George H.W. Bush Receives Henry A. Kissinger Prize at the American Academy in Berlin

BERLIN, July 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Former US President George H. W. Bush received the American Academy in Berlin's 2008 Henry A. Kissinger Award on July 3 for his service in strengthening the transatlantic community.

The American Academy in Berlin honored former US President George H.W. Bush with its 2008 Henry A. Kissinger Award. President Bush's commitment to partnership and dialogue laid the foundation for two decades of peaceful and effective cooperation within Europe and across the Atlantic. President Bush "has contributed to the elevation of our society not only by his actions but by the quality of his personality," Dr. Kissinger said presenting the award. "No one outside Germany did more to assist the country during the critical period when the Wall fell and unification became a possibility."

"When the Berlin Wall fell, President Bush immediately saw the opportunity and joined Chancellor Kohl to support German unification in the fastest process possible," Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the American Academy's Chairman, said in his introduction. "No one deserves this honor more than President Bush."

Accepting the award, President Bush thanked Henry A. Kissinger, the American Academy in Berlin, and the 350 gathered guests. He was very "touched" and "pleased to be back in the city I love." Special guests at Thursday night's ceremony included US Ambassador William Timken, former Federal President of Germany Richard von Weizsacker, former German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit, and Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Treasury Robert Kimmit.

The Henry A. Kissinger Prize is annually bestowed upon an internationally renowned American or European in honor of his or her outstanding service to the transatlantic relationship. The 2007 inaugural recipient was former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. The award is conferred in the spirit of Henry A. Kissinger's initiatives for a stronger transatlantic relationship during and after the Cold War.

The American Academy in Berlin was established in 1994 to encourage international understanding by building on the unique cultural, social, and political link between Berlin and the United States. Toward this end, the Academy offers residential fellowships at its Wannsee residence to American scholars, writers, and artists in pursuit of their studies while encouraging participation in the vibrant cultural life offered by Berlin. The Academy also brings leading American statesmen, practitioners, and journalists to Berlin for visits, to facilitate a robust exchange of views with Berlin, Germany, and the United States.

    
            The American Academy thanks Special Envoy C. Boyden Gray
                    for generously underwriting this evening.

    
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