Statement by the Press Secretary: Mrs. Bush to Visit France, Hungary and Czech Republic

First Lady Laura Bush will travel to France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic May 13-May 22. In Paris, Mrs. Bush will deliver a speech addressing the importance of education for children around the world at the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum 2002. While in Prague, the First Lady will speak to the people of Afghanistan on Radio Free Afghanistan, participate in a roundtable on developing civil society in Afghanistan, and visit Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. In all three countries, the First Lady will discuss education, social issues, and economic assistance to Afghanistan. The First Lady looks forward to her visit to these countries, which are close friends and allies of the United States.

At the conclusion of her visit, the First Lady will join the President in Berlin on May 22 to participate in his travel to Germany, Russia, and France.