantees the liberties and rights of all. It's also the great accord over our political regime, and it's the expression of our united and plural Spain. We won't change our regime neither because they kill nor for them to stop killing.

That's why I tell all Spaniards that we shouldn't aspire to anything else less than the complete defeat of terrorism, its complete and total defeat, its unconditional surrender. There's neither possible nor desirable negotiation with these murderers that so many times have sown death throughout Spain. Let nobody be fooled: only with resolve we'll stop the attacks, a resolve that has to be present both in the antiterrorist fight and the opposition to the final objectives these terrorist want to achieve.

To defend these causes the Government asks Spaniards to demonstrate tomorrow in the streets of Spain. Under the slogan "With the victims, with the Constitution, for the defeat of terrorism" demonstrations have been called in all Spaniard cities tomorrow Friday at seven in the evening. I wish those demonstrations to be as overwhelming as the pain we feel today, as civic as our patriotism that makes us feel solidary with all those that suffer the consequences of terrorism's actions.

We're a great nation, we're a great nation which sovereignty resides in all Spaniards. Who decides is the Spaniard people. We will never allow, we won't ever allow, that a minority of fanatics impose us our choices about our national future.

Thanks to all for your attention and good afternoon.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 31104; allies; aznar; josemariaaznar; madrid; madridbombing; madridmassacre; spain; terrorism; transcript
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My translation.
1 posted on 03/11/2004 4:03:31 PM PST by El Conservador
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To: El Conservador
"That's why I tell all Spaniards that we shouldn't aspire to anything else less than the complete defeat of terrorism, its complete and total defeat, its unconditional surrender. There's neither possible nor desirable negotiation with these murderers that so many times have sown death throughout Spain. Let nobody be fooled: only with resolve we'll stop the attacks, a resolve that has to be present both in the antiterrorist fight and the opposition to the final objectives these terrorist want to achieve."

Bravo!! Don't worry Spain! We're in your corner and will help you track these scumbag killers down like the dogs they are.

2 posted on 03/11/2004 4:07:10 PM PST by KantianBurke (Arguments that got Arnold elected in 02, will get a "moderate" RINO elected to the White House in 08)
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To: El Conservador
Thanks. My heart goes out to them. Whatever they need, I'm sure the U.S. will be there for them as they have been there for us.
3 posted on 03/11/2004 4:07:12 PM PST by King Black Robe (With freedom of religion and speech now abridged, it is time to go after the press.)
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To: El Conservador
We'll defeat them. Let nobody doubt it.

Go get 'em!!!

4 posted on 03/11/2004 4:08:52 PM PST by Saundra Duffy (For victory & freedom!!!)
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To: El Conservador
Thank you very much for taking the trouble to translate it. It is important for us to know what he said.

He sounds like a Spanish version of GW. We are proud that Aznar has been supporting us and standing with Bush for the full defeat of terrorists.

I hope he wins the election -- Spain needs him in these troubled and dangerous times.

"Aznar: That's why I tell all Spaniards that we shouldn't aspire to anything else less than the complete defeat of terrorism, its complete and total defeat, its unconditional surrender. There's neither possible nor desirable negotiation with these murderers that so many times have sown death throughout Spain. Let nobody be fooled: only with resolve we'll stop the attacks, a resolve that has to be present both in the antiterrorist fight and the opposition to the final objectives these terrorist want to achieve. "

5 posted on 03/11/2004 4:09:28 PM PST by FairOpinion ("America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country." --- G. W. Bush)
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To: El Conservador
He's a good man.
6 posted on 03/11/2004 4:10:50 PM PST by ChadGore ("Maybe they thought Saddam would lose the next Iraqi election")
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To: El Conservador
My translation.

Well done.

Viva España!

7 posted on 03/11/2004 4:12:57 PM PST by facedown (Armed in the Heartland)
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To: El Conservador
They'll be tried and convicted by courts only bound by the rule of law. They'll fully serve their sentences and will have no horizon other than to see dawn between the walls of prison.

That's not going to do it!This is WAR! Not a legal battle. Spain...take a hint of how we handled things in Iraq and Afghanistan.

8 posted on 03/11/2004 4:13:21 PM PST by AmericaUnited
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To: El Conservador
President Aznar, and all of Spain, you are my prayers this evening.
9 posted on 03/11/2004 4:13:44 PM PST by paul in cape
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To: All
Send flowers to the Spanish Embassy.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1095704/posts
10 posted on 03/11/2004 4:13:55 PM PST by Lucy Lake
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To: El Conservador
Judging by president Aznar's tone, I'd bet he wasn't on Kerry's Caller I.D.
11 posted on 03/11/2004 4:14:49 PM PST by paul in cape
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To: FairOpinion
Heavens, why is this man retiring now of all times?
12 posted on 03/11/2004 4:15:24 PM PST by empirekin768
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To: El Conservador
Spanish original:

Buenas tardes a todos.
El 11 de marzo de 2004 ocupa ya su lugar en la historia de la infamia. Esta mañana, en Madrid, los terroristas han hecho explotar varias bombas colocadas en trenes de cercanías que circulaban llenos de ciudadanos.

En este momento de tristeza tan honda mis primeras palabras son para las víctimas de estos incalificables atentados. Son ya más de un centenar de personas muertas y muchas más heridas, cientos de familias a las que el luto les ha llegado hoy sin avisar, miles que están viviendo horas de inquietud y de incertidumbre. Quiero decirles que siento como propia su terrible angustia. Quiero que sepan que, en estas horas de dolor y de firmeza democrática, el Gobierno de la Nación está con todas ellas, como lo está la inmensa mayoría de los españoles.

Sé bien que hoy las palabras no bastan para consolar su dolor. Estamos y vamos a estar con todas ellas para todo lo que necesiten, hoy y siempre, y no olvidaremos lo que ha pasado.

Estamos viviendo horas difíciles, pero también hemos tenido ocasión de apreciar cómo muchas personas anónimas han ofrecido lo mejor de sí mismas. La respuesta ciudadana está siendo excepcional. La colaboración espontánea para auxiliar a las víctimas, para trasladar a heridos o para donar sangre ha sido digna del máximo reconocimiento. En nombre del Gobierno quiero expresar mi más profunda gratitud a todas esas personas.

Igualmente, quiero agradecer su trabajo abnegado a los miembros de los servicios de emergencia sanitaria, del Cuerpo de Bomberos, de la Policía Municipal y de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad, así como a las autoridades judiciales, locales, autonómicas y del Gobierno, por su eficacia y por su sentido de la responsabilidad y del deber.

El Gobierno de la Nación ha tomado todas las medidas a su alcance para garantizar la seguridad de los ciudadanos y para restablecer los servicios públicos afectados. En colaboración con las instituciones de Madrid se ha puesto en marcha el mecanismo de evacuación de heridos y de atención a las víctimas y a sus familiares. Por supuesto, las investigaciones policiales para perseguir a los asesinos han comenzado de inmediato.

He informado a Su Majestad el Rey. He hablado con los líderes de los principales partidos políticos, así como con representantes de diferentes instituciones. Se han decretado tres días de luto oficial, como expresión pública del dolor que hoy compartimos todos los españoles de bien.

He recibido muestras de solidaridad y de dolor de numerosos gobernantes de países aliados y amigos. En nombre del pueblo español he agradecido esos testimonios y he recalcado la importancia de una lucha internacional firmemente determinada a derrotar al terrorismo.

Los terroristas han querido provocar todo el daño posible. Se trata de un asesinato masivo que, como todo ataque terrorista, carece de cualquier justificación. Pero el terrorismo no es ciego. Han matado a muchas personas por el mero hecho de ser españoles.

Todos sabemos que este asesinato masivo no es la primera vez que se intenta. Las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad han impedido varias veces que viviéramos esta tragedia. Hoy quiero expresar el más sólido respaldo del Gobierno a todos sus componentes y a los mandos de la lucha antiterrorista. Gracias a su espléndida tarea los terroristas tienen su capacidad operativa más debilitada que nunca. Su instinto asesino y su voluntad de someter a España a sus dictados permanecen, sin embargo, trágicamente activos.

Les derrotaremos. Que no tenga nadie ninguna duda. Lograremos acabar con la banda terrorista con la fuerza del Estado de Derecho y con la unidad de todos los españoles. Acabaremos con ellos con leyes fuertes, con unas fuerzas de seguridad y con unos Tribunales de Justicia firmemente respaldados y decididamente resueltos a aplicar la Ley.

Los criminales que hoy han causado tantos muertos serán detenidos. Serán juzgados y condenados por tribunales que sólo están sometidos al imperio de la Ley. Cumplirán íntegramente sus condenas y no tendrán otro horizonte que el de ver amanecer todos los días entre los muros de prisión.

Estamos del lado de las víctimas. Es a ellas a quienes hay que respaldar y a quienes debemos dar voz. Las familias de quienes hoy han sido asesinados contarán siempre con el apoyo y la ayuda del Gobierno y de las instituciones. Tendrán también el cariño de la inmensa mayoría de los españoles. Ninguna institución ni grupo social puede regatearles el reconocimiento y el respeto que merecerán siempre.

Estamos del lado de la Constitución. Es el pacto de la inmensa mayoría de los españoles que garantiza las libertades y los derechos de todos. Es también el gran acuerdo sobre nuestro régimen político, y es la expresión de nuestra España unida y plural. No vamos a cambiar de régimen ni porque los terroristas maten ni para que dejen de matar.

Por eso les digo a todos los españoles que no debemos aspirar a nada que no sea la completa derrota del terrorismo, la derrota completa y total, su rendición sin condiciones de ninguna clase. No hay negociación posible ni deseable con estos asesinos que tantas veces han sembrado la muerte por toda la geografía de España. Que nadie se llame a engaño: sólo con firmeza podremos lograr que acaben los atentados, una firmeza que debe estar presente, tanto en la propia lucha antiterrorista, como en la rotunda oposición a los objetivos finales que los terroristas pretenden alcanzar.

Para defender estas causas el Gobierno pide a los españoles que se manifiesten mañana en las calles de toda España. Bajo el lema "Con las víctimas, con la Constitución y por la derrota del terrorismo" han sido convocadas manifestaciones en todas las ciudades españolas, mañana viernes, a las siete de la tarde. Deseo que esas manifestaciones sean tan abrumadoras como el dolor que sentimos hoy, tan cívicas como el patriotismo que nos hace sentirnos solidarios con todos aquellos que sufren las consecuencias de la acción del terrorismo.

Somos una gran nación, somos una gran nación cuya soberanía reside en todos los españoles. Quien decide es el pueblo español. Nunca permitiremos, no vamos a permitir nunca, que una minoría de fanáticos nos imponga nuestras decisiones sobre nuestro futuro nacional.

Muchas gracias a todos por su atención y muy buenas tardes.

13 posted on 03/11/2004 4:16:31 PM PST by El Conservador ("No blood for oil!"... Then don't drive, you moron!!!)
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To: El Conservador

Continued prayers for our allies. May God comfort them in this dark moment.


14 posted on 03/11/2004 4:17:01 PM PST by Caipirabob (Democrats.. Socialists..Commies..Traitors...Who can tell the difference?)
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To: grizzfan
By all means:

Embassy of Spain
2375 Pennsylvania Av. NW
20037 Washington D.C.
Tel: 202-452-0100
15 posted on 03/11/2004 4:17:39 PM PST by empirekin768
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To: empirekin768
Aznar is retiring?????

I thought he was running for re-election and the Spanish elections are a few days away.
16 posted on 03/11/2004 4:19:34 PM PST by FairOpinion ("America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country." --- G. W. Bush)
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To: El Conservador
From the horse faced lunatic John Kerry, in a speech just last Friday:

Fourth, because finding and defeating terrorist groups is a long-term effort, we must act immediately to prevent terrorists from acquiring nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.

I propose to appoint a high-level Presidential envoy empowered to bring other nations together to secure and stop the spread of these weapons.

Doh!!

Why didn't we think of that!

17 posted on 03/11/2004 4:23:39 PM PST by Rome2000 (Foreign leaders for Kerry!!!!!)
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To: El Conservador
I just want to tell that in this horrible day for the whole world that, from Chile, we send our condolences to the people from Spain, and we hope justice will be done soon

VIVA ESPAÑA!!!

ForeignFreeper
18 posted on 03/11/2004 4:26:53 PM PST by foreignfreeper
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To: AmericaUnited
That's not going to do it!This is WAR! Not a legal battle. Spain...take a hint of how we handled things in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This speech was given this afternoon in Spain. At that point in time, all fingers were pointing toward ETA, and the supposed email from al-Qaida claiming responsibility hadn't been received.

I don't know Spanish law, but it's possible, even overwhelmingly likely, that it treats domestic terrorism as a law enforcement matter. They're treating it as an Oklahoma City. And, unfortunately, you can't be a member of the EU and have the death penalty.

I have no doubt that the Spanish will do everything they can to determine everyone who is responsible for this act of terror. If there is an ETA component, they'll face life in prison. If it's foreign terrorists, I think the Spanish have more options.

19 posted on 03/11/2004 4:29:17 PM PST by Dog Gone
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To: King Black Robe
Viva Espana. Prayers for the families and Government.


20 posted on 03/11/2004 4:38:07 PM PST by cardinal4 (Terrence Maculiffe-Ariolimax columbianus (hint- its a gastropod.....)
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