President Bush gave an address in Spanish this week, in addition to his regular weekly address, to mark Cinco de Mayo. The English translation is below.

"Good morning, and a very special greeting to all those celebrating the 5th of May, which marks the victory of the Mexican Army in the battle of Puebla.

We know that we have to preserve the integrity of our borders. Nevertheless we understand how the border is seen from the other side - as a means of getting better salaries and a better life. The best way of achieving a stable border is to improve opportunities in both countries - opportunities in business, education and freedom.

To strengthen this friendship, Laura and I have invited Mexican president Vicente Fox to be the guest of honor in the first state banquet of my administration. President Fox is a good man, a man who has a grand vision for his country, and I consider him a personal friend."