I used to play football for Real Madrid and to be on stage for two hours I can tell you it takes the same amount of strength.

The attacks of September 11 - and subsequent acts of terror from London to Madrid to Fort Hood Texas - embody the most repulsive of human instincts the will to power at the price of the lives of others.

Only the change on the international scene the crisis in the gulf and the strong firm position of the United States against aggression between two Arab countries created realities that led to the Madrid Peace Conference.

I love Madrid. I am happy to be here. I have been here three years and hope to be here longer. But I am proud of where I come from and never forget the people I grew up with.