Embassy Press Release

US Ambasador's Remarks at the Official ATV Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Gendarmerie

November 20, 2006
Romanian Gendarmerie Headquarters
Bucharest, Romania

Major General Dr. Costica Silion, Brigadier General Dr. Olimpiodor Antonescu;

Members of the press:

Today, we are witness to another example of the vitality of the bilateral relationship between Romania and the United States.

Thank you for the honor of visiting your impressive facility. I want to express my gratitude as well to the Gendarmerie for the outstanding support it provides my Embassy and the US Government. Defense Attaché Colonel Kuennecke, as well as Bob Weitzel, our Regional Security Office, both of whom are here with us today, share this view.

I am delighted that the Romanian Gendarmerie has selected an American-made line of All Terrain Vehicles. I’d like to think I know a thing or two about the auto industry, and I was impressed to learn that Polaris, the supplier you selected, is the only US automotive company that has sustained uninterrupted growth since its inception more than half a century ago. Trust me, that is no easy feat. You have made a fine selection by awarding this tender to Polaris Industries.

I understand that these vehicles will be utilized in patrol, search and rescue missions in some pretty tough terrain as well as in the prevention of criminal activities. That will be another important contribution to the strong US-Romanian partnership in law enforcement cooperation.

The Polaris reps tell me that their ATVs are considered to be the “best, toughest ATVs in the world.” I look forward to putting that slogan to the test shortly!

Thank you.

back to top ^