From The Prime Minister of Albania

(This is ESPECIALLY for those weak, candy-assed French!)

Perhaps it is time for European leaders to pay a visit to Normandy: There, high above the sea is a cemetery where nearly 10,000 American soldiers are buried, row upon row upon row of young men who gave their lives to rid Europe of Nazi oppression.

It is due to American courage and generosity that countries such as France and Germany and other European states are today free, vibrant democracies. Were it not for the U.S., the U.K. and their allies during World War II, Europe would have remained under Germany's boot for generations. Instead, for 50 years after World War II Europe thrived under the protection of the U.S. while it confronted and defeated communism.

People may forget. Some countries in Europe may also forget. But there are older countries in Europe with longer memories; countries whose most recent memories are of the U.S.-led coalition that ended the tyranny of Slobodan Milosevic. We, the Albanians, do not forget.

This is why we support the U.S. in its effort to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein and liberate its people.

Fatos Nano
Prime Minister of Albania
Tirana, Albania