Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, June 23, 2008 Volume 44—Number 24 Pages 843–892

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress—Continued See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders U.S. combat-equipped Armed Forces, letter Afghanistan security situation, remarks reporting on deployments around the following briefing—870 world—843 American jazz, celebration—887 U.S. International Trade Commission, Black Music Month, reception—870 message on designation of Chairman and Energy—872 Vice Chairman—872 France, remarks to reporters in Paris—860 Communications to Federal Agencies Iowa Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Remarks in briefing on Midwest flooding in Needs Related to Africa, the Middle East, Cedar Rapids—885 Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, Remarks to reporters in Iowa City—885 memorandum—888 Legislative agenda, congressional action—887 Waiving the Prohibition on the Use of Midwest flooding, remarks following Economic Support Funds With Respect to briefing—869 Various Parties to the Rome Statute President’s Dinner—877 Establishing the International Criminal Presidential Medal of Freedom, Court, memorandum—888 presentation—881 Interviews With the News Media Radio address—850 Interview with Ned Temko of the Observer Bill Vetoes in Rome, Italy—851 ‘‘Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of News conferences 2008,’’ message—876 June 14 with President Sarkozy of France in Paris, France—845 Communications to Congress June 16 with Prime Minister Brown of the United Kingdom in London, England— See also Bill Vetoes 860 NATO enlargement, letter transmitting report—889 Joint Statements Russia, message on continuation of national Joint Statement by President George W. Bush emergency with respect to the risk of and President Dmitriy A. Medvedev of nuclear proliferation created by the Russia on the Fourth Meeting of the Global accumulation of weapons-usable fissile Initiative To Combat Nuclear Terrorism— material—881 871

(Continued on the inside back cover.)

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpoaccess.gov/wcomp/index.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- There are no restrictions on the republication of material ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the ments. Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10).

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Letters and Messages Notices

Juneteenth, message—886 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Meetings With Foreign Leaders Created by the Accumulation of Weapons- Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of Bulgaria, Prime Minister Stanishev—874 the Russian Federation—880 France, President Sarkozy—845 Supplementary Materials Northern Ireland Acts Approved by the President—892 Deputy First Minister McGuinness—868 Checklist of White House press releases—892 First Minister Robinson—868 Digest of other White House Russia, President Medvedev—871 announcements—889 United Kingdom, Prime Minister Brown—860 Nominations submitted to the Senate—891

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Letter to Congressional Leaders al-Qaida terrorists and to eliminate support Reporting on the Deployments of to al-Qaida. These operations have been suc- United States Combat-Equipped cessful in seriously degrading al-Qaida’s Armed Forces Around the World training capabilities. United States Armed Forces, with the assistance of numerous coa- June 13, 2008 lition partners, ended the Taliban regime and Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. are actively pursuing and engaging remnant President:) al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. I am providing this supplemental consoli- The total number of U.S. forces in Afghani- dated report, prepared by my Administration stan is approximately 31,122, of which ap- and consistent with the War Powers Resolu- proximately 14,276 are assigned to the Inter- tion (Public Law 93–148), as part of my ef- national Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in forts to keep the Congress informed about Afghanistan. The U.N. Security Council au- deployments of combat-equipped U.S. thorized ISAF in U.N. Security Council Res- Armed Forces around the world. This sup- olution 1386 of December 20, 2001, and has plemental report covers operations in sup- reaffirmed its authorization since that time, port of the war on terror and in Kosovo. most recently for a 12-month period from October 13, 2007, in U.N. Security Council THE WAR ON TERROR Resolution 1776 of September 19, 2007. The Since September 24, 2001, I have re- mission of ISAF under NATO command is ported, consistent with Public Law 107–40 to assist the Government of Afghanistan in and the War Powers Resolution, on the com- creating a safe and secure environment that bat operations in Afghanistan against al- allows for continued reconstruction and the Qaida terrorists and their Taliban supporters, exercise and extension of Afghan authority. which began on October 7, 2001, and the Currently, more than 40 nations contribute deployment of various combat-equipped and to ISAF, including all 26 NATO Allies. combat-support forces to a number of loca- The United States continues to detain sev- tions in the Central, Pacific, European, and eral hundred al-Qaida and Taliban fighters Southern Command areas of operation in who are believed to pose a continuing threat support of those operations and of other op- to the United States and its interests. The erations in our war on terror. combat-equipped and combat-support forces I will direct additional measures as nec- deployed to Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, essary in the exercise of the right of the Cuba, in the U.S. Southern Command area United States to self-defense and to protect of operations since January 2002 continue to U.S. citizens and interests. Such measures conduct secure detention operations for the may include short-notice deployments of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay. special operations and other forces for sen- The U.N. Security Council authorized a sitive operations in various locations through- Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq under out the world. It is not possible to know at unified command in U.N. Security Council this time the precise scope or the duration Resolution 1511 of October 16, 2003, and of the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces reaffirmed its authorization in U.N. Security necessary to counter the terrorist threat to Council Resolution 1546 of June 8, 2004, the United States. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1637 of United States Armed Forces, with the as- November 8, 2005, U.N. Security Council sistance of numerous coalition partners, con- Resolution 1723 of November 28, 2006, and tinue to conduct the U.S. campaign to pursue U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790 of 843

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December 18, 2007, set to expire on Decem- nance of a safe and secure environment that ber 31, 2008. Under Resolutions 1546, 1637, facilitates the work of the United Nations In- 1723, and 1790, the mission of the MNF is terim Administrative Mission in Kosovo to contribute to security and stability in Iraq. (UNMIK), the European Union (EU)-led These contributions have included assisting International Civilian Office, and the evolv- in building the capability of the Iraqi security ing EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX). forces and institutions as the Iraqi people Currently, there are 25 NATO nations drafted and approved a constitution and es- contributing to KFOR. Eight non-NATO tablished a constitutionally elected govern- contributing countries also participate by ment. The U.S. contribution to the MNF providing military and other support per- fluctuates over time, depending on the con- sonnel to KFOR. The U.S. contribution to ditions in theater as determined by the com- KFOR is about 1,500 U.S. military per- manders on the ground; the current U.S. sonnel, or approximately 9 percent of contribution to the MNF is approximately KFOR’s total strength of approximately 155,230 U.S. military personnel. 16,000 personnel. In furtherance of our efforts against terror- The U.S. forces participating in KFOR ists who pose a continuing and imminent have been assigned to the eastern region of threat to the United States, its friends and Kosovo, but also have operated in other areas allies, and our forces abroad, the United of the country based on mission require- States continues to work with friends and al- ments. For U.S. KFOR forces, as for KFOR lies in areas around the globe. These efforts generally, helping to maintain a safe and se- include the deployment of U.S. combat- cure environment remains the principal mili- equipped and combat-support forces to assist tary task. The KFOR operates under NATO in enhancing the counterterrorism capabili- command and control and rules of engage- ties of our friends and allies. United States ment. The KFOR currently coordinates with combat-equipped and combat-support forces and supports UNMIK within means and ca- continue to be located in the Horn of Africa pabilities and, pending decision by the North region. Atlantic Council, may offer this same co- In addition, the United States continues operation to EULEX. The KFOR provides to conduct maritime interception operations a security presence in towns, villages, and the on the high seas in the areas of responsibility country-side and organizes checkpoints and of all of the geographic combatant com- patrols in key areas to provide security, to manders. These maritime operations have protect all elements of the population living the responsibility to stop the movement, in Kosovo, and to instill a feeling of con- arming, or financing of international terror- fidence in all ethnic communities throughout ists. Kosovo. NATO continues periodically to conduct NATO-LED KOSOVO FORCE (KFOR) a formal review of KFOR’s mission. These As noted in previous reports regarding reviews provide a basis for assessing current U.S. contributions in support of peace- force levels, future requirements, force struc- keeping efforts in Kosovo, the U.N. Security ture, force reductions, and the eventual with- Council authorized Member States to estab- drawal of KFOR. NATO adopted the Joint lish KFOR in U.N. Security Council Resolu- Operations Area plan to regionalize and ra- tion 1244 of June 10, 1999. tionalize its force structure in the Balkans. The original mission of KFOR was to mon- The UNMIK international police and itor, verify, and when necessary, to enforce Kosovo Police Service (KPS) have primary compliance with the Military Technical responsibility for public safety and policing Agreement between NATO and Serbia (for- throughout Kosovo. The UNMIK inter- merly the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), national police and KPS also have assumed while maintaining a safe and secure environ- responsibility for guarding some patrimonial ment. Today, KFOR deters renewed hos- sites and operating border crossings. The tilities and, with local authorities and inter- KFOR supports these police forces when re- national police, contributes to the mainte- quested and augments security in particularly

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sensitive areas or in response to particular discussion on the international situation on threats as events on the ground dictate. The the Middle East, but also on economic and relationship among UNMIK police, EULEX, trade matters. We checked that—once again KPS, and the Government of Kosovo will saw that there were many areas of conver- likely be adjusted after June 15, 2008, when gence, although perhaps slight differences, the constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and that’s only right and normal. Friendship comes into force. should not prevent France or the United I have directed the participation of U.S. States from expressing independent views. Armed Forces in all of these operations pur- But if there are differences, we can discuss suant to my constitutional authority to con- them calmly in a level-headed manner. And duct the foreign relations of the United this is once again an opportunity for me to States and as Commander in Chief and Chief say to the American people the deep grati- Executive. Officials of my Administration and tude of the French people and our friend- I communicate regularly with the leadership ship. and other Members of Congress with regard President Bush. Yesterday I reminded to these deployments, and we will continue the world, really, Nicolas, that America’s first to do so. friend was France. And frankly, we wouldn’t Sincerely, be where we are today without French sup- port early in our Revolution. You are not only George W. Bush our first friend, you’ve been a consistent friend. And the meetings here have recon- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and firmed and strengthened our friendship be- Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. This tween our countries and our personal friend- letter was released by the Office of the Press Sec- ship. retary on June 14. I really enjoy being with President Sarkozy. He’s an interesting guy. [Laughter] He is full of energy. He’s full of wisdom. He The President’s News Conference tells me what’s on his mind. And we’ve had— With President Nicolas Sarkozy of every time I’ve met with him, we’ve had very France in Paris, France meaningful discussions. We discussed Af- June 14, 2008 ghanistan. And thank you very much for sup- porting the Paris support conference. It President Sarkozy. Ladies and gentle- made a big difference for that young democ- men, thank you for coming to work with us racy. And I do thank the people of France on this Saturday morning. I wanted to thank for supporting the women and children and President Bush for his visit to Paris on his the young democrats in Afghanistan. And European tour. I see there how much impor- thank you too, Nicolas. tance he attaches to Franco-American rela- We talked about Lebanon, of course. tions and the transatlantic relation. And I Talked to him about the Holy Land, about think everyone should firmly bear in mind our deep desire for there to be two states the importance of this transatlantic relation living side by side in peace—two democ- between the United States and Europe, es- racies, a Palestinian democracy and Israel, pecially as we celebrate the 60th anniversary having a—resolving this conflict which cre- of the Marshall plan. This is an opportunity ates so much difficulty for not only the Pal- for me to extend the same sort of hospitality, estinians and the Israelis but for much of the warm hospitality that was extended to me last Middle East. November when I went to Washington and And we talked about Darfur. And I want to Mount Vernon. to thank you very much for having your It’s also an opportunity to continue to pur- troops there in Chad. sue this confident, trusting, regular dialog be- We talked about Iran—spent a lot of time tween France and the United States on all talking about Iran. And I will tell you that issues that we have in common—and there we both have a mutual desire to prevent the are so many of them. We had an extended Iranians from gaining the knowledge so that

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they could build a weapon. And we do that happened. It was done with the election of for the sake of peace and security of the General Sleiman. world. Second point, we will go through with the We talked about Doha, the importance of process—the procedure of the international a Doha round. And frankly—and then we tribunal to track down those who assassinated spent some time on climate change. We had Mr. Rafiq Hariri. But once I have said to a meaningful, good discussion. And I thank Bashar al-Asad to let the Presidential process you very much for the dinner last night. And take—run its course, we would go back—get it’s a great pleasure to have been able to meet back into contact with them, and that is ex- your wife too. She’s a really smart, capable actly what we’ve done. We have to let Leb- woman, and I can see why you married her. anon stand free. [Laughter] And I can see why she married I also share the view of the United States you too. [Laughter] of America on the fact that the Iranian ques- Anyway, thanks. It’s been a good visit. tion—and the fact that they might get their We’ll be glad to take some questions. hands on a nuclear weapon—is of the es- President Sarkozy. Thank you, George. sence; it is a major issue. Syria has to peel Perhaps a first question from the French off, as much as possible, from Iran in its de- press. sire to lay its hands on a nuclear weapon. Once that has happened, then the process will continue. Syria/Iran/Lebanon Lastly, I told the President of the United Q. To both of you, what specific, concrete States that we have taken the initiative of requests do you wish to make or send to the convening a summit for the Mediterranean, Syrian President, Bashar al-Asad, so that he and to my knowledge, Syria is part of the normalize his relations with the West, and Mediterranean region—is a Mediterranean of course, to achieve stability in Lebanon and country. Now if you go around the Medi- in the rest of—— terranean region and start picking and choos- President Bush. Well, my message would ing and simply inviting those who correspond be, stop fooling around with the Iranians and to exactly our criteria, then we’ll probably stop harboring terrorists. Serve as a construc- have a meeting with very few people attend- tive force in the Middle East to help the ad- ing it. vance of a Palestinian state. Make it clear President Bush. I want to call on Bill to Hamas that their terror is a—should stop Plante from CBS, but before I do, I want for the sake of peace; and make it clear to to say something about one of your col- their Iranian allies that the West is serious leagues. when we talk about stopping them from America lost a really fine citizen yesterday learning how to enrich, which would be the when Tim Russert passed away. I’ve had the first—a major step for developing a bomb; privilege of being interviewed by Tim and to make it clear to their Iranian allies Russert. I found him to be a hard-working, that Hizballah is a destabilizing force for not thorough, decent man. And Tim Russert only Lebanon but elsewhere. loved his country; he loved his family; and That would be my message. I’d make it he loved his job a lot. And we’re going to clear to him that there is a better way forward miss him all, and we send our deepest sym- for Syria. And Nicolas and I talked about this pathies to Maureen, his wife, and Luke, his subject today. son. I know they’re hurting right now, and President Sarkozy. Well, George and I hopefully the prayers of a lot of Tim’s friends totally agree on the need to guarantee Leb- and a lot of Americans will help them during anon’s independence. Lebanon is entitled, this time of difficulty. like any other country anywhere in the world, Plante. to its independence and to remain inde- pendent. And this is one of the preconditions Iran that I have laid down—the election of a new Q. Mr. President, Iran’s Government President for Lebanon. That is exactly what spokesman, shortly after the package had

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been presented by the Europeans, dismissed leadership is willing to isolate them further. it out of hand, saying that if it does not— And our view is, we want the Iranian people if it includes suspension of enrichment, it ab- to flourish and to benefit. We want their solutely will not fly. Can you convince the economy to be strong so people can grow rest of your allies and partners to enforce up in peace and hope. And yet they’ve got the sanctions which are envisioned in that a—this Ahmadi-nejad is obviously—takes a package? It seems that many of them are re- different position from that and—so his poli- luctant. cies are what’s creating the depravation in- President Bush. That’s probably a ques- side Iran. tion you ought to ask the President of France, President Sarkozy. Well, I think France’s but let me just give you my impressions of position is well-known. If Iran gets a nuclear the situation. We have worked hard—‘‘we’’ bomb, that is totally unacceptable. I mean, being our allies—have worked hard to say that’s very clear. It is an unacceptable threat to the Iranian people, there is a better way to world stability, especially when you think forward for you. You’ve got a Government of the repeated statements made by the that has isolated you. You’ve got a Govern- President of Iran right now. Anyone is enti- ment that is creating the conditions so that tled—including Iran—to access to civilian you can’t live a full and hopeful life. And nuclear energy. We will help them to do so the reason why that’s happening is because if they act in good faith. If the Iranian au- your Government has defied the demands— thorities are in good faith, then they should the just demands of the free world. In other let inspections run their course. If they have words, they refuse to abandon their desires nothing to hide, then they have nothing to to develop the know-how which could lead hide—let’s show it. to a nuclear weapon. And meanwhile, the only solution in order Now, they say, ‘‘Well, we want a civilian to persuade the Iranians of this is a faultless, nuclear power.’’ And as I explained to Nico- seamless sanction system, you see? The door las today, I agree, they should have the right is wide open to access to civilian nuclear to have civilian nuclear power. As a matter technology—straightaway, now. But as far as of fact, Vladimir Putin delivered that very military nuclear energies—nuclear access is message to the Iranian regime. He also deliv- concerned, this is ‘‘no’’ on the part of the ered this message: That because you have international community. And as the Presi- been untrustworthy, because you haven’t dent just said, Vladimir Putin has, with us, fully disclosed your programs to the IAEA sung from the same hymn sheet, and our po- in the past, that we can’t trust you to enrich. sition will not change. The Iranian people— And therefore, Russia will provide the fuel which is a—who are great people and a major necessary for the civilian nuclear reactor. civilization—they need economic progress; And therefore, you don’t need to rich [en- they need growth; they deserve better than rich] *. the impasse, the dead-end into which some And so our demands are just and fair. And, of their leaders are leading them. Bill, we have been implementing the sanc- tions through the United Nations. And we’re European Union/Lisbon Treaty working with our friends and allies. As a mat- Q. President, good morning. ter of fact, much of my discussions on this President Sarkozy. Hold it the other way trip have been dominated by this subject be- around, madam. cause our allies understand that a nuclear- Q. Well, I should actually know what— armed Iran is incredibly destabilizing, and how to hold a microphone, but thank you. they understand that it would be a major President—to you, Mr. Sarkozy, it would ap- blow to world peace. pear that the building and shaping of Europe And so I’m disappointed that the leaders has been seriously shaken yesterday by the rejected this generous offer out of hand. It’s Irish ‘‘no.’’ In fact, some have called for the an indication to the Iranian people that their ratification procedure to be suspended. Can this not be the case? And secondly, do you * White House correction. want your Presidency, the French Presidency

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to be one which, as you called for, continues Now, of course, it’s not going to simplify to push Europe forward? And do you not the work and the task of the French Presi- think that the Irish ‘‘no’’ is going to hinder dent—Presidency of the European Union, this? but—— President Sarkozy. Well, it’s going to President Bush. Olivier [Olivier Knox, make things more difficult, but when you’re Agence France-Presse]. Tossing a bone to a head of state and when the bubble—you somebody who’s got a French name. [Laugh- take over the Presidency of the Union, if you ter] Might want to use the mike, Olivier. like easy jobs, then you should step down straightaway. Iraq/France-U.S. Relations Now, the Irish ‘‘no’’ is a political reality. It’s a fact. It’s happened. But the issue is not Q. Yes, I will. Thank you, Mr. President. whether we like or not. It’s a fact; we have Merci, Monsieur President. First—— to live with it. The Irish people said what President Bush. Speaks the language too. they had to say, and we have to accept that. [Laughter] Now, having said that, we, with Angela Q. Just wait. [Laughter] I’d like to ask you Merkel, believe that we have to continue each a question. with the ratification process, because at this President Bush. In the great tradition of stage, 18 European states have ratified the David Gregory [NBC News]. treaty. We have to continue doing so, and Q. Who? that is Gordon Brown’s intention, as he ex- President Bush. Yes, just trying to work plained to me yesterday over the telephone, him in the news here. so that this Irish hiccup not become a major Q. I’d like to ask you a question first, Mr. crisis. President. Et ensuite une au President de la So despite that, let’s continue to ratify. But Republique. at the same time, we have to put our heads Interpreter. I’m going to question the together, all of us. It is no coincidence, it President of the Republic. is no surprise to a certain extent—in fact, Q. President Bush, Iraqi Prime Minister I spoke yesterday with the Irish Taoiseach, Nuri al-Maliki says that talks on a status of the Irish Prime Minister. A lot of Europeans forces agreement are at an impasse, or a do not understand how we are shaping Eu- dead-end—not dead, but in trouble. How do rope right now and building Europe, and we you break this impasse, and are the condi- have to take account of that. And we have tions that the United States have set forward to do so very fast. We have to change our in support so far nonnegotiable? way of building Europe. The idea of a European construct—it was [At this point, the reporter asked a question one of the most wonderful ideas that the in French, and it was translated as follows.] founding fathers had some half a century ago. We cannot allow—we shouldn’t sabotage it. Q. And to you, President, is the Franco- But perhaps we should do it differently. Eu- American relationship the privilege, the pri- rope was set up to protect, and yet it worries ority number one relationship in the trans- so many Europeans. We can’t not take ac- atlantic context? count of this. We have to do so, and we have President Bush. Olivier, if I were a bet- to do so now. So I have every intention of ting man, we’ll reach an agreement with the taking initiatives. I’m thinking, for instance, Iraqis. And it’s—you know, of course we’re of a European immigration policy. I’m think- there at their invitation; this is a sovereign ing of a European response to this endless nation. And therefore, we’re working hard increase in oil prices. It seems to me that with the elected Government of Iraq about, we have a duty to be more effective and look you know, U.S. presence and coalition pres- at what the daily lives of our citizens—fellow ence in a way that the elected Government citizens—look like. And I take the Irish ‘‘no’’ is comfortable. as a call for us to do things differently and And it’s interesting to be in—working with do things better. a democracy where, you know, people are

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trying to prepare the ground to get some- have to say, which is that the Americans are thing passed through Parliament, for exam- our friends and our allies. They know they ple, or the free press is vibrant. But we’re can count on us. going to work hard to accommodate their de- Might I add that it seems to me that the sires. It’s their country. more you trust somebody, the more trust And at the same time, we believe that a there is on both sides of the Atlantic, the strategic relationship with Iraq is important. more leeway we have. We don’t ask the It’s important for Iraq; it’s important for the United States to apologize to us because they United States; it’s important for the region. have their own vision of their strategic inter- And I repeat to you that whatever we agreed ests, and they don’t ask us to apologize for to, it will not commit future Presidents to the fact that we are defending our own stra- troop levels, nor will it establish permanent tegic interests, precisely because the relation- bases. ship is a strong one; it is a calm one. And Anyway, we’ll see how it goes. And thanks when a relationship is that strong, you accept for the question in English. [Laughter] one’s divergences or differences. And that is President Sarkozy. Well, the Americans my whole point. You’ve got to understand, and the French have had a privileged rela- if you’re in a strong relationship, then you tionship for two centuries now. I mean, when have more room for freedom, more room for the United States of America was born, maneuver. That’s what this is all about. France made a choice. It was not a European Perhaps one last question? choice, because we chose to side with the President Bush. Oh. [Laughter] Americans or the United States of America President Sarkozy. One more; last. as opposed to Britain at the time. And in two World Wars, we’ve been together. We Middle East Peace Process share the same values. Q. You have set the target before leaving So, yes, it is a privileged relationship, but the White House that, by the end of this year, it’s not privileged since I came to be elected; you will hopefully achieve an historical peace it’s been privileged for two centuries now. between the Israelis and the Palestinians. You can’t neglect that. Now, through this— However, in light of what’s happening to the throughout that, we have had ups and fragile position of Ehud Olmert—Prime downs—hiccups—because two peoples—I’m Minister Ehud Olmert and the continuous talking about the French and the American process of building illegal settlements in peoples—that actually resemble one another. the—eastern Jerusalem and certain parts of We express our feelings. The American peo- the occupied territories, do you think that ple can be heard, and likewise for the French peace is far away right now in light of those people. We have to be careful about this. We obstacles? have to be mindful of this when we talk to President Bush. Yes. Thank you. First of one another in our relations. all, I view the concept of a Palestinian state I have always seen American leaders—and and the idea of a Palestinian state for Israeli thank you to President Bush—for accepting security, as well as Palestinian security and European originality and independence and, hope, as bigger than the political process. of course, French originality and independ- And I fully recognize there’s a lot of uncer- ence. And I’ve always noted that we can talk tainty in the Israeli political scene now. very frankly when we had points of disagree- On the other hand, what is not uncertain ment. But we have to do so in—as allies and is that most people—or many people in Israel as friends, and be mindful of not hurting one understand that for their own security, there another. We can agree on an issue, on the has to be a Palestinian state with clearly de- substance of issue, but we don’t have to say fined borders, a state that doesn’t look like so in an unpleasant manner. It so happens Swiss cheese, a resolution of the refugee that today we have a lot of areas of conver- issue and the security issue, and, of course, gence. But yes, maybe on such and such an issues surrounding Jerusalem. issue, we don’t totally agree, but it doesn’t Most Palestinians want to coexist in peace in any way undermine the basis of what I with Israel. And that peace must be in a state

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that is clearly visible, well-defined, and in ac- NOTE: The President’s news conference began at tuality is a state. And so in other words, the 11:45 a.m. at Elysee Palace. In his remarks, he concept—and by the way, this is newly ar- referred to Carla Bruni, wife of President Sarkozy; rived. I’m actually the first President ever to Tim Russert, moderator of NBC’s ‘‘Meet the have articulated a two-state solution, two de- Press,’’ who passed away on June 13; Prime Min- ister Vladimir Putin of Russia, in his former capac- mocracies living side by side with peace— ity as President of Russia; President Mahmud in peace. And during my time as President, Ahmadi-nejad of Iran; and Prime Minister Salam I’ve seen a notable shift amongst folks in the Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Middle East that recognize the importance Mazen) of the Palestinian Authority. President of having that state. Sarkozy referred to President Michel Sleiman of So my point to you is, is that, you know, Lebanon; Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany; it’s been a—there’s always difficulties in de- Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United mocracies, but the notion is a—of getting this Kingdom; and Prime Minister Brian Cowen of work done is important. And therefore, our Ireland. A reporter referred to Prime Minister diplomacy is to remind all the parties in- Ehud Olmert of Israel. President Sarkozy and volved that they have now an opportunity to some reporters spoke in French, and their re- marks were translated by an interpreter. get a state negotiated. And I think it can be done by the end of the year. Condi is very much involved with it on a—you know, a The President’s Radio Address nearly weekly, it seems like, basis. And of course, I’m in touch with the leaders. The June 14, 2008 Palestinians are discouraged by the settle- ment activity—all the more reason to get the Good morning. This week, I’m traveling borders clearly defined as quickly as possible. in Europe. In the past few days, I have visited I want to thank Nicolas and the EU, for Slovenia, Germany, Italy, and the Vatican. example, for helping build civil society in the I’m spending this Saturday in France, and Palestinian Territory as well as helping Prime I will conclude my trip in the United King- Minister Fayyad with security measures. dom. I’ll also remind you that it’s essential that In my meetings, I’ve discussed our shared we get a state defined as quickly as possible efforts to advance peace and prosperity so that leaders such as President Abbas and around the world. America has strong part- Prime Minister Fayyad can say to their peo- ners in leaders like Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi, ple, here’s an alternative vision to what’s tak- Germany’s Angela Merkel, France’s Nicolas ing place in Gaza. You support us, and you’re Sarkozy, and Britain’s Gordon Brown. And going to get a state. You support Hamas, and together we’re pursuing an agenda that is you’re going to get Gaza. Take your pick. broad and far-reaching. And therefore, there it’s imperative that America and Europe are cooperating to we, you know, convince the parties to get open new opportunities for trade and invest- this done. Now, I know some say, ‘‘All Amer- ment. We’re working to tear down regulatory ica has got to do is say, ‘Do it.’’’ No, the barriers that hurt our businesses and con- way it works is, is that the parties have got sumers. We’re striving to make this the year to come to this agreement. Our job, along that the world completes an ambitious Doha with the EU through the Quartet, is to keep trade agreement, which will open up new the process moving. markets for American goods and services and And so I’m optimistic. I understand how help alleviate poverty around the world. difficult it is, but difficulty should not cause America and Europe are cooperating to people to do the right thing. If you believe address the twin challenges of energy secu- in your soul something is right, then you have rity and climate change, while keeping our an obligation to work. And in this case, I economies strong. We’re working to diversify firmly believe that the establishment of a Pal- our energy supplies by developing and fi- estinian state will bring hope and peace to nancing new clean-energy technologies. And the Israelis and the Palestinians. we’re working toward an international agree- Thank you. ment that commits every major economy to

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slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth making the world a safer and more hopeful of greenhouse gases. place. America and Europe are cooperating to Thank you for listening. widen the circle of development and pros- perity. We’re leading the world in providing NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:15 a.m. on food aid, improving education for boys and June 13 in Rome, Italy, for broadcast at 10:06 girls, and fighting disease. Through the his- a.m., e.d.t., on June 14. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on toric commitments of the United States and June 13 but was embargoed for release until the other G–8 countries, we’re working to turn broadcast. Due to the 6-hour time difference, the the tide against HIV/AIDS and malaria in Af- radio address was broadcast after the President’s rica. And to achieve this noble goal, all na- news conference in Paris. The Office of the Press tions must keep their promises to deliver this Secretary also released a Spanish language tran- urgent aid. script of this address. America and Europe are cooperating on our most solemn duty, protecting our citi- zens. Our nations are applying the tools of Interview With Ned Temko of The intelligence, finance, law enforcement, diplo- Observer in Rome, Italy macy, and when necessary, military power to June 13, 2008 break up terror networks and deny them safe havens. And to protect against the prospect Progress in Iraq/Remarks to the of ballistic missile attacks emanating from the Organization for Economic Cooperation Middle East, we’re developing a shared sys- and Development in Paris, France tem of missile defense. Mr. Temko. You’re giving a major speech We’re also working together to ensure that in Paris in a few hours’ time on what you Iran is not allowed to acquire a nuclear weap- describe as a new era of transatlantic union. on. This week, America and our European And obviously, the picture in Europe is much allies sent a clear and unmistakable message more encouraging, it would seem, than a few to the regime in Tehran: It must verifiably years ago. What’s changed, in your view, and suspend its enrichment activities or face fur- what needs to be fixed? ther isolation and additional sanctions. To- The President. This is the—what’s gether America and Europe are pursuing changed is the—we’ve gone beyond the Iraq strong diplomacy with Iran, so that future period for two reasons. One is that Iraq is— generations can look back and say that we democracy is succeeding. People are begin- came together to stop this threat to our peo- ning to see progress. And therefore, people ple. that—at least governments that felt like they In the long run, the most important way didn’t want to participate in the liberation we can protect our people is to defeat the of Iraq have now wanted to participate in terrorists’ hateful ideology by spreading the the reconstruction of Iraq. And their people hope of freedom. So America and Europe are beginning to see some success. Maliki has are working together to advance the vision moved things—Stockholm—and comports of two democratic states, Israel and Pal- himself like a leader would, and he speaks estine, living side by side in security and hopefully about the future. peace. We’re working together to protect the Secondly, that there are a lot of issues that sovereignty of Lebanon’s young democracy. we’re focused on that kind of send a signal And we’re working together to strengthen that cooperation is necessary to change the the democratically elected Governments in conditions of the world for the better—co- Iraq and Afghanistan. operation on AIDS, cooperation on malaria, In all of these areas, the United States and cooperation on trade, hopefully, discussion Europe have agreed that we must take ac- about climate change, cooperation in Afghan- tion, and that we must go forward together. istan. In other words, the agenda is varied, The level and breadth of the cooperation be- and it’s profound. tween America and our European allies And my speech basically says that by focus- today is unprecedented. And together we’re ing on these issues and by working together

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in a unified way, we can be transformative, a position to earn the trust of those where just like we were in the past. Europe used there’s not a hundred percent agreement. to be inward-looking right after World War And by the way, any American President will II—necessarily so—to rebuild. America find out there’s never a hundred percent helped. Now we can be outward-looking as agreement, even with your closest friends. we help others. Mr. Temko. I’m sure that’s right. [Laugh- I also have a—I’m a believer that liberty ter] is transformative—the power of liberty is uni- The President. And so the first part of versal; that moral relativism must be re- the question—yes, look, I think it’s—I went jected; and that we’ve got to have confidence to Sochi. Putin introduced me to Medvedev. in liberty to help others so that we’re more And he, in not only his body language, but secure ourselves. And that’s what the speech in his words to me—that Medvedev is going is. It’s a hopeful speech. to be in charge of foreign policy. And their relationship is being sorted out, and the Russia-U.S. Relations world is fascinated to watch what’s hap- Mr. Temko. And one of the areas of Eu- pening. I think it’s—I’ll take him for his rope where liberty has been sort of partly word, and then we’ll watch and see what hap- transformative is clearly post-Soviet Russia. pens. And you’ve had very strong personal relation- ship with Putin. First of all, is your assess- Religious Freedom ment that Putin is still basically in charge? Mr. Temko. How concerned are you And how important is your personal relation- about issues like human rights in Russia? And ship? what degree of influence does any outside The President. Let me start with the sec- country—even the United States or—— ond. My personal relationship is important The President. Oh, I think it matters. I because we had differences. And therefore, think it matters when people speak up, if you work hard to establish a relationship whether it be in Russia or China or anywhere of trust, that you’re then able to air out your else. In Russia’s case, there was—early on differences in a way that’s respectful of the in my Presidency, I remember talking to other person, and at the same time, find com- Vladimir Putin on behalf of the Catholic mon ground. Church, where there were concerns about One area of common ground that has real- the Church being able to have a robust pres- ly not been given much attention is Iran. I ence. agreed that the Iranians should have—they Vladimir Putin is sensitive to religious have the sovereign right to have civilian nu- issues. He’s a religious guy himself. He has clear power. Putin obviously believes they a beautiful little Orthodox church on his own should; witness the cooperation on Bushehr. property, which he proudly showed me and We both agree, however, that they can’t be Laura one time. He made sure I met some trusted with the knowledge that comes from of the Jewish community when I was there enrichment. And therefore, Putin suggested in Russia. And so he is sensitive to religious to the Iranians that Russia provide the en- liberty, more so than some other countries. riched uranium necessary to run their fuel plant. I agree. And as I said yesterday in the Natural Resources/Global Foreign Policy press conference, that this really undermines Mr. Temko. And is Western leverage re- the argument for the Iranians because if, in duced by the fact that Russia has a good fact, their only focus is on civilian nuclear chunk of the world’s natural energy re- power, they readily accept the plant, the fuel, sources? and the offer of Russia to pick up the spent The President. I think it certainly changes fuel. the equation on a lot of foreign policy. It’s So there are areas where we cooperate, interesting to watch the European Union and there are areas where we have disagree- wrestle with energy independence. Early in ments. And yet I believe the best foreign pol- my Presidency, nations were saying they icy for the American President is to be in were going to get rid of nuclear power. And

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I questioned them quietly, on an individual And the truth of the matter is that there’s basis, about that decision, because if you get either got to be more supply or less demand. rid of one source of power, you have to find And demand doesn’t decline overnight, al- another source of power, unless, of course, though patterns and habits are beginning to you don’t care whether your economy grows. change in the United States. You notice some Most leaders end up caring whether their of these car manufacturers are now announc- economy grows. ing they’re going to be manufacturing smaller So I predicted to some of these leaders automobiles. that there would be an issue in terms of hav- I think that people have got to recognize ing a sole source supplier, particularly of nat- that, I mean, our policy in America has been ural gas from Russia. And now there’s great robust on the development of new tech- consternation within the EU. And my only nologies and weak on finding enough hydro- point is, is that this energy issue complicates carbons so that we can become less depend- a lot of foreign policy issues, including that ent on foreign sources of oil. between the EU and Russia, as well as that Mr. Temko. In terms of the short term, between the United States and Venezuela, fixing the oil price—— or the world and Iran. And the question is, The President. You mean the magic what do you do about it? wand? Energy Policy Mr. Temko. Yes. The President. No, there’s not one. Mr. Temko. Well, that was going to be my next question. Mr. Temko. And in terms of these con- The President. What we need to do about ferences, I notice there’s going to be a con- it in the United States is to get this Demo- ference in Jeddah, and your national security cratically controlled Congress to allow us to staff—— explore for oil and gas. We did an energy The President. That would be Hadley, the study when I first became President that pre- spokesman. dicted it would be an issue if we did not ex- Mr. Temko. Yes, indeed—not unreason- plore for oil and gas. And what people don’t ably said that you would want to know what understand is hydrocarbons are necessary as such a conference—— we transition to a new era, based upon new The President. I was asked this at a press technologies. But new technologies don’t ar- conference last night. I said it’s an interesting rive overnight. I mean, they just don’t sud- idea. Of course, I’m going to go home and denly appear. It takes time and money to de- take a look at what it all means and I’ll decide velop these technologies. The world is in the who’s going to attend on our behalf. But if process of doing that. The United States is I might repeat, the solution to the price of spending a lot of money on research, both hydrocarbons is either more hydrocarbons or privately and publicly. Japan is as well. less usage of hydrocarbons. And yet we forgot the notion of During my trips to the Middle East—I’ve transitioning. And so we don’t explore in got great relations with the leaders there, and ANWR; we don’t explore for oil shale; we I talked to King Abdallah about increasing don’t explore off the coast of America, and the supply of oil, on the theory that if you we should be. harm your consumers with high price, they will find other ways to power their economies Oil Prices/Upcoming Middle East Oil as quickly as possible. And secondly, he Summit should not want to see kind of a worldwide Mr. Temko. In terms of the oil price, contraction as a result of consumers spending which is obsessing most of the world now, money on energy that ends up overseas, as is there anything individual governments can opposed to spending money on opportunities do, in your view? in their respective economies. The President. There’s no magic wand. So I think people, if they take a sober look It took us awhile to get to where we are; at the world’s supply, there’s just not a lot it’s going to take us awhile to get out of it. relative to demand.

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One of the things that could help is that not to say they can’t do it again. And now if some countries, big consumers of hydro- is the time. And the consequences of Iran carbons stop subsidizing their populations so having a nuclear weapon are substantial. that there is a response to price on the de- They’re substantial in the Middle East. If the mand side. people in the Middle East do not think that the United States and Europe, for example, Iran are going to work to provide security, they Mr. Temko. Iran has been very much on will find their own ways to secure themselves. the agenda again, all this week—— And what the Middle East does not need is The President. Yes, it is. It should be. a nuclear arms race. It does not need the Mr. Temko. ——and should be. Ahmadi- instability that comes from an innate fear that nejad has all but said no to the latest incen- the West is not strong enough or willing tive package. If that stands, what’s the next enough to take on the problem. step in your view? The President. More sanctions. The next Situation in the Middle East step is for the Europeans and the United Mr. Temko. So there’s a lot at stake here, States and Russia and China to understand in your view. diplomacy only works if there are con- The President. In my judgment, it’s the sequences. And sometimes the world tends international issue that faces all of us. And to focus on the process as opposed to the therefore, success in Iraq is important; it has results. And I have tried during my Presi- consequences for the Iranian issue. It is im- dency to say, we need to focus on the results, portant for us to have security agreements and for diplomacy to be consequential there with our friends. We, the United States, has has to be a statement that says to the Ira- security agreements with UAE, for example. nians: Here’s your way forward; if you choose When you go to the Middle East and you not to, there will be a consequence. And the sit in my seat and listen, yes, there’s concern consequence in this case, in the diplomatic about the Palestinian state. But the dialog channel, is sanctions that are effective. So we has shifted dramatically from solve the Pales- will work with our partners on implementa- tinian state and you’ve solved the problems tion of the sanctions thus far in place through in the Middle East, to now solve the Iranian the U.N., and work with them on additional issue and you solve the problems in the Mid- sanctions, including through the U.N. proc- dle East. ess, as well as through the financial process. Mr. Temko. What’s at stake here? Sorry, Iran go on. Mr. Temko. Let’s assume that Ahmadi- The President. On the theory that there nejad does not respond to this latest package, are people inside Iran who, one, are suffering that there are additional sanctions. You clear- as a result of the decisions their Government ly feel very strongly about this issue. made; but secondly, leaders inside of Iran The President. That’s why I put all op- who are sick and tired of the isolation tions on the table. brought about by this regime. In 2003, the Mr. Temko. And there are other options, Iranians had agreed to verifiably suspend; we obviously. What happens if at the end of the had agreed to say, there’s a way forward, year, you have tougher sanctions, but you still working with our European partners. In have no resolution? other words, there was a—looked like a suc- The President. I don’t want to speculate cessful way forward for both sides of this de- on that. My hope is, is that let’s get the tough bate. Then Ahmadi-nejad gets elected, sanctions in place. That’s the task. changes the tone and changes the policy. Mr. Temko. But there’s always an alter- And so my only point there is that—and native on the table; there has to be. this is the point I make to our partners— The President. Oh, yes, absolutely. is that the Iranians had adopted a different Mr. Temko. And you—— attitude during my Presidency—in other The President. And alternatives not just words, in the relatively near past—and that’s for the United States, alternatives for a lot

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of other countries, some of which the world struction had to be done in the face of a lot needs to think about as we head into this of violence. arena. We don’t want a nuclear arms race And in 2006, it became apparent that our in the Middle East. That’s an alternative. strategy of training and encouraging the Iraqis to take the lead was not working; sec- U.S. Foreign Policy tarian violence was severe. As you know, I Mr. Temko. But you would be willing to made the decision to send 30,000 more in hand over a status quo which was slightly im- because we recognized that—and had belief proved, i.e. tougher sanctions? that security would yield this kind of evo- The President. Actually it’s not status quo lution of democracy, and it is. The number because there’s a multilateral forum in place of laws they passed, the Iraqi Parliament that will enable Presidents to more likely deal have passed, have been—I would say it cer- with this issue. tainly exceeded expectations. And they I have made it clear that it’s difficult for passed their budgets faster than we have the United States to achieve an issue in a passed our budgets. one-on-one situation with people like Ahmadi-nejad or Kim Jong Il. I have changed British and U.S. Troop Levels in Iraq the foreign policy of the United States to Mr. Temko. I’m sure that’s true. [Laugh- make it more multilateral because I under- ter] stand that diplomacy without consequences The British Government, Gordon Brown is ineffective. And the only way to achieve had said yesterday, I think, that he will an- consequences through diplomacy is for there nounce sometime in the coming weeks fu- to be a universal application, in this case, of ture plans for British deployment in Iraq. sanctions. Unilateral sanctions don’t work. British officers have acknowledged that in You know, I tell my partners, we’re asking the recent fighting in Basra, the American you to sanction; I know you’re sitting there military role was crucial to making sure that saying to yourself, ‘‘Well, it’s easy for him there was a response. Is there not a concern to say because they’ve already sanctioned.’’ that, whatever the justifications for a British And the question facing countries is, does withdrawal, that a British pullout of troops money trump effective diplomacy for the could have an effect either on American de- sake of peace and security? ployment or on the situation as a whole? Or are you relaxed about it? Progress in Iraq The President. I’m, first of all, appre- Mr. Temko. Iraq, you mentioned. Post- ciative of the fact that Gordon Brown is con- surge, are things heading in the right direc- stantly in dialog with us about what he and tion, in your view? his military are thinking. Secondly, we our- The President. Absolutely. selves are bringing out troops based upon re- Mr. Temko. And how is—— turn on success. And thirdly, I am confident The President. Violence is down. And as that he, like me, will listen to our com- a result of violence being down, the economy manders to make sure that the sacrifices that is growing and political reconciliation is tak- have gone forward won’t be unraveled by ing place. And the lesson learned in this post- drawdowns that may not be warranted at this conflict period in both Iraq and Afghanistan point in time. I’m looking forward to dis- is, you got to have security. cussing with him. I gave a speech at the Air Force Academy We’ve had some discussions. He was going that said it’s a different set of issues that we to be at 3,500, I think, if I’m not mistaken; face now than we faced 60 years ago in post- he’s now at 5,000. conflict. First of all, the conflicts took longer National Security Adviser Stephen J. to resolve in World War II. And yet the re- Hadley. I think he’s at 4,200. construction was done in relative peace and The President. Forty-two-hundred, I security. Here it took little time to accom- don’t know, whatever, but it’s—— plish the initial military objective, and recon- Mr. Temko. But it did roll back on an——

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The President. It’s greater than he couldn’t have solved this. We went back to thought, in other words—— the United Nations for a resolution. Mr. Temko. Yes, that’s right. Mr. Temko. For a second resolution, yes. The President. In other words, the Gov- The President. And in the meantime, ernment took a look and said, ‘‘Well, maybe we’re working with our allies and friends. We we ought to leave more troops in.’’ My only didn’t realize, nor did anybody else, that Sad- point is, is that timetables—you say, time- dam Hussein felt like he needed to play like table for withdrawal, and our answer is, there he had weapons of mass destruction. It may should be no definitive timetable; there have been, however, that in his mind all this ought to be obviously a desire to reduce our was just a bluff. After all, there had been presence, but it’s got to be based upon suc- 17 United Nations Security Council resolu- cess. tions, the world wasn’t serious, which leads All I can tell you is, from my perspective, me back to the point that when the world the British response has been that way. says something, it better have—it better They’ve said, we’re going to have—we think mean what it says, otherwise people who are we’ll be at 3,500, but then adjusted their destabilizing just don’t take it seriously. plans based upon the conditions. ‘‘Who cares?’’ they say. And so, I was asked in Germany—one of Iraq/President’s Decisionmaking the guys said, ‘‘You making any mistakes?’’ Mr. Temko. Weapons of mass destruction Of course. I said, one of the mistakes was in Iraq obviously is—— my language made it look like that I was anx- The President. Still looking for them. ious for war; that because of my language, Mr. Temko. Still looking for them, exactly. I didn’t understand the consequences. Well, [Laughter] of course I understand the consequences. The President. That was a huge dis- And I understand better than anybody that appointment. the Commander in Chief has got an obliga- Mr. Temko. And the obvious question tion to comfort those who have lost a loved your critics ask, particularly in Britain, is if one because of his decision. And then the we’d known at the time there weren’t any man went on and said, ‘‘Well, was it a mistake WMD, would there have been this war? to get rid of Saddam Hussein?’’ The answer The President. Well, you know, that’s one is absolutely not. of those great hypotheticals that we didn’t know. Now having said that, I still strongly President’s Decisionmaking defend the decision. The world is better off Mr. Temko. You very movingly described without Saddam Hussein in power. But in one interview this week that—how dif- Presidents don’t get to do re-dos; they don’t ficult it is to put young American men and get to do look-backs, ifs. All I can tell you women in harm’s way and how much time is, is that we thought for certain there was and energy you’ve tried to devote to doing weapons of mass destruction, as did the na- what you can, obviously, to comfort the fami- tions that voted for 1441. lies of someone who has been killed—— See, the interesting thing about history is The President. And making sure they un- that—short-term, kind of momentary history, derstand that the sacrifice won’t go in vain. is that people forget what life was like at the Nothing worse than a politician making deci- moment that this decision was made. One, sions based upon the last Gallup Poll when people forget that we tried to solve this prob- people’s lives are at stake, or where they have lem diplomatically. You might remember, made a sacrifice. And I tell these folks—and there was a great debate: Will Bush go to they want to know—look, there’s a lot of the United Nations, or will they move with- them, and I haven’t visited with all the fami- out trying to solve this problem diplomati- lies. But I will tell you this: Many, many fami- cally? Well, we did go to the United Nations; lies look at me trying to determine whether I insisted we go to the United Nations. And or not, one, I believed that it was necessary; we worked diligently from the summer of and two, whether or not I’m going to let their 2002 until March of 2003 to see if we son or daughter kind of lie in an empty grave

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when it comes to the sacrifice they made. clinics that are opening or the playgrounds They want to know whether or not the Presi- that are filling up, the society is coming back. dent—if he believes it was necessary, wheth- I have great faith in the power of liberty. er or not he’s going to see this thing through, First of all, I wasn’t surprised when people regardless of what they’re screaming on the went to vote in defiance of the killers. I was TV sets. pleased, but not surprised, because I believe in the universality of freedom. I don’t believe President’s Image Abroad it is a Western value. And I say to people, Mr. Temko. You’re flying into Britain I am concerned about the comfortable iso- where your public awaits you, and you know lating themselves and saying, who cares there’s a tough public there sometimes. One whether somebody over there lives in a free of the questions—— society? The President. Do I care? Only to the And I’ll say in my speech, moral relativism extent that it affects people’s view of my— must be challenged, this notion that it doesn’t the citizens I represent. Do I care about my matter what forms of government are—I personal standing? Not really. think it does matter. I think it also matters, along these lines, that when I talk about free- Iraqi Civilians/U.S. Troop Casualties/ dom, it’s just not freedom from tyranny, it’s Freedom Agenda freedom from HIV/AIDS; it’s freedom from malaria; it’s freedom from hunger—for two Mr. Temko. One of the questions, of reasons. One, it’s in our national interests course, they ask, is, do you feel a sense of that we defeat hopelessness. The only way personal pain—— a suicide bomber can recruit is when he finds The President. Course I do. somebody hopeless. And secondly, it’s in our Mr. Temko. ——over the Iraqi civilians moral interests. A nation is a better nation who have—— when it feeds the hungry and takes care of The President. I feel a sense of pain for the diseased. those who were tortured by Saddam Hussein, by the parents who watched their daughters And therefore, when I go to the G–8, my raped by Saddam Hussein, by those innocent message to the G–8 is, yes, we’ll talk about civilians who have been killed by inadvertent the environment, and that’s important. But allied action, by those who have been George W. Bush is going to be talking about bombed by suicide bombers. I feel a sense those people who are needlessly dying be- of pain for death. I feel a sense of pain for cause of mosquito bites. And I expect them the families of our troops. I read about it to honor their obligations. We came to the every night. Or I used to read about it every G–8 last year, and I said, ‘‘Why don’t you night; the violence has changed. match what the United States of America But I get a report every day about whether does; we’re putting up $30 billion for HIV/ or not the U.S. has suffered casualties. And AIDS, $1.6 billion for malaria. And why don’t when I get those reports, I think about those you match us?’’ And they said, ‘‘Okay.’’ mothers and fathers. And I meet with a lot And so we’re going to go to the G–8 and of families—a lot—in order to be able to— we’re going to sit down and say, ‘‘Have we it’s my duty to try to console and comfort. matched?’’ Because there are people need- And many times, the comforter in chief ends lessly dying today. And we’ll come up with up being comforted, by the way, by the fami- a good solution for greenhouse gases by get- lies, the strength of the families. ting China and India at the table. And it’s This is a volunteer army, and these kids going to take time to evolve, but I’m going are in this fight because they want to be in to remind people we can act today to save the fight and they believe in it. And yet these lives for the good of the world. poor parents are looking at—oftentimes look- Press Secretary Dana Perino. Okay, ing at negativity, just people quick to report we’re about 25 minutes. the ugly and the negative. But it’s hard to The President. That means shorten my report on the schools that are opening or the answers.

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Former Prime Minister Tony Blair of the it. There’s no such thing as objective short- United Kingdom term history. It takes a while for history to Mr. Temko. No, no, I’ll shorten my ques- have its—you know, to be able to have tions. [Laughter] enough time to look back to see why deci- Just three very brief questions. First of all, sions were made and what their con- your relationship with Tony Blair—I’m sequences were. struck, in your last question, that you seem So, you know, I’d hope it’d be somebody to share with him a genuine passion for ideas who would use the influence of the United and that politics matter. How would you de- States to help transform societies by working scribe your relationship with Blair? on disease and hunger and freedom. And the The President. I would say, first of all, liberation of 50 million people from the it’s a relationship forged by fire. We share— clutches of barbaric regimes is noteworthy, as you can tell, I have this idealistic streak, at the minimum. and so does Blair. But we also understand President’s Beliefs that this idealism is a practical response to the world. See, this is an—he understands, Mr. Temko. Does this job take its toll on like I understand, this is an ideological strug- you? I mean, can you—— gle. These acts are not isolated acts of law- The President. My spirits are pretty high. lessness. We’re in a war. I mean, I’m—you got to believe, you know? A lot of people hope this wasn’t the war— You got to have a set of beliefs that are the you know, just kind of dismiss it as, oh, foundation for your very being. Otherwise there’s some irritated guys, you know, just these currents and tides and 24-hour news kind of making some moves. We viewed it and politics will kind of leave you adrift. And as an ideological struggle that requires re- I tell people that when I get home, I’m going sponse through good intelligence, sometimes to look in that mirror and say, I didn’t sac- military, obviously, sometimes law enforce- rifice my core beliefs to satisfy critics or sat- ment, all aiming to dismantle and protect our isfy pundits or, you know—— people—dismantle the cells and protect our President’s Future people, but that ultimately freedom has to defeat the ideology of hate. Mr. Temko. And what next—a founda- Mr. Temko. Was Tony Blair your poodle, tion, a book? to use the—— The President. Yes, I’m going to think The President. You know, look, this is the about that, yes—writing a book. I’m going convenient—one of the great things about to build a Presidential library with a freedom Western press is that they oftentimes retreat institute at SMU—Southern Methodist Uni- to the convenient rather than trying to, you versity—all aimed at promoting the universal know, probe the depths of a relationship or values that need to be defended. I’m very the depths of somebody’s feelings or the worried about isolationism and protec- basis of philosophy. And so it’s convenient. tionism. The world has gone through these It’s convenient to say, you know, ‘‘war mon- ‘‘isms’’ before. And you watch and see, the ger,’’ ‘‘religious zealot,’’ ‘‘poodle,’’ I mean, protectionist debate is mounting in the these are just words that people love to toss United States; it’s mounting in Europe, cer- around foolishly. tainly. It was much easier to kind of blame the economic woes on external forces, and President’s Legacy therefore, the response would be, okay, let’s Mr. Temko. How do you think and how quit trade, let’s make sure our jobs aren’t do you hope that you and Blair—but particu- going elsewhere, and that’s—some of those larly yourself—how would you hope that the concerns are legitimate. achievement—what’s your greatest achieve- On the other hand, it is a forerunner of ment or your greatest pride as President? isolationism, and, you know, I remind people And what’s your greatest regret? that we’ve been through a period of isola- The President. Well, first of all, just so tionism and protectionism right before you know, I’m not going to be around to see World War II. And, by the way, curiously

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enough, at that period of time, there was na- The President. I think the Iraqi people— tivism as well. And I find it interesting that yes, some have suffered, no question. But the immigration debate is now pretty pro- they’re living in a free society. Everybody is nounced around. And so I’m going to set up going to have to handle their own internal a—this isn’t, like, you know, a headquarters business the way they want to. I’m not going for the Republican Party. to second-guess one way or the other. But And, by the way, just so you know, the my view is, is that when you talk to Iraqis, foreign policy I’ve just outlined for you is— they’re thrilled with the idea of living in a you know, it’s not a hundred percent re- free society. Do they like the fact that vio- ceived amongst conservative thinkers in the lence is still there? No. But every society United States either. reaches a level of violence that’s tolerable. And has that reached Iraq? I don’t know NBC’s ‘‘The West Wing’’ yet. But I do know life is improving. I do Mr. Temko. Yes, I know, yes. Do we have know they live under a Government that they 90 seconds? helped elect, or they elected. And there’s still Ms. Perino. Yes. a lot of work to be done, don’t get me wrong, Mr. Temko. Okay, so—— but—and, you know, the thing that people Ms. Perino. I would say 90 seconds. ought to focus on is the courage of the Iraqis. Mr. Temko. Ninety seconds, okay. Just They put up with a lot of violence, Muslims one very quick—this is going to seem slightly killing Muslims. But first of all, there have flippant, but you’re going to the greatest fan been some accidents, but nobody can claim club of The West Wing television show in that the United States or Great Britain are the world on Sunday. Since you’re the only intentionally killing innocent people. We’re person who can review that program from not. As a matter of fact, warfare has changed experience—— a lot. The President. I’ve never watched it. Mr. Temko. But the existence of the war Mr. Temko. You’re kidding. Why not? has led to the deaths of innocent people, and The President. Because I don’t watch net- the fact is—— work TV. I read. The President. It has, but before the war, Mr. Temko. You read. Okay. And then hundreds of thousands were discovered in the—— mass graves. The President. I seriously don’t watch TV. You know, I watch sports, but I’d much rath- Freedom Agenda er read books. And I do. I read a lot. I may Mr. Temko. So on balance, you have—— even read yours. [Laughter] The President. Freedom trumps tyranny every time. And it’s hard for people to see Progress in Iraq that. It’s hard for people sitting afar to say, Mr. Temko. And then the last ques- ‘‘Isn’t that beautiful, somebody lives in a free tion—— society?’’ And my point is, is that I think it’s The President. But I won’t be able to find important for those of us who do live in free it because it’s written by—so-called written societies to understand that others want to by the other guy. [Laughter] live in free societies. And it takes time and Q. Certainly true. Last question, which sacrifice and effort to get that done. But one comes back to Iraq again. Gordon Brown— of the lessons of history is, is free societies and I thought your question on the pain you yield of peace. feel personally was quite clear and absolutely I remind people, 60 years ago isn’t all that strong. Gordon Brown a couple weeks ago long. And to say that Europe would be whole, phoned a voter who was upset about Iraq, free, and at peace prior to the end of World and apologized on behalf of the Government, War II would have been, you know, you not for the war, which he still thinks was the would have been viewed as a hopeless ideal- right thing, but for the kind of suffering of ist. Well, I’m making the point that I—when the Iraqi people. Do you think that’s a wise I gave my speech at the Knesset, if you read thing to do? what I said, here’s what 60 years from now

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the world can look like, and I believe will mocracy and liberty over centuries. And the look like, unless we all retreat. It’s not worth special partnership that President Bush and it, you know. And my point is, it’s working. I both agree today is a partnership not just Mr. Temko. Good. Thank you very much. of governments but of peoples, is driven for- And thank you for taking so much time. ward not simply by mutual interests but by our shared values. Both countries founded NOTE: The interview was taped at 9:45 a.m. at upon liberty, our histories forged through de- the Villa Taverna. In his remarks, the President mocracy. Our shared values expressed by a referred to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq; Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President commitment to opportunity for all, putting Dmitriy A. Medvedev of Russia; King Abdallah into practice what Churchill called the joint bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; President inheritance of the English-speaking world. Mahmud Ahmadi-nejad of Iran; Chairman Kim So let me thank President Bush for being Jong Il of North Korea; and Prime Minister Gor- a true friend of Britain and for the impor- don Brown of the United Kingdom. This tran- tance he attaches to enhancing our trans- script was released by the Office of the Press Sec- atlantic partnership, from the work we do in retary on June 15. A tape was not available for Afghanistan and Iraq to every part of the verification of the content of this interview. world. And let me thank him for the stead- fastness and the resolution that he has shown Remarks to Reporters in Paris in rooting out terrorism in all parts of the world; in working for a Middle East peace June 15, 2008 settlement; in bringing hope to Africa; in Midwest Flooding/Father’s Day working for a free trade world where, in spite of today’s current difficulties with oil and Laura and I had the joy of worshiping here food prices, there is and should be a wider in Paris. and deeper prosperity in future for all. My thoughts and prayers go out to those Now, in our substantive and wide-ranging who are suffering from the floods in our talks last night and this morning, the Presi- country. I know there’s a lot of people hurt- dent and I have discussed a number of cen- ing right now, and I hope they’re able to find tral issues. We have discussed Iran’s nuclear some strength in knowing that there is love ambitions. We have discussed Iraq and Af- from a higher being. ghanistan, where our forces are working side I also want to wish all the fathers in Amer- by side. We have discussed the criminal cabal ica happy Father’s Day. So Dad, if you’re that now threatens to make a mockery of free listening, happy Father’s Day. and fair elections in Zimbabwe. We have dis- Thank you all. cussed what we can do about democracy in NOTE: The President spoke at 12:13 p.m. at the Burma. American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. We have resolved, first of all, as we did some years ago, that it is in the British na- tional interest to confront the Taliban in Af- The President’s News Conference ghanistan, or Afghanistan would come to us. With Prime Minister Gordon Brown And so today Britain will announce additional of the United Kingdom in London, troops for Afghanistan, bringing our numbers England in Afghanistan to the highest level. And let June 16, 2008 me thank our troops and the troops of Amer- ica and 42 other countries who are in Afghan- Prime Minister Brown. I’m delighted to istan as I thank our forces in Iraq for their welcome President Bush and the First Lady courage and for their professionalism. And back to London. And his visit today is an op- let me acknowledge the bravery of the five portunity to celebrate the historic partner- members of the 2d Paratroop Regiment, ship of shared purpose that unites the United British men who have in the last few days Kingdom and the United States of America. sacrificed their lives for freedom. We both share a great love of history and Eighteen months ago, the Taliban boasted about how we have forged the ideas of de- that they and their paid foreign fighters

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would drive our forces out of southern a full and respected member of the inter- Helmand. Now most agree that security is national community or face further isolation. on the way to being transformed. Last week We discussed the deteriorating situation in in Paris, a total of 80 countries pledged 20 Zimbabwe. In recent weeks, under Robert billions, with nearly a billion from the United Mugabe’s increasingly desperate and crimi- Kingdom, to support the Afghan National nal regime, Zimbabwe has seen 53 killings, Development Strategy. 2,000 beatings, the displacement of 30,000 Our aim is to generate progress where the people, the arrest and detention of opposi- fourth poorest country in the world, laid low tion leaders, including Morgan Tsvangirai, by decades of conflict, can as a democracy and this is wholly unacceptable. Mugabe enjoy peaceful social and economic develop- must not be allowed to steal the election that ment, with our forces, over time, moving is now less than 2 weeks away. And that is from a direct combat role to train and sup- why we call for Zimbabwe to accept a United port Afghanistan’s own Army and police. Nations human rights envoy to visit In Iraq, there is still work to be done, and Zimbabwe now and to accept the inter- Britain is playing and will continue to play national monitors from all parts of the world its part. Where we have over 4,000 troops who are available to ensure that this is a free in Basra, we will continue the shared policy and fair election. of Iraqis taking more control over their own We agreed that at the G–8 in Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. would pro- affairs, moving from combat to overwatch in pose a plan to recruit and train health work- Basra. Our policy is showing success as we ers for the poorest countries. To save the continue the task we have set ourselves: lives of mothers who needlessly die in child- strong and well-trained Iraqi forces capable birth, we are developing proposals to tackle of securing the peace; firm commitments to the diseases that bring needless death and new local government elections soon; and suffering, including malaria, AIDS, and ne- speeding up the social and economic devel- glected tropical diseases. And we agreed also opment of Iraq so that people have a stake to work together to ensure G–8 commitment in the future. to scale up funding on education and get the Our message today to the Iranian people remaining 72 million children who do not go is that you do not have to choose the path to school today into school. of confrontation. The latest rounds of talks The world oil prices trebled in recent with the Iranians took place over the week- months. In the right of this, I welcome Saudi end. Once again, we put our enhanced offer Arabia’s initiative to host a producer-con- on the table, including political and economic sumer summit in Jeddah on the 22d of June. partnership and help with nuclear technology And we will all work together to ensure an for civilian use. We await the Iranian re- enhanced dialog between oil producers and sponse, and we’ll do everything possible to consumers. maintain the dialog. But we are also clear And the President and I also agreed that that if Iran continues to ignore united resolu- over the next few weeks, we need to press tions, to ignore our offers of partnership, we hard to achieve a world trade deal. Both of have no choice but to intensify sanctions. us are ensured that this could unlock new And so today Britain will urge Europe and opportunities for the world economy. It Europe will agree to take further sanctions would also help reduce high global food against Iran. prices. First of all, we will take action today that Finally, we go from here to Northern Ire- will freeze the overseas assets of the biggest land. The United States has played an essen- bank in Iran, the Bank Melli. tial role in securing peace in Northern Ire- And second, action will start today for a land and helping the people of Northern Ire- new phase of sanctions on oil and gas. And land move away from conflict to, potentially, I will repeat that we will take any necessary a new prosperity. And I want to thank Presi- actions so that Iran is aware of the choice dent Bush for his personal efforts to speed it has to make: to start to play its part as up the Northern Ireland peace process and

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to make sure that there is investment in or there’s nothing to worry about, it is some- Northern Ireland, not just from the rest of thing to worry about. And he was—you were the United Kingdom but from America. tested early in your Prime Ministership. You And I thank him for his work to ensure dealt with the challenge. And I appreciate that the recent investment conference in your continued focus and your understanding Northern Ireland was a huge success. And that we’ve got to work together to protect there will be further announcements of jobs our people and your understanding that free- in Northern Ireland today. America has dom is transformative, and the ultimate way played a huge role in this peace process, and to succeed against these extremists who use President Bush is to be thanked by all the murder as a way to achieve their political ob- people of the United Kingdom for what he jectives is to marginalize them through the has done. advance of liberty. So, Mr. President, I thank you again for And that’s what we’re doing in places like your friendship, for your leadership, for your Afghanistan and Iraq. And it is tough work. commitment to us continuing to work to- It’s hard to take a society that had been rav- gether to solve the challenges facing the ished by brutality and convince people to world. I’m pleased you’re here. I value the take the risk necessary to work for civil soci- gains we’ve made together, and I look for- ety and freedom for women and to educate ward to our continued friendship. their children. But I believe it’s necessary President Bush. Thank you, Mr. Prime work for the sake of peace and for our secu- Minister. And I thank you very much for your rity. And I believe it’s in the moral interests friendship. Thank you for your hospitality. of comfortable nations to help others realize This is—this has been a good trip. By the the blessings of liberty. Oh, for some that way, some are speculating this is my last trip. sounds like hopeless idealism. For those of Let them speculate. Who knows? [Laughter] us involved with making public policy nec- But it’s been a—we had a great dinner last essary to protect our people, it is the only night. I want to thank you and Sarah. And realistic way to guarantee the peace for our thanks for calling together the historians. It’s people. a—you know, Great Britain has produced And so you’ve been strong on Afghanistan great historians. And I am—I love reading and Iraq, and I appreciate it. But more im- a lot of their works, and it was so kind of portantly, the people of Afghanistan and Iraq you to have them over. And the food was appreciate it. The march to democracy is good too. [Laughter] never smooth. We’ve had our own history. And also, we had a great visit yesterday. America is viewed as a great democracy. Just Laura and I went to see Her Majesty the remember, many of our citizens were Queen. And I thank her for her hospitality. enslaved for a long period of time before we And then yesterday at the Embassy, thanks finally got it right. to our Ambassador, I had the opportunity to But it’s in our interests to help these folks. speak to some of your soldiers. And I was— It’s in our interests little girls go to school listened to their stories of courage and brav- in Afghanistan. It’s in our interests that there ery and sacrifice, and it was so—really touch- be free elections in Iraq. And it’s in our inter- ing. And I really appreciate the British peo- ests that we help these governments survive. ple supporting the people who wear the uni- And it’s taken sacrifice from our people; I form. And I am looking forward to going to understand that. The fundamental question Northern Ireland this evening. You’ve taken history is going to look back on is, did we the lead. We’re just pleased to help. And understand the duty that we’ve been called hopefully this visit will help keep the process to do to protect ourselves and help others? moving. And this Prime Minister has understood the First thing about Gordon Brown, he’s duty. tough on terror. And I appreciate it, and so No, I know there’s a lot of discussion here should the people of Great Britain and the in the British press about, well, you know, world. He fully understands that while some is there going to be enough troops or not want to say that the terrorist threat is gone enough troops and all that business. Is he

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trying to distance this, that, and the other? tions, because last year we met, and we had It’s just typical. But I just want to remind a—we discussed a lot of issues, including you that he has left more troops in Iraq than HIV/AIDS and malaria on the continent of initially anticipated. And, like me—we’ll be Africa. And they all came forth and said, making our decisions based upon the condi- ‘‘We’ll match the United States.’’ Except tions on the ground, the recommendation of most nations haven’t matched the United our commanders, without an artificial time- States to date except for Great Britain. You table set by politics. know, they haven’t done their part in match- I thank you for your troop announcement ing the United States. today in Afghanistan as well. Then you issued And so my message at the G–8 is: Looking a strong statement on Iran. It was a clear forward to working with you; thanks for com- statement, and it was a strong statement, and ing to the meeting; just remember, there are it was a necessary statement, because the free people needlessly dying on the continent of world has an obligation to work together in Africa today. And we expect you to be more concert to prevent the Iranians from having than pledge-makers; we expect you to be the know-how to develop a nuclear weapon. checkwriters for humanitarian reasons. And now is the time to work together to get We did talk about energy and Doha. I’m it done, and I appreciate your statement. concerned about Doha. I’m concerned that Hopefully the Iranian leadership will take while we’re making some progress on the ag- a different position than the one they’ve ricultural side, that nations such as Brazil and taken in the past, which is basically, who India and China are not making cor- cares what the free world says; we’re going responding openings on manufacturing and to—we’ll go our own way. And now has service—and the service sector on their part. faced—they face serious isolation, and the And in order to have a successful round, people who are suffering are the Iranian peo- which I believe is essential, and so does Gor- ple. We have no qualms with the Iranian peo- don—to fight off protectionism and to help ple. As a matter of fact, we want the Iranian poor nations develop, that now is the time people to thrive. It’s in our interests that to get a Doha round completed. And in order there be a hopeful society. It’s their Govern- to do so, there has to be more movement ment who has denied them their rightful on the manufacturing and service sector so place in the world. there can be a fair and equitable deal. And so I want to thank you very much for Finally, we talked about global climate working hard to, you know, to help keep this change. And I briefed Gordon on our strat- coalition together to provide pressure nec- egy for the major economies meeting to essary so we can solve the problem dip- hopefully reach an international goal for 2050 lomatically. That’s my first choice. Iranians that will have intermediate strategies that are must understand all options are on the table, binding on each nation within the U.N. however. framework. And the reason why I believe this Thank you for your strong words on is the right approach to take—that unless Zimbabwe. And I—you know, you obviously China and India are a part of a binding inter- are emotional on the subject. And I don’t national agreement—and the United blame you, because the people of Zimbabwe States—then we will not have effective policy have suffered under Mugabe leadership. And in dealing with climate change. It might we will work with you to ensure these good make us all feel good, but the results won’t folks have free and fair elections to the ex- be satisfactory. And so hopefully in Seoul, tent—best extent possible, which obviously South Korea, coming up, there will be a Mr. Mugabe does not want to have. major economy meeting agreement on a We talked about Darfur. We talked about long-term goal with binding commitments. Burma. I strongly support your health care Mr. Prime Minister, all in all, it’s been a worker initiative. I’m looking forward to great meeting. Thank you for the conversa- going to the G–8 to articulate that. And we tion, and thank you for your friendship. expect the people of the G–8—the leaders Prime Minister Brown. Thank you. of the G–8 countries to fulfill their obliga- Questions.

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British and U.S. Troop Levels in Iraq/ Secretary will announce later this afternoon Afghanistan that we will send more troops to Afghanistan. Q. Nick Robinson, BBC News. The reason is that we want to help the Af- President Bush. Who? Can you say his ghans train up their own Army and their own name again, please? [Laughter] police forces. And the reason is, we want to Q. Good to have you here. have better equipment in Iraq—in Afghani- President Bush. Yes. Missed the hat. stan in future. And therefore, there’s going [Laughter] to be a reconfiguration of our troops. There Q. Prime Minister, isn’t it time to with- will be some coming out and some more draw British troops from Iraq in order to going in, and that—an overall increase in the send them where the military really needs numbers so that we will have the highest them, to Afghanistan, or are you too worried level of troops in Afghanistan. You cannot about his reaction if you do? trade numbers between the two countries. Mr. President, are you prepared—— President Bush. We miss you, Nick. We There is a job to do in Iraq, and I’ve de- miss you, buddy. scribed it. And there is a job to do in Afghani- Q. Are you prepared to see British troops stan, and we will continue to do it. And the withdrawn from Iraq while you’re still in of- fact that 43 countries are helping us in Af- fice, or are you concerned about the symbolic ghanistan and 80 countries are supporting significance of that? the economic and social development of Af- Prime Minister Brown. Can I just say ghanistan shows how in this country, which that in Iraq, there is a job to be done, and is one of the poorest in the world, we are we will continue to do the job. And there’s trying to make progress more quickly. So the going to be no artificial timetable. And the announcement will come later today from reason is that we are making progress—mak- the Defense Secretary. ing progress in the Iraqis themselves being trained up to run their own armed forces President Bush. We’re withdrawing and, of course, to be the police men and troops. We anticipate the 30,000 surge troops women in their areas. And we’re making will be coming home by July—more or less progress also because we hope local govern- 30,000. And so the plan is, bring them home ment elections will happen later this year. based upon success. That’s what we expect We hope to return the airport that we are the British Prime Minister to do. That’s what responsible for in Basra to civilian use as well. I’m doing—that as the Iraqis are trained up, And most of all, in the next stage, we want as they’re taking more responsibility, as the to see the economic and social development security situations decline, as the economy of Basra and the southern part of Iraq pro- is improved, as political reconciliation is tak- ceed so that people have a stake in the future. ing place, we can bring more troops home. So, yes, we are moving from what we call That’s the whole purpose of the strategy. And combat to overwatch, and that’s been an- so, give the Iraqis more responsibility. Let nounced many months ago. Yes, as a result them take more—be in more charge of their of what happened in Basra a few months ago, own security and their own Government, and we have kept higher the level of troops that that’s what’s happening. are necessary, but, yes, also, we have a job that’s still to be done. And that job is to train And so, yes, I mean—look, the key thing up the forces; that job is to speed up eco- for me is that I have—you know, is that Gor- nomic and social development; and that job don shares with me his plans. He listens to— is to have local government elections so that and he talks to his commanders, and he picks Iraqis can take control of their own democ- up the phone and says, ‘‘Here’s what we’re racy. And I’m determined that we continue thinking.’’ So there’s no surprises. And as I to do that job. said yesterday on TV here, I have no problem And that will happen not at the cost of with how Gordon Brown is dealing with Iraq. lesser troops for Afghanistan, but with more He’s been a good partner and—but, as I told troops going to Afghanistan. The Defense you, we’re bringing ours home too.

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War on Terror in Afghanistan/Oil Supply about it. But we can help. We can help calm Q. Mr. President, I’d like to ask you about the situation down and develop a strategy recent events along the Pakistan-Afghanistan that will prevent these extremists from, you border. Do you back President Karzai when know, from developing safe haven and having he says he may send his troops into Pakistan freedom of movement. to take care of some of the militants who Prime Minister Brown. Can I say, I’m are launching attacks on his territory? And traveling to Jeddah next Sunday at the invita- do you think that the agreements that the tion of the King of Saudi Arabia. And I want new Government of Pakistan is pursuing with a long-term dialog, and this is part of a proc- some of the militant tribes in that area ess, not an event, between oil producers and amount to the sort of appeasement that you oil consumers. I think there is a view devel- talked about in your speech last month? oping that the price of oil is increasingly de- And, Mr. Prime Minister, I’d like to ask pendent not just on today’s demand and sup- you about the meeting—upcoming meeting ply factors but on what people perceive as in Saudi Arabia. What do you expect to come demand outstripping supply next year, in the out of that meeting? And do you think it medium term, and in the long term. would be helpful if your friend there, stand- And I want to tell the King of Saudi Arabia ing there, Mr. Bush, were to see you in and others who are there that the world will Jeddah at that meeting? build more nuclear power. And I have sug- President Bush. Our strategy is to deny gested that on present trends, it would be safe haven to extremists who would do harm about 1,000 nuclear power stations over the to innocent people. And that’s the strategy next 30 years. The world will increase its use of Afghanistan. It needs to be the strategy of renewables. The world will increase its use of Pakistan. It’s in all our interests to prevent of coal. It will lessen its dependence on oil, those who murder innocent people to and that the world is determined to make achieve political objectives to gain safe a more efficient use of oil. haven. And I think this dialog between producers And so we’d look forward to working—I and consumers is absolutely essential. Presi- mean, one thing that can happen is, there dent Bush has just been in Saudi Arabia. I can be, you know, more dialog between the have not been there recently. I want to go Pak Government and the Afghan Govern- and talk to the King and talk to others there ment. Now, there was—in the past, they had about what I believe should be a process a jirga amongst tribal leaders in the region whereby we understand what are the pres- on both—from both sides of the border that sures on demand in future years, as well as made a difference. And I think that would we understand the pressures on supply. And be a good idea to restart the jirga process. I believe that that long-term debate about I know there needs to be dialog between the future can have an effect on today’s mar- the intel services between the respective kets. countries. And I know there needs to be bet- Now, that’s what the debate is about. And ter cooperation, and there needs to be tri- that is part of a process that I hope will con- lateral cooperation on the border—trilateral tinue, if necessary, with a meeting in London being Pak, Afghan, and coalition border pa- later and with further meetings, so that there trols—to prevent people from coming back is a genuine dialog between producers and and forth across the border. consumers about what is the most worrying And there’s a lot of common ground. I re- situation in the world at the moment, and peat: It is in no one’s interest that extremists that is the trebling of the price of oil. have a safe haven from which to operate. And I’m, you know—I mean—and obviously, it’s President’s Decisionmaking/Freedom a testy situation there. And if I’m the Presi- Agenda/Lisbon Treaty dent of a country and people are coming Q. Mr. President, in his last major speech, from one country to another—allegedly com- Tony Blair said on Iraq, ‘‘Hand on heart, I ing from one country to another—to kill in- did what I thought was right. But if I got nocent civilians on my side, I’d be concerned it wrong, I’m sorry.’’ Is it possible you got

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it wrong? Would you share, at this point, it’s only Western people that can self-govern. those slightly more reflective sentiments? Maybe it’s only, you know, white-guy Meth- And in particular, should you, in retrospect, odists who are capable of self-government. perhaps have concentrated a little more on I reject that notion. I think that’s the ultimate Afghanistan? form of political elitism, and I believe an ac- And could I ask the Prime Minister, is the curate reading of history says that freedom Lisbon Treaty dead in the water now? And can bring peace we want. And it’ll bring if so, what happens next for Europe? peace to the Middle East, unless of course President Bush. History will judge the we become isolationist, unless of course we tactics. History will judge whether or not, you lose our confidence, unless of course we quit. know, more troops were needed earlier, And so, yes, I’m sure there’s—people will troops could have been positioned here bet- say, they could have done things better here ter or not. Removing Saddam Hussein was and there. But I’m absolutely confident that not wrong. It was the right thing to do. It the decision to remove Saddam Hussein was was the right thing to do for our security, the right decision. right thing to do for peace, and the right Prime Minister Brown. And can I just thing to do for 25 million Iraqis. emphasize, the passion for freedom, I think, And now the fundamental question is, will is a universal value, and I believe that Iraq we have the willpower and the patience to is a democracy today because of the action help the Iraqis develop a democracy in the that we have taken. And our next task is to heart of the Middle East? It’s a democracy make sure that all Iraqis feel that they have that’s not going to look like America. It’s not an economic stake as well as a democratic going to look like Great Britain. But it’s a stake in the future of the country. And that’s democracy that will have government re- why the work continues. sponsive to the people. People say, ‘‘Was that On Europe, I’ll meet Brian Cowen, the worth it? Is it necessary?’’ Absolutely, it’s Taoiseach of Ireland, when I’m in Belfast necessary, if you believe we’re in an ideolog- later today. The legal position on the Euro- ical war being—the theaters of which right pean treaty is very clear, that all 27 members now—the most notable theaters are Afghani- must sign and, therefore, ratify the treaty be- stan and Iraq. fore it comes into force. It is for each mem- The strategic implications of a free Iraq ber to decide its own process for doing so. are significant for our future. For example, And we will continue our process of debating a free Iraq will make it easier to deal with this in the House of Lords and then royal the Iranian issue. A free Iraq will send a clear assent during the course of this week. signal to reformers and dissidents, would-be I think a short period of reflection is nec- journalists throughout the Middle East that essary for the Irish to put forward their pro- a free society is available for you as well. And posals about how they will deal with this, and the question facing the Western World is, we look forward to the Irish coming to the will we fall prey to the argument that stability European Council on Thursday with a view is more important than forms of government, of what should be done. I believe that when that what appears to be stable and peaceful— David Miliband makes a statement to the is that more important than how people live House this afternoon following a meeting of their lives, what kind of government? You the European foreign ministers, he will be just heard the Prime Minister speak elo- able to say that all the European Union mem- quently about Zimbabwe. The lesson there bers believe that Ireland should be given this is, forms of government matter. time to reflect on what they need to do and Freedom has had a transformative effect then make their proposals about how the sit- in Europe, in the Far East. And the funda- uation can be resolved. mental question is, will we work to see it have a transformative effect in the Middle Iran/North Korea/Six-Party Talks East? Now, there are many doubters. I un- Q. Good morning, Mr. President, Prime derstand that, because there is some who say Minister. I’d like to ask you both about Iran. that perhaps freedom is not universal. Maybe President Bush, you’ve talked about it at

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every stop. A similar process, it seems, that isolation in their respective countries, and is deterring North Korea from its nuclear they show up and say, we’re tired of this; ambitions has basically allowed North Korea there’s a better way forward. to make progress toward nuclear weapons. And in order for that to be effective, Ed, At what point are you willing to draw a line there has to be more than one voice. So if here with Iran, and isn’t Iran seemingly I were the North Koreans and I were looking learning a lesson from the North Korea expe- at Iran, or the Iranians looking at North rience? Korea, I’d say, uh-oh, there are coalitions President Bush. Ed [Ed Chen, coming together that are bound tightly— Bloomberg News], I just strongly disagree more tightly than ever in order to send us with your premise that the six-party talks has a focused message. encouraged Iran to develop nuclear weapons. And, you know, let me just say one thing I don’t know why you have even come to about the Iranian demand for civilian nuclear that conclusion because the facts are, the six- power. It’s a justifiable demand. You just party talks is the only way to send a message heard the Prime Minister talk about the to the North Koreans that the world isn’t spread of civilian nuclear power, which I sup- going to tolerate them having a weapon. port—starting in my own country, by the I mean, in other words, they are—we’ll see way. We need to be building civilian nuclear what they disclose, but we hopefully are in powerplants. the process of disabling and dismantling their And so when the Iranians say, ‘‘We have plutonium manufacturing. We’re hopefully a sovereign right to have one,’’ the answer in the process of getting them to disclose is, you bet. You have a sovereign right; abso- what they have manufactured and eventually lutely. But you don’t have the trust of those turning it over. We’re hopefully in the proc- of us who have watched you carefully when ess of disclosing their proliferation activities, it comes to enriching uranium because you and it’s a six-party process. I mean, the only have declared that you want to destroy de- way, in my judgment, to diplomatically solve mocracies in the neighborhood, for example. these kinds of problems with nations like Iran Therefore—and this is the Russian proposal, and North Korea, nontransparent nations, is by the way—therefore, we’ll provide fuel for through a multilateral process where there’s you, and we’ll collect the fuel after you’ve more than one nation sending the same mes- used it so you can have your nuclear—civilian sage to the leaders of these respective coun- nuclear power, which undermines what the tries. Iranians are saying, and that is, we must en- And so I disagree with your premise. As rich in order to have civilian nuclear power. a matter of fact, the Iranians must under- You don’t need to enrich to have civilian nu- stand that when we come together and speak clear power. The Russian proposal is what with one voice, we’re serious. That’s why the we support. This proposal wouldn’t have hap- Prime Minister’s statement was so powerful, pened had there not been a multilateral proc- and that’s the lesson that the North Koreans ess. are hearing. And so it’s—I said the other day And so what these nations need to see is, that, you know, one of the things that I will we’re serious about solving these problems. leave behind is a multilateralism to deal with And the United States spends a lot of time tyrants, so problems can be solved diplomati- working with our partners to get them solved. cally. Thank you very much. And the difficulty, of course, is that some- Prime Minister Brown. Thank you all times economics and money trumps national very much. security interests. So you go around asking nations—by the way, it’s not a problem for NOTE: The President’s news conference began at Great Britain—so you say to your partners, 11 a.m. in the Locarno Treaty Room of the For- don’t sell goods; you know, let’s send a fo- eign & Commonwealth Office Building. In his re- cused message, all aiming to create the con- marks, he referred to Sarah Brown, wife of Prime ditions so that somebody rational shows up. Minister Brown; Queen Elizabeth II of In other words, people hopefully are sick of the United Kingdom; and President Robert

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Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Prime Minister Brown re- reconcile. Northern Ireland is a success story. ferred to Secretary of State for Defense Desmond Obviously there’s more work to be done, but Browne and Secretary of State for Foreign and the progress made to date has been unimagi- Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband of the nable 10 years ago. United Kingdom; King Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; and Prime Minister Brian And I want to congratulate you, thank you Cowen of Ireland. Reporters referred to President for serving your communities. And I wish you Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan; and former Prime all the very best as you continue your jour- Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom. ney. First Minister Robinson. Thank you very much, indeed. Can I say that I’m delighted Remarks Following a Meeting With that President Bush, of his own choice, has First Minister Peter Robinson and recognized that Belfast is one of the major Deputy First Minister Martin cities of Europe and has included it in this McGuinness of Northern Ireland in tour. It is a personal commitment that the Belfast, Northern Ireland President has shown towards Northern Ire- June 16, 2008 land. And we are really grateful, not just for him coming today but for the work that has President Bush. Mr. First Minister, Mr. been done by the President and his ambas- Deputy Minister, thank you for your hospi- sadors over the previous years, and particu- tality. I’m excited to be here in Northern Ire- larly the work that has been done most re- land. And one of the reasons why is because cently for the investment conference. I’m impressed by the progress that is being The endorsement of the President for our made toward peace and reconciliation. As a investment conference goes a long way, and matter of fact, the world is impressed by the it lets people throughout the world know that progress being made toward peace and rec- onciliation. And that obviously takes a com- Northern Ireland truly is open for business. mitment by leadership. And I want to thank Deputy First Minister McGuinness. you all for giving me time to hear your Can I say, just to echo what Peter has said, thoughts and to visit with you. that this is an opportunity for us to express We talked about a lot of issues. We talked our thanks and appreciation for the tremen- about the devolution of police and justice. dous work that has been done, in terms of We talked about the successful investment the United States of America, and what is conference that took place here. And I want now undoubtedly one of the most successful to thank my fellow citizens for coming, and peace processes in the world today. Begin- I want to thank those from around the world ning with the work of President Clinton, the who are paying attention to Northern Ire- contribution of Senator George Mitchell, the land. The truth of the matter is this, is, you envoys that were sent by President Bush, know, people who have come here and such as Richard Haass and Mitchell Reiss looked at the Government, looked at the situ- and now Paula Dobriansky, all of whom have ation and gotten to know the people realize played a very important role in contributing this is a good place to invest. And ultimately, to our process, which I do believe is, as the investment is going to help Northern Ireland President has identified, a role model for realize its full potential. how other conflicts can be resolved in other And then finally, I was able to thank the parts of the world. leaders for their work in helping others rec- And really we’re having a tremendous oncile their differences. The interesting thing amount of interest in our work. We’ve had about the progress being made here in two delegations of Iraqi Parliamentarians to Northern Ireland is that it’s attracted the at- Parliament Buildings here in Belfast, just a tention of societies around the world that few yards up the road. And there is no doubt wonder whether reconciliation is possible for whatsoever that other places that have suf- them. And Martin was telling me about his fered from conflict are anxious to learn from talks with some of the Iraqi leaders, about our experiences. We don’t believe that we his—sharing his stories about how folks can have got all of the answers, but what we can

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certainly do is outlay our experiences for oth- So I sent the word to David, and he re- ers to consider. sponded well. We also are very appreciative of the width My only point to you is, is that we’re in of support that has been put behind the eco- constant contact with people on the ground nomic investment conference by the Presi- to help make sure that we save lives. Now dent and by Paula Dobriansky as Ambas- that the water is beginning to recede, the sador. And we’re very hopeful in the time question is, how do we help with the recov- ahead. And, in fact, I think we’re confident ery? And Secretary Chertoff briefed me on that jobs, much needed jobs, will flow from plans, particularly when it comes to housing. that. And I think providing good jobs, a de- A lot of people are going to be wondering, cent standard of living, facing up to the eco- is there short-term help for housing? And nomic difficulties that are—people have to there is, and we’ll provide that help. endure is a very important part of the work- And secondly, what’s going to happen in load which Peter and I, as First and Deputy the long term to the homes? And so Mi- First Minister, need to take forward in the chael’s going to set up a housing task force, time ahead. similar to the kind we set up in California President Bush. Thank you all very much. for the wildfires, to work with State and local authorities to have an orderly strategy to help NOTE: The President spoke at 4:14 p.m. at Stormont Castle. In his remarks, Deputy First people get back in their homes. Minister McGuinness referred to former Senator I fully understand people are upset when George J. Mitchell; former Special Envoys for they lose their home. A person’s home is Northern Ireland Richard N. Haass and Mitchell their most valued possession. And we want B. Reiss; and Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, to work with State and local folks to have the President’s Special Envoy to Northern Ire- a clear strategy to help people find—get back land. into a place they—that—where they can live. Secondly, we’re worried about farmers and Remarks Following a Briefing on ranchers. The country that’s being affected Flooding in the Midwest by these floods has got a lot of farm country, a lot of people raising livestock. And the Sec- June 17, 2008 retary of Agriculture has briefed me on the I’ve just assembled my—many people in conditions—and we’re still assessing how my domestic policy team to discuss the cur- widespread the damage is on the farm- rent flooding in the Midwest. First, our lands—and assures me that his team’s in hearts and thoughts go to those who lost life. place to help farmers and ranchers with the And of course, we’re concerned about those Federal aid available. whose—who’ve lost their homes or lost their And finally, Director Nussle’s here from businesses. the Budget Office. We’ve got what we called I’ve been briefed by Secretary Chertoff a Disaster Relief Fund. There’s enough and Secretary Schafer and Director Paulison money in that fund to take care of this dis- about the response. First task at hand is to aster, but what we’re concerned about is fu- deal with the flood waters, to anticipate ture disasters this year. And therefore, we’re where the flooding may next occur, and to going to work with the Congress—Jim work with the State and local authorities to Nussle is going to go up to work with Con- deal with the response. gress to get enough money in the upcoming For example, in the case of Iowa, one of supplemental to make sure that fund is—has the issues was the need for fresh drinking got enough money to deal with a potential water—or drinking water, and so Director disaster—another disaster this year. Paulison informed me that we’ve provided Congress doesn’t need to worry about about 2 million liters of drinking water. working with the White House on this, be- When I was overseas, I spoke to the Gov- cause we think the supplemental is the way ernor, and he said, ‘‘Listen, I—the Federal— to go. What they do need to worry about is we need Federal help on drinking water.’’ making sure that there is enough, but not

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too much, money in the fund, so we can say after years of tyranny is in all our interests. we have done our job. And it’s also a moral duty we have. I want to thank the members of my admin- And so I’m pleased, Mr. Secretary, that istration for working hard on this issue. I your hard work in working with the allies is want to thank the Governors in the affected paying off. States for being so compassionate in caring And, General, I know you’re moving on, for their citizens. I want to thank the folks but the country thanks you for what you did. at the local level for loving a neighbor like The world is better off because of your serv- they’d like to be loved themselves. ice. I’m proud to have you here. This Thursday, I’m going to take our team Gen. Dan K. McNeill. Thank you, Mr. down there to meet with the folks in Iowa. President. And I, unfortunately, have been to too many The President. Yes, sir. Thank you. disasters as President. But one thing I’ve al- ways learned is that the American citizen can NOTE: The President spoke at 10:44 a.m. in the overcome these disasters. And life, while it Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, may seem dim at this point in time, can al- he referred to Gen. Dan K. McNeill, USA, former ways be better because of the resiliency and Commander, NATO International Security Assist- care of our citizens. ance Force, Afghanistan, and his wife, Maureen; Thank you. and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

NOTE: The President spoke at 10:21 a.m. in the Remarks at a Reception for Black Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his re- Music Month marks, he referred to Secretary of Agriculture Ed- ward T. Schafer; R. David Paulison, Adminis- June 17, 2008 trator, Federal Emergency Management Agency; Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa; and James A. Nussle, Thanks for coming. Please be seated. Director, Office of Management and Budget. Thank you. Welcome to the White House. I really appreciate you coming to celebrate Black Music Month. Music has been a part Remarks Following a Briefing on the of this house since its beginning. Some of Security Situation in Afghanistan our Presidents themselves were skilled musi- June 17, 2008 cians. Some were not. [Laughter] As a matter of fact, after the Temptations came here a The President. It’s been my privilege to couple of months ago, I was so inspired that have served with two really fine Americans, I thought I would take up singing. [Laughter] General Dan McNeill and Maureen McNeill. Laura said, ‘‘You might just stick with prac- I’ve gotten to know the General well. He’s ticing your speaking.’’ [Laughter] So thanks a tough, no-nonsense patriot who was our for giving me a chance to do it today. And commander in Afghanistan. I want to thank thanks for coming. We’re going to have a you very much for the briefing you just gave pretty special day here at the White House. me about the issues that we face, your opti- I want to thank my friend Alphonso Jack- mism about success. son and Marcia. It’s good to see you. Appre- I was telling the Secretary and the Gen- ciate you being here. eral, I just—about my trip to Europe, where Rod Paige, former Secretary of the Edu- I was pleased with the strong commitments cation, celebrating his 75th birthday today. of our allies to helping us succeed in Afghani- Yes. You’re looking good, Rodney. stan. They know that what happens in Af- Dr. Dorothy Height—honored you’re ghanistan matters to their own internal secu- here, Dr. Height. Proud to be with you. Ros- rity. lyn Brock, vice chairman of the NAACP— They fully understand as well that helping Roslyn—yes, good to see you, Roslyn. Thanks young girls go to school and helping moms for coming. Marc Morial, president and CEO raise their babies in a—you know, in a better of the National Urban League—proud to environment, helping rebuild this society have you here, Marc, thanks for coming.

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John Styll, president and CEO of the Gos- in honor of the little girl sitting on the White pel Music Association—thanks, John. Dr. House lawn. The day’s finale came when the Bobby Jones, television host—where are you, entire audience rose to its feet, swaying and Bobby? There you are, Bobby. Dyana Wil- clapping to the gospel song ‘‘Jesus is the An- liams, cofounder and president of the Inter- swer.’’ national Association of African American For this year’s Black Music Month, we re- Music—Dyana, thank you for coming—and turn to the theme of gospel music. The gos- everybody else. [Laughter] pel music tradition was born from great pain. As we honor black music in America, our Slaves sang spirituals to communicate with thoughts turn to one of its legends, Bo one another in the fields, and songs of faith Diddley. Bo was one of the pioneers of rock helped black Americans endure the injustice and roll. And during his more than five dec- of segregation. Today, gospel is more than ades as a singer, songwriter, and performer, an anchor for black culture and history; it’s he changed the face of music; he really did. a source of inspiration for the whole Nation. We mourn his loss, yet we know this: that Gospel has influenced some of the legends his memory will live on the songs and the of other forms of American music. Louis joy he brought to millions, including a little Armstrong once said that when he sang in fellow like me. So all of us here today send church, his heart went into every song. our thoughts and prayers to Bo Diddley’s Aretha Franklin wowed crowds in her dad’s family. church in Detroit. Elvis Presley listened to Over the years, the White House has been gospel music after rock concerts to calm his home to many memorable events in black mind. And Bob Dylan won a Grammy for music. I suspect that 30 years from now, his song—for his album of gospel hymns. when a President is speaking, he’s going to Today, gospel music continues to provide say, this is going to be one of the memorable strength for our communities, and it is mak- events. In 1882, President Chester A. Arthur ing the ‘‘good news’’ sound sweeter than invited to the White House the first black ever. I know you’re looking forward to three choir ever to perform here, the Jubilee Sing- great gospel performers we have in store. So ers from Fisk University in Tennessee. Of I’d like to now turn the podium over to the course, during those days they had trouble founder of Gospel Today magazine, our out- finding a place to stay. But they were wel- standing emcee this evening, Teresa Hair- comed warmly here at the White House, just ston. like everybody here is welcomed warmly at the White House. Their music was so power- NOTE: The President spoke at 3:01 p.m. in the East Room at the White House. In his remarks, ful that it moved President Arthur to tears. he referred to former Secretary of Housing and In the ensuing decades, other Presidents Urban Development Alphonso R. Jackson and his followed this example, recognizing the con- wife, Marcia; civil rights leader Dorothy I. Height; tributions of black musicians when many and Amy Lynn Carter, daughter of former Presi- other Americans would not. Benjamin Har- dent Jimmy Carter. rison welcomed the daughter of a former slave, an opera singer named Sisseretta Jones. President Franklin Roosevelt called on Joint Statement by President George the talented Maria [Marian] * Anderson to W. Bush and President Dmitriy A. sing ‘‘Ave Maria’’ for the King and Queen Medvedev of Russia on the Fourth of England. Meeting of the Global Initiative To In 1979, President Jimmy Carter wel- Combat Nuclear Terrorism comed the legendary Chuck Berry in his first June 17, 2008 official celebration of Black Music Month at the White House. Ever the performer, We are pleased to be working closely to- Chuck Berry changed the lyrics in one of his gether with our Global Initiative Partners to famous songs from ‘‘Oh Carol’’ to ‘‘Oh Amy,’’ combat nuclear terrorism. That so many na- tions have joined the Global Initiative to * White House correction. Combat Nuclear Terrorism demonstrates a

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true commitment to defeat this threat to our law of supply and demand. In recent years, peace and security. the world’s demand for oil has grown dra- The Russian Federation and the United matically. Meanwhile, the supply of oil has States launched the Global Initiative on July grown much more slowly. As a result, oil 15, 2006 and we can now call more than 70 prices have risen sharply, and that increase nations Global Initiative partners. We will has been reflected at American gasoline continue to stand upon the principles at the pumps. Now much of the oil consumed in heart of this Initiative, attract others to our America comes from abroad—that’s what’s ranks and realize our goal of making this a changed dramatically over the last couple of truly global effort. Gathering as partners in decades. Some of that energy comes from Madrid is an important reminder to one an- unstable regions and unfriendly regimes. other of the commitments we have to each This makes us more vulnerable to supply of our citizens to see clearly the concrete shocks and price spikes beyond our control, steps we can take together to prevent nuclear and that puts both our economy and our se- terrorism and ensure our peace and security. curity at risk. In the long run, the solution is to reduce NOTE: An original was not available for verifi- demand for oil by promoting alternative en- cation of the content of this joint statement. ergy technologies. My administration has worked with Congress to invest in gas-saving Message to the Congress on the technologies like advanced batteries and hy- Designation of the Chairman and drogen fuel cells. We’ve mandated a large Vice Chairman of the United States expansion in the use of alternative fuels. We’ve raised fuel efficiency standards to am- International Trade Commission bitious new levels. With all these steps, we June 17, 2008 are bringing America closer to the day when we can end our addiction to oil, which will To the Congress of the United States: allow us to become better stewards of the Consistent with the provisions of 19 U.S.C. environment. 1330(c)(1), this is to notify the Congress that In the short run, the American economy I have designated Shara L. Aranoff as Chair- will continue to rely largely on oil. And that man and Daniel Pearson as Vice Chairman means we need to increase supply, especially of the United States International Trade here at home. So my administration has re- Commission, effective June 17, 2008. peatedly called on Congress to expand do- George W. Bush mestic oil production. Unfortunately, Demo- The White House, crats on Capitol Hill have rejected virtually June 17, 2008. every proposal, and now Americans are pay- ing the price at the pump for this obstruction. Congress must face a hard reality: Unless Remarks on Energy Members are willing to accept gas prices at June 18, 2008 today’s painful levels—or even higher—our Nation must produce more oil. And we must Good morning. I want to thank Secretary start now. So this morning, I ask Democratic Kempthorne and Secretary Bodman for join- congressional leaders to move forward with ing me here. For many Americans, there is four steps to expand American oil and gaso- no more pressing concern than the price of line production. gasoline. Truckers and farmers, small-busi- First, we should expand American oil pro- ness owners have been hit especially hard. duction by increasing access to the Outer Every American who drives to work, pur- Continental Shelf, or OCS. Experts believe chases food, or ships a product has felt the that the OCS could produce about 18 billion effect. And families across our country are barrels of oil. That would be enough to match looking to Washington for a response. America’s current oil production for almost High oil prices are at the root of high gaso- 10 years. The problem is that Congress has line prices; behind those prices is the basic restricted access to key parts of the OCS

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since the early 1980s. Since then, advances slipped in, and Congress should do so imme- in technology have made it possible to con- diately. duct oil exploration in the OCS that is out Third, we should expand American oil pro- of sight, protects coral reefs and habitats, and duction by permitting exploration in the Arc- protects against oil spills. With these ad- tic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR. vances—and a dramatic increase in oil When ANWR was created in 1980, Congress prices—congressional restrictions on OCS specifically reserved a portion for energy de- exploration have become outdated and coun- velopment. In 1995, Congress passed legisla- terproductive. tion allowing oil production in the small frac- Republicans in Congress have proposed tion of ANWR’s 19 million acres. With a drill- several promising bills that would lift the leg- ing footprint of less than 2,000 acres—less islative ban on oil exploration in the OCS. than one-tenth of 1 percent of this distant I call on the House and the Senate to pass Alaskan terrain—America could produce an good legislation as soon as possible. This leg- estimated 10 billion barrels of oil. That is islation give—could get—should give the roughly the equivalent of two decades of im- States the option of opening up OCS re- sources off their shores, provide a way for ported oil from Saudi Arabia. Yet my prede- the Federal Government and States to share cessor vetoed this bill. new leasing revenues, and ensure that our In the years since, the price of oil has in- environment is protected. There’s also an ex- creased seven-fold and the price of American ecutive prohibition on exploration in the gasoline has more than tripled. Meanwhile, OCS. When Congress lifts the legislative ban, scientists have developed innovative tech- I will lift the executive prohibition. niques to reach ANWR’s oil with virtually no Second, we should expand oil production impact on the land or local wildlife. I urge by tapping into the extraordinary potential Members of Congress to allow this remote of oil shale. Oil shale is a type of rock that region to bring enormous benefits to the can produce oil when exposed to heat or American people. other process. One major deposit—the And finally, we need to expand and en- Green River Basin of Colorado, Utah, and hance our refining capacity. Refineries are Wyoming—there lies the equivalent of about the critical link between crude oil and the 800 billion barrels of recoverable oil. That’s gasoline and diesel fuel that drivers put in more than three times larger than the proven their tanks. With recent changes in the make- oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. And it can be up of our fuel supply, upgrades in our refin- fully recovered—and if it can be fully recov- ing capacity are urgently needed. Yet it has ered, it would be equal to more than a cen- been nearly 30 years since our Nation built tury’s worth of currently projected oil im- a new refinery, and lawsuits and red tape ports. have made it extremely costly to expand or For many years, the high cost of extracting modify existing refineries. The result is that oil from shale exceeded the benefit. But America now imports millions of barrels of today the calculus is changing. Companies fully refined gasoline from abroad. This im- have invested in technology to make oil shale poses needless costs on American consumers. production more affordable and efficient. And while the cost of extracting oil from It deprives American workers of good jobs. shale is still more than the cost of traditional And it needs to change. production, it is also less than the current So today I’m proposing measures to expe- market price of oil. This makes oil shale a dite the refining—refinery permitting proc- highly promising resource. ess. Under the reformed process that I pro- Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are pose, challenges to refineries and other en- standing in the way of further development. ergy project permits must be brought before In last year’s omnibus spending bill, Demo- the DC Circuit Court of Appeals within 60 cratic leaders inserted a provision blocking days of the issuance of a permit decision. oil shale leasing on Federal lands. That provi- Congress should also empower the Secretary sion can be taken out as easily as it was of Energy to establish binding deadlines for

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permit decisions, and to ensure that the var- ago that I had the great pleasure of visiting ious levels of approval required in the refin- your beautiful country, and I want to thank ing—refinery permitting process are handled you for the warm hospitality you showed. in a timely way. And thank you for giving me a chance to wel- With these four steps, we will take pres- come you here to the Oval Office. We had sure off gas prices over time by expanding a very extensive conversation. the amount of American-made oil and gaso- Prime Minister Stanishev. Indeed. line. We will strengthen our national security President Bush. And that’s what you’d ex- by reducing our reliance on foreign oil. We pect among friends. will benefit American workers by keeping First, I want to congratulate you and thank our Nation competitive in the global econ- you and the Government for the role you omy, and by creating good jobs in construc- have played in the Western Balkans. You’ve tion and engineering and refine—refining, been a constructive force for stability, a con- maintenance, and many other areas. structive force for hope. You’ve projected a The proposals I’ve outlined will take years hopeful future and—for the people in to have their full impact. There is no excuse Kosovo and Serbia. And I want to thank you for delay—as a matter of fact, it’s a reason for that. It’s really important that there be to move swiftly. I know the Democratic lead- leadership in the neighborhood, and you’ve ers have opposed some of these policies in provided it. the past. Now that their opposition has Secondly, I want to thank you very much helped drive gas prices to record levels, I ask for your nation’s strong contributions to help- them to reconsider their positions. If con- ing others realize the blessings of liberty, gressional leaders leave for the Fourth of July whether it be in Afghanistan or Iraq. I fully recess without taking action, they will need understand how difficult these issues can be. to explain why $4 a gallon gasoline is not On the other hand, you understand how enough incentive for them to act. And Ameri- hopeful the world can be when people live cans will rightly ask how high oil—how high in free societies. So I want to thank you and gas prices have to rise before the Demo- I want to thank the people of your country cratic-controlled Congress will do something for the sacrifices that you have made. about it. Thirdly, we talked about our—a mutual I know this is a trying time for our families, concern, and that’s energy. How do we get but our country has faced similar strains be- more energy on the market? How do we help fore and we’ve overcome them together. And others—our respective countries and others we can do that again. With faith in the inno- realize the blessings of additional energy sup- vative spirit of our people and a commitment ply? I mean, we’re in a world that is—where to results in Washington, we will meet the supply has exceeded—where demand has ex- energy challenges we face and keep our ceeded supply. There’s high prices. Both our economy the strongest, most vibrant, and countries—the people in our countries are most hopeful in the world. wondering, what do we intend to do about Thank you for your time. it? And so we had a good discussion about NOTE: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. The Office of the diversification of energy supply. I really the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- appreciate the Prime Minister’s discussion guage transcript of these remarks. about nuclear power. Prime Minister, we’re trying to expand nuclear power here in the United States of America because it’s clean, Remarks Following a Meeting With it’s renewable, and it’ll help us become less Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev of dependent on hydrocarbons. Bulgaria We talked about two other issues that are June 18, 2008 of importance to the Prime Minister and the people of his country. First, we talked about President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, wel- visas. I fully understand the concerns of your come to the Oval Office. It was about a year people when it comes to visas. People say,

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on the one—we’re helping; we’re part of a very strong leadership role in the support of very important coalition; we’re allies, and yet the reform process in Bulgaria. we don’t get treated the same as other people President Bush. Yes, sir. within the EU. Prime Minister Stanishev. It is never Prime Minister Stanishev. It was a good easy. It requires a lot of efforts, persistence. breakthrough. Results do not always come overnight, but President Bush. And today, because of they develop. And everyone who comes to the Prime Minister’s hard work, there has Bulgaria after several years of absence is say- been a breakthrough on the visa waiver, as ing the country has made great progress. And an important step toward achieving the same the United States have always been very status as other countries in the EU. And I helpful in this process. want to congratulate you on that. Thank you I must say that we see our role in the re- for your hard work, and thank you for your gion as a country which is bridging and guar- care about the people of your country. anteeing stability both for the Western Bal- Finally, I applauded the Prime Minister kans and for the broader Black Sea area, for his and his Government’s work on dealing which are very important, because without with corruption. I reminded the Prime Min- stability in the Balkans, without European ister that all of us have got a responsibility perspective and NATO perspective for these to deal with corruption. When we find cor- countries, we cannot speak about real pros- rupt officials in the United States, we expect perity and democracy in the region. The re- them to be—within the rule of law—be dealt gion has many wounds from the war in with. And that’s what you’re doing. And the former Yugoslavia, and they have to be people who ultimately benefit from that deci- healed. And the international presence is sion are the people of your country. I mean, they—I know they appreciate your tough very important and the European perspec- stand. Nobody wants to have a government tive as well. where it looks like a few benefit at the cost And we also see the importance of the of many. Black Sea area, both politically, from the And so your tough stance have made a big point of view of security issues and from the difference. I’m proud that you’re here. I want point of view of energy issues. And I appre- to thank you for it. You’re a good, young, ciate the dialog which we had on diversifica- strong leader, and that’s said from an old guy. tion of energy supply, on nuclear energy. Prime Minister Stanishev. Thank you. Bulgaria will be developing our nuclear facili- President Bush. Welcome. ties, not only the new ones, but there are Prime Minister Stanishev. Thank you. many other projects where American compa- President Bush. Yes. nies can participate in nuclear issues, but also Prime Minister Stanishev. Well, thank in thermal powerplants, many other energy you, Mr. President, for the good words about projects, because we want to be, indeed, a Bulgaria, indeed. And my assessment is that hub of energy stability in the region. We want our relations have reached the level of stra- to be enough independent. We want to be tegic partnership. And I see no contradiction exporter of energy. in this with our good behavior and our con- We are good partners in Afghanistan, in tributions to the European Union. Iraq, in Kosovo. And Bulgaria really is not President Bush. That’s right. simply a beneficiary of our membership in Prime Minister Stanishev. I think Bul- NATO or the European Union, but we are garia proved in the last several years that we a contributor because we know our respon- can be good contributors of stability for sibilities. And we shall not give up from these NATO, we can be active in the European responsibilities because there are many chal- Union, and we can develop our excellent re- lenges around the world. We have to over- lations with the United States—because it is come them together with our friends and amazing that in 18 years, our countries have partners. reached this level of trust, confidence. And I thank you very much for this support and from this point of view, I appreciate your for the American experts who worked on this

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declaration on visa waiver. You, Mr. Presi- that are in this bill. In passing H.R. 6124, dent, were the first to say that this is not the Congress had an opportunity to improve a normal situation, when two nations have on H.R. 2419 by modifying certain objection- such confidence, when we have 200,000 Bul- able, onerous, and fiscally imprudent provi- garians living in the United States, more and sions. Unfortunately, the Congress chose to more Americans coming to Bulgaria, to have send me the same unacceptable farm bill this obstacle for normal human contacts. provisions in H.R. 6124, merely adding title There is a way to go; there is work to do. III. I am returning this bill for the same rea- But we shall do it together, and I believe sons as stated in my veto message of May that the sooner we achieve—make our busi- 21, 2008, on H.R. 2419. ness, the better for the citizens of the two For a year and a half, I have consistently countries. asked that the Congress pass a good farm And finally, thank you also for the sup- bill that I can sign. Regrettably, the Congress porting the reforms in the fight against orga- has failed to do so. At a time of high food nized crime and corruption. Bulgaria is a na- prices and record farm income, this bill lacks tion which became member of the European program reform and fiscal discipline. It con- Union, which is modernizing. Our economic tinues subsidies for the wealthy and increases growth is excellent. Our performances in farm bill spending by more than $20 billion, economy are good. And we see the reforms while using budget gimmicks to hide much in fight against organized crime and corrup- of the increase. It is inconsistent with our tion, the judiciary reform, as a very important objectives in international trade negotiations, further precondition for our economic which include securing greater market access growth and for the development of the na- for American farmers and ranchers. It would tion. needlessly expand the size and scope of gov- And I remember that last year, you sup- ernment. Americans sent us to Washington ported the establishment of the new State to achieve results and be good stewards of Agency for National Security. I can say with their hard-earned taxpayer dollars. This bill satisfaction that it is already operational. It violates that fundamental commitment. works excellently with American services, In January 2007, my Administration put and it has operations which are bringing con- forward a fiscally responsible farm bill pro- crete fruits. But there is work to do. posal that would improve the safety net for President Bush. Thank you for coming. farmers and move current programs toward Prime Minister Stanishev. Thank you, more market-oriented policies. The bill be- Mr. President. fore me today fails to achieve these important President Bush. Yes. Thank you. Thank goals. you all. At a time when net farm income is pro- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:48 a.m. in the jected to increase by more than $28 billion Oval Office at the White House. in 1 year, the American taxpayer should not be forced to subsidize that group of farmers who have adjusted gross incomes of up to Message to the House of $1.5 million. When commodity prices are at Representatives Returning Without record highs, it is irresponsible to increase Approval the ‘‘Food, Conservation, government subsidy rates for 15 crops, sub- and Energy Act of 2008’’ sidize additional crops, and provide payments June 18, 2008 that further distort markets. Instead of better targeting farm programs, this bill eliminates To the House of Representatives: the existing payment limit on marketing loan I am returning herewith without my ap- subsidies. proval H.R. 6124, the ‘‘Food, Conservation, Now is also not the time to create a new and Energy Act of 2008.’’ uncapped revenue guarantee that could cost The bill that I vetoed on May 21, 2008, billions of dollars more than advertised. This H.R. 2419, which became Public Law 110– is on top of a farm bill that is anticipated 234, did not include the title III provisions to cost more than $600 billion over 10 years.

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In addition, this bill would force many busi- that kind introduction, Jeb, and I thank you nesses to prepay their taxes in order to fi- for bringing Melissa too. nance the additional spending. It’s my honor to be with you. I can’t thank This legislation is also filled with earmarks you enough for coming to support our can- and other ill-considered provisions. Most no- didates running for the United States House, tably, H.R. 6124 provides: $175 million to the United States Senate, and for the White address water issues for desert lakes; $250 House. million for a 400,000-acre land purchase I appreciate my friends from the Congress from a private owner; funding and authority who are here. I especially want to pay tribute for the noncompetitive sale of National For- to Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Repub- est land to a ski resort; and $382 million ear- lican leader; Congressman John Boehner, marked for a specific watershed. These ear- marks, and the expansion of Davis-Bacon Act House Republican leader; Senator John En- prevailing wage requirements, have no place sign, the chairman of the NRSC, who, by the in the farm bill. Rural and urban Americans way, brought his son, Michael; Congressman alike are frustrated with excessive govern- Tom Cole, chairman of the NRCC, a man ment spending and the funneling of taxpayer who deserves a lot of credit, along with Jeb, funds for pet projects. This bill will only add for tonight’s success; my friend from the to that frustration. State of Utah, Senator Orrin Hatch. I thank The bill also contains a wide range of other the RNC chairman, Mike Duncan; all those objectionable provisions, including one that here at the head table for their leadership restricts our ability to redirect food aid dol- in making this an incredibly successful event. lars for emergency use at a time of great need Most of all I want to thank you all for com- globally. The bill does not include the re- ing, for giving of your time and your money quested authority to buy food in the devel- to help us achieve a big victory in November oping world to save lives. Additionally, provi- of 2008. sions in the bill raise serious constitutional This is my eighth President’s Dinner—also concerns. For all the reasons outlined above, known as my last dinner before mandatory I must veto H.R. 6124. retirement. [Laughter] I can’t say for sure I veto this bill fully aware that it is rare what I’m going to be doing next year. I sus- for a stand-alone farm bill not to receive the pect I’ll be in Crawford, watching the Rang- President’s signature, but my action today is ers on TV. But I know what you’ll be doing. not without precedent. In 1956, President You’ll be holding this dinner in honor of a Eisenhower stood firmly on principle, citing high crop subsidies and too much govern- new guest: President John McCain. ment control of farm programs among the I know John McCain well. I have worked reasons for his veto. President Eisenhower with him, and I have run against him. Take wrote in his veto message, ‘‘Bad as some pro- it from me: It’s better to have him on your visions of this bill are, I would have signed side. [Laughter] it if in total it could be interpreted as sound The stakes in this election are high. I know and good for farmers and the nation.’’ For the pressures of the Oval Office: the daily similar reasons, I am vetoing the bill before intelligence briefings, the unexpected chal- me today. lenges, and the tough decisions that can only George W. Bush be made at the President’s desk. In trying times, America needs a President who has The White House, been tested and will not flinch. We need a June 18, 2008. President who has the experience and judg- ment to do what is right, even when it is Remarks at the President’s Dinner not easy. We need a President who knows June 18, 2008 what it takes to defeat our enemies. And this year, there is only one man who has shown Thank you very much. Thank you for the those qualities of leadership, and that man warm welcome. Good evening. I appreciate is John McCain.

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Sending John to the White House is a with an income of $40,000 will face a tax in- great goal, but it’s not our only goal. As Presi- crease of more than $2,000. dent, he’s going to need strong conservative At a time when the American people are allies on Capitol Hill. And that means we struggling with high food [prices] *, high gas need to put the House and the Senate back prices, and economic uncertainty, the abso- where they belong, into Republican hands. lute last thing they need is a tax increase. And I appreciate you coming tonight to see And in order to make sure that doesn’t hap- that is exactly what happens. pen, the American people need to elect a You know, this election season is just be- Congress and a President that will make the ginning. The real campaign will be in the fall. tax relief permanent. And the American people will take the meas- Now, there’s a reason why the Democrats ure of the candidates running and their vision want to raise taxes. They need more money for the future. And when they do, they’re to pay for all the new spending they have going to find some big differences between in mind. When the Democrats campaigned our parties. in 2006, they promised fiscal responsibility. On issues that matter the most, from taxes But when they took control of the Congress, and spending to confirming good judges and they tried to go on a spending spree and stick building a culture of life to protecting our the American people with the tab. Over the people and winning the war on terror, the past 17 months, Democrats in Congress have routinely filed legislation with excessive American people will have a clear choice. spending. But there was an important thing And after the speeches and the debates and that stood between them and the American when the American people focus on what people paying more in taxes, and it’s called matters to their future, they’re going to send a veto pen. Republican candidates to the House, Repub- You know, when it comes to taxes and lican candidates to the Senate, and John spending, our opponents offer a lot of sooth- McCain to the White House. ing words. But keep this in mind: While their This November, the American people are talk may be cheap, their agenda isn’t. And going to have a clear choice when it comes here’s the bottom line: If you want a bigger to taxes and spending. Republicans believe tax bill and bigger government, put the American families can spend their money far Democrats in charge of both the White better than the Federal Government can. House and Capitol Hill. But if you want to We’ve restrained spending in Washington. keep your taxes low and stop wasteful spend- We delivered the largest tax cuts since Ron- ing, elect John McCain and a Republican ald Reagan was the President of the United Congress. States. We cut taxes for married couples. We This November, the American people will cut taxes for families with children. We cut have a clear choice when it comes to con- taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes on firming good judges and building a culture dividends and capital gains. We put the death of life. Republicans aspire to build a society tax on the road to extinction. We eliminated where every human being is welcomed in life income taxes for nearly 5 million families in and protected in law. We’ve funded crisis the lowest tax bracket. And as a result, the pregnancy programs and supported parental American people have more money in their notification laws. We outlawed the cruel pocket, and that is the way it should be. practice of partial birth abortion. We de- Our opponents take a different view. The fended this good law all the way to the Su- Democratically controlled Congress refuses preme Court, and we won. to make the tax relief permanent. And when This victory shows how important it is to tax relief expires, every income tax rate in put good judges on the bench. Republicans America will go up. The marriage penalty will have a clear view of the role of the courts return in full force. The child tax credit will in our democracy. We believe that unelected be cut in half. Taxes on capital gains and divi- judges should strictly interpret the law and dends will increase significantly. The death tax will return to life. A typical family of four * White House correction.

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not legislate from the bench. I’ve nominated And in Iraq, we removed the dangerous and Congress has confirmed good judges, in- regime of Saddam Hussein. Removing Sad- cluding the two newest members of the Su- dam Hussein was the right decision at the preme Court, Justice Sam Alito and Chief time, and it is the right decision today. Early Justice John Roberts. last year, when the situation in Iraq was dete- And our opponents have a different view. riorating, we launched what’s called the There’s no clearer illustration of their dif- surge. And since the surge, violence in Iraq ferences in our judicial philosophies than has dropped. Civilian deaths and sectarian this: John McCain voted to confirm these killings are down, and political and economic eminently qualified Supreme Court Justices; progress is taking place. A democracy is tak- his opponent voted against them. ing root where the tyrant once ruled. We received a fresh reminder of the im- In Iraq and Afghanistan and around the portance of the courts last week. A bare ma- world, our men and women in uniform are jority of five Supreme Court Justices over- performing with skill and honor. And our turned a bipartisan law that the United States country needs a Commander in Chief who Congress passed and I signed to deliver jus- will respect and fully support the United tice to detainees at Guantanamo Bay. With States military, and that man is John McCain. this decision, hardened terrorists—hardened The war on terror is the great challenge foreign terrorists now enjoy certain legal of our time. And on this vital issue, the Democratic Party has repeatedly shown it rights previously reserved for American citi- would take America down the wrong path. zens. This is precisely the kind of judicial ac- Democratic leaders in Congress have yet to tivism that frustrates the American people. renew a surveillance law that our intelligence And the best way to change it is to put Re- professionals say is critical to protecting publicans in charge in the Senate and John America. They tried to shut down a CIA pro- McCain in the White House. gram for questioning terrorists, a program This November, the American people will that has saved American lives. They’ve re- have a clear choice when it comes to pro- peatedly delayed funding for our troops in tecting our country and winning the war on the field. terror. Republicans believe that our most sol- On Iraq, the Democrats declared the emn duty is to protect the American people. surge a failure before it began. And now that Since September the 11th, 2001, we have the surge has turned the situation around, worked day and night to stop another attack they still call for retreat. The other side talks on our homeland. a lot about hope, and that sums up their Iraq Here at home, we’ve strengthened our de- policy pretty well. They want to retreat from fenses, reformed our intelligence commu- Iraq, and hope nothing bad happens. But nity, and launched a new program to monitor wishful thinking is no way to fight a war and terrorist communications. Around the world, to protect the American people. Leaving Iraq we have gone on the offense against the ter- before the job is done would embolden our rorists. We’ve advanced freedom as the great enemies and endanger our citizens. The only alternative to the ideology of hatred and vio- path to victory is to support the Iraqi people, lence. In a time of war, we need a President support our commanders, support our who understands that we must defeat the troops, support Republicans for Congress, enemy overseas so we do not have to face and elect John McCain as the next Com- them here at home, and that man is John mander in Chief. McCain. Over the next few months of this cam- In Afghanistan, we destroyed Al Qaida paign, you’re going to hear a lot of talk about training camps and removed the Taliban change. Democrats say they’re the party of from power. And today, we’re helping a change. There was a time when they believed democratic society take root, ensuring that that low taxes were the path to growth and Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven opportunity, but they’ve changed. There was for the terrorists planning an attack on Amer- a time when they believed in commonsense ica. American values, but they have changed.

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There was a time when they believed that Notice—Continuation of the America should pay any price and bear any National Emergency With Respect to burden in the defense of liberty, but they the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation have changed. These days, if you want to Created by the Accumulation of know how a Democrat in Congress is going Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in to vote tomorrow, just visit the web site of MoveOn.org today. the Territory of the Russian This is change all right, but it’s not the Federation kind of change the American people want. June 18, 2008 Americans want change that makes their life better and our country safer, and that re- On June 21, 2000, President Clinton quires changing the party in control of the issued Executive Order 13159 (the ‘‘order’’) United States Congress. So with your efforts blocking property and interests in property and with your hard work, I am confident that of the Government of the Russian Federa- the American people will send Republicans tion that are in the United States, that here- to Congress—and to send our friend John after come within the United States, or that McCain to the White House. are or hereafter come within the possession This is the final time I’m going to speak or control of United States persons that are to this event. And when I ran for President directly related to the implementation of the 8 years ago, as Jeb mentioned, I promised Agreement Between the Government of the to uphold the dignity and honor of this office. United States of America and the Govern- And to the best of my ability, I have tried ment of the Russian Federation Concerning to live up to that promise. Next January, I the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium will leave with confidence in our country’s Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated course and the proud work we have done February 18, 1993, and related contracts and together. agreements (collectively, the ‘‘HEU Agree- We’ve worked together to make our coun- try safer and to spread prosperity throughout ments’’). The HEU Agreements allow for the our land. I’ve been strengthened by your sup- downblending of highly enriched uranium port and lifted up by your prayers. I’ve also derived from nuclear weapons to low en- been blessed to share these years with a riched uranium for peaceful commercial pur- strong and loving family, including a fabulous poses. The order invoked the authority, inter woman named Laura Bush. I believe she’s alia, of the International Emergency Eco- the finest First Lady in our Nation’s history. nomic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) Just don’t tell mother. [Laughter] And in this and declared a national emergency to deal job, I have had no finer example of character, with the unusual and extraordinary threat to decency, and integrity than the first man to the national security and foreign policy of the be called President George Bush. United States posed by the risk of nuclear This isn’t a farewell speech, because we’ve proliferation created by the accumulation of got a lot to do this year. I want you to know a large volume of weapons-usable fissile ma- my energy is up; my spirits are high; and I terial in the territory of the Russian Federa- am going to finish this job strong. So with tion. confidence in our vision, strong belief in our The national emergency declared on June philosophy, faith in our values, let us go for- 21, 2000, must continue beyond June 21, ward, reclaim the Congress, and elect John 2008, to provide continued protection from McCain as President in 2008. attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execu- God bless you, and God bless America. tion, garnishment, or other judicial process for the property and interests in property of NOTE: The President spoke at 7:29 p.m. at the the Government of the Russian Federation Walter E. Washington Convention Center. In his that are directly related to the implementa- remarks, he referred to Representative Jeb tion of the HEU Agreements and subject to Hensarling, chairman, 2008 President’s Dinner, U.S. jurisdiction. Therefore, in accordance and his wife, Melissa.

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with section 202 (d) of the National Emer- armament agreements is dedicated to peace- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am con- ful uses, subject to transparency measures, tinuing for 1 year the national emergency and protected from diversion to activities of with respect to the risk of nuclear prolifera- proliferation concern. The accumulation of tion created by the accumulation of weapons- a large volume of weapons-usable fissile ma- usable fissile material in the territory of the terial in the territory of the Russian Federa- Russian Federation. This notice shall be pub- tion continues to pose an unusual and ex- lished in the Federal Register and trans- traordinary threat to the national security and mitted to the Congress. foreign policy of the United States. For this George W. Bush reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared The White House, with respect to the risk of nuclear prolifera- June 18, 2008. tion created by the accumulation of a large volume of weapons-usable fissile material in [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:26 a.m., June 19, 2008] the territory of the Russian Federation and maintain in force these emergency authori- NOTE: This notice was released by the Office of ties to respond to this threat. the Press Secretary on June 19, and it was pub- lished in the Federal Register on June 20. George W. Bush The White House, June 18, 2008. Message to the Congress on Continuation of the National NOTE: This message was released by the Office Emergency With Respect to the Risk of the Press Secretary on June 19. of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons- Remarks on Presenting the Usable Fissile Material in the Presidential Medal of Freedom Territory of the Russian Federation June 19, 2008 June 18, 2008 The President. Welcome to the White To the Congress of the United States: House for what is going to be a joyous occa- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- sion. Mr. Vice President, Justice Scalia, gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for members of my Cabinet and administration, the automatic termination of a national emer- Members of Congress, Medal of Freedom gency unless, prior to the anniversary date recipients and their families and friends: of its declaration, the President publishes in Thanks for coming. Laura and I are honored the Federal Register and transmits to the to welcome you here. Congress a notice stating that the emergency The Medal of Freedom is the highest civil is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- honor a President can bestow. The award sary date. In accordance with this provision, recognizes outstanding individuals who have I have sent to the Federal Register for publi- been leaders in their chosen fields, have led cation the enclosed notice stating that the lives of vision and character, and have made emergency declared in Executive Order especially meritorious contributions to our 13159 of June 21, 2000, with respect to the Nation and the world. Today we add the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the names of six remarkable Americans to that accumulation of a large volume of weapons- select list. usable fissile material in the territory of the The story of our first recipient begins in Russian Federation is to continue beyond a poor neighborhood in the heart of Detroit. June 21, 2008. This was an environment where many young It remains a major national security goal people lost themselves to poverty and crime of the United States to ensure that fissile ma- and violence. For a time, young Ben Carson terial removed from Russian nuclear weap- was headed down that same path. Yet ons pursuant to various arms control and dis- through his reliance on faith and family, he

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turned his life into a sharply different direc- I am proud to bestow the Presidential Medal tion. Today, Dr. Carson is one of the world’s of Freedom on Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. leading neurosurgeons. He is renowned for [Applause] The bestowing part will take his successful efforts to separate conjoined place a little later, Ben. [Laughter] twins and his expertise in controlling brain Three decades ago, a mysterious and terri- seizures. He has worked to be a motivating fying plague began to take the lives of people influence on young people. He and his wife, across the world. Before this malady even Candy, have started an organization that of- had a name, it had a fierce opponent in Dr. fers college scholarships to students across Anthony Fauci. As the Director of the Na- America. The child of Detroit who once saw tional Institute of Allergy and Infectious Dis- a grim future became a scholar, a healer, and eases for more than 23 years, Tony Fauci has a leader. led the fight against HIV and AIDS. He was Ben would be the first to tell you that his also a leading architect and champion of the remarkable story would not be possible with- Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which over out the support of a woman who raised him the past 5 years, has reached millions of peo- and is at his side today. Some moms are sim- ple, preventing HIV infections in infants and ply forces of nature who never take no for easing suffering and bringing dying commu- an answer. [Laughter] I understand. [Laugh- nities back to life. ter] Ben Carson’s mom had a life filled with The man who would lead the fight against challenges. She was married at the age of this dreaded disease came from an Italian 13 and, ultimately, to—was left to raise her American family in Brooklyn. Even as a boy, two sons alone. She made their education a Tony was distinguished by his courage. In high priority. Every week, the boys would a neighborhood full of Brooklyn Dodgers have to check out library books and write fans, he rooted for the Yankees. [Laughter] reports on them. She would hand them back Tony earned a full scholarship to Regis High with check marks, as though she had re- School, a Jesuit school in Manhattan. And viewed them, never letting on that she he still quotes what he learned from Jesuit couldn’t read them. Even in the toughest teaching: ‘‘Precision of thought; economy of times, she always encouraged her children’s expression.’’ And now you know why he dreams. She never allowed them to see never ran for public office. [Laughter] themselves as victims. She never, ever gave Those who know Tony do admit one flaw. up. We’re so thrilled you’re here. Sonya Car- Sometimes he forgets to stop working. He son, welcome to the White House. regularly puts in 80-hour weeks. And from Ben has said that one of his role models time to time, he’s even found notes on his is Booker T. Washington, who inspired mil- windshield left by his coworkers that say lions and who was one of the first African things like, ‘‘Go home. You’re making me feel American leaders ever to visit this house as guilty.’’ [Laughter] A friend once commented a guest of a President. He walked on this that Tony was so obsessed with work that very floor a little more than a century ago. his wife must be a pretty patient woman. The Today, Ben Carson follows in his footsteps truth of the matter is, she’s very busy herself. in more ways than one. He’s lived true to Christine Grady is a renowned bioethicist. the words that was once uttered by this great And together they raised three talented man: ‘‘Character, not circumstances, makes daughters: Jennifer, Megan, and Alison. And the man.’’ Ben, you demonstrate that char- I hope each of you know that for all Tony acter every day through the life you lead, the has accomplished, he considers you to be one care you provide, and the family that you put of his—not one of his—his most important at the center of your life. Murray, B.J., and achievement. Your love and support have Rhoeyce, I know how proud your dad is of strengthened him as he works to save lives each of you. I’m delighted that you have a across the world. chance to see how proud our Nation is of For his determined and aggressive efforts him. to help others live longer and healthier lives, For his skills as a surgeon, high moral I’m proud to award the Presidential Medal standards, and dedication to helping others, of Freedom to Dr. Anthony S. Fauci.

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When Tom Lantos was 16 years old, Nazi that his loving wife, Annette, will receive the troops occupied his hometown of Budapest. award on behalf of his family. During that bitter occupation, young Tom One of my great privileges as the President was active in the resistance. He twice was has been to meet so many outstanding Amer- sent to a Nazi labor camp; both times he es- icans who volunteer to serve our Nation in caped. Tom and his wife, Annette, survived uniform. I’ve been inspired by their valor, the Holocaust. Others in their family did not. selflessness, and complete integrity. I found Their experiences amid Nazi terror shaped all those qualities in abundance in General the rest of their lives. After they left Hungary Pete Pace. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and made California their home, Tom put of Staff, Pete Pace was a skilled and trusted his name on the ballot for a seat in the House adviser in a time of war. He helped transform of Representatives and became the only sur- our military into a more efficient and effec- vivor of the Holocaust ever elected to Con- tive force in America’s defense. gress. One of his early acts was to establish General Pace experienced the blessings the Congressional Human Rights Council America offers at an early age. He was born [Caucus] *. Annette served as the Caucus’s in Brooklyn to an Italian immigrant father director. Tom earned the respect from both who sometimes worked two or three jobs at sides of the aisle, and he rose to become the a time to make ends meet. He was raised chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. by a mom who instilled in him the sustaining One colleague put it this way: ‘‘Tom was at power of faith. Together his parents raised the forefront of virtually every human rights four children; each went on to great achieve- battle over nearly three decades in the Con- ments in their chosen fields. That childhood gress.’’ gave young Pete Pace an early glimpse of On Capitol Hill, Tom displayed the energy what he would later call ‘‘the incredible ben- and enthusiasm of people half his age. When he was in his seventies, he said that he was efits that our Nation bestows on those who at the midpoint of his congressional career. come to our shores.’’ [Laughter] When he was diagnosed with a Pete Pace attended the Naval Academy fatal form of cancer, he responded with typ- and, as a young marine, soon found his way ical grace. As he announced his decision to to Vietnam. At the age of 22, he took com- retire from the job he loved, his words were mand of a platoon engaged in heavy fighting not of despair but of gratitude for a nation against the enemy during the Tet offensive. that had given him so much. ‘‘Only in Amer- Pete quickly won the respect and the trust ica,’’ he said, ‘‘could a penniless survivor of of his unit and formed a bond with all those the Holocaust receive an education, raise a who served with him. That bond only family, and have the privilege of serving in strengthened throughout his military career. the Congress.’’ That dying servant of the peo- He was the first marine to serve as Chair- ple then said this: ‘‘I will never be able to man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And he per- express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to formed his duties with a keen intellect, a this great country.’’ sharp wit, and a passionate devotion to our America is equally grateful to Tom Lantos. country. He won the admiration of all who We miss his powerful voice and his strong knew him. And that includes a soldier in Af- Hungarian accent. [Laughter] We miss his ghanistan who came up to General Pace last generosity of spirit. And we miss his vigorous year during his farewell visit to that country defense of human rights and his powerful and said simply: ‘‘Sir, thanks for your service. witness for the cause of human freedom. We’ll take it from here.’’ For a lifetime of leadership, for his com- On his final day in uniform, General Pace mitment to liberty, and for his devoted serv- took a quiet journey to the Vietnam Veterans’ ice to his adopted nation, I am proud to Memorial. He searched the names engraved award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in the sleek granite and then found a spot posthumously, to Tom Lantos. And proud where he placed his four stars that had adorned his uniform. Along with those stars * White House correction. he attached notes addressed to the men who

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died under his first command some four dec- that we provide our veterans with all the love ades ago. The notes said: ‘‘These are yours, and care and support they deserve. Donna, not mine. With love and respect, your pla- you helped America move closer to realizing toon leader, Pete Pace.’’ General Pace ended that noble goal, and your country is deeply his military career the same way that he grateful. began it, with love for his country and devo- For her efforts to help more Americans tion to his fellow marines. live lives of purpose and dignity, I am proud For his selfless service to his country and to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom for always putting the interests of our men to Donna Edna Shalala. and women in uniform first, I am proud to Few men have played roles in as many award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to memorable moments in recent American his- General Pete Pace. tory as Laurence Silberman. He was a senior When Donna Shalala was 10 years old, a official in the Justice Department in the tornado struck her house and her neighbor- aftermath of Watergate and helped to restore hood near Cleveland. Her parents searched America’s confidence in the Department. As throughout the house for young Donna, but Ambassador to Yugoslavia, he was a vigorous couldn’t find her anywhere. She was finally representative of America’s values behind spotted down the road, standing in the mid- the Iron Curtain. He was a fierce advocate dle of the road directing traffic. [Laughter] for the ‘‘peace through strength’’ policies that Even at a young age, she was ready to take helped win the cold war. charge. [Laughter] As a Federal judge on the DC circuit— Donna was always an enthusiastic partici- often called the second-highest court in the pant in life. She once played on the girls’ softball team coached by George Stein- land—Judge Silberman has been a pas- brenner. [Laughter] She also joined the sionate defender of judicial restraint. He Peace Corps and was stationed in the Middle writes opinions that one colleague has de- East. I really wonder which one of those two scribed as always cutting to the heart of the experiences was more challenging. [Laugh- matter—sometimes to the jugular. [Laugh- ter] ter] His questioning is crisp and incisive, and In 1993, President Clinton nominated at least one lawyer who was subjected to his Donna as the Nation’s Secretary of Health inquiries actually fainted. [Laughter] Judge and Human Services. She served for a full Silberman was a particularly important influ- two terms, longer than any other person who ence on two other members of that court: held that position. During her tenure, she Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. When developed a reputation for fairness and a each was nominated to the Supreme Court, willingness to hear both sides of an issue. Judge Silberman, in typical fashion, was not Former Republican Governor who worked sad to see them go. That’s because when closely with Donna called her cooperative Scalia left the court, Judge Silberman gained and pragmatic. The late Texas columnist seniority, and when Thomas left the court, Molly Ivins once called her ‘‘almost disgust- Judge Silberman gained his furniture. ingly cheerful.’’ [Laughter] I knew Molly; [Laughter] that’s a high compliment. [Laughter] In a new and dangerous era for our coun- As a college president, Donna has dem- try, Larry Silberman has continued to answer onstrated her commitment to education. And the call to service. He served with distinction as Cochair of the Dole-Shalala Commission on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Court of Review. He took a year off from Warriors, she has worked to ensure that we the Federal bench to serve as Cochairman provide the best possible care for America’s of a bipartisan commission on intelligence re- veterans, especially those who have borne the form. And in all his work, he’s remained a scars of battle. I came to know Donna in the clear-eyed guardian of the Constitution. He course of the Commission’s work. She be- continues to leave his distinctive mark in the lieves deeply that our Nation has no more opinions he issues and the generations of important responsibility than to make sure bright and talented lawyers he has trained.

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For his resolute service to the Nation and Our hearts and prayers are—from around his stalwart efforts to advance the cause of the Nation go out to people here. It’s a tough ordered liberty, I am proud to bestow the time for you. Presidential Medal of Freedom on Laurence Mayor Kathleen ‘‘Kay’’ Halloran of H. Silberman. Cedar Rapids, IA. It is. My congratulations to each of the recipi- The President. The good news is, the peo- ents. And now the military aide will read the ple in Iowa are tough-minded people. I citations for the Presidential Medals of Free- mean, you’ll come back better. Sometimes dom. it’s hard to see it when you’re this close to [At this point, Lt. Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, the deal. Mayor Halloran. Well—and it’s going to USN, Navy Aide to the President, read the take time. citations, and the President presented the The President. A lot of people aren’t get- medals.] ting much sleep these days, but—[laughter]. The President. In honor of these distin- You’re exhausted; I understand that. guished men and women, Laura and I invite But we want to—Congress passed a—is you to stay for a reception in the State Dining about to pass a big chunk of disaster money, Room. Please enjoy yourselves. Congratula- which will put—help put people’s mind at tions. May God bless you all. ease, and that will—we’re going to help peo- ple—going to help you recover. NOTE: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in the Anyway, thanks for letting me come by and East Room at the White House. In his remarks, see you. he referred to George M. Steinbrenner III, chair- Governor Chet Culver of Iowa. Thank person, New York Yankees baseball team; and you, Mr. President. former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson of Wisconsin. The President. Yes. Governor Culver. If I could, just very quickly, I want to thank the President on be- Remarks in a Briefing on Flooding in half of the people of Iowa—— the Midwest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa The President. Get those cameras back June 19, 2008 in here. [Laughter] Governor Culver. And I want to make The President. Our job is to come down sure they get in trouble. [Laughter]. But I here—and I want to thank the Senator and also want to thank this incredible team, all Congressman and members of the Cabinet— of these people in this room, just an amazing just to listen to what you got on your mind. team. All the people standing up here, thank Obviously, to the extent that we can help im- you. And we will rebuild this State and this mediately, we want to help, and then plan city, and it will be even better and even for recovery. stronger as a result. Thank you. I know a lot of farmers and cattlemen are hurting right now, along with the city people. NOTE: The President spoke at 12:01 p.m. in the The other thing I think is just very important Lynn County Training and Response Center at is that—and the Senator and Governor have Kirkwood Community College. In his remarks, he made it clear—that as we worry about Cedar referred to Senator Thomas R. Harkin and Rep- resentative Dave Loebsack of Iowa. A portion of Rapids, we also got to worry about the little these remarks could not be verified because the towns. A lot of folks are wondering whether tape was incomplete. or not the government hears about them too. And I can assure you that I know the Gov- ernor cares deeply about it, and so do we. Remarks to Reporters in Iowa City, Paulison, who is the head of FEMA, tells Iowa me that there are 600 FEMA people moving June 19, 2008 around the State, and that ought to help the people in the smaller communities know that The President. Let me thank the mayor, somebody is there to listen to them and care thank the Governor. Mr. Congressman, about them. thanks for flying down from Washington with

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us, and Senator Harkin, thanks for being And I really again want to congratulate the here. local folks here for really showing great com- Senator Tom Harkin. Thank you, Mr. passion and working hard and hugging peo- President. ple and giving people hope. And, Governor, The President. You know, these are tough you’ve been out front. You and your first lady times for the people of Iowa City and Cedar are working hard, and the mayor has been Rapids and a lot of other communities in very much engaged in helping people deal Iowa. Some of them are, you know, real tiny with the initial response. And now we all got communities. And this—obviously, as you to come together and help people deal with can see here, they’re still going through a the rebuilding of Iowa. recovery phase. The mayor was telling me Anyway, thank you for your hospitality. I’m that she had the—part of the city evacuated sorry we’re going through this. I tell people and now some folks are able to come back that oftentimes you get dealt a hand you in. didn’t expect to have to play, and the ques- I brought a lot of Federal officials with tion is not whether you’re going to get dealt me because it’s really important that as the the hand; the question is, how do you play rebuilding phase begins, there’s a coordi- it? And I’m confident the people of Iowa will nated effort between the Federal Govern- play it really well. ment and the State and the local govern- Anyway, thank you. ments. And Michael Chertoff is going to be handling the coordinating effort with the NOTE: The President spoke at 2 p.m. In his re- Governor. And the Governor will make sure marks, he referred to Mayor Regenia Bailey of Iowa City, IA; and Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa and that the affected communities are rep- his wife, Mari. resented as well. We passed a—or the Congress is contem- plating passing a supplemental, and a big Message on the Observance of chunk of that supplemental will be disaster Juneteenth relief money. And I want to thank the Mem- June 19, 2008 bers of Congress—hope we can get that done quickly. I send greetings to those celebrating Representative David Loebsack. It will Juneteenth. get done. On Juneteenth, we commemorate the ar- The President. The—one of the things rival of Major General Gordon Granger in that happens in a disaster such as this is that Galveston, Texas, and his declaration that citizens from around the country want to slavery had been abolished and the blessings know how they can help. They see the pic- of liberty were finally extended to African ture of this kind of flooding on TV and they Americans. know that people are hurting and they want On this occasion, we recognize the many to know how they can participate in helping contributions that African Americans have the rebuilding. Well, one way that the people made to our great Nation and honor the leg- can do is they can go on their computers and acy of diversity that America has embraced. dial up volunteer.org [volunteer.gov] *. Today is an opportunity to recommit our- And, you know, if you want to try to figure selves to confronting injustice wherever we out how to send something, you can—there find it and upholding the dignity of all peo- will be ways to—ways to direct your compas- ple. By doing so, we protect the freedom and sion. If you want to give money, there are democratic ideals that will keep America organizations that could use your contribu- strong for generations to come. tions; organizations such as the Red Cross. Laura and I send our best wishes on this And I’m—again, I’ll repeat to you: volun- memorable occasion. teer.gov—I think I might have said ‘‘org’’; George W. Bush I meant ‘‘gov.’’ NOTE: An original was not available for verifi- * White House correction. cation of the content of this message.

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Remarks at a Celebration of NOTE: The President spoke at 7:36 p.m. in the American Jazz East Room at the White House. A portion of these remarks could not be verified because the tape June 19, 2008 was incomplete. Welcome to the East Room of the White House. I welcome members of my Cabinet Remarks on Congressional Action on and my administration; a music lover, Sen- the Legislative Agenda ator Orrin Hatch from the great State of Utah; distinguished guests. We’re so pleased June 20, 2008 you’re here to celebrate a great American art form, jazz. And we hope you’re jazz lovers, Good morning. This week, Congress because you’re going to hear some good moved forward on two important issues af- music tonight. fecting the national security of our country. The story of jazz mirrors the story of our Yesterday the House passed a responsible Nation. This proud musical tradition was war funding bill that will provide vital re- born of the songs brought here by African sources to our men and women on the slaves. Decades later, it absorbed the waltzes frontlines in the war on terror. This legisla- that accompanied immigrants from Europe. tion gives our troops the funds they need to Over time, jazz helped break down barriers prevail without tying the hands of our com- of prejudice between blacks and whites and manders in the field or imposing artificial even defined an age that brought new liberty timetables for withdrawal. to America’s women. The bill also supports our military families In a twist of history, the music that came by passing an expansion of the GI bill that to America in chains ultimately helped Amer- makes it easier for our troops to transfer un- ica spread freedom abroad. In 1956, the used education benefits to their spouses and State Department sent American jazz musi- their children. I want to thank the Members cian Dizzy Gillespie around the world on a of Congress for their action on this legisla- mission to trumpet American values. He was tion, and I urge the Senate to pass it as soon in Turkey when word came that a group of as possible. Cypriot students stoned the U.S. Embassy Members of the House and Senate also in Athens. And so he was sent to the Greek reached a bipartisan agreement yesterday on capital to soothe anti-American hostility with legislation to allow our intelligence profes- a jazz performance. The concert atmosphere sionals to quickly and effectively monitor the was tense. The students stormed the stage. plans of terrorists abroad, while protecting People were nervous, until the students put the liberties of Americans here at home. Dizzy Gillespie on their shoulders, and shouted ‘‘Dizzy! Dizzy! Dizzy!’’ [Laughter] My Director of National Intelligence and With its spontaneity and energy and inno- the Attorney General tells me that this is a vation, jazz expresses the best of America’s good bill. It will help our intelligence profes- character. And through a—its role in fos- sionals learn our enemies’ plans for new at- tering freedom and equality, jazz reflects the tacks. It ensures that those companies whose best of America’s ideals. Tonight this mag- assistance is necessary to protect the country nificent art form will be brought to life by will themselves be protected from liability for some jazz masters. Grammy award winning past or future cooperation with the Govern- guitarist Earl Klugh will play for us after din- ment. ner. And before dinner, we’re honored to The enemy who attacked us on September hear from saxophonist Davey Yarborough, the 11th is determined to strike this country vocalist Esther Williams from the Wash- again. It’s vital that our intelligence commu- ington Jazz Arts Institute. nity has the ability to learn who the terrorists Before Davey and Esther take the stage, are talking to, what they’re saying, and what please join me in a toast to American jazz, they are planning. but more importantly, to the United States I encourage the House of Representatives of America. to pass this bill today, and I ask the Senate

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to take it up quickly so our intelligence pro- range for its publication in the Federal Reg- fessionals can better protect Americans from ister. harm. George W. Bush I’m pleased with the bipartisan coopera- tion on both these bills, and I thank the Members for their efforts. Memorandum on Unexpected Thank you. Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related to Africa, the Middle NOTE: The President spoke at 9:11 a.m. from the East, Asia, and the Western Oval Office Patio at the White House. In his re- Hemisphere marks, he referred to Attorney General Michael June 20, 2008 B. Mukasey. Presidential Determination No. 2008–22

Memorandum on Waiving the Memorandum for the Secretary of State Prohibition on the Use of Economic Support Funds With Respect to Subject: Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related to Africa, the Various Parties to the Rome Statute Middle East, Asia, and the Western Establishing the International Hemisphere Criminal Court By the authority vested in me by the Con- June 20, 2008 stitution and the laws of the United States, including sections 2 and 4(a)(1) of the Migra- Presidential Determination No. 2008–21 tion and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (the ‘‘Act’’), as amended, (22 U.S.C. 2601 and Memorandum for the Secretary of State 2603), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code: Subject: Waiving the Prohibition on the Use (1) I hereby determine, pursuant to sec- of Economic Support Funds with Respect to tion 2(c)(1) of the Act, that it is important Various Parties to the Rome Statute to the national interest to furnish assistance Establishing the International Criminal under the Act in an amount not to exceed Court $32.8 million from the United States Emer- Pursuant to the authority vested in me by gency Refugee and Migration Assistance the Constitution and the laws of the United Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected States, including section 574 of the Foreign and urgent refugee and migration needs, in- Operations, Export Financing, and Related cluding by contributions to international, Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public governmental, and nongovernmental organi- Law 109–102), as carried forward by the Re- zations, and payment of administrative ex- vised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, penses of the Bureau of Population, Refu- 2007 (Public Law 110–5), I hereby: gees, and Migration of the Department of • Determine that it is important to the State, related to humanitarian needs in Afri- national interests of the United States ca, the Middle East, Asia, and the Western to waive the prohibition of aforemen- Hemisphere; and tioned section 574(a) with respect to (2) the functions of the President in rela- Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, tion to this memorandum under section 2(d) Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Namibia, Niger, of the Act, and of establishing terms and con- Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, South Africa, ditions under section 2(c)(1) of the Act, are and Tanzania; and assigned to you, and you may further assign • Waive the prohibition of aforemen- such functions to your subordinates, con- tioned section 574(a) with respect to sistent with applicable law. these countries. You are authorized and directed to publish You are authorized and directed to report this memorandum in the Federal Register. this determination to the Congress and to ar- George W. Bush

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Letter to Congressional Leaders Digest of Other Transmitting a Report on North White House Announcements Atlantic Treaty Organization Enlargement The following list includes the President’s public June 20, 2008 schedule and other items of general interest an- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Dear Mr. Chairman: not included elsewhere in this issue. Pursuant to section 3(2)(E)(ii) of the Reso- lution of Ratification to the Protocols to the June 14 North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Acces- sion of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Re- In the morning, at the U.S. Ambassador’s public adopted on April 30, 1998, I am residence in Paris, France, the President had pleased to submit the enclosed report. an intelligence briefing. Later, he traveled to In doing so, I reiterate with appreciation Elysee Palace. the bipartisan support that the Congress has In the afternoon, the President and Presi- shown for NATO’s next round of enlarge- dent Nicolas Sarkozy of France returned to ment. the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, where they As provided in the Resolution, for each of were joined by Mrs. Bush. They all then at- the two current NATO invitees (Albania and tended the unveiling of the Flamme de la Liberte statue. Later, he visited the Suresnes Croatia) as well as for Macedonia (in the American Cemetery and Memorial, where he event an invitation is issued by the Alliance participated in a wreath-laying ceremony. before the signing of accession protocols), Later in the afternoon, the President vis- the enclosed report includes: ited Mont Valerien, where he participated in (I) updated information contained in the a wreath-laying ceremony. He then returned report required under clause (i) with to the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, where respect to that country; and he met with U.S. Embassy staff and their (II) an analysis of that country’s ability to families. meet the full range of the financial burdens of NATO membership, and In the evening, the President had a tele- the likely impact upon the military ef- phone conversation with Secretary of Home- fectiveness of NATO of the country land Security Michael Chertoff and Federal invited for accession talks, if the coun- Emergency Management Agency Adminis- try were to be admitted to NATO. trator R. David Paulison in which he was briefed on the flooding in the Midwest. This report is in both classified and unclas- Later, he and Mrs. Bush attended entertain- sified forms, as provided in the Resolution. ment and a dinner hosted by U.S. Ambas- Sincerely, sador to France Craig Roberts Stapleton and his wife, Dorothy Walker Stapleton. George W. Bush The President declared a major disaster in Wisconsin and ordered Federal aid to sup- plement State and local recovery efforts in NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Robert C. the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, Byrd, chairman, Senate Committee on Appropria- and flooding beginning on June 5 and con- tions; Carl Levin, chairman, Senate Committee tinuing. on Armed Services; Joseph R. Biden, Jr., chair- man, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; June 15 David R. Obey, chairman, House Committee on Appropriations; Ike Skelton, chairman, House In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Committee on Armed Services; and Howard L. Bush traveled to Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berman, chairman, House Committee on Foreign England, where they met with Queen Eliza- Affairs. beth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke

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of Edinburgh. Later, they traveled to Win- Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam to the White field House, the U.S. Ambassador’s resi- House on June 24. dence in London, England. Then, in the Yel- low Room, they participated in an interview June 18 with Adam Boulton of Sky News. In the morning, the President had a tele- Later in the afternoon, in the Green phone conversation with President Levy Pat- Room, the President and Mrs. Bush attended rick Mwanawasa of Zambia to discuss the sit- a reception with British military personnel. uation in Zimbabwe. Later, he had an intel- In the evening, the President and Mrs. ligence briefing. Bush traveled to 10 Downing Street, the In the afternoon, in Room 350 of the Prime Minister’s residence, where, in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office State Dining Room, they had dinner with Building, the President met with the Chinese Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United delegation to the U.S.-China Strategic Eco- Kingdom and his wife, Sarah. Later, they re- nomic Dialogue. turned to Winfield House. The President announced his intention to nominate J.V. Schwan to be Commissioner June 16 of the U.S. International Trade Commission. In the morning, the President had an intel- The President announced his intention to ligence briefing. Later, in the Family Dining designate Shara L. Aranoff as Chairman of Room, he had breakfast with Quartet Rep- the U.S. International Trade Commission. resentative in the Middle East Tony Blair. The President announced his intention to He then traveled to 10 Downing Street, the designate Daniel Pearson as Vice Chairman Prime Minister’s residence. of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Later in the morning, the President trav- eled to the U.S. Embassy, where he was June 19 joined by Mrs. Bush. They then met with In the morning, the President had an intel- U.S. Embassy staff and their families. ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Cedar In the afternoon, the President returned Rapids, IA, where he participated in a brief- to Winfield House, where, in the Yellow ing on the flooding in the Midwest. Room, he met with Conservative Party Lead- In the afternoon, the President traveled to er and Opposition Leader David Cameron Iowa City, IA. While en route aboard Marine of the United Kingdom. Later, he and Mrs. One, he took an aerial tour of the areas dam- Bush traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland. aged by flooding. Later, he returned to Later in the afternoon, the President trav- Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. eled to Stormont Castle. Later, he traveled The President declared a major disaster in to the Lough View Integrated Primary West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to School, where he was joined by Mrs. Bush. supplement State and local recovery efforts They then toured the school. Later, they re- in the area struck by severe storms, torna- turned to Washington, DC, arriving in the does, flooding, mudslides, and landslides evening. from June 3–7. The President announced his intention to June 17 nominate J. Patrick Rowan to be Assistant In the morning, the President had an intel- Attorney General (National Security Divi- ligence briefing. sion) at the Department of Justice. In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. The President announced his intention to Bush traveled to St. Albans School, where nominate Brent R. Orrell to be Assistant Sec- they attended the wake for Tim Russert, retary of Labor (Employment and Training). moderator of NBC’s ‘‘Meet the Press,’’ who The President announced his intention to passed away on June 13. They then returned nominate Richard G. Olson, Jr., to be Am- to the White House. bassador to the United Arab Emirates. The White House announced that the The President announced his intention to President will welcome Prime Minister nominate Diane Barone and Mary E. Curtis

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to be members of the National Institute for Submitted June 18 Literacy Advisory Board. June 20 J.V. Schwan, of Virginia, to be a member of the U.S. Inter- In the morning, the President had an intel- national Trade Commission for a term expir- ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Fort ing June 16, 2017, vice Deanna Tanner Okur, Myers, FL, where, upon arrival, he met with term expired. USA Freedom Corps volunteer Josh Kelchner. He then traveled to Naples, FL, Submitted June 19 arriving in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon, at a private resi- dence, the President attended a Lincoln and Diane Barone, Mario Diaz-Balart Florida Victory Com- of Nevada, to be a member of the National mittee luncheon. Later, he traveled to Ra- Institute for Literacy Advisory Board for a leigh, NC, where, upon arrival, he met with term expiring January 30, 2011, vice Donald USA Freedom Corps volunteer Nick D. Deshler, term expired. Marriam. Then, at a private residence, he at- tended a Pat McCrory for Governor recep- Mary E. Curtis, tion. of Massachusetts, to be a member of the Na- In the evening, the President returned to tional Institute for Literacy Advisory Board Washington, DC. for a term expiring November 25, 2011, vice The President declared a major disaster in Carmel Borders, term expiring. Nebraska and ordered Federal aid to supple- ment State and local recovery efforts in the Gregory G. Garre, area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and of Maryland, to be Solicitor General of the flooding beginning on May 22 and con- United States, vice Paul D. Clement, re- tinuing. signed.

Richard G. Olson, Jr., of New Mexico, a career member of the Sen- Nominations ior Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to Submitted to the Senate be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates. The following list does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Michael O’Neill, eign Service officers. of Maryland, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Gladys Submitted June 16 Kessler, retired.

Michele Jeanne Sison, Brent R. Orrell, of Maryland, a career member of the Senior of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, Labor, vice Emily Stover DeRocco. to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America Jeffrey Adam Rosen, to the Republic of Lebanon. of Virginia, to be U.S. District Judge for the James Christopher Swan, District of Columbia, vice Thomas F. Hogan, of California, a career member of the Senior retired. Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- J. Patrick Rowan, potentiary of the United States of America of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney to the Republic of Djibouti. General, vice Kenneth L. Wainstein.

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Checklist agement and Budget Director James A. of White House Press Releases Nussle, and Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency Administrator R. David Paulison The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as Statement by the Press Secretary on House items nor covered by entries in the Digest of of Representatives action on military per- Other White House Announcements. sonnel and family benefits legislation Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Released June 14 assistance to West Virginia Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Text of the citations for recipients of the assistance to Wisconsin Presidential Medal of Freedom Released June 15 Released June 20 Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- retary Dana Perino and National Security Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press Adviser Stephen J. Hadley Secretary Tony Fratto Statement by the Press Secretary announcing Released June 16 that the President signed S. 2420 Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- retary Dana Perino and National Security Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Adviser Stephen J. Hadley assistance to Nebraska Released June 17 Transcript of a press briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto Acts Approved Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of by the President Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of the So- cialist Republic of Vietnam Approved June 17 Statement by the Press Secretary announcing that the President signed H.R. 6081 H.R. 6081 / Public Law 110–245 Released June 18 Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Transcript of a press briefing by Deputy Act of 2008 Press Secretary Tony Fratto Passed June 18, over the President’s veto Fact sheet: Reducing Gas Prices and Foreign Oil Dependence H.R. 6124 / Public Law 110–246 Text of a policy memorandum on American Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 made energy Approved June 20 Released June 19 Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press S. 2420 / Public Law 110–247 Secretary Scott M. Stanzel, Office of Man- Federal Food Donation Act of 2008

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