Administration of George W. Bush, 2005 / Oct. 24 1577

Through all these challenges, Chairman The President. Thank you all. Greenspan’s prudent judgment and wise policies have kept inflation low. He’s played NOTE: The President spoke at 1 p.m. in the Oval a major role in America’s strong economic Office at the White House. The transcript re- leased by the Office of the Press Secretary also growth. He has dominated his age like no included the remarks of Chairman-designate central banker in history. He has contributed Bernanke. to a better life for all Americans, and I thank him for his service. Ben Bernanke is the right man to build Interview With Al Arabiya on the record Alan Greenspan has estab- October 24, 2005 lished. Ben graduated from Harvard with top honors, earned a doctorate in economics on Lebanese Assassination from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Q. Mr. President, thank you very much He’s built a record of excellence as both an for this interview. I much appreciate it. academic and policymaker. He is the author The President. Thank you. of several scholarly books and is one of the Q. Let me start after the—Mehlis report. most cited economists in the world. As Fed You described the report as deeply dis- Governor, Ben advocated greater trans- turbing. Does the United States, your admin- parency in communication with the public istration, support imposing sanctions on and markets. His speeches were widely ad- ? mired for their keen insight and clear, simple The President. Here’s what we support. language. We support that the world take this report Ben’s career has also been distinguished very seriously, that there were some very by leadership. He was chairman of Prince- strong implications in the report, that it be ton’s economics department, founding direc- fully aired, and that the United Nations start tor of Princeton’s Bendheim Center for Fi- to take action. Tomorrow there’s a meeting nance, and a founding editor of the Inter- of the perm reps, permanent representatives, national Journal of Central Banking. Since and I’ve instructed Secretary Rice to call June, he has served as Chairman of the upon the United Nations to host a foreign Council of Economic Advisers. ministers meeting as quickly as possible. Ben is also a kind and decent man who is held in high regard by all those who’ve Syria worked with him. He has the support of a Q. Are we heading into a confrontation strong and loving family. I’m pleased to see with Syria? that Ben’s wife, Anna, and his two children, The President. I certainly hope not. I Alyssa and Joel, are with us today. mean, I think one of the things that Syria I want to thank Ben for his willingness to has learned is that noncompliance with inter- serve in a position so important for world national demands will yield to isolation. Fif- markets and so vital to the well being of the teen fifty-nine was a very serious statement American people. I urge the Senate to act by the free world and the United Nations promptly to confirm Ben Bernanke as the to say to Syria, ‘‘Get out of . Leave 14th Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Lebanon alone. Let the Lebanon democracy Ben, thanks for serving. flourish and function.’’ She saw—she, being Syria—saw that the world spoke in voice, one At this point, Chairman-designate Bernanke [ voice. made brief remarks. ] And nobody wants there to be a confronta- The President. Congratulations, sir. tion. On the other hand, there must be seri- Thank you, Ben. ous pressure applied so that the leader un- Chairman-designate Bernanke. Thank derstands that, one, they can’t house terrorist you. groups that will destroy the peace process The President. Mr. Chairman, thank you with Israel and Palestine, for example; two, for being here. I appreciate you. they should stop meddling in Lebanon; Chairman Greenspan. Thank you. three, that they should stop allowing transit

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4 1578 Oct. 24 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005

of bombers and killers into Iraq that are kill- derail the peace process. It’s not fair to the ing people that want there to be a democ- people of Gaza. It’s not fair to the people racy. In other words, there are some clear of the West Bank. And so that is one clear demands by the world. And this Mehlis re- demand, that Syria must shut down these port, as I say, had serious implications for camps and not allow terrorists groups to have Syria, and the Syrian Government must take safe haven in Syria. the demands of the free world very seriously. We want the Lebanese democracy to /Diplomacy flourish. And so Syria should not be—should no longer be involved in Lebanon. They re- Q. The French—as you know, the French moved their troops, like was told to them in Prime Minister wants to introduce a resolu- 1559, but it also was clear it said, ‘‘Get rid tion for Syria to cooperate with the investiga- of all your intelligence services and your op- tion. Would you support that? erations out of there.’’ And the Mehlis report The President. The French foreign min- implicates Syria’s involvement in the death ister—— of Mr. Hariri, who was a fine man. Q. They want to introduce a resolution in the United Nations, in the Security Council, And of course, one of the concerns I have basically calling on Syria to cooperate further and that other countries have as well is Syria in the investigation into the killing—— becoming a transit place for these killers that The President. Oh, I see. Sure. Well, lis- are going into Iraq and killing Muslims, kill- ten, we’re working very closely with the ing innocent women and children. And it’s French. We did on 1559, and there was a just—they got to understand there is a— clear message as a result of the cooperation there’s a worldwide concern about their fail- between the U.S. Government, the French, ure to act. and many other governments, and Condi Q. If they don’t cooperate, what would you Rice, who I spoke to today, is still in consulta- do? tions with the French to make sure we have The President. Well, I’m hoping that they a common message. will. They did on 1559 in terms of getting Q. I know you said before that you’re fo- their troops out. In other words, there’s a cusing on diplomatic options, but the military diplomatic—you’re trying to get me to say one is still on the table. Would you resort something—I’m going to use our military. It to that? is the last, very last option. And no Com- The President. Well, listen, nobody wants mander in Chief likes to commit the military, to use the military. A military is always the and I don’t. But on the other hand, you last choice of a President. I understand the know—and I’ve worked hard for diplomacy use of military, and I know how hard it can and will continue to work the diplomatic be. And I’m—any time anybody loses their angle on this issue. life in our military, I weep for the families. Q. We’ve seen similar models before. And I know innocent people can sometimes Some people talk about the Libyan model, be in harm’s way, so the military is always the last option. And this is a chance for the i.e. sanction, long term, and then the Libyans world to work together to achieve a diplo- will hand over the suspects—or the Iraqi matic solution. one—— And our diplomats, starting with Secretary The President. Well, I think each country Rice, are working very hard to come up with is different. Saddam Hussein had, gosh, a lot a common position to make it clear to Syria of resolutions out of the United Nations. Year that there are clear and understandable de- after year after year after year, the United mands. And I’ve just listed some of them ear- Nations said, ‘‘Do this,’’ and he never com- lier. Listen, as you know, you and I have plied. And so it’s—he was—diplomacy wasn’t worked together, and you’ve seen the emer- working. And my attitude is, let’s give diplo- gence of a potential Palestinian state that I macy a chance to work. Obviously, we’d like strongly embrace, but we must not allow ter- to resolve any issue in a peaceful way. And rorists to operate out of Syria. That would that’s the main goal of the United States.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2005 / Oct. 24 1579

China and Russia place? Is Baghdad safe enough for Saddam Q. Obviously, you have the French and to be tried there? the British on board, but what about the Chi- The President. I think it is, yes, I do. I nese and the Russians? Who will support— mean, listen, it’s safe enough to have an elec- will you get their support? tion nationwide, where these killers were say- The President. Well, that’s an interesting ing, ‘‘We’ll kill you if you vote,’’ and a lot question. I think it’s too early to tell. I cer- of people went and voted. In other words, tainly hope that people take a good look at it’s possible to provide security. But I think the Mehlis report. Mr. Mehlis did a very the trial needs to go forward. thorough job, and it speaks—there’s clear im- Q. But you know, Mr. President, one of plications about Syrian’s involvement in the the defense lawyers was killed—— death of a foreign leader. And the United The President. Oh, I know. It’s just ter- States was willing to help, work with other rible. countries, and we will, to make sure that out Q. So how can you make sure it’s fair of the United Nations comes a clear message. trial—— The President. No, I understand. Well, Possible Trial in an International Court there will be a fair trial. The question is Q. As you know, Saad Hariri, who’s the whether or not there’s the courage to go son of the slain President—Prime Minister ahead with the trial. And I think the people Rafiq Hariri, is asking for an international of Iraq would like to see Saddam Hussein court. Would the United States support the tried for the crimes he committed. trial in an international court for the sus- Q. Would you support again an inter- pects? national trial for him? The President. Well, we want people to The President. No, I didn’t. I didn’t at be held to account. And I’d be glad to talk all. I think it’s very important for the Iraqis to other leaders to determine whether or not to have a justice system that earns the con- that’s the best course of action. But certainly, fidence of the people. This is a new democ- people do need to be held to account. And racy, and part of a democracy is to have a the first course of action is to go the United fair judicial system. And I thought it was very Nations. important for the Iraqi—citizens of Iraq to Q. But further, would you—— conduct the trial in such a way that it earned The President. Well, we’ll have to see. international respect. Q. ——support that or not? The President. We’ll have to see. Iraqi Elections/Constitution Q. You had started talks with the Sunni Trial of Saddam Hussein opposition parties. What happened to that? Q. If we move to Iraq. Where—are you advancing in the talks with The President. Sure. them? Q. I would like to know, how would you The President. With the Sunnis? evaluate the performance of Saddam Hus- Q. Yes. sein during the trial? Do you think he’s weak- The President. Well, first of all, the ened? He’s still defiant? United States of America will not try to pick The President. That’s hard for me to tell. a winner in the upcoming election. We The key thing is that there will be a fair trial, talked—our Ambassador Zal Khalilzad was which is something he didn’t give many of involved with trying to help the parties come the thousand people he killed. It’s—there’s together and make a deal on the constitution, going to be a lot of international scrutiny. to get people’s participation and get people There will be a lot of press coverage. People involved with the—show that the process can are going to be watching very carefully. And work through discussion and compromise. what matters is the fact that he will be And when it comes to the elections, up- brought to trial in a fair way. coming elections, should the constitution get Q. And do you think that, eventually, the passed—and it looks like it might—there will situation is safe enough for this court to take be an election for a permanent government.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4 1580 Oct. 24 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005

The United States will not pick a winner. And there’s no question the images are ter- That’s going to be up to the Iraqi people. rible. Americans weep when they hear about Our mission will be to encourage all people the loss of life like that. On the other hand, to participate in the process. the security situation is improving. When you It’s been amazing, what’s happened in look at the fact that they just had an election, Iraq, when you really think about it. Millions and that—we can’t stop random acts of vio- of people voted last January. Nobody—a lot lence, but the Iraqi security forces are better of people didn’t think that would happen. prepared to defend themselves. And over And then this new constitution was written. time, they’ll become even better. And as I You know, it’s a document that is—it caused told the American people, as the Iraqis stand a lot of debate, and people showed anxieties up, we will stand down. And we’re headed or supported part of it, but it’s a document in that direction right now. that can be changed with a democratically elected government, just like what happened Upcoming Palestinian Election/Hamas to our Constitution. I mean, the United Q. I have to go quickly to the Palestinian States Constitution created a lot of anxiety situation. First, Abu Mazen visit. I know this when it was first passed, and then it was one is supposed to be primarily about the amended right off the bat. But I’m very— Palestinians. But would you support the out- I’ve got to tell you, I am impressed by the come of the results—as you know, you dis- courage of the Iraqi citizens and pleased with cussed this with Abu Mazen—of the election, the progress. the Palestinian election in January, if Hamas wins, regardless? Iraqi Security Situation The President. Well, you know, I told him Q. Are you satisfied with the security situa- that it’s very difficult to have a—first of all, tion? It’s pretty dismal there. it depends upon whether there was armed The President. Well, it’s tough, but the citizens. I mean, you can’t have a political security—no question. And the enemy, these party that’s, on the one hand, based on phi- killers, have got one weapon, and that is to losophy, on the other hand, based upon vio- get on TV by killing innocent people. And lence and use of force through arms. He un- it’s a powerful weapon; don’t get me wrong. derstands that. And what they’re trying to do is shake our Let me step back if I could. I was im- will. They would like us to leave. They would pressed by my visit with President Abbas. like to take advantage of a weak situation, He’s a courageous man. He told me some so they can begin to spread their dark vision things that were very strong in terms of the of how they ought to—want to rule countries development of democracy, which I appre- and regions. They have hijacked a great reli- ciate, because, as you know, I’ve articulated gion. Islam is peace. It’s not war. It’s not kill- the vision of a Palestinian state, a democracy, ing innocent children and innocent women. living side by side with Israel. And I think And these—Zawahiri, as you know, there it can happen. And I know, first and fore- was a letter to Zarqawi that came out, and most, it takes strong leadership. it talked about his vision of driving America And President Abbas showed me some- out of parts of the world and overthrowing thing in the Oval Office, which is, one, a deep governments to be able to implement their desire to defeat terror and promote democ- vision of a society in which women don’t have racy. And he understands, as he said, that rights or a society in which you can’t worship we can’t have armed gangs, whether they be freely. And it’s a society in which they can in a political party or not. They’re desta- plan attacks on other people. And they’ve got bilizing the situation, and so he’s had, one one weapon. They don’t have a philosophy. authority, one law, one gun policy. And I be- People don’t say, ‘‘Gosh, I want to follow lieve he means it. them because there’s such a better tomor- Q. Right. So you would like him to disarm row.’’ And the only weapon they’ve got is to the Hamas and Jihad before the election? kill innocent people, and they’re trying to The President. Well, as he said, what he’s shake our will. going to do is to make sure there’s no armed

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2005 / Oct. 24 1581

presence on the streets, and I would like for its status as a state. I’d love that if I were him to follow through on that. I believe that the President. I think it would be a great his party will win because his party is one historic achievement for everybody involved. of peace, and I think most people want And so I did put out a firm date, and I’m peace. going to work hard for that date. One of the interesting things is, in this On the other hand, you don’t want an campaign, is that he will be able to say, ‘‘I American President making decisions for worked with Israel to get Israelis out of other people based upon his own political Gaza.’’ Now, had you and I been discussing calendar or his own time in office, is what this a year-and-a-half ago, because I know I really meant to say. I don’t think it’s fair. this is an issue very dear to your heart, and And this is going to be a process, as you I would have said, ‘‘The settlements will be know, that will be two steps forward and one dismantled, and Israel will be out of Gaza,’’ step back and two steps forward. And the you would have looked at me and said, ‘‘I United States is fully committed to the road- don’t think you know what you’re talking map, we’re fully committed to helping going about, Mr. President.’’ And sure enough, it forward, and we’re fully committed to prac- happened. Prime Minister Sharon gets a lot tical things on the ground. of credit for that, as does President Abbas. You know, I had General Ward in the Very few people thought it could—this— other day. And as I told you at the press con- there could be enough cooperation for the ference, we’re going to replace General withdrawal to be peaceful. Both men had to Ward soon, and I meant that. There needs deal with difficult political situations as a re- to be continued help of—to help President sult of the decision. And now we need to Abbas be able to deal with the security situa- move forward, and the United States wants tion. One authority, one law, one gun—in to help. And we want to help—you asked order to have one authority, one law, one me if—if people get elected, they’re going gun, you got to have—got to reform forces to use violence as a tool, there won’t be our that are able to respond. help. We just won’t be involved. If people Secondly, I talk to Jim Wolfensohn a lot. get elected who say, ‘‘We want to advance Now, there’s a practical man. And the green- peace and prosperity of the Palestinian peo- house is a good example of practical applica- ple,’’ we’ll be involved. tion of U.S. desire to help get the economy going. Timetable for Peace/Palestinian People Look, I fully understand the Rafah cross- Q. Finally, very final question. ing needs to be opened, and I think it will The President. No, you can keep going. be sooner rather than later, and we’re push- Q. Thank you. When we talk about the ing hard. But there’s other crossings that Palestinian state, I know you are the first need to happen. There needs to—in order President—you heard this many times be- for the Palestinian economy to grow, there fore—you are the first President to call for needs to be—there needs to be crossings a Palestinian state. You don’t like timetables. in—yes, in northern Gaza, in Israel, so peo- Why—can you clarify what you say the other ple can go and work and come back and bring day—why don’t you want to push the parties enterprise. Israeli capital needs to take a look towards a final status negotiation, and say, at enterprise zones within the Gaza so that ‘‘By this date, we’re working towards it’’? there’s a chance for people to find work. For- The President. Absolutely. I said—I ap- eign capital needs to be encouraged to go preciate—thank you for giving me the into Gaza so that the—so that good Palestin- chance to clarify a statement. Look, I said ians can work. I would like this to happen before I end Let me tell you something about what I being President, and I would. And we are know. First of all, I’ve been very impressed going to push. I mean, one of the reasons— by the caliber of the Palestinians I’ve met, well, Condi and I talk about this all the time, and I’ve met quite a few. They’re very smart, Condi Rice and I, about how we’d very much very well educated, and very entrepreneurial. like to see a Palestinian democracy achieve The Palestinians are good businesspeople.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4 1582 Oct. 24 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005

And they want to be free. And they’re peace- U.S. Security Coordinator, Department of State; ful; they really are peaceful. And they have and James D. Wolfensohn, Quartet Special Envoy a chance to—and I’ve told this to Abu for Gaza Disengagement. A tape was not available Mazen; I said, ‘‘You’ve got a fantastic popu- for verification of the content of this interview. lation. Let’s—now is your chance to lead them.’’ Presidential Determination on FY As you know, I welcomed some of his 2006 Refugee Admissions Numbers young team. Q. I know about that meeting. and Authorizations of In-Country The President. Yes, we had the chief of Refugee Status staff, and his spokesperson is a lovely lady October 24, 2005 who is a very well-educated person, went back to the—to Palestine to try to serve what Presidential Determination No. 2006–03 she hopes will be a country. I was impressed by these young, dynamic, capable, peace-lov- Memorandum for the Secretary of State ing people. Subject: Presidential Determination on FY And so I think we’ve got a very good 2006 Refugee Admissions Numbers and chance to succeed. I want it to happen before Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status I’m President, but it’s not about me. That’s Pursuant to Sections 207 and 101(a)(42), my point. It’s about the Palestinians, and it’s respectively, of the Immigration and about the Israelis, all of whom want to— Nationality Act, and Determination Pursuant many of whom want to get rid of the past to Section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and and have a more glorious future by living side Refugee Assistance Act, as Amended by side in peace and democracy. And it’s— In accordance with Section 207 of the Im- I think it’s going to happen. migration and Nationality Act (the ‘‘Act’’) (8 Q. I hope so. Thank you very much, sir. U.S.C. 1157), as amended, and after appro- The President. Thanks. priate consultations with the Congress, I Q. Thank you for your time. Thank you. hereby make the following determinations Wonderful. and authorize the following actions: The President. Very good interview. The admission of up to 70,000 refugees Q. Well, one day I’m going to run as the to the United States during FY 2006 is justi- mayor of Gaza, so probably I need your help. fied by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise [Laughter] in the national interest; provided, however, The President. Absolutely. After I’m that this number shall be understood as in- President, I’ll go help you. [Laughter] cluding persons admitted to the United States during FY 2006 with Federal refugee NOTE: The interview was taped at 3:39 p.m. in resettlement assistance under the Amerasian the Library at the White House for later broad- immigrant admissions program, as provided cast. In his remarks, the President referred to President Bashar al-Asad of Syria; Minister of For- below. eign Affairs Philippe Douste-Blazy of France; The 70,000 admissions numbers shall be former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri of Lebanon, allocated among refugees of special humani- who was assassinated on February 14 in Beruit; tarian concern to the United States in accord- Detlev Mehlis, head, United Nations Inter- ance with the following regional allocations; national Independent Investigation Commission provided, however, that the number allo- into the assassination of former Prime Minister cated to the East Asia region shall include Hariri; former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; persons admitted to the United States during U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad; FY 2006 with Federal refugee resettlement Ayman Al-Zawahiri, founder of the Egyptian Is- assistance under section 584 of the Foreign lamic Jihad and senior Al Qaida associate; senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; Presi- Operations, Export Financing, and Related dent Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Pales- Programs Appropriations Act of 1988, as con- tinian Authority, and his chief of staff, Rafiq tained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100– Husseini; Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel; 202 (Amerasian immigrants and their family Lt. Gen. William E. ‘‘Kip’’ Ward, USA, Senior members); provided further that the number

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:14 Nov 01, 2005 Jkt 208250 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P43OCT4.028 P43OCT4