Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, April 3, 2006 Volume 42—Number 13 Pages 561–626

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Addresses and Remarks Joint Statements—Continued See also Appointments and Nominations; The Security and Prosperity Partnership of Meetings With Foreign Leaders; North America: Progress—619 Resignations and Retirements Cabinet meeting—578 Letters and Messages Freedom House and a question-and-answer Freedom efforts in Belarus, message—561 session—586 Jill Carroll—606 Meetings With Foreign Leaders Mexico, tour of the Chichen-Itza Canada, Prime Minister Harper—607, 610, archaeological ruins in Chichen-Itza—607 611, 619, 621 Naturalization ceremony—563 Mexico, President Fox—607, 611, 619, 621 Radio address—562 Nigeria, President Obasanjo—584 Senatorial candidate Conrad Burns, reception—567 Proclamations Appointments and Nominations Cancer Control Month—604 National Child Abuse Prevention Month—605 White House Office, Chief of Staff, remarks— National Donate Life Month—606 578 To Implement Certain Provisions of the Interviews With the News Media Dominican Republic-Central America- Exchange with reporters in Cancun, Mexico— United States Free Trade Agreement With 606 Respect to El Salvador—561 Interviews Resignations and Retirements CNN Espanol—579 CTV—582 White House Office, Chief of Staff, remarks— Foreign print journalists—571 578 News conference with President Fox of Statements by the President Mexico and Prime Minister Harper of Canada in Cancun, Mexico, March 31—611 Death of Caspar Weinberger—582 Earthquakes in Iran—624 Joint Statements Supplementary Materials Joint Statements by President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Acts approved by the President—626 Canada, and President Vicente Fox of Checklist of White House press releases—626 Mexico Digest of other White House The Security and Prosperity Partnership of announcements—624 North America: Next Steps—621 Nominations submitted to the Senate—625

Editor’s Note: The President was at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, on March 31, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

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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Message on Freedom Efforts in Proclamation 7991—To Implement Belarus Certain Provisions of the Dominican March 24, 2006 Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement With I send greetings to those working to return Respect to El Salvador freedom to Belarus and observing the 88th March 24, 2006 anniversary of the first effort to establish an independent Belarus. By the President of the United States of America Freedom is the birthright of every human soul and the permanent hope of all mankind. A Proclamation The desire for justice, freedom, human 1. On August 5, 2004, the United States rights, and accountable, representative gov- entered into the Dominican Republic-Cen- ernment is universal. Nations grow by allow- tral America-United States Free Trade ing the talents and liberties of their people Agreement (Agreement) with Costa Rica, the to flourish, not by suppressing freedom. By Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guate- upholding the rule of law, limiting the power mala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The Agree- of the state, holding free and fair elections, ment was approved by the Congress in sec- and respecting the rights of all people, gov- tion 101(a) of the Dominican Republic-Cen- ernments can foster more hopeful societies tral America-United States Free Trade and empower their citizens. Agreement Implementation Act (the ‘‘Act’’) (Public Law 109–53, 119 Stat. 462) (19 I appreciate those who labor in the shad- U.S.C. 4001 note). ows to return freedom to Belarus, and our 2. Section 201 of the Act authorizes the Nation’s thoughts are with those who have President to proclaim such modifications or been harassed, detained, imprisoned, or continuation of any duty, such continuation beaten for their efforts. The United States of duty-free or excise treatment, or such ad- condemns the actions by Belarusian security ditional duties, as the President determines services on the morning of March 24, and to be necessary or appropriate to carry out we urge all members of the international or apply Article 3.3 and Annex 3.3 (including community to join us in condemning any and the schedule of United States duty reduc- all abuses and demanding that Belarusian au- tions with respect to originating goods) of the thorities respect the rights of their own citi- Agreement. zens to express themselves peacefully. The 3. Presidential Proclamation 7987 of Feb- United States will continue to stand with the ruary 28, 2006, modified the Harmonized people of Belarus and all those who are work- Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) ing to help Belarus take its rightful place in to provide for the preferential tariff treat- the community of democracies. ment being accorded under the Agreement for certain goods of El Salvador. 4. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 U.S.C. 2483), as amend- NOTE: An original was not available for ed, authorizes the President to embody in verification of the content of this message. This the HTS the substance of relevant provisions item was not received in time for publication in of that Act, or other acts affecting import the appropriate issue. treatment, and of actions taken thereunder. 561

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Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, portunity, and America is better off for their President of the United States of America, hard work and love of freedom. acting under the authority vested in me by America is a nation of immigrants, and the Constitution and the laws of the United we’re also a nation of laws. And our immigra- States of America, including but not limited tion laws are in need of reform. So at Mon- to section 201 of the Act, section 301 of title day’s ceremony, I will discuss my vision for 3, United States Code, and section 604 of comprehensive immigration reform that will the 1974 Act, do proclaim that: secure our borders, improve enforcement of (1) In order to provide for the preferential our immigration laws, and uphold our values. tariff treatment being accorded under the Comprehensive immigration reform be- Agreement for certain sugar and sugar-con- gins with securing our borders. Since I took taining goods of El Salvador and to provide office, we’ve increased funding for border se- a tariff-rate quota for such goods of El Sal- curity by 66 percent, and the Department vador, the HTS is modified as set forth in of Homeland Security has caught and sent the Annex to this proclamation. home nearly 6 million illegal immigrants. To (2) The amendments to the HTS made by improve security at the border, we’re hiring paragraph (1) of this proclamation shall be thousands more Border Patrol agents. We’re effective with respect to goods entered, or deploying new technology like infrared cam- withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, eras and unmanned aerial vehicles to help on or after the date of this proclamation. our agents do their job. And we’re installing (3) Any provisions of previous proclama- physical barriers to entry, like fences in urban tions and Executive Orders that are incon- areas. sistent with the actions taken in this procla- We’re also working to end the unwise mation are superseded to the extent of such practice of catch-and-release. For decades, inconsistency. many illegal immigrants were released back In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set into society soon after they were caught, be- my hand this twenty-fourth day of March, cause we did not have enough detention in the year of our Lord two thousand six, space. So we’re adding more beds so we can and of the Independence of the United hold the people we catch, and we’re reducing States of America the two hundred and thir- the time it takes to send them back home. tieth. When illegal immigrants know they will be caught and sent home, they will be less likely George W. Bush to break the rules, and our immigration sys- tem will be more orderly and secure. We’re [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, making good progress, but we have much 9:19 a.m., March 28, 2006] more work ahead, and we will not be satisfied until we have control of our border. NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Comprehensive immigration reform also Federal Register on March 29. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate includes strengthening the enforcement of issue. our laws in America’s interior. Since I took office, we’ve increased funding for immigra- tion enforcement by 42 percent. We’re in- The President’s Radio Address creasing the number of immigration enforce- March 25, 2006 ment agents and criminal investigators, en- hancing worksite enforcement, and going Good morning. On Monday, I will attend after smugglers and gang members and a naturalization ceremony here in Wash- human traffickers. ington. It’s always inspiring to watch a group Finally, comprehensive immigration re- of immigrants raise their hands and swear form requires a temporary-worker program an oath to become citizens of the United that will relieve pressure on our borders. This States of America. These men and women program would create a legal way to match follow in the footsteps of millions who’ve willing foreign workers with willing American come to our shores seeking liberty and op- employers to fill jobs that Americans will not

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do. By reducing the number of people trying Remarks at a Naturalization to sneak across the border, we would free Ceremony up our law enforcement officers to focus on March 27, 2006 criminals and drug dealers and terrorists and others who mean us harm. Thank you all. Thank you very much. It’s One thing the temporary-worker program good to be with you. I am grateful for the would not do is provide amnesty to those who chance to witness this joyous and uplifting are in our country illegally. I believe that ceremony. It is inspiring to see people of granting amnesty would be unfair, because many different ages, many different coun- it would allow those who break the law to tries raise their hands and swear an oath to jump ahead of people who play by the rules become citizens of the United States of and wait in the citizenship line. Amnesty America. would also be unwise, because it would en- For some of you, this day comes after a courage waves of illegal immigration, in- long and difficult journey. For all of you, this is a defining moment in your lives. America crease pressure on the border, and make it is now more than your home; America is your more difficult for law enforcement to focus country. I welcome you to this free nation. on those who mean us harm. For the sake I congratulate you and your families, and it’s of justice and for the sake of border security, an honor to call you fellow Americans. I firmly oppose amnesty. I appreciate the Attorney General. Dr. In the coming days, the United States Sen- Gonzales, thank you, sir. And, Alfonso, it’s ate plans to consider proposals on immigra- good to be up here with you. I want to thank tion reform. This is an emotional debate. the president general of the Daughters of the America does not have to choose between American Revolution, Ms. Presley Wagoner, being a welcoming society and being a lawful for letting us use this fantastic facility for this society. We can be both at the same time. important ceremony. Thank you for singing As we debate the immigration issue, we must the National Anthem so beautifully. remember, there are hard-working individ- It is fitting that we hold this ceremony at uals, doing jobs that Americans will not do, the home of the Daughters of the American who are contributing to the economic vitality Revolution. The Daughters of the American of our country. Revolution were the daughters of immi- To keep the promise of America, we must grants, because the leaders of our revolution enforce the laws of America. We must also all had ancestors who came from abroad. As ensure that immigrants assimilate into our new citizens of the United States, you now society and learn our customs and values— walk in the footsteps of millions. And with including the English language. By working the oath you’ve sworn, you’re every bit as together, we can meet our duty to fix our American as those who came before you. immigration system and deliver a bill that Our immigrant heritage has enriched protects our country, upholds our laws, and America’s history. It continues to shape our society. Each generation of immigrants makes our Nation proud. brings a renewal to our national character Thank you for listening. and adds vitality to our culture. Newcomers have a special way of appreciating the oppor- NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:59 a.m. on tunities of America, and when they seize March 24 in the Cabinet Room at the White those opportunities, our whole nation bene- House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 25. fits. The transcript was made available by the Office In the 1970s, an immigrant from Ireland— of the Press Secretary on March 24 but was em- or the 1790s, an immigrant from Ireland de- bargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office signed the White House, right where Laura of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- and I live. And he helped build the Capitol. guage transcript of this address. In the 1990s, an immigrant from Russia helped create the Internet search engine Google. In between, new citizens have made

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contributions in virtually every professional and Veronica to our democracy. With that field, and millions of newcomers have in mind, I’ve called on Congress to increase strengthened their communities through the number of green cards that can lead to quiet lives of hard work and family and faith. citizenship. I support increasing the number America’s welcoming society is more than of visas available for foreign-born workers in a cultural tradition; it is a fundamental prom- highly skilled fields like science, medicine, ise of our democracy. Our Constitution does and technology. I’ve signed legislation cre- not limit citizenship by background or birth. ating a new Office of Citizenship at the De- Instead, our Nation is bound together by a partment of Homeland Security to promote shared love of liberty and a conviction that knowledge of citizenship rights and proce- all people are created with dignity and value. dures. Through the generations, Americans have And after September the 11th, I signed upheld that vision by welcoming new citizens an Executive order making foreign-born from across the globe, and that has made us members of our military immediately eligible stand apart. for citizenship, because those willing to risk One of my predecessors, President Ronald their lives for our democracy should be full Reagan, used to say this: ‘‘You can go to live participants in our democracy. in France, but you cannot become a French- Over the past 4 years, more than 20,000 man. You can go to live in Japan, but you men and women in uniform have become cannot become Japanese. But anyone, from citizens of the country they serve. They’ve any corner of the world, can come to live taken the citizenship oath on the decks of in America and be an American.’’ aircraft carriers, on deployments to Afghani- The new Americans we welcome today in- stan and Iraq, and at military bases around clude men and women from 20 countries on the world. At Bethesda Naval Medical Cen- 5 continents. Their ages range from 18 to ter, I watched a brave marine born in Mexico 59, and they work as teachers and small-busi- raise his right hand and become a citizen of ness managers and nurses and software engi- the country he had defended in uniform for neers and other professions. more than 26 years. It’s a privilege to be the One new citizen is Veronica Pacheco. Commander in Chief of men and women like Veronica first came to the United States from these, and I’m proud to call them fellow citi- Bolivia 15 years ago. In 2000, she moved here zens. permanently and found a job at a catering All who swear the oath of citizenship are company in Virginia. Every Friday and Satur- doing more than completing a legal process; day, she spent 5 hours studying English at they’re making a lifelong pledge to support the local community college. Over the years, the values and the laws of America. The she saved enough money to buy her own pledge comes with great privileges, and it townhouse. Here’s what Veronica says about also comes with great responsibilities. I be- America: ‘‘This is a country of opportunity. lieve every new citizen has an obligation to If you want to be successful, you can do it. learn the customs and values that define our You can have your dreams come true here.’’ Nation, including liberty and civic responsi- Another new citizen is Maisoon Shahin. bility, equality under God, tolerance for oth- Maisoon grew up in Kuwait and moved to ers, and the English language. the United States with her husband 7 years Those of us who have been citizens for ago. She enrolled in the community college many years have responsibilities as well. to improve her English, took a job teaching Helping new citizens assimilate is a mission marines to speak Arabic. Here’s what that unites Americans by choice and by birth. Maisoon said: ‘‘The United States is a symbol I appreciate the work of patriotic organiza- of justice, freedom, and liberty. I love that. tions like the Daughters of the American Here they respect people because they are Revolution. Some of the new Americans here people. I feel I am honored, and I feel that today might have used DAR’s Manual for I’m loved.’’ Citizenship to prepare you for the citizenship America is stronger and more dynamic test. They obviously did a pretty good job, when we welcome new citizens like Maisoon since you passed. [Laughter]

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Many other organizations, from churches ety. Everyone suffers when people seeking to businesses to civic organizations, are an- to provide for their families are left at the swering the call to help new citizens succeed mercy of criminals or stuffed in the back of in our country, and I am grateful for all those 18-wheelers or abandoned in the desert to who reach out to people who are going to die. America needs comprehensive immigra- become citizens. tion reform. Government is doing its part to help new I’ve laid out a proposal for comprehensive citizens succeed as well. The Office of Citi- immigration reform that includes three crit- zenship has created a new official guide for ical elements: securing the border, strength- immigrants. This free publication includes ening immigration enforcement inside our practical advice on tasks like finding housing country, and creating a temporary-worker and jobs or enrolling your children in school program. These elements depend on and re- or paying taxes. inforce one another, and together they will We’re conducting outreach programs with give America an immigration system that faith-based and community groups to offer meets the needs of the 21st century. civics and English language courses. My ad- The first element is securing our border. ministration will continue to pursue policies Our immigration system cannot function if that open a path to education and jobs, pro- we cannot control the border. Illegal immi- mote ownership, and to give every citizen a gration puts a strain on law enforcement and chance to realize the American Dream. public resources, especially in our border Our Nation is now in the midst of the de- communities. Our Nation is also fighting a bate on immigration policy, and it’s good. Im- war on terror, and terrorists crossing the bor- migration is an important topic. Immigration der could create destruction on a massive is also an emotional topic, and we need to scale. The responsibility of Government is maintain our perspective as we conduct this clear: We must enforce the border. debate. At its core, immigration is a sign of Since I took office, we’ve increased fund- a confident and successful nation. It says ing for border security by 66 percent. We’ve something about our country that people expanded the Border Patrol to more than around the world are willing to leave their 12,000 agents, an increase of more than 2,700 homes and leave their families and risk every- agents. And the budget next year funds an- thing to come to America. Their talent and other 1,500 new agents. We’re helping these hard work and love of freedom have helped dedicated men and women do their jobs by make America the leader of the world. And providing them with cutting-edge technology our generation will ensure that America re- like infrared cameras, advanced motion sen- mains a beacon of liberty and the most hope- sors, and unmanned aerial vehicles. We’re in- ful society the world has ever known. stalling protective infrastructure, such as ve- America is a nation of immigrants, and hicle barriers and fencing in urban areas, to we’re also a nation of laws. All of you are prevent people from crossing the border ille- here because you followed the rules, and you gally. And we’re integrating manpower and waited your turn in the citizenship line. Yet technology and infrastructure in more uni- some violate our immigration laws and enter fied ways than ever. Our objective is to keep our country illegally, and that undermines the border open to trade and tourism and the system for all of us. America should not closed to criminals and drug dealers and ter- have to choose between being a welcoming rorists. society and being a lawful society. We can Our strategy to secure the border is getting be both at the same time. And so, to keep results. Since I took office, our agents have the promise of America, we must enforce the apprehended and sent home more than 6 laws of America. million people entering this country illegally, We must also reform those laws. No one including more than 400,000 with criminal is served by an immigration system that al- records. Federal, State, and local and travel lows large numbers of people to sneak across enforcement officials are working side by the border illegally. Nobody benefits when side. Through the Arizona Border Control illegal immigrants live in the shadows of soci- Initiative, we apprehended more than

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600,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona last Since I took office, we’ve increased funding year. The men and women of our Border for immigration enforcement by 42 percent, Patrol have made good progress, but we have and these resources have helped our agents much more work ahead, and we cannot be bring to justice some very dangerous people: satisfied until we’re in full control of the bor- smugglers, terrorists, gang members, and der. human traffickers. For example, through Op- We’re also changing the way we process eration Community Shield, Federal agents those we catch crossing the border illegally. have arrested nearly 2,300 gang members More than 85 percent of the illegal immi- who were here illegally, including violent grants we apprehend are from Mexico, and criminals like the members of MS–13. most are sent back home within 24 hours. Better interior enforcement also requires We face a different challenge with non-Mexi- better worksite enforcement. Businesses cans. For decades, Government detention fa- have an obligation to abide by the law. The cilities did not have enough beds for the non- Government has the responsibility to help Mexican illegal immigrants caught at the bor- them do so. Last year, I signed legislation der, and so most were released back into so- to more than double the resources dedicated ciety. They were each assigned a court date, to worksite enforcement. We’ll continue to but virtually nobody showed up. This prac- confront the problem of document fraud, be- tice of catch-and-release is unwise, and my cause hard-working businessowners should administration is going to end it. not have to act as detectives to verify the To end catch-and-release, we’re increasing status of their workers. the number of beds and detention facilities Next month, we’re going to launch law en- by 12 percent this year and by another 32 forcement task forces in 11 major cities to percent next year. We’re also expanding our dismantle document fraud rings. We’re use of a process called expedited removal, working to shut down the forgers who create which allows us to send non-Mexican illegal immigrants home more quickly. the phony documents, to stop the smugglers Last year, it took an average of 66 days who traffic in human beings, and to ensure to process one of these illegal immigrants. that American businesses are compliant with Now, we’re doing it in 21 days. The goal is American law. to increase the process faster. It’s helped us The third part of comprehensive immigra- end the catch-and-release for illegal immi- tion reform is to make the system more ra- grants from Brazil and Guatemala, Hon- tional, orderly, and secure by creating a new duras, and Nicaragua caught crossing our temporary-worker program. This program Southwest border. And since last summer, would provide a legal way to match willing we’ve cut the number of non-Mexican illegal foreign workers with willing American em- immigrants released in society by more than ployers to fill the jobs that Americans are un- a third. We’ve set a goal to end catch-and- willing to do. Workers should be able to reg- release over the next year. I look forward to ister for legal status on a temporary basis. working with Congress to close loopholes If they decide to apply for citizenship, they that makes it difficult for us to process illegal would have to get in line. This program immigrants from certain countries. And we would help meet the demands of a growing will continue to press foreign Governments economy and would allow honest workers to like China to take back their citizens who provide for their families while respecting have entered our country illegally. the law. When illegal immigrants know they’re A temporary-worker program is vital to se- going to be caught and sent home, they will curing our border. By creating a separate be less likely to break the rules in the first legal channel for those entering America to place. And the system will be more orderly do an honest day’s labor, we would dramati- and secure for those who follow the law. cally reduce the number of people trying to The second part of a comprehensive immi- sneak back and forth across the border. That gration reform is strengthening enforcement would help take the pressure off the border of our laws in the interior of our country. and free up law enforcement to focus on the

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greatest threats to our security, which are people, upholds our laws, and makes our criminals and drug dealers and terrorists. people proud. The program would also improve security It’s a joyful day for all of you, and it’s one by creating tamper-proof identification cards you’ll always remember. When you came that would allow us to keep track of every here this morning, I was the President of an- temporary worker who is here on a legal basis other country. Now I’m the President of your and help us identify those who are here ille- country, and I’m grateful for that honor. I gally. wish you good luck as citizens of the greatest One thing the temporary-worker program Nation on the face of the Earth. should not do is provide amnesty for people May God bless you and your families, and who are in our country illegally. I believe may God continue to bless America. Thank granting amnesty would be unfair, because you very much. it would allow those who break the law to NOTE: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. at the jump ahead of people like you all, people DAR Administration Building. In his remarks, he who play by the rules and have waited in referred to Alfonso Aguilar, Chief, Office of Citi- the line for citizenship. zenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Serv- Amnesty would also be unwise, because ices. The Office of the Press Secretary also re- it would encourage future waves of illegal im- leased a Spanish language transcript of these re- migration, it would increase pressure on the marks. border and make it difficult for law enforce- ment to focus on those who mean us harm. Remarks at a Reception for For the sake of justice and border security, Senatorial Candidate Conrad Burns I firmly oppose amnesty. This week, the Senate plans to consider March 27, 2006 legislation on immigration reform. Congress Senator, thank you. I kind of like being needs to pass a comprehensive bill that se- on the same platform as Senator Burns be- cures the border, improves interior enforce- cause he makes me sound like Shakespeare. ment, and creates a temporary-worker pro- [Laughter] I like a plain-talking fellow. The gram to strengthen our security and our good thing about Conrad Burns is, you know economy. Completing a comprehensive bill where he stands. That’s why the people of is not going to be easy. It will require all Montana respect him and they like him. And of us in Washington to make tough choices I’m here to urge the good people of the State and make compromises, and that is exactly of Montana to send him back to the United what the American people sent us here to States Senate. do. I appreciate Phyllis. Phyllis, it’s great to As we move toward the process, we also see you. Conrad married well. [Laughter] So have a chance to move beyond tired choices did I. And Laura sends her love to both you and the harsh attitudes of the past. The im- all. It was neat to meet daughter Keely and migration debate should be conducted in a son Garrett, daughter-in-law Kate. But right civil and dignified way. No one should play before we came on, the Senator wanted me on people’s fears or try to pit neighbors to make sure I understood how brilliant and against each other. No one should pretend beautiful his granddaughter Ella is. That says that immigrants are threats to American something about the man. He’s got his prior- identity because immigrants have shaped ities straight. He cares deeply about his fam- America’s identity. ily. He understands the importance of family No one should claim that immigrants are in our society, and I appreciate your prior- a burden on our economy because the work ities, Senator. and enterprise of immigrants helps sustain By the way, he also loves Montana. Every our economy. We should not give into pes- time I see him, he says, ‘‘I want you to re- simism. If we work together, I’m confident member the great State of Montana.’’ He we can meet our duty to fix our immigration cares deeply about the people there, and he system and deliver a bill that protects our knows the State about as well as anybody

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could possibly know it. He’s traveled the ing about the world the way you’d like it to State. He tells people what’s on his mind. be, but we can’t afford that luxury because He is—he’s a down-to-earth guy. And the we’re in a war against some terrorists who people of Montana have got to understand would like to harm America again. he can get some things done here in Wash- Our—over my time—my remaining time ington, DC. No, there’s a lot of eloquent here and the time that Senator Burns will folks in this town, but it’s sometimes short have here after he’s reelected, we’ll be work- of doers and people who can accomplish ing on making sure that we accomplished our some things. I’m here because Senator Burns most important objective, and that is to pro- can get some things done for the good of tect the American people from further harm. the people of Montana and the people of the I know some probably think that, well, this United States of America. war on terror is isolated to a few angry indi- I thank Congressman Denny Rehberg for viduals that got lucky on September the 11th. being here as well. He’s a good, down-to- That’s not how I look at the world, and that’s earth guy too. And he’s serving the great not how Conrad Burns looks at the world. State of Montana with class and dignity. He After that attack, I vowed that I’d use every- is the—he’s the leader of the Montana con- thing in our national—everything we could, gressional delegation. [Laughter] all our national assets to do our most impor- I appreciate Senator Kit Bond. Senator tant job, and that is defend the American Bond from Missouri is here tonight. It’s nice people, which means we better have some of him to come by. It’s good of you to honor people in the United States Senate who un- your old buddy, and I’m proud to—I recently derstand the best way to defend the Amer- said hello to former Senator Don Nickles ican people is to stay on the offense against from Oklahoma. Don, thank you for coming an enemy who would do us harm, to defeat here as well. Montana has elected some fine an enemy overseas so we do not have to face people—no finer person than Marc Racicot, them here at home. who I’ve gotten to know really well, and I I appreciate people standing up and sup- appreciate you being here, Governor. Thanks porting the President when he enforces doc- for coming. trine. I said to the world, ‘‘If you harbor a Karl Ohs, who is the chairman of the Re- terrorist, you’re equally as guilty as the ter- publican Party, and Sherri is with us—Re- rorist.’’ And the Taliban didn’t take us seri- publican Party of Montana, that is. I appre- ously. So for our own national security and ciate you being here, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for liberating others, we sent a mighty coali- for coming. I want to thank John Green, who tion into Afghanistan to free the people of is the finance chair. Thank you all for listen- that country and, at the same time, secure ing to John’s admonition to support this good our own. And Conrad Burns stood strong man. Long word—he’s trying to show off when it came to the liberation of Afghanistan, here for the folks of Montana. [Laughter] and I want to thank you for your support. I particularly want to thank the Inter- I want to thank you for your support in national Union of Painters and Allied Trades Iraq. Iraq is the central front in the war on for endorsing Conrad Burns tonight. The terror. And one of the lessons of September Painters’ general president, Jimmy Williams, the 11th is that when this Nation sees a is here. Jimmy, thank you for supporting this threat, we must take the threat seriously, be- good man. I’m proud you’re here. There’s fore it materializes. Jimmy over there. And I saw a threat in Saddam Hussein. We’ve got a lot to do in this country. We’re But it wasn’t just me who saw the threat. in—we’re going through historic times, and Members of the United States Senate from it’s important to have people in the United both political parties saw the same threat. My States Senate who understand the stakes, un- predecessor saw the threat. Members of the derstand the world in which we live. It’s im- House of Representatives from both political portant to have clear-eyed realists working parties saw the threat. Fifteen members of with the administration to lay the foundation the United Nations Security Council saw the for peace. It’s really easy to be out there talk- threat. And the United Nations Security

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Council said to Saddam Hussein, ‘‘Disclose, And what happened between then 18- disarm, or face serious consequences.’’ It was year-old George H.W. and 59-year-old W.— his choice to make. He chose war. And the [laughter]—standing here? What happened world is better off without Saddam Hussein was, the Japanese adopted a Japanese-style in power. democracy. History has proven people want And we need people in the United States to be free, and democracies yield the peace. Senate who understand the stakes in this the- And I believe 30 or 40 years from now, an ater of the war on terror. The enemy cannot American President will be up here talking— defeat us. They cannot defeat us militarily. will be talking to people, and they’ll be look- The only thing they can do is to use their ing back at this moment in history and say, terror tactics to shake our will. And I’m en- thank God that people like Senator Conrad joying working with a United States Senator Burns and Chairman John Warner of the like Conrad Burns whose will cannot be shak- United States Senate and Senator Kit Bond en because of the actions of thugs and assas- were wise enough to understand about the sins. The United States of America will ac- power of liberty to transform nations into al- complish our mission. There will be a demo- lies. And they’ll be keeping the peace with cratic Iraq that is able to defend itself, sustain democratically elected leaders in the broader itself, and become an ally in the war on ter- Middle East, starting with Iraq. ror. These are the stakes. We’re laying the In order to achieve that objective, we must foundation of peace, and it’s important to have Senators who support our men and have Members of the United States Senate women in combat, and Conrad Burns does. who can look beyond the short term, who And we must have Senators who will not— have got a strategic view of the world in who will not—lose their nerve in the face which we live. And Conrad Burns has that of these terrorist attacks. Conrad Burns is view. Proud to stand with you in laying that such a man. foundation. I believe liberty and freedom are universal. Here at home we’ve been through a lot So does Senator Burns. We believe that there together. We’ve had a recession; we’ve had is an Almighty, and the Almighty’s gift to a stock market correction; we’ve had cor- each man and woman on the face of this porate scandals; we had an attack on our Na- Earth is freedom. The United States of tion; we went to war to defend ourselves; we America was formed on the natural rights of had major natural disasters; we had rising en- men and women. And it should not surprise ergy prices. But we acted. We put progrowth us when 11 million Iraqis went to the polls economic policies in place. We believe that in defiance of terrorists and car bombers and when people have more money in their pock- assassins and says, ‘‘We want to be free.’’ A ets to save or to spend or to invest, the econ- free Iraq—a free Iraq will help lay the foun- omy benefits. And so we cut the taxes on dation of peace for generations to come. the hard-working people of America, and our I like to remind people about this inter- economy is strong, and it’s getting stronger. esting fact of history. My dad—18-year-old People say here in Washington, ‘‘Oh, well, kid—raised his arm and said, ‘‘I want to vol- these tax cuts didn’t make a difference.’’ I unteer to defend the United States of Amer- can remember all the dire predictions when ica against the Japanese.’’ What I find inter- the debates went on about the ability for esting is that some 60 years later, his son, taxes to help revitalize our economy and the current President, sits down with the overcome the obstacles we went through. Prime Minister of Japan talking about keep- Not Conrad Burns, he understood the basic ing the peace. We talk about North Korea; principle of trusting people with their own we talk about how proud I am that the Japa- money. Today, our economy has grown to nese have committed forces to help bring se- 3.5 percent. We have 4.8 percent unemploy- curity to the people of Iraq so their democ- ment nationwide. We’ve added over 5 million racy can develop. Japan is an ally. Japan is jobs in the last 21⁄2 years. Productivity is up; a friend in peace. homeownership is at an alltime high; small

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businesses are flourishing. The tax cuts we the United States Senate to join us in making passed are working. sure we have energy independence. And now the people of Montana are going to be facing a decision as to whether or not One of the things that’s important for the they want their taxes to go up or stay low. people of Montana to understand is, you bet- You see, the Democrat Party showed its true ter have somebody here in Washington who’s colors during the tax debate. Time in and effective when it comes to representing the time out, they voted against cutting the taxes farmers and ranchers. You know, a lot of on the American people. And now you hear times you get the big talkers running for of- them talking about, ‘‘Well, we need to raise fice, but they get here to Washington and taxes to balance the budget.’’ Conrad and I they’re unable to deliver. I’d suggest the vot- know better. We’ve been in Washington long ers of Montana pay careful attention to the enough to understand how Washington record of this United States Senator when works. Yes, they’ll raise your taxes, but they it comes to representing the basic industries will figure out new ways to spend your and the small-business owners and the hard- money. To keep this economy strong, we working people of the State of Montana. must make the tax relief permanent. And I’m proud to have Conrad Burns on the side— I remember when I went to Billings, and [applause]. we sat around and talked to those farmers There are a lot of things we need to do and ranchers about the threats to their indus- during my—the rest of my time here and try and about the opportunities. Conrad was for Conrad’s time as a reelected Senator, there. He was talking their language. They starting with making sure we get off foreign didn’t need a dictionary or a Roget’s The- oil. In order to make sure this country is com- saurus to figure out what he was saying. petitive over the next 30 to 50 years, in order [Laughter] to make sure we remain the economic leader of the world, we have got to be wise about He’s the kind of person the people of our energy policy. Montana need here. They need somebody Conrad reminded me, walking in here, who’s steadfast when it comes to defending that we’ve got plenty of coal in the great State the country; who’s wise about how we spend of Montana. And that’s why I’m such a strong your money; who understands that the supporter of clean coal technologies to make money we spend is your money, not the Gov- sure we can use that coal in environmentally ernment’s money; who understands good tax friendly ways and get us off Middle Eastern policy can keep this economy growing; who oil. knows we’ve got to have a good, wise energy But that’s just the start. We got to change policy; and who can speak the language of how we fuel our automobiles. I want it to the farmers and the ranchers, right here in be said that when there’s a good soy crop Washington, DC. out of Montana, we got more biodiesel avail- able for people to use in their automobiles. I’m proud to stand by this man. I strongly I want it to be said, when we have a techno- urge the people of Montana to reelect logical breakthrough, which we’re close to Conrad Burns to the United States Senate. getting to, that we can use sawgrass grown in the State of Montana to help grow—to help produce ethanol so we become less de- pendent on Middle Eastern oil. I want it to NOTE: The President spoke at 6:07 p.m. at the Madison Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to be said that this country is imaginative in our Phyllis Burns, wife of Senator Conrad Burns; use of technology to make us less dependent, former Gov. Marc Racicot of Montana; Sherri for economic security as well as national se- Ohs, wife of Montana Republican Party chairman curity. Karl Ohs; John Green, national finance committee And Conrad Burns understands that. The chairman, Senator Burns’ reelection campaign; people of Montana need to put him back in and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan.

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Interview With Foreign Print with the previous Prime Ministers, and I’m Journalists looking forward to good relations with Ste- March 27, 2006 phen Harper. I’m fully aware of the relationship—the The President. Thanks for coming. I’m nature of the relationship between Canada looking forward to going down to Cancun. and the United States. One, it’s a vital rela- I’m very grateful for President Fox’s hospi- tionship, but it’s also one in which there is tality. I’ve never been to Cancun, but I’ve a certain skepticism about the United States, had a lot of friends who have been to and therefore, I will do my very best to find Cancun, and they tell me if I stay too long, common ground and to convince—through I won’t return. This is a relatively quick trip. my relationship with the Prime Minister, I’m looking forward to going to the Mayan convince the people of Canada we genuinely ruins, which will be really exciting. And I’m care about our friends and neighbors to the looking forward to both bilateral and our tri- north and will work to resolve different issues lateral discussions. in an aboveboard way that is mutually bene- With Mexico, obviously, there’s big issues, ficial. particularly immigration right now. But I’ll So it’s an important meeting, and it’s a way remind people that our relationship is more for us to confirm the—and then, eventually, than just the migration issue. Mexico is our the three of us will get into a room to meet. second-largest trading partner. The relation- And it’s a very strong signal that the three ship with Mexico is a strong and vital rela- of us working together are better than each tionship. Obviously, not only do we have im- of us working apart, and that whether it be portant trade equities, but we’ve also got border security or commerce or hearing the common values, and we’ve got millions of values that are important in our neighbor- Mexican Americans who take great pride in hood, we can do a lot together. And I find their heritage. And so Mexico has been and these meetings to be very useful and very will be a vital issue for future Presidents. And important. it’s very important for us to work on a rela- All right, we’ll go around a couple of times. tionship that has a foundation of mutual ben- Pepe. efit, as well as openness and candor when it comes to dealing with difficult issues. Mexico-U.S. Relations And I really value my friendship with President Fox. Obviously, we have been Q. Sir, you mentioned the ties that bind through a lot during my Presidency and his. both countries, the U.S. and Mexico. But We’ve agreed on things, and we haven’t those ties are also—those issues are ex- agreed, but we’ve always remained friends, tremely politically charged in both coun- and that’s a sign of a vital relationship. I’m tries—trade, immigration, et cetera. So my obviously aware that there is a political sea- question would be, where do you expect to son coming up, but until someone is sworn lead the U.S.-Mexico relation in the next 3 in office, my relationship will be with Vicente years? Fox as the leader of our important friend to The President. Appreciate that. First, I the south. And I’m sure there’s going to be think it’s very important for both President all kinds of speculation about whether or not Fox and myself to explain to both our coun- the United States will be involved in the elec- tries the benefits of $300 million [billion] * tion, and we won’t be, pure and simple. two-way trade—well, nearly $300 million The relationship with Canada is also a vital [billion] * in the year 2005 of two-way trade. relationship. Canada is our largest trading In other words, it’s one thing to talk trade, partner. This will be my first meeting with and I fully understand that unless those ben- the Prime Minister as—with him as the efits are translated to more and more people, Prime Minister. Obviously, I met him in the people begin to wonder whether or not trade past. I’m looking forward to it. This will be is worthwhile. the third Prime Minister with which I’ve dealt as the President. I’ve had good relations * White House correction.

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You’ll find that here in America we’re hav- There’s a lot of big issues that confront ing a debate as well, over trade. I said in us. But in order to make the relationship my State of the Union that we’ve got to reject vital, we’ve got to explain to people exactly protectionism because I believe that trade, why—you know, the consequences of, for ex- when it’s done right, free and fair, is bene- ample, not having commerce flow as fre- ficial to the parties. And I strongly believe quently as we do. that the trade between the United States and Tell me your papers now. Pepe. Mexico has been beneficial for Mexico, as Q. It’s El Universal. it has for the United States. But as a leader, Q. La Opinion. I’ve got to continue to explain to people why. The President. Si. Thank you. Welcome. I have a different perspective than many Immigration Reform because of the relationship between—be- cause of my time as Governor of Texas, and Q. Over a million people across the coun- I remember full well what life was like on try have marched in support of legalization the border before NAFTA. And if you go and against H.R. 4437, the Sensenbrenner down to the border now, you see vitality on bill. the border, you see that—and vitality on both The President. In support of what? Legal- sides of the border. ization, you said? There’s been—commerce has helped peo- Q. Legalization, yes. Since you’re opposing amnesty, sir, would you agree on a language ple get jobs, and commerce has helped peo- that puts the undocumented on a path to ple realize a better life. And it’s important earn legalization—— for us to make sure we continue to explain The President. Let me tell you what I am that because if not, there will be protectionist for. First of all, there is a—the legislative tendencies that will tend to emerge, not only process is one that, obviously, it goes through in our two countries but around the world. the House and then the Senate, and if there And in my judgment, leadership has got to are differences, it has got to be resolved. And fight off protectionist tendencies. I think that what people are now doing is reacting to a would tend to isolate each other and make legislative process. I believe that any immi- it more difficult for us to realize the benefits gration bill ought to make sure that we’re, of our relationship. one, able to secure the borders. That’s what There’s also going to be an important call Americans want; that’s what any country for our countries to work together to empha- should want. Your borders ought to be se- size the institutions, the democratic institu- cure. tions that are vital for a functioning and sta- And I also recognize that part of securing ble society: anticorruption measures; free the borders requires a guest-worker pro- press; free religion; institutions that some- gram. In other words, the two go hand in times can be challenged in the course of po- hand. I don’t believe people who have been litically—development within our neighbor- here illegally should be granted citizenship hood and around the world, for that matter. status right off the bat. That’s amnesty. So the common value theme is a very im- Let me finish. portant theme for me to continue to work I just, as a matter of fact, gave a speech with Vicente Fox and whoever were to re- to a group of citizens that have become U.S. place him—obviously, we’ve got a lot of citizens today, in my presence. They had human issues to deal with. The migration of stood in line. And I do not think a country people across our border is a vital issue that that relies upon law ought to say to somebody must be done in the same way to protect who was here illegally, you get to be ahead and honor people’s lives. Americans are—I of the line. am disgusted by a system in which people In other words—so therefore, I think that are snuck across the border in the bottom part of a rational worker program is—say of an 18-wheeler. This is inhumane. There’s you’re here on a temporary basis, and if you a more humane way to deal with our neigh- choose to be a citizen or want to be a citizen, borhood. you get in line. But like I said today, I’ve

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called upon Congress to increase the number Anyway, that’s why I think the work compo- of green cards. To me, that’s the most ration- nent is a vital part of an immigration policy, al way of dealing with the citizenship issue. and I believe border—I know border security It’s essential that we not have automatic am- and a guest-worker program go hand in hand. nesty or legality. First of all, it would send In other words, one supports the other. a signal that said all you’ve got to do is get here illegally and eventually you get in the U.S. Border/Homeland Security head of the line. And that’s—I don’t think Q. I guess I wanted to ask you about an it will work. issue on the northern border that’s of some Q. But what if they get in line behind those concern. Your administration has proposed who are waiting for their green cards now? a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, The President. That’s why I said I think which would require passports or passport- one way to deal with this is to increase the like documents for Canadians and Americans number of green cards. And right now part coming and going. And there’s been some of the problem is that the green cards are concern in Canada that this will, in effect, limited. And that’s why I have spoken before do more to harm economic trade and tourism and again reiterated my position that there and do little to actually improve security. And ought to be a temporary-worker program; I’m wondering, when you’re moving towards, people who want to be here should not get— sort of, a more integrated approach to secu- be a citizen should not get ahead of the line rity on things like NORAD, why move ahead but ought to be waiting in line. And if the with something that really amounts to a bit Congress so desires, they ought to increase more of a restriction? the number of green cards in order to take The President. Well, I think—first of all, the pressure off the system. we have the same issue to the south, by the Q. But—— way. How do you come up with a policy The President. It’s a plan that—again, I where there are thousands of border cross- know people are saying, ‘‘Well, the House ings a day, without—and trying to have a ra- bill didn’t have a temporary-worker program tional approach to determining who’s coming in there,’’ and I think any bill should be a in and who’s going out of the country, with- comprehensive bill including a temporary- out endangering workforce, tourism, trade? worker program. I’ve spoken out on it ever Our goal is to, obviously, consult with our since I’ve been the President, and I think partners to develop, you know, passport and/ it is the best way to go because I realize that, or passport-like document, you said, and I one, it is important to enforcing the border— think that may be the operative word as a that being a temporary-worker program; sec- plan develops. ondly, that it’s a humane way to deal with There is a desire for a lot of our citizenry, people who are making a contribution to our and it’s reflected in the Congress, to know, economy. as I said, who’s coming in and who’s going In other words, if something is illegal, then out, and why. And I think that—I’m pretty people will figure out ways to get around the confident that if we work closely, we can de- system. That’s what creates the coyotes; that’s velop such a plan that enables a scanning de- what creates the smugglers; that’s what cre- vice or a card that can be dealt with on a ates the document forgers; that’s what cre- scanning device to not stop the flow of traffic ates these places where people are dumped of people who make a daily routine of it, and for a period of time and then smuggled also make sure that we know who’s coming across and then told to walk; that’s what cre- in the country. ates the dangerous predicament for people The purpose is not to impede trade and/ coming across the desert. And so there’s a— or cross-border relations. The purpose is to and that’s why people—that’s what causes expedite them in a way that gives both coun- people to hide in the shadows of our cities. tries, or all three countries, comfort in know- And there’s a much more rational way and ing who’s coming across. In Texas, for exam- much more humane way to deal with people ple, like in El Paso, on a daily basis, there’s who are doing jobs that Americans won’t do. thousands of people that it’s just a part of

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their daily routine. And the idea would be you said that you would invest political cap- to develop a document that could be scanned ital in the issue of—the immigration issue. as they just walk across the bridge. It’s the The President. Yes. You did come back same concept for Canada as well. to it. That’s good. Q. You couldn’t just do it through a driv- Q. Yet in the last couple of weeks, there er’s license? I mean, that’s the—— have been a lot of people in this town talking The President. Well, that’s what they’re that your political capital is wasted. So—— working on. First of all, we have found in The President. Don’t underestimate me, our own country that drivers’ license aren’t Pepe. necessarily a secure document. I mentioned Q. No, I don’t. But—— to you that this is a—the document forgery The President. Okay. [Laughter] is a significant problem for our country, pri- Q. Is this Congress underestimating you? marily for people coming in from the south. Because—— And you’ve got a person looking for some- The President. We’ll see. But I will keep body to help build an apartment building, speaking out on it. One thing is I’m—I be- and people show up, and they flash a docu- lieve it’s very important to get this issue— ment, and the employer is not equipped to to reform the immigration system. I have be a document checker. It’s not what they spoken out on it before, and I will continue do. speaking out on it. It’s now coming to a head. And so they say, ‘‘Sure, come on and And I will continue to call Congress to have work.’’ And the truth of the matter is, there a comprehensive package that is more than is a whole industry out there to provide fake just border security but also enforcement— documents for people doing work that Amer- interior enforcement, as well as a guest-work- icans won’t do, because the system needs— er program. And I’m going to say it again, the system says—just hasn’t been rational, let that—particularly for the American audi- me just put it to you that way. And therefore, ence—the two go hand in hand. A tem- there’s a skepticism about certain documents porary-worker program that enables people which can be forged. And that’s why you’re to cross our border legally to do work Ameri- seeing the notion of trying to develop one cans won’t do takes pressure off of Border that is tamper-proof, for not only border Patrol agents who are trying to stop illegal crossings but also for working. activities, which makes it easier to secure the And it seems to me to make sense with- border. out—again, I understand the sensitivity. I’m very aware, and I’m sure Stephen and Government of Mexico/Mexican National Vicente will bring this up. I’ve already talked Economy to Vicente about the issue in regards to Mex- Q. If I may, sir, then what would you ex- ico. pect—or what would you propose or expect Look, again, this is an issue I’m very famil- or hope that the Mexican Government would iar with because of my time as the Governor do in this case? of Texas—immigration issues and border The President. No, I appreciate that. I issues are—it’s been a part of our State’s his- think it’s very important for the Mexican tory for a long period of time. Government to continue doing what they Yes, Pepe. You’re not going back to migra- have recently done, which is to make it clear tion, are you? to the American people that we have respon- sibilities on both sides of the border. And Immigration Reform I thank President Fox for putting out those Q. Unless you want to go there. statements. The President. No, but Maribel will. You’re aware of, I’m sure, a series of adver- [Laughter] I can see it’s on the tip of her tisements in our newspapers that said, we tongue. No, that’s all right. It’s a big issue. have an important relationship with the It’s a huge issue. Look—and you should. United States. And it requires the under- Q. The question would be, though—if you standing that we will work together on our excuse me, a few months ago, or a year ago, border—as well as, by the way, working on

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the southern border of Mexico, because across the border, and try to find jobs in the many of the folks that are now coming into United States. our country are coming up from Central And I believe that the immigrant worker America, for example. A lot of folks from has helped grow our economy. In other Central America have been crossing into words, there’s jobs Americans will not do, Mexico and across. And part of making sure and it makes sense to have a legal policy that that our borders are secure—all our border, says, if there’s a job Americans won’t do and when I say ‘‘our borders,’’ I’m talking about people are willing to do it for the sake of Mexico and the United States’ borders in this their families, we ought to encourage them case, is that we work hand in glove in the to do so and make it a legal, temporary expe- north, and also help in the south. rience. And we’ll negotiate what the defini- And Vicente has told me he understands tion of temporary is, and we’ll negotiate the that there is an issue on the southern border kind of documentation necessary to make of Mexico. It’s a difficult border to enforce, sure that they’re not—there’s not a lot of but it’s important. fraud. And we will—and also the issue of citi- The truth of the matter is, the long run zenship. And again, my own judgment is, is for the issue is going to be for Mexico’s econ- the best way to deal with the citizenship is omy to extend its promise beyond just certain to not say—to say to somebody, ‘‘If you’re regions. Look, I strongly believe most people here illegally, you don’t get to take somebody else’s place in line who is here legally.’’ The want to be able to find decent wages at their reason we have lines is because of the green home, where people are able to provide for card issue. There’s a shortage of green cards. their families. And I’ve told our people ever And Congress has the right to increase the since I’ve been involved in this issue that— number of green cards. and the way I like to put it is, family values Yes, Miss Maribel. don’t stop at the Rio Grande River. In other words, moms and dads in Mexico are anxious Naturalization/Amnesty to put food on the table for their children. Q. Sir, do you believe there is a difference And therefore, many of them are willing to between amnesty and earned legaliza- come great distances and lengths to be able tion—— to provide for their families. And I think most The President. What does ‘‘earned legal- people would rather be providing for their ization’’ mean? Why don’t you give me your families close to their homes. description, and I will answer your question. And so part of a larger strategy has got Q. According to Chairman Specter is, they to be to make sure that we work in concert have to pay a fine—the undocumented, I’m to develop—to encourage economic growth talking about—pay a fine, get in line, prove so that there are meaningful jobs throughout they have a job, that they have paid taxes, the country. That’s why I’m a believer in that they don’t have a criminal record. trade. I believe if we were ever to stop our The President. Right. But ‘‘get in line,’’ trade, it would make it harder for prosperity you said? to spread. Q. Yes. And I appreciate Vicente’s understanding The President. That’s exactly what I just that education programs are vital. People said. Somebody, in order to become a citizen, have got to have a skill set in order to be must get in line. And amnesty means you’re able to make sure that jobs are—that jobs automatically legal and you get ahead. In spread throughout the country. And for a pe- other words, there is no line, you’re just it. riod of time, many people used to come You know, you’ve been here, undocumented; across the border from the border regions, you’re legal; boom, you don’t have to wait but prosperity, as I mentioned to you, is visi- in line. ble. The life has changed on the border. But Getting in line is exactly what I just said. the prosperity on the border has caused peo- You can call it by any way you want to call ple from other parts of the country who are it. I would say that it’s a system that does looking for work to migrate north, come not—that rewards and understands people

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here are doing jobs Americans won’t do— society that supports its laws, and the two take out ‘‘rewards’’—understands that there don’t necessarily contradict each other. are people doing jobs that Americans won’t do, but you don’t get to be an automatic cit- Trade Relations With Canada izen. You have to get in line. Q. If I could ask you about—a bit of a Q. So you agree with Senator McCain, two-parter. I know you don’t like two-parters, then. necessarily. The President. Look, I’m just telling you The President. It hasn’t stopped these exactly what I am for. And what I am for people. [Laughter] Did it stop you, Nedra is a program that is not amnesty. In other [Nedra Pickler, Associated Press], the two- words, amnesty means you’re automatically part question, or are you still giving them? legal. And there are some that believe that Q. Yes. [Laughter] ought to happen, that think that’s a rational Q. You mentioned that there’s skepticism policy. I disagree. And the reason I disagree in Canada about the U.S. And I’m won- was, one, it undermines rule of law. In other dering, over the last few years you’ve had words, there’s a lot of people here trying to some—— become a citizen that are waiting in line, and The President. Let me just make sure all of a sudden—and they’re doing it legally, that—first of all, I believe most—I believe and all of a sudden, you know, by law, it people on both sides of the border think it’s a very important relationship, and there’s means that those who have been here not great friendships. Having said that, the Cana- legally get ahead of the line. dians have, oftentimes, taken independent Secondly, I think it sends a wrong mes- view of decisions the United States makes. sage. In other words, basically, ‘‘It’s okay, And there is concern about some of the deci- fine, all you have to do is come, come in sions I have made, yes. I just want to make the country, be undocumented, and in a mat- sure that it’s not, kind of, universal skep- ter of time, we’ll make you legal.’’ And I think ticism—kind of, define it to the proper that will cause another group of people to source. come. So therefore, my view is, is that, yes, Q. There’s been some personal invective you can become a citizen, but you have to hurled at you over the years by Canadian Par- get in line. In other words, you can’t get liamentarians. You were the star in one of ahead of those who have been here playing the former Government’s campaign ads. by the rules. The President. Did it work? And the bottleneck is the number of green Q. It didn’t work for them. cards the Government issues. And that can The President. Okay. [Laughter] be changed, and that’s why I called upon Q. I wonder whether that’s tarnished your Congress to increase the number of green image of Canada at all, and whether—one cards. of the issues that’s caused a lot of skep- Now, was that your question? [Laughter] ticism—— You can see, Sheldon, that the migration The President. If it did tarnish my image issue is a consuming issue. And it’s an impor- of Canada, it would also tarnish my image tant issue. One of the things that’s very im- of my own country, because part of being portant is that this issue be conducted in such in the political scene is that people—it’s the a way as it brings dignity to our process, that great thing about free societies, people speak immigration is emotional and the people who their minds. That’s what happens here in this are speaking out on the issue must under- country as well. stand its emotional nature and must not pit Q. Well, do you see the opportunity for neighbor against neighbor, must treat people better relations, and specifically on the issue with respect. After all, we are a nation of of softwood lumber? That’s an issue that’s immigrants, and I believe has helped—it caused a lot of skepticism. helps revitalize our soul. I think it’s a very The President. It has. important part of our Nation’s history, and Q. People are looking for a strong signal America should be viewed as a welcoming from the President of the United States.

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The President. Right. No, I understand. The President. I don’t view—I, frankly, First of all, the relationship is much deeper view the relationship as a good and strong than softwood lumber. And there will be— relationship. Look, people—face it, part of I’ll comment on softwood lumber in a the problem that we had was because of my minute. First of all, I’d like to get the issue decision to go into Iraq. And the Govern- solved. So the strong signal is, is that I’ve ment of both countries didn’t agree, and I told our folks that, let’s work hard to bring understand that. War is terrible. It’s an awful this issue to conclusion. And we were close thing. And yet we’re still able to maintain to getting it done at one point. And so my good relations. strong signal is, yes, let’s get this behind us. When people are dealing with the subject I predict, however, that there will be other of war, there is a lot of emotion. And I fully issues that arise because of our—when we understand that. So I view the relationships trade as much as we trade, nearly half-a-bil- both as not only important and vital, but I lion [half-a-trillion] * two-way trade in ’05, do view them as mature. As I said, this is there’s going to be issues that come up. I the third Prime Minister with whom I will can remember the potato issue—I don’t have dealt, and I—there is a certain camara- know if it had as much impact on thought derie that takes place by virtue of our close that softwood lumber did, but it was an im- ties and close history. And I bear no ill will portant issue. I guess it was mainly confined whatsoever, and I understand the strategic to the eastern part of the country. importance of being close to our friends, and But with as much trade as we’ve got going to have a capacity to talk among ourselves. for us, there will be other issues that arise. As I say, there’s a lot we can get done by Same with Mexico, by the way. We’re dealing working together. The great competition for with, you know, tomatoes, on occasion, or our respective economies, in the long run, corn syrup, I think it was—yes, corn syrup. will be coming from the Far East. And there- And it’s just very important to be in a position fore, the more close our relationships and the to have a relationship such that we can work more we’re able to deal with cross-border through these problems. But, no—democ- issues on trade and other issues, the more racy is what it is. It’s a chance for people we’ll be able to work in concert to keep our to express themselves. Sure, there were some standard of living high. And Vicente is— harsh words, but—at least from my perspec- you’ve heard him talk a lot about his worries tive, the people tend to discount the polemics about China’s trade into the hemisphere, and and the, you know, kind of, just how politics his concerns about job losses as a result of works, and they want to know whether or competition. And I believe that rather than, not there’s a genuine commitment to friend- kind of, walling ourselves off, I believe that ship. And there is, between not only America cooperation, like we have done through the and Canada but also between the United NAFTA process, dealing with disputes in an States and Mexico. It’s been a long-term rela- openhanded way, will enable us to be able tionship. to leave in place something beyond our re- The migration issue, obviously, as you can spective times in office, so that future leaders see, has created a great deal of, at least, ques- can compete confidently. tioning, because it’s on people’s minds. And obviously, that’s part of a policy. I would like to extend this kind of cooperative Canada-U.S. Relations spirit beyond just the three of us. That’s why Q. Would it help if there was a little more the Free Trade Agreement of the Amer- maturity in the relationship, in terms of how icas—which 28 of 32 members, if I’m not Canada deals with the U.S.? Because there’s mistaken, supported the Free Trade Agree- been a perception in Canada that we haven’t ment of the Americans—that’s the concept always been—dealt with you square on issues behind this notion of having a hemisphere like missile defense or—you know, there that trades freely in order to be competi- have been a few things. tive—help us be competitive, which will help maintain standards of living. That’s, after all, * White House correction. one of the key goals of any government.

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Good, we’ll see you all down there. Thank is a man with broad experience, having you, looking forward to it. worked on Capitol Hill and Wall Street and the White House staff and for nearly 3 years NOTE: The interview was taped at 11:09 a.m. in as a Director of the Office of Management the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his and Budget. Josh is a creative policy thinker. remarks, the President referred to President Vicente Fox of Mexico; and Prime Minister Ste- He’s an expert on the budget and our econ- phen Harper of Canada. The transcript was re- omy. He’s respected by Members of Con- leased by the Office of the Press Secretary on gress from both parties. He’s a strong advo- March 28. A tape was not available for verification cate for effective accountable management of the content of this interview. in the Federal Government. He’s a man of candor and humor and di- rectness, who’s comfortable with responsi- Remarks Announcing the bility and knows how to lead. No person is Resignation of Andrew H. Card, Jr., better prepared for this important position, as White House Chief of Staff and the and I’m honored that Josh has agreed to Appointment of Joshua B. Bolten as serve. White House Chief of Staff The next 3 years will demand much of March 28, 2006 those who serve our country. We have a glob- al war to fight and win. We have great oppor- Earlier this month, Andy Card came to me tunities to expand the prosperity and com- and raised the possibility of stepping down passion of America. We’ve come far as a na- as Chief of Staff. After 51⁄2 years, he thought tion, yet there’s a lot on the road ahead. I’m it might be time to return to private life, and honored to have served with Andrew Card. this past weekend, I accepted Andy’s resigna- I’ve got great confidence in my next Chief tion. of Staff. Andy Card has served me and our country Congratulations, Josh. in historic times: on a terrible day when America was attacked; during economic re- NOTE: The President spoke at 8:31 a.m. in the cession and recovery; through storms of un- Oval Office at the White House. The transcript precedented destructive power; in peace and released by the Office of the Press Secretary also in war. Andy has overseen legislative achieve- included the remarks of Chief of Staff Card and ments on issues from education to Medicare. Chief of Staff-designate Bolten. He helped confirm two Justices to the Su- preme Court, including a new Chief Justice. In all these challenges and accomplish- Remarks Following a Cabinet ments, I have relied on Andy’s wise counsel, Meeting his calm in crisis, his absolute integrity, and March 28, 2006 his tireless commitment to public service. Andy is respected by his colleagues for his Good morning. We’ve just finished our humility, his decency, and his thoughtfulness. third Cabinet meeting of this year. I want They have looked to him as a leader and a to thank my Cabinet members for joining us. role model, and they, like me, will miss him. We talked about the war on terror. We talked On most days, Andy is the first one to ar- about a war on terror that requires all of us rive in the West Wing and among the last involved in Government to respond and to to leave. And during those long days over protect America and help spread freedom. many years, I’ve come to know Andy as more My Cabinet officials obviously have got than my Chief of Staff. He is leaving the many responsibilities in their agencies, but White House, but he will always be my we talked about their need to assume addi- friend. Laura and I have known Andy and tional responsibilities to make sure that we’re his wife, Kathi, for more than 20 years, and using every element of national power to win our close friendship will continue. the war on terror and to secure the peace. With me today is Joshua Bolten, who will This morning we had briefings from Gen- be the new White House Chief of Staff. Josh eral Abizaid, Ambassador Khalilzad, and

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General Casey. We heard from the Ambas- follow through on that—on their commit- sador about work toward a unity government. ments. See, by making a broad commitment I’m pleased to hear from Zal that the Iraqis from the Federal Government, we’ll help the are now back at the table discussing the for- Iraqis establish a democracy, we’ll help them mation of a government, the process by build the institutions necessary for a stable which they will conduct a government once society, and we’ll help defeat the terrorists. a unity government is formed, as well as, ob- Today was the—today two members of my viously, beginning to continue to—or con- Cabinet—we had the honor—a chance to tinuing to discuss who will fill the key slots honor two members of my Cabinet who in the government. won’t be with us much longer: Secretary of We also heard from General Abizaid as the Interior Gale Norton and Chief of Staff well as General Casey who reported on the Andy Card. These two folks have served our ongoing efforts to win this war on terror, to country with distinction and honor. I am defeat the enemy all around General proud to work side by side with them, and Abizaid’s theater of responsibility, as well as I’m proud to call them friend. Thank you all defeat the enemy in the central front in the very much. war on terror, which is Iraq. I appreciate very much General Pace join- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. in the ing us today as well. These leaders, folks on Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, the ground who know the condition on the he referred to Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, com- ground, recognize this is hard work, but they batant commander, U.S. Central Command; Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., USA, commanding general, also report on steady progress that we’re Multi-National Force—Iraq; Gen. Peter Pace, making toward meeting our important USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and goals—important goal is to make sure Iraq former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The is a democracy that can sustain herself, de- Office of the Press Secretary also released a Span- fend herself, and is not a safe haven for the ish language transcript of these remarks. terrorists. Tomorrow I’m going to deliver a third in a series of speeches about the situation in Interview With CNN Espanol Iraq. During Saddam Hussein’s brutal rule, March 28, 2006 he exploited the ethnic and religious diversity of Iraq by setting communities against one White House Chief of Staff another. And now the terrorists and former Q. Thank you for the interview. A very regime elements are doing the same; they’re busy day at the White House, so I have to trying to set off a civil war through acts of ask you, you accepted the resignation of An- sectarian violence. But the United States and drew Card today—is this a sign of a major our Iraqi forces cannot be defeated militarily. shakeup at the White House? The only thing the Iraqi insurgents, as well The President. No, it’s a sign of a fellow as the terrorists, can possibly do is to cause who has worked 51⁄4 years. He’s here every us to lose our nerve and retreat, to withdraw. morning early in the morning; he stays late; I’m going to discuss how the Iraqi people and he put his heart and soul in the job. And and our coalition continue to work together he came to me about 21⁄2 weeks ago, or 2 to build a stable and free and prosperous weeks ago, and said, ‘‘I think it may be time Iraq. I’ll remind the people we’re not going for me to go on; you know, I’ve given it my to lose our nerve. The stakes are high; we all.’’ And I thank him for his service. I con- will complete this mission. Our strategy for sider him an incredibly close friend. And, ob- rebuilding Iraq is comprehensive, and it in- viously, I picked Joshua Bolten to take his cludes a commitment from all parts of the place. And now Josh’s job is to design a White Federal Government. House staff that meets the needs of the Presi- Secretary Rice encouraged our Cabinet dent, which is one of the key—most impor- members to build relationships with their tant needs, is to make sure I get information counterparts in Iraq once the new Iraqi Gov- in a timely fashion so I can make decisions. ernment is formed. And I expect them to Q. Any more changes coming up?

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The President. Well, Josh has just begun gration reform to get something done. And to take a look at the White House structure. I appreciate the Government’s stand there. And I haven’t had a chance to talk to him The truth of the matter is, the laws of the about the future yet. But right now I’m hon- United States will be written inside the Con- oring and celebrating the service of Andy gress. Of course, thoughtful suggestions may Card. help. But the job is really to get a bill out of the Senate and eventually the House— President’s Upcoming Visit to Mexico or out of a conference committee—that I can Q. Let’s talk about Cancun. You’ll meet sign. And I’m interested in comprehensive with President Fox, Prime Minister of Can- immigration reform. That includes not only ada. What do you expect to accomplish in border security but also a temporary-worker that trip? plan that recognizes there are hard-working The President. Well, I think it’s very im- people here doing jobs Americans won’t do, portant for the three of us to continue to and they ought to be here in such a way so commit ourselves to a relationship that—a they don’t have to hide in the shadows of commercial relationship based upon trade, our society. free and fair trade, a security relationship The fundamental issue, by the way, it based upon, kind of, mutual understanding seems like to me, on the guest-worker plan, of how we can cooperate. We’re going to is should somebody get to the head of the have a cultural event. We’re going to go to line when it comes to citizenship? And my the ruins, which will be fantastic, the Mayan answer is, no, they ought to get in line, but ruins. they don’t get to get to the head of the line. But the point is, is that the three of us And that’s where some of the tension about need to be interconnected and work closely the debate is taking place right now. together for the good of our respective peo- Q. The debate is taking place in the Sen- ples. I’ll remind people that we’re not start- ate. They are discussing a plan, and they’re ing anything new. We’re really building on including your guest-worker program that what our predecessors left behind. In 2005, you’ve requested. But the House said, no. there was enormous trade between Mexico The Sensenbrenner bill doesn’t include a and the United States, much more significant guest-worker program. than it was, you know, 10 years ago. And I The President. Well, I wouldn’t give up believe both countries benefit from that on it yet; we’re just starting. For your lis- trade. teners, this is a process. The House has But it is also not a given that people in passed a bill; the Senate, hopefully, will pass both our countries accept trade. And there- a bill; and then they’ll get to conference and fore, one of the jobs of leadership is to re- work something out in conference. And I mind people about the benefits, that trade have called upon both the House and the equals jobs, and jobs means people have a Senate to pass a comprehensive bill. And a chance to realize hopeful dreams. comprehensive bill means, to make sure you include a guest-worker program as part of Immigration Reform a comprehensive bill. Q. The Government of Mexico recently I happen to believe a guest-worker pro- placed ads in U.S. papers acknowledging gram recognizes reality—what’s taking place their responsibility in the border problem in our economy today. But it also—a guest- and saying they should have a role in the worker program is part of border security. way the guest-worker program is shaped. I mean, rather than have people sneaking Should Mexico have that role? Is that appro- across the border to come and do jobs that priate? Americans won’t do, it seems like it makes The President. Well, I think, first of all, sense for people to be given an identification the fact that they put those ads in the papers card that they can come and use to do a job talking about joint responsibility in the bor- on a temporary basis, so they can go back der makes it easier for those of us who be- and forth freely with this tamper-proof ID lieve in comprehensive migration or immi- card and not have to sneak across, so that

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our Border Patrol agents on both sides of people from smuggling people and/or drugs the border are really dealing with drug smug- across our border. gling or gun smuggling or terrorists trying to sneak into the country. Venezuelan President Chavez Q. I want to ask you about Venezuela, Illegal Immigration President Hugo Chavez. He refers to you in Q. So the question is, after those 6 years, very strong terms. He does the same about if they get the 6 years in this program, how Secretary Rice. What is your reaction to that, will you enforce sending people back who and where do you see—how do you see that have to go back who have been living—— affecting relations between your two coun- The President. Well, you’ll have to have tries? a tamper-proof card in order to work. In The President. I judge the President other words, there will be—it will make it based upon his honoring of the institutions much easier to have employer enforcement that make democracy sound in Venezuela. I in place when there is a card that you know think it’s very important for leaders to honor is tamper-proof, in other words, one that the freedom to worship, the freedom of the can’t be forged. press, contracts, legal—to honor legal con- Right now there’s a whole document forg- tracts, to allow people to express their opin- ing industry that has evolved. There are peo- ion without fear. And it’s very important for ple sneaking across in 18-wheelers or people leaders throughout the hemisphere, whether risking their lives. And the system is inhu- they agree with America or not, to honor the mane, as far as I’m concerned, and it needs tenets of democracy. And to the extent he to be reformed. doesn’t do that, then I believe he should be subject to criticism. Border Security Q. The White House supported the Sen- Iraq senbrenner bill in the House, making the ex- Q. President—Iraq. You’ve been telling ception that you were going to pursue a tem- people the U.S. is going the right way. But porary-guest-worker program. Now, that bill the polls—and you’ve said you don’t follow includes the construction of 700 miles of bor- the polls—the polls say people don’t agree der, and that is seen not only in Mexico but with you. Could it be that they’re right and in many Latin American countries as a sign you’re wrong? that the U.S. wants to isolate itself from the The President. History will prove wheth- region. Is that—— er I’m right. I think I’ll be right, because The President. I don’t think people ought I do believe freedom is universal. I remem- to read that into it. I think people ought to— ber it wasn’t all that long ago that 11 million first of all, the House is the beginning of the Iraqis went to the polls in the face of terrorist process, as you know. But people shouldn’t— threats, in the face of potential assassination, it’s impractical to fence off the border. But and said, we want to be free. That was last it is also realistic to give our Border Patrol December. agents tools to be able to do their job. We That sentiment still exists in Iraq. The ought to enforce our borders. That’s what the enemy has got—those who want to stop de- American people expect. I’ve talked to Presi- mocracy have got one weapon, and that is dent Fox about Mexico enforcing her south- the ability to kill innocent life to get on the ern border, and he agrees there ought to be TV, to shake our will. And my will is not border enforcement down there. But he, like going to be shaken. You cannot have a Presi- I, understand it’s difficult to enforce large dent make decisions based upon yesterday’s borders. polls. You must have a President who be- And I don’t think anybody believes that lieves in certain principles and is willing to you could totally fence off the border and lead based upon a vision for a better future. be effective. But I do think we ought to be And I believe my vision for a better future in a position to give our Border Patrol agents entails having a democratic Iraq as a friend better tools, more effective ways to prevent and an ally and to prevent the stated goals

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of the enemy from taking place. They want understand people not agreeing with some us to leave Iraq so they can establish a safe of the decisions I made. But that doesn’t nec- haven from which to launch attacks on our essarily mean there’s any problems with the people again. And I take their goal seriously, relationship. and I will use all resources at my disposal I guess much has been made about some in order to protect the American people. of the name-calling that went on. That’s just Q. Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente. part of politics, and it doesn’t bother me in The President. Si, por nada. the least. If I was bothered about name-call- ing from Canada, I’d certainly be bothered NOTE: The interview was taped at 3:08 p.m. in about name-calling from the United States the Map Room at the White House. In his re- as well. [Laughter] marks, the President referred to President Vicente Fox of Mexico; Prime Minister Stephen Harper The relationship between Canada and the of Canada; and President Hugo Chavez of Ven- United States is really a relationship not nec- ezuela. A tape was not available for verification essarily by government only but by the peo- of the content of this interview. ples, by the interchange, by the exchanges we have, by the relatives on both sides of the border. And that’s what really makes the Statement on the Death of Caspar relationship unique and very strong. Weinberger March 28, 2006 Trade With Canada/Softwood Lumber Caspar Weinberger was an American Q. In that regard, Prime Minister Harper, statesman and a dedicated public servant. He the new—I think this is now the third Prime wore the uniform in World War II, held Minister you’ve gone through—— elected office, and served in the Cabinets of The President. It is. [Laughter] three Presidents. As Secretary of Defense for Q. ——in Canada. He said that of the top President Reagan, he worked to strengthen priorities that he’s got, softwood lumber has our military and win the cold war. In all his to be number one; says it’s, in his words, put- years, this good man made many contribu- ting a very serious strain on the relationship tions to our Nation. America is grateful for between the two countries. You’ve often said Caspar Weinberger’s lifetime of service. that this is something that you want to take Laura and I send our condolences and pray- care of. I’m giving you an opportunity to ers to the entire Weinberger family. make some news here. [Laughter] The President. I may not see that. [Laughter] Interview With CTV Q. Okay. [Laughter] What would be—is March 28, 2006 there any one thing that you can do to unblock this issue? Canada-U.S. Relations The President. Well, I can tell our people Q. Well, first of all, Mr. President, thank to try to find common ground. I thought we you very much for inviting us into your home. were pretty close to a deal a couple of years We certainly appreciate that. ago—I can’t remember the exact timing of Before we get on to talking about Canada- it, but I know we’ve been working on U.S. relations, I want to deal a little bit with softwood lumber for quite a while. your personal relations with Canadians. They I fully understand how difficult an issue haven’t exactly been a roaring success. Does this is, particularly from Canada’s perspec- that matter? Does that matter to you? Does tive, since there’s been some rulings. And we it matter to the relationship? want to get it solved. I told that to Stephen The President. I think I’ve had very good Harper, that I understand its importance. I relations with the Canadians with whom I’ve understand its priority. And I’d like to get dealt. I mean, Prime Minister Chretien and the issue resolved once and for all, myself. his successor, Paul Martin, and I got along The best thing I can do is tell our negotiators just fine. We didn’t always agree, but I can that—see if you can find common ground.

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Again, we were close to an agreement be- But the key is that it be tamper-proof. fore—maybe that’s a place for people to look We’ve found a lot of, for example, driver’s for common ground. license forgeries throughout the United I know it’s not going to get solved if it’s States that make it difficult to—you know, done—if these negotiations are public; it’s as best as we can assure our citizens that we going to require some very quiet consulta- know who’s coming in and who’s not. tions to see if we can do what I’d like to Q. I guess part of the problem for a lot see done. of people in this is they say, look, it’s not Q. Can it be solved on your watch? so much guys like you and me going across— The President. I certainly hope so. This we’ve all got passports or identity cards. But is a difficult issue. I know it creates anxieties it’s the minor league, peewee hockey team, in Canada. I really don’t want to create anxi- or the peewee baseball team that won’t be eties. On the other hand, I do want to be able to play in each other’s countries right fair to our folks here as well, and I think now because it’s too much of a hassle to get we can find ground. this card. The President. Again, the idea is to make Canada-U.S. Border/Homeland Security it hassle-free as best as possible. I can under- Q. Talking about common ground, it stand—I mean, on any change of the status seems to me that there’s so much that we quo, you can always find, kind of, the night- have in common between these two coun- mare scenario that makes life—it makes it tries—we’ve got the world’s largest feel like life is going to be a lot worse. I don’t undefended border; we’re both countries at think it necessarily has to be. I think we can war; we’ve got boots on the ground in Af- work with our Canadian counterparts to ghanistan. And yet here at home, we’re put- come up with something that’s rational and ting more barriers along that Canadian- meets the law that has been passed by the American border. Congress and that I signed. You’ve often said that the reason for this— or what Stephen Harper calls the passport Trade With Canada problem—you’ve said that it’s because you Q. Can you foresee—you’re going down want to know who’s coming and going across to Cancun as part of the exercise, I guess, that border. So I guess it begs the question, of imagining a new North America and then are the Canadians not telling you who’s com- getting it going. In your vision, can you fore- ing and going? Are we not doing a good see a day when there would be free travel enough job? of people across the borders without identity The President. Oh, I think Canada has cards, just free movement of people in North been very cooperative, and the relationship America? between our services is very good. The idea The President. Oh, I don’t know. That’s is to have—it doesn’t necessarily have to be probably down the road. But I’m not imag- a passport. It can be a document, a tamper- ining an important relationship, though, be- proof document that will expedite border cause we’re really building on what our pred- crossings, not delay border crossings. The ecessors left behind, which is a trading ar- idea is to make sure that tourists and trade rangement that has substantially increased moves freely and terrorists don’t. trade between the United States and Canada And right after September the 11th, obvi- and Mexico. ously, our country took a hard look at the Canada is our number one trading partner. procedures enabling people to come back I’m a believer that trade helps grow econo- and forth across our borders, both north and mies. I think free trade is an important south. And the idea was to come up, as I part—and fair trade, something that Cana- said, with a tamper-proof document. I know dians want and something that Americans they’ve been focused on the passport, but want is, free and fair trade—benefits both surely we can design something—the law of us. You know, we traded about nearly $500 doesn’t say passport only; the law says, kind billion, two-way trade, in 2005, which is very of, passport-like, if I’m not mistaken. positive for both our economies.

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What I’m concerned about is that protec- So I view the relationship with Canada as tionist tendency and isolationist tendency a very strong and important relationship for that could emerge in both our countries as the United States of America. It’s a relation- well as in Mexico, which would make it hard- ship that we should never take for granted, er for us to realize the benefits of collabora- and I’m confident the Canadians won’t take tion together, make it harder for us to, kind our relationship for granted. And it’s a rela- of, grow together. And that would be not tionship that needs attention and care. And beneficial for the hemisphere, and frankly, there are problems that arise, like softwood it will make it a lot harder for future Ameri- lumber. Hopefully we’ll get that solved. But cans and Canadians and Mexicans to com- we’ve also had a BSE issue that came up on pete with the Chinese, for example. my watch, which we solved, as well as pota- And so there is a relationship which exists toes. We had a potato issue when I first be- which needs to be protected and nurtured came President of the United States, that we and streamlined and made more efficient, worked through with Prime Minister and that’s really what the discussions will be Chretien. in Cancun. Q. Mr. President, you’ve been very gen- erous with your time, and I appreciate it. Canadian Government The President. Well, thanks for coming. Q. Thank you. Q. A quick last question for you, I don’t The President. Welcome to Washington. know if you’re going to take the bait on this Q. Thank you, sir. one. The President. Probably not. NOTE: The interview was taped at 2:55 p.m. in Q. Okay. [Laughter] the Map Room at the White House for later The President. Now that you’ve let me broadcast. In his remarks, the President referred know—— to former Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Q. I let the cat out of the bag. Canada. The transcript was released by the Office The President. ——let me know there of the Press Secretary on March 29. was a hook coming. [Laughter] Q. Are you any happier with the Conserv- ative Government in Canada than a liberal Remarks Following Discussions With government? President Olusegun Obasanjo of The President. I am—I respect the will Nigeria of the Canadian people, and as I say, you March 29, 2006 know, this is—there were some tense times when I made the decision to go to war in President Bush. Mr. President, welcome Iraq, and I understand that. I’m not the— back to the Oval Office. We have just had I fully understand why people, not only in a discussion that covered a lot of topics. Canada but in the United States, expressed Every time I meet with the President, he deep concern about the use of force to pro- brings a fresh perspective about the politics tect ourselves. I stand by the decision. I think and the situation on the continent of Africa, it’s the right decision. And therefore, I wasn’t and I want to thank you. I want to thank surprised when I heard, you know, members you for your leadership. of political parties in both our countries ex- The President and I talked about Darfur press deep concern about it. and the Sudan, and I made it very clear to Having said all that, however, in the midst him that we’re deeply concerned about the of turbulent times, my relationships with the humiliation, the rape, the murder that is tak- two Prime Ministers, prior to Stephen Harp- ing place among the—against the citizens of er, were good, solid relationships. We had Darfur. He agreed. And I want to thank you candid discussions; we were friendly toward for your compassion. each other; we shared the same values of We talked and strategized about how to human rights and human dignity and free- move forward, how to make it clear to the dom to speak and freedom to worship. Sudanese Government that there will be a

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international response in working toward a curity in the West Africa subregion, and how peace. We talked about a dual track, that the West Africa subregion, with Charles Taylor rebels must come together and negotiate issue behind us, how West Africa subregion with the Government, and at the same time, is gradually becoming a haven of peace. We we talked about bolstering the AU peace- have dealt with Togo; we have dealt with keeping force with a blue-helmeted force. Guinea-Bissau; we have dealt with Sierra And I explained to him my desire to have Leone. Hopefully, we are now dealing with a NATO overlay to make sure that force is Liberia. And things seem to be going fairly robust. well in Cote D’Ivoire. Well, of course, we We talked about economic development. are keenly watching the situation in Guin- Of course, I brought up energy to the Presi- ea—Conakry. dent. He’s—he and I talked about the situa- Then we looked at the rest of Africa, par- tion in the Nigerian Delta. He talked to me ticularly Democratic Republic of Congo, about his strategy to deal with the energy Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the Great Lakes, issue. generally. Then we talked about the issue of And finally, I appreciate the decision he development, particularly security—supplies, made regarding Charles Taylor. In my visit security, stability, and also price stability of last week with the President of Liberia, we hydrocarbons from the Gulf of Guinea area, talked about Charles Taylor. The fact that and how we are working hard to establish Charles Taylor will be brought to justice in a Gulf of Guinea commission that will also a court of law will help Liberia and is a signal, deal with the issue of reconciling and dealing Mr. President, of your deep desire for there with ending misunderstanding among those to be peace in your neighborhood. in that—among countries that are in the Gulf So welcome to the Oval Office. It’s good of Guinea, how we can protect and how we to have you here, sir. can monitor what happens in that area, be- President Obasanjo. Thank you very cause the hydrocarbon we need for our own much. And as usual, I want to thank you for development and we need for the economic the warm and hardy reception that you have development and progress of the world. We accorded us. are moving in this regard not only by our- The areas that I would call the areas of selves but also by our—with our develop- concern, by the time I arrived here last night, ment partners. seemed to have been definably dealt with by Then, of course, we talked about NEPAD, this morning, particularly the issue of Charles which is where we work with the G–8 and— Taylor. And as I said to you about a minute— politically and individually. a few minutes ago, Charles Taylor should be And we—I briefed the President on what landing in Liberia by now, which should start we are doing with the Niger Delta, which putting the issue of Charles Taylor behind is very important. And we are very grateful all of us. that the measures we are taking, which are I appreciate the understanding of every- essentially socioeconomic measures to ad- body and the way that the issue has been dress some of the grievances, identified handled. I met the press earlier today to actu- grievances, will resolve the issues of the ally give what was our own position and how Niger Delta. we were hoping to deal with the issue of I think these are some of the points. And Charles Taylor’s disappearance. And of I think—I want to thank President for re- course, I do not agree, must disagree that maining his charming self. [Laughter] we have been negligent in the way we han- President Bush. Thank you, sir. dled the Charles Taylor issue. If we had been negligent, then Charles Taylor would have NOTE: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the got away. He would not have been arrested Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, if there was connivance or condonation on he referred to former President Charles Taylor our part. of Liberia, who was arrested on March 29 in Nige- Having said that, we, of course, talked ria on United Nations war crimes charges; and about the general situation of peace and se- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

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Remarks to Freedom House and a Dick Lugar, who is the chairman of the Sen- Question-and-Answer Session ate Foreign Relations Committee; and, of March 29, 2006 course, Senator Ted Stevens. I thank the Members from the House and Senate who The President. Thank you. Please be seat- have joined these distinguished Senators. I ed. I shouldn’t be so instructive to the diplo- appreciate you taking time to come and listen matic corps. [Laughter] Peter, thank you for to me. Just listen to me a little more often. your warm introduction. Thank you for your [Laughter] commitment to freedom. It turns out free- I particularly want to pay homage to Am- dom runs pretty deep in Peter’s family. I bassador Max Kampelman. Thank you very don’t know if you know this or not, but his much. I was telling the Ambassador, right son is a Marine First Lieutenant named El- before I came over I was having a little visit liot Ackerman. He fought in the battle of with my Chief of Staff-to-be, Josh Bolten. It Fallujah. I know you’re proud of your son, turns out that Josh’s dad and the Ambassador and I’m proud to be the Commander in were lifelong friends. And as I came over Chief of men and women who volunteer to here, he said, ‘‘You make sure that you say defend our own freedom. hello to one of the finest men our country I appreciate very much the men and has ever produced.’’ So, Mr. Chairman, on women of Freedom House. For more than behalf of a grateful President and a grateful 60 years, this organization has been a tireless Chief of Staff-to-be, thank you for serving champion for liberty. You’ve been a clear our country. voice for the oppressed across the world. At I appreciate the other members of the Freedom House, you understand that the Freedom House Board of Trustees, and I only path to lasting peace is the expansion thank the diplomatic corps for joining us as of freedom and liberty. well. Free societies are peaceful societies. When We meet at a time of war but also at a governments are accountable to their own moment of great hope. In our world and due citizens, when people are free to speak and in part to our efforts, freedom is taking root assemble, when minorities are protected, in places where liberty was unimaginable a then justice prevails. And so does the cause couple of years ago. Just 25 years ago, at the of peace. start of the 1980s, there were only 45 democ- Freedom House was founded on the prin- racies on the face of the Earth. Today, Free- ciple that no nation is exempt from the de- dom House reports there are 122 democ- mands of human dignity. And you’re carrying racies, and more people now live in liberty that message across the world, from Africa than ever before. to China to Belarus and beyond. At Freedom The advance of freedom is the story of our House, you also understand free societies do time, and we’re seeing new chapters written not take root overnight, especially in coun- before our eyes. Since the beginning of 2005, tries that suffer from decades of tyranny and we’ve witnessed remarkable democratic repression. You understand that free elec- changes across the globe. The people of Af- tions are an instrument of change; yet they’re ghanistan have elected their first democratic only the first step. So as you press for demo- Parliament in more than a generation. The cratic change across the world, you’re helping people of Lebanon have recovered their new democracies build free institutions they independence and chosen their leaders in need to overcome the legacies of tyranny and free elections. The people of Kyrgyzstan have dictatorship. driven a corrupt regime from power and I want to thank you for your vital work. voted for democratic change. The people of You’re making a significant contribution to Liberia have overcome decades of violence the security of our country. I’m also honored and are now led by the first woman elected that we’ve got distinguished members of the as a head of state in any African nation. And legislative body with us, particularly Sen- the courageous people of Iraq have gone to ators—John Warner, who is the chairman of the polls not once, not twice, but three times, the Armed Services Committee; Senator choosing a transitional government, a

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democratic Constitution, and a new Govern- the performance they turned in after the ment under that Constitution. bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra. Each of these countries still faces enor- Last week in Cleveland, I told the Amer- mous challenges that will take patience and ican people about the northern Iraqi city of the support of the international community Tall ‘Afar, which was once a key base of oper- to overcome. Yet Freedom House has de- ations for Al Qaida and is now a free city clared, the year 2005 was one of the most that gives us reason to hope for a free Iraq. successful years for freedom since the Free- I explained how the story of Tall ‘Afar gives dom House began measuring world freedom me confidence in our strategy, because in more than 30 years ago. From Kabul to that city, we see the outlines of the Iraq we’ve Baghdad to Beirut and beyond, freedom’s been fighting for, a free and secure people tide is rising, and we should not rest, and who are getting back on their feet, who are we must not rest, until the promise of liberty participating in government and civic life, reaches every people and every nation. and are becoming allies in the fight against In our history, most democratic progress the terrorists. has come with the end of a war. After the Today I’m going to discuss the stakes in defeat of the Axis powers in World War II Iraq and our efforts to help the Iraqi people and the collapse of communism in the cold overcome past divisions and form a lasting war, scores of nations cleared away the rub- democracy, and why it is vital to the security ble of tyranny and laid the foundations of of the American people that we help them freedom and democracy. succeed. Today, the situation is very different. Lib- In the wake of recent violence in Iraq, erty is advancing not in a time of peace but in the midst of a war, at a moment when many Americans are asking legitimate ques- a global movement of great brutality and am- tions: Why are Iraqis so divided? And did bition is fighting freedom’s progress with all America cause the instability by removing the hateful violence they can muster. In this Saddam Hussein from power? They ask, after new century, the advance of freedom is a three elections, why are the Iraqi people hav- vital element of our strategy to protect the ing such a hard time coming together? And American people and to secure the peace for can a country with so many divisions ever generations to come. We’re fighting the ter- build a stable democracy? They ask why we rorists across the world because we know that can’t bring our troops home now and let the if America were not fighting this enemy in Iraqis sort out their differences on their own. other lands, we’d be facing them here in our These are fair questions, and today I’ll do own land. my best to answer them. I’ll discuss some On September the 11th, 2001, we saw the of the reasons for the instability we’re seeing violence and the hatred of a vicious enemy in Iraq, why democracy is the only force that and the future that they intend for us. That can overcome these divisions, why I believe day I made a decision: America will not wait the vast majority of Iraqis want to live in free- to be attacked again. We will confront this dom and peace, and why the security of our mortal danger. We will stay on the offensive. Nation depends on the success of a free Iraq. America will defend our freedom. Today, some Americans ask whether re- We’re pursuing the terrorists on many bat- moving Saddam caused the divisions and in- tlefronts. Today, the central front in the war stability we’re now seeing. In fact, much of on terror is Iraq. This month I’ve given a the animosity and violence we now see is the series of speeches on recent events in Iraq legacy of Saddam Hussein. He is a tyrant who and how we’re adapting our approach to deal exacerbated sectarian divisions to keep him- with the events on the ground. At George self in power. Iraq is a nation with many eth- Washington University, I reported on the nic and religious and sectarian and regional progress we have made in training the Iraqi and tribal divisions. Before Saddam Hussein, security forces, the growing number of Iraqi Iraqis from different communities managed units that are taking the lead in the fight, to live together. Even today, many Iraqi the territory we’re handing over to them, and tribes have both Sunni and Shi’a branches.

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And in many small towns with mixed popu- The wetlands, by the way, were also home lations, there’s often only one mosque, where to the Marsh Arabs, an ancient civilization Sunni and Shi’a worship together. Inter- that traces its roots back 5,000 years. So Sad- marriage is also common with mixed families dam destroyed the Marsh Arabs and those that include Arabs and Kurds and Sunnis and who hid in the marshes by draining the Shi’a and Turkmen and Assyrians and marshes where they lived. In less than a dec- Chaldeans. ade, the majority of these lush wetlands were To prevent these different groups from turned into barren desert, and most of the coming to challenge his regime, Saddam Marsh Arabs were driven from their ances- Hussein undertook a deliberate strategy of tral home. It is no wonder that deep divisions maintaining control by dividing the Iraqi and scars exist in much of the Shi’a popu- people. He stayed on top by brutally repress- lation. ing different Iraqi communities and pitting Saddam also oppressed his fellow Sunnis. them one against the other. He forced hun- One of the great misperceptions about Iraq dreds of thousands of Iraqis out of their is that every Sunni enjoyed a privileged status homes, using expulsion as a weapon to sub- under Saddam’s regime. In truth, Saddam due and punish any group that resisted his trusted few outside his family and his tribe. rule. By displacing Iraqi communities and di- He installed his sons and his brothers and viding the Iraqi people, he sought to establish his cousins in key positions. Almost everyone himself as the only force that could hold the was considered suspect, and often those sus- country together. picions led to brutal violence. In Saddam’s campaign of repression and In one instance, Saddam’s security services division, no Iraqi group was spared. In the tortured to death a pilot from a prominent late 1980s, Saddam Hussein unleashed a bru- Sunni tribe and then dumped his headless tal ethnic cleansing operation against Kurds body in front of his family’s house. It caused in northern Iraq. Kurdish towns and villages riots that he then brutally suppressed. In the were destroyed. Tens of thousands of Kurds mid-1990s, Saddam rounded up scores of disappeared or were killed. In his effort to prominent Sunni economists and lawyers and terrorize the Kurds into submission, Saddam retired army officers and former government dropped chemical weapons on scores of officials. Many were never heard from again. Kurdish villages. In one village alone, a town It is hard to overstate the effects of called Halabja, his regime killed thousands Saddam’s brutality on the Iraqi nation. of innocent men and women and children, Here’s what one marine recalls when he was using mustard gas and nerve agents. Saddam on the streets of the Iraqi capital. He said, also forcibly removed hundreds of thousands quote, ‘‘I had an Iraqi citizen come up to of Kurds from their homes, and then he me. She opened her mouth, and she had no moved Arabs into those homes and onto the tongue. She was pointing at the statue. There properties of the people who were forced to were people with no fingers waving at the leave. As a result of his strategy, deep ten- statue of Saddam, telling us he tortured sions persist to this day. them. People were showing us scars on their Saddam also waged a brutal campaign of back.’’ Iraq is a nation that is physically and suppression and genocide against the Shi’a emotionally scarred by three decades of in the south of Iraq. He targeted prominent Saddam’s tyranny, and these wounds will Shi’a clerics for assassination. He destroyed take time to heal. As one Marsh Arab put Shi’a mosques and holy sites. He killed thou- it, ‘‘Saddam did everything he could to kill sands of innocent men, women, and children. us. You cannot recover from that right away.’’ He piled their bodies into mass graves. After These are the kinds of tensions Iraqis are the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Saddam brutally dealing with today. They are the divisions crushed a Shi’a uprising. Many Shi’a fled to that Saddam aggravated through deliberate the marshes of southern Iraq. They hid in policies of ethnic cleansing and sectarian vio- the wetlands that could not be easily reached lence. As one Middle East scholar has put by Saddam’s army. it, Iraq under Saddam Hussein was ‘‘a society

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slowly and systematically poisoned by polit- than 75 percent of eligible voters—defied the ical terror. The toxic atmosphere in today’s terrorists to cast their ballots. With their Iraq bears witness to his terrible handiwork.’’ votes, the Iraqi people have spoken and The argument that Iraq was stable under made their intentions clear: They want to live Saddam and that stability is now in danger in liberty and unity, and they’re determined because we removed him is wrong. While lib- to chart their own destiny. eration has brought its own set of challenges, Now the elements of a free Iraq are trying Saddam Hussein’s removal from power was to stop the—the enemies of a free Iraq are the necessary first step in restoring stability trying to stop the formation of unity govern- and freedom to the people of Iraq. ment. They’ve learned they cannot succeed Today, some Americans are asking why the by facing coalition and Iraqi forces on the Iraqi people are having such a hard time battlefield, so they’ve taken their violence to building a democracy. The reason is that the a new level by attacking one of Shi’a Islam’s terrorists and former regime elements are ex- holiest sites. They blew up the Golden ploiting the wounds inflicted under Saddam’s Mosque in Samarra in the hope that this out- tyranny. The enemies of a free Iraq are em- rageous act would provoke the Shi’a masses ploying the same tactics Saddam used—kill- into widespread reprisals which would pro- ing and terrorizing the Iraqi people in an ef- voke Sunnis to retaliate and drag the nation fort to foment sectarian division. into a civil war. For the Saddamists, provoking sectarian Yet despite massive provocations, Iraq has strife is business as usual. And we know from not descended into civil war. Most Iraqis the terrorists’ own words that they’re using have not turned to violence. The Iraqi secu- the same tactics with the goal of inciting a rity forces have not broken up into sectarian civil war. Two years ago, we intercepted a groups waging war against each other. In- letter to Usama bin Laden from the terrorist stead, Sunni, Shi’a, and Kurdish soldiers Zarqawi, in which he explains his plan to stop stood together to protect religious sites, en- the advance of democracy in Iraq. Zarqawi force a curfew, and restore civil order. wrote: ‘‘If we succeed in dragging the Shi’a In recent weeks, these forces passed an- into the arena of sectarian war, it will become other important test when they successfully possible to awaken the inattentive Sunnis as protected millions of Shi’a pilgrims who they feel imminent danger. The only solution marched to the cities of Karbala and Najaf is for us to strike the religious and military for an annual religious holiday. In 2004, the and other cadres among the Shi’a with blow terrorists launched coordinated strikes after blow.’’ against the pilgrims, killing scores of innocent The terrorists and Saddamists have been worshipers. This year, the pilgrimage was brutal in the pursuit of this strategy. They largely peaceful, thanks to the courage and target innocent civilians; they blow up police the unity of the Iraqi security forces. In the officers; they attack mosques; and they com- midst of today’s sectarian tension, the ability mit other acts of horrific violence for the of Iraqis to hold a peaceful gathering by mil- cameras. Their objective is to stop Iraq’s lions of people is a hopeful sign for the future democratic progress. They tried to stop the of Iraq. transfer of sovereignty. They tried to stop In these last few weeks, we’ve also seen millions of Iraqis from voting in the January terrible acts of violence. The kidnapings and 2005 elections. They tried to stop Sunnis brutal executions and beheadings are very from participating in the October ref- disturbing. There’s no place in a free and erendum on the Constitution. And they tried democratic Iraq for armed groups operating to stop millions from voting in the December outside the law. It’s vital to the security of elections to form a Government under that a free Iraq that the police are free of militia Constitution. influence. And so we’re working with Iraqi And in each case, they failed. With every leaders to find and remove leaders from the election, participation was larger and broader national police who show evidence of loyal- than the one that came before. And in De- ties to militias. We’re partnering U.S. battal- cember, almost 12 million people—more ions with Iraqi national police to teach them

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about the role of a professional police force agreed to form a new national security coun- in a democratic society. We’re making clear cil that will improve coordination within the to Iraqi leaders that reining in the illegal mili- government on these and other difficult tias must be a top priority of Iraq’s new gov- issues. This council will include representa- ernment when it takes office. tives from all major political groups, as well The violence we’re seeing is showing the as leaders from Iraq’s executive, judicial, and Iraqi leaders the danger of sectarian division legislative branches. As a result of this coun- and underscoring the urgency of forming a cil’s considered advice, the Iraqi Government national unity government. Today, Iraqi lead- that emerges will be more effective and more ers from every major ethnic and religious unified. community are working to construct the path Another important sign of progress is that forward. Our Ambassador to Iraq, Zal Saddam Hussein is now being called to ac- Khalilzad, is helping Iraq’s leaders reach out count for his crimes by the free citizens of across political and religious and sectarian a free Iraq. Millions of Iraqis are seeing their lines, so they can form a government that independent judiciary in action. At the will earn the trust and the confidence of all former dictator’s trial, Iraqis recently saw Iraqis. something that’s got to be truly amazing to Putting aside differences to build a democ- them. When Saddam Hussein stood up and racy that reflects the country’s diversity is a began to give a political speech, the presiding difficult thing to do. It’s even more difficult judge gaveled him down. Saddam growled when enemies are working daily to stop your at the judge, declaring, ‘‘I’m the head of progress and divide your nation. Yet Iraqis state.’’ The judge replied, ‘‘You used to be are rising to the moment. They deserve enor- the head of the state. And now you’re a de- mous credit for their courage and their deter- fendant.’’ Three years ago, any Iraqi who ad- mination to succeed. dressed Saddam in this way would have been Iraqi leaders are coming to grips with an killed on the spot. Now the former dictator important truth: The only practical way to is answering to a judge instead of meting out overcome the divisions of three decades of arbitrary justice, and Iraqis are replacing the tyranny is through democracy. Democracy is rule of a tyrant with the rule of law. the only form of government where every Finally, some Americans are asking if it’s person has a say in the governance of a coun- time to pull out our troops and leave the try. It’s the only form of government that will Iraqis to settle their own differences. I know yield to a peaceful Middle East. So Iraqis the work in Iraq is really difficult, but I are working to overcome past divisions and strongly feel it’s vital to the security of our build a free society that protects the rights country. The terrorists are killing and maim- of all its citizens. They’re undertaking this ing and fighting desperately to stop the for- progress with just a year’s experience in mation of a unity government because they democratic politics. understand what a free Iraq in the heart of Many of the institutions and traditions we the Middle East means for them and their take for granted here in America—from ideology. They know that when freedom sets party structures to centuries’ experience with root in Iraq, it will be a mortal blow to their peaceful transitions of power—are new to aspirations to dominate the region and ad- Iraq, so we should not be surprised if Iraqis vance their hateful vision. So they’re deter- make mistakes or face setbacks in their ef- mined to stop the advance of a free Iraq, forts to build a government that unites the and we must be equally determined to stop Iraqi people. them. We’re beginning to see the signs of The irony is that the enemy seems to have progress. Earlier this month, Iraqi leaders a much clearer sense of what’s at stake than announced they had reached an agreement some of the politicians here in Washington, on the need to address critical issues, such DC. One Member of Congress who has pro- as de-Baathification in the operation of secu- posed an immediate withdrawal of American rity ministries and the distribution of oil reve- forces in Iraq recently explained that what nues, in the spirit of national unity. They would happen after American forces pulled

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out was this: He said, ‘‘They’ll fight each turn the future of Iraq over to the followers other; somebody will win; they’ll settle it for of a failed dictator or to evil men like bin themselves.’’ While it might sound attractive Laden and Zarqawi. to some, it would have disastrous con- America will leave Iraq, but we will not sequences for American security. The Iraqi retreat from Iraq. We will leave because Iraqi Government is still in transition, and the forces have gained in strength, not because Iraqi security forces are still gathering capac- America’s will has weakened. We will com- ity. If we leave Iraq before they’re capable plete the mission in Iraq, because the secu- of defending their own democracy, the ter- rity of the American people is linked to the rorists will win. They will achieve their stated success in Iraq. goal. This is what the terrorists have told us We’re pursuing a clear strategy for victory. they want to achieve. They will turn Iraq into Victory requires an integrated strategy: polit- a safe haven. They will seek to arm them- ical, economic, and security. These three ele- selves with weapons of mass destruction. ments depend on and reinforce one another. They will use Iraq as a base to overthrow By working with Iraqi leaders to build the moderate governments in the Middle East. foundations of a strong democracy, we will They will use Iraq as a base from which to ensure they have the popular support they launch further attacks against the United need to defeat the terrorists. By going after States of America. the terrorists, coalition and Iraqi forces are Mindful of recent history, I ask you to creating the conditions that allow the Iraqi think about what happened in Afghanistan. people to begin rebuilding their lives and In the 1980s, the United States helped Af- their country. By helping Iraqis with eco- ghan freedom fighters drive the Soviet Red nomic reconstruction, we’re giving every cit- Army from Kabul, and once the Soviets with- izen a real stake in the success of a free Iraq. drew, we decided our work was finished and And as all this happens, the terrorists, those left the Afghans to defend themselves. Soon who offer nothing but death and destruction, the terrorists moved in to fill the vacuum. are becoming isolated from the population. They took over the country; they turned it I wish I could tell you the violence in Iraq into a safe haven from which they planned is waning and that all the tough days in the and launched the attacks of September the struggle are behind us. They’re not. There 11th. will be more tough fighting ahead with dif- If we leave Iraq before the job is done, ficult days that test the patience and the re- the terrorists will move in and fill the vacu- solve of our country. Yet we can have faith um, and they will use that failed state to bring in the final outcome because we’ve seen free- murder and destruction to freedom-loving dom overcome the darkness of tyranny and nations. terror and secure the peace before. And in I know some in our country disagree with this century, freedom is going to prevail my decision to liberate Iraq. Whatever one again. thought about the decision to remove Sad- In 1941, the year the Freedom House dam from power, I hope we should all agree began its work, the future of freedom that pulling our troops out prematurely seemed bleak. There were about a dozen would be a disaster. If we were to let the lonely democracies in the world. The Soviet terrorists drive us out of Iraq, we would sig- Union was led by the tyrant Stalin, who mas- nal to the world that America cannot be trust- sacred millions. Hitler was leading Nazi Ger- ed to keep its word. We would undermine many in a campaign to dominate Europe and the morale of our troops by betraying the eliminate the Jewish people from the face cause for which they have sacrificed. We of the Earth. An imperial Japan launched a would cause the tyrants in the Middle East brutal surprise attack on America. Today, six to laugh at our failed resolve and tighten their decades later, the Soviet Empire is no more; repressive grip. The global terrorist move- Germany and Japan are free nations, and ment would be emboldened and more dan- they are allies in the cause of peace; and the gerous than ever. For the security of our citi- majority of the world’s governments are de- zens and the peace of the world, we will not mocracies.

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There were doubters six decades ago who hope they would continue to support the Mil- said that freedom could not prevail. History lennium Challenge Account. has proved them wrong. In this young cen- The Millennium Challenge Account, the tury, the doubters are still with us but so is idea behind it was, is that nations are capable the unstoppable power of freedom. In Af- of defeating corruption; they are capable of ghanistan and Iraq and other nations, that investing in health and education for their power is replacing tyranny with hope, and citizens; and they are capable about sup- no one should bet against it. porting market-oriented economies. If you One of the greatest forces for freedom in believe that, then why shouldn’t our aid say, the history of the world is the United States you get aid in return for fighting corruption, Armed Forces. In the past 41⁄2 years, our investing in the health and education of your troops have liberated more people than at citizens, and putting market-oriented eco- any time since World War II. Because of the nomic measures in place? men and women who wear our Nation’s uni- We started the process recognizing that a form, 50 million people in Iraq and Afghani- lot of people would raise their hands, includ- stan have tasted freedom, and their liberation ing Mali, by saying we’ll start with the poor- has inspired millions more across the broader est nations first. I must confess that our Mil- Middle East to believe that freedom is theirs lennium Challenge Account, while funded in as well. its first year, was a little slow to get going. This is going to be freedom’s century. We’ve changed the structure to make sure Thank you for giving me a chance to come money gets out the door so that other nations and visit with you. May God bless. [Applause] such as Mali will be eligible for application Okay, sit down, please. All right, I’ll be and consideration. glad to answer some questions. I can remember when I first put in the Yes, sir. Yes, please. Millennium Challenge Account. People were somewhat aghast that the United States would dare ask for conditions for its money. Millennium Challenge Account Those are the defeatists in the world, those Q. I have a question. I am from Mali. A who believe that certain people can’t fight couple of years ago, the Millennium Chal- corruption. We believe opposite of that in lenge Account was created to help countries America. We believe in high standards, and that were already on the path to democracy. the taxpayers sure believe in accountability Looking at a country like Mali in West Africa, for our foreign dollars. where just yesterday we celebrated our 15 So thank you for bringing it up. I appre- years of freedom—we haven’t seen any ciate a man who is willing to stand up and money yet. [Laughter] defend his country in front of the President The President. I like a good lobbyist. and all the cameras. [Laughter] [Laughter] Yes, sir. Q. Well, isn’t it cheaper and easier for peo- ple—people from Mali and all throughout Liberia/Sudan Africa, who already are in love with America, Q. Mr. President, I’m from The Econo- and isn’t it easier politically to you and show mist magazine. I understand, Mr. President, to your critics that, look, in Iraq, maybe we you met with President Obasanjo of Nigeria need some [inaudible]—we’re in there, but today. I wonder if you could tell us what you in places like Mali that have freedom, we can discussed and also if—— step in and help them without expecting The President. No, but keep going. something back? Thank you. [Laughter] The President. No, I appreciate that. I— Q. Okay. Are you now confident—— he’s referring to a foreign policy initiative of The President. I can tell you what I dis- mine called the Millennium Challenge Ac- cussed. count. I want to thank the Members of Con- Q. Are you now confident that Charles gress who have been strong supporters of the Taylor, the recently recaptured Liberian war- Millennium Challenge Account. I would lord, will stand trial?

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The President. I am much more con- go by, a resource-sharing arrangement. fident today than I was yesterday. [Laughter] There’s a governing structure that, if imple- This is what we call embedding. [Laughter] mented, would be—in the north/south—be- I talked to the President about a variety of cause of the north/south agreement, could things, one of which, of course, was Charles be a go-by for the Darfur region. But those Taylor. There is a process to get Charles Tay- are the two main things I talked to him about. lor to the court in the Netherlands. Such a Yes, sir. Are you embedded? [Laughter] process will require a United Nations Secu- rity Council resolution. Secretary Rice, who Environment/Alternative Fuel Sources was in the meeting, told me that she thought that might happen relatively quickly. And so Q. From Australia. I’ve got a question therefore, I think he is headed for where he about global warming: A couple of days ago, belongs, which is trial. in the Australian Parliament, Tony Blair I spoke to President Sirleaf about this issue called for greater action. And this seems to as well. She was deeply concerned that be something that the U.S. President could Charles Taylor could be in a position to dis- make a major difference on. There’s a virtual turb this young democracy. I must tell you consensus that the planet is warming. If you that I was most impressed by the leader from addressed issues like emissions, fuel effi- Liberia. I think America is going to be— ciency, issues to do with alternative energy should be very anxious to work with her and in your last few years as President, it could help this country overcome years of violence. make a significant difference, I think, to But I do believe that he is headed for trial. the—— We certainly will do our efforts in the diplo- The President. I appreciate you bringing matic channels to see to it that that’s the case. that up. We also talked about Sudan. I’m deeply Q. ——and I suppose I want to know, worried about the human conditions in what is your plan? Darfur. Ours is a government that spoke out The President. Good. We—first of all, about genocide, and we meant it. I thanked there is—the globe is warming. The funda- President Obasanjo for the AU presence in mental debate: Is it manmade or natural? Put the Sudan. I told him, however, I did not that aside. It is in our interests that we use think the presence was robust enough. I do technologies that will not only clean the air believe there needs to be a blue helmeting but make us less dependent on oil. That’s of not only the AU forces but additional what I said in my State of the Union the forces with a NATO overlay. And the reason other day. I said, look—and I know it came I believe that NATO ought to be a part of as quite a shock to—for people to hear a the operation is twofold: One, to provide Texan stand up and say, ‘‘We’ve got a na- logistical and command and control and air- tional problem; we’re addicted to oil.’’ But lift capability but also to send a clear signal I meant what I said. to parties involved that the West is deter- Being addicted to oil is a problem for our mined to help a settlement—to help affect economy. In a global economy, when bur- in a settlement, that this is serious business, geoning economies like India and China use that we’re just not playing a diplomatic hold- more fossil fuels, it affects the price of gaso- ing game, but that when we say ‘‘genocide,’’ line here in America. In a world in which we mean that the genocide needs to be sometimes people have got the oil we need, stopped. don’t like us—kind of a undiplomatic way of Secondly, we talked about the need for a putting it—it means we’ve got a national se- parallel track, a peace process to go forward, curity issue. that there needs to be unity amongst the I have—much of my position was defined rebel groups. The President told me he has early on in my Presidency when I told the met with the rebel groups, trying to come world I thought that Kyoto was a lousy deal up with a focused message that can then be for America. And I tell you why it was a lousy used to negotiate with the Government of deal for America. It meant that we had to Sudan. There is a pretty good template to cut emissions below 1990 levels, which would

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have meant I would have presided over mas- Iraq/Syria/Iran sive layoffs and economic destruction. I be- Q. Mr. President, first, thank you for your lieve the best way to put technologies in remarks and your commitment to advance place that will not only achieve national ob- freedom and the courage to use your office jectives like less addiction to oil but also help to follow through with it. My question is clean the air, is to be wealthy enough to in- about Iraq. And I wonder if you could tell vest in technologies and then to share those us, to what degree do you think the insur- technologies with parts of the world that gency inside Iraq is dependent—dependent were excluded from the Kyoto Protocol. on foreign support, particularly from regional And so I guess I should have started dif- powers—— ferently when I first became President, and The President. Yes. said, ‘‘We will invest in new technologies that will enable us to use fossil fuels in a much Q. ——and what are we doing, or what wiser way.’’ And what does that mean? Well, could we do more to prevent that? it means that we’ve got to figure out how The President. There are three elements to use ethanol more in our cars. Ethanol is of the insurgency. One are the rejectionists. produced mainly by cane and corn. But we’re Those are the Sunnis that didn’t feel like they near some breakthroughs—that we can use were going to get a fair shake in what they sawgrass and biomass to be able to produce viewed would be a Shi’a-led government. ethanol. They are slowly but surely recognizing that It means we got to continue investing in democracy is their best hope. Then there are hybrid batteries. Ours is a country where the Saddamists. Those are the folks that re- many people live in urban centers, like Wash- ceived enormous privilege under Saddam ington, DC. And it’s possible to have a hybrid Hussein, and they’re furious that they don’t battery breakthrough which says that the first have those privileges. And the last group, of 40 miles of an automobile can be used by course, is Al Qaida. Now, Al Qaida has stated electricity alone. Right now the hybrid vehi- clearly what I told you during the speech. cles, as you know, switch between gasoline They have made it abundantly clear that their and electrical power. But that consumes gas- ambitions are to drive us from the country. oline, which means we’re still reliant upon They’re the ones that we worry about—were oil. The idea is to get off of oil. receiving foreign assistance—money, as well On the electricity front, we need to be as safe haven. using nuclear power more in this country, The two countries that worry us the most, in my judgment. It is a renewable source of of course, are the two neighboring countries energy that has zero gas emissions. We’ve got next to Iraq. That would be Syria and Iran. a great natural resource here in America And we are making it abundantly clear to called coal. We have 250-plus years of coal both that we think it’s in their interests to reserves. But we also recognize that by— let an Iraqi democracy develop. burning coal causes environmental problems, Syria has been a—Syria is a complicated and so we’re spending billions on research issue because of Lebanon. It’s not com- to come up with clean coal technologies. And plicated; actually, it’s quite clear what needs we’d like to share those technologies with to be done. Our first focus with Syria, besides other nations of the world that are beginning stopping cross-border infiltration—that, to grow, so that they are good stewards of frankly, has required our—required us to ad- the environment as well. just our tactics on the ground and spend a And so I got a comprehensive plan that lot of time training people to stop the cross- uses technologies to help this Nation from border infiltration, because there’s some a national and economic perspective but also doubt as to whether or not we’re getting will help improve the global economy—the much cooperation on the other side of the environment from those new, burgeoning border. But we spend a lot of time working economies that are—like China and India, with particularly France in making it abun- to be exact. dantly clear, we expect the Syrians to allow Yes. the Lebanese democracy to evolve.

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I guess it’s kind of hard to give up on a retary of State, working with Ambassador country on which you’ve had a stranglehold. John Bolton, are constructing such a letter There was a troop withdrawal, as you know. and trying to make sure that there is common My main concern is to whether or not they consensus, particularly amongst the P–5 plus withdraw more than just troops, whether Germany. As a matter of fact, Condi leaves, they draw intelligence services and people I think, today, if not tomorrow, for Europe that were in a position to influence the future to sit down with the P–5 plus Germany to of the country. continue keeping people knitted up on our It is very important that there be full co- strategy. Obviously, there’s some cross pres- operation in the investigation of the death sures to some members of the P–5. There’s of Mr. Hariri. But our message to Bashar a lot of politics in Europe, there’s—which Asad is that we expect—if they want to be is a good thing, by the way, that people are a welcomed country into the world, that they questioning whether or not it’s worth it to have got to free Lebanon, shut down cross- try to stop the Iranians from having a nuclear border infiltration, and stop allowing weapon. I just believe strongly it’s worth it. Hezbollah, PIJ, and other terrorist groups to Now is the time to deal with these problems meet inside the country. before they become acute. The Iranian issue is more—in dealing with I’m troubled by a nontransparent regime Iran, we’re dealing with more than just influ- having a weapon which could be used to ence into the formation of a national unity blackmail freedom-loving nations. I’m trou- government. I happen to believe that ulti- bled by a President who has declared his in- mately the Iraqis will say, we want to have tentions to destroy our ally, Israel. And we our own government. We want to be on our need to take these admonitions and these own feet. We’ve had a little problem with threats very seriously in order to keep the Iran in the past, and therefore, let us, kind peace. of, manage our own affairs. No question right So issues around Iraq are complicated and now we’re concerned, however, about influ- necessary, and that’s why my administration encing the formation of the government, but spends a lot of time on them. also, obviously, we’re deeply concerned Yes, sir. You’re going to ask me if I read about whether or not the Iranians have the the book. [Laughter] wherewithal and/or the knowledge about building a nuclear weapon. Spread of Democracy/Russia/China My negotiation strategy on this issue is that Q. Mr. President, as you noted at the be- I believe it is better for the Iranians to hear ginning—I’m with Freedom House, and I from more than one voice as to whether or gave the President a copy of our annual re- not the world accepts them as a viable nation port, ‘‘Freedom in the World,’’ before he in the international affairs. And so we have took the stage. And as you noted, our reports asked Germany and France and Great Brit- have—— ain to take the lead, to send a clear message The President. Little print, no pictures. to the Iranian Government. Go ahead. [Laughter] It’s difficult to negotiate with nontrans- Q. It’s the bible of freedom, yes. [Laugh- parent societies. It’s easier for a nontrans- ter] parent society to try to negotiate with coun- The President. I’m the funny guy. Go tries in which there’s a free press and a free ahead. [Laughter] political opposition and a place where people Q. Our publications have confirmed that can express their opinions, because it some- freedom is advancing overall in the world times causes people to play their cards pub- during the years of your administration. licly. In negotiating with nontransparent soci- There is one big, important country, how- eties, it’s important to keep your counsel. ever, in which freedom has declined year by But I am pleased with the progress we year the last several years, and that’s Russia. have made on the diplomatic front. As you The President. Correct. know, there are now talks of a Presidential Q. You have a big summit coming up in letter out of the United Nations, and my Sec- July with the G–8 in St. Petersburg. There’s

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been an increasing crackdown on civil society count. But it counts when you really think and political parties in Russia, and I’m won- about life lost on the continent of Africa and dering if the time between now and the St. wonder why there’s no war today. And Petersburg summit, what you and the admin- there’s a reason why there’s no war today. istration can do to raise these issues and try And that’s because history has proven de- to help the defenders of freedom in Russia? mocracies don’t war with each other. The President. I appreciate that. The G– And so in my explanation, to different 8 will raise the issue. That’s the interesting events that are taking place, to the President, thing about, kind of, meetings and moments. I try to point to historical truths, that it’s in And I have worked very hard to convince an interest of a country like Russia to under- Vladimir Putin that it’s in his interest to adopt stand and welcome democracy. It’s in an in- Western-style values and universal values— terest for the country to give people the free- rule of law, freedom of religion, the right to dom to express themselves. people to assemble, political parties, free I do spend time with him in private talking press. about issues like the NGO law. And as you My strategy with Vladimir Putin is to be noticed, they changed laws—obviously now in a position where I can talk frankly to him. the—it’s how laws get implemented matters. I’ve heard some say, ‘‘Don’t go to the G– But I’m confident that will be a topic of dis- 8.’’ I think that would be a mistake for the cussion. United States not to go to the G–8. I remem- I haven’t given up on Russia. I still think ber very—because I need to be in a position Russia understands that it’s in her interest where I can sit down with him and be very to be West, to work with the West, and to frank about our concerns. act in concert with the West. Nobody is say- I remember meeting with the human ing to Russia, you must look like the United rights groups in Russia. And I asked them, States of America. But we are saying there’s ‘‘What strategy should I take as the President just some basic institutions that ought to be of the United States? Should I be in a posi- adopted. And I will continue making that tion where I can engage the President in case. frank discussion? Or should I publicly scold I do think it’s important for me to go to him, in which case he may turn a deaf ear?’’ the G–8 so I can make the case. One of the And the universal consensus for them kind things that I find is that nations oftentimes of played to my own instincts, which is that approach me at these different meetings we I think it’s important for the United States go to and say, ‘‘Hey, pass the message for to be in a position to be able to express our me, will you? We need you to pass a message, concerns. Mr. President. You’re the person who can Listen, we work with Russia on a variety best make the case.’’ And so I’m pretty con- of issues. Nunn-Lugar is an issue where we fidence in these countries’ interest that I be work with Russia, for example. But I spend in a position where I’m able to walk into the a lot of time with the President making it room with the President of Russia and him clear that he should not fear democracy on not throw me out. And, in fact, that he— his border, nor should he fear democracy you know, we’ve got a relationship—personal within his borders. I like to make the case relationships such that there is the possibility to him that democracies don’t war with each for candid conversation. other. You don’t need to remind him about The other big opportunity for democracy, the brutal history that the Soviet Union went of course, is China. President Hu Jintao is through in World War II. But I do think it’s coming to our country, as you know. I will illustrative to point out—like I pointed out continue to remind him, ours is a complex in the speech—that Europe is now free, relationship and that we would hope that he whole, and at peace, and there’s a reason would not fear a free society, just like it why. It’s what Americans have got to under- doesn’t appear that he’s fearing a free mar- stand. We tend to forget. Ours is a society ket. I happen to believe free markets eventu- where things are, like, instant, so therefore, ally yield free societies. One of the most pure history almost is, like, so far back it doesn’t forms of democracy is the marketplace,

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where demand causes something to happen. the soul of each man and woman on the face Excess demand causes prices to—the supply of the Earth is this deep desire to live in causes prices to go up, and vice versa. That liberty. That’s what I believe. I don’t believe stands in contrast to governments that felt freedom is confined just to the United States like they could set price and control demand. of America, nor do I believe that we should One of the things that I think should be shy away from expressing our deep desire for a part of any foreign policy is to shine the there to be universal liberty. spotlight, is to open societies. You heard me You hear the debate, ‘‘Well, they’re just talk about what it’s like to deal with nontrans- imposing their values. That’s all they’re parent societies. I think a useful tool of for- doing.’’ Well, those are the folks who must eign policy for our country is, try to let the not think that freedom is universal. They’re sun shine in. China has recently read the not American values. There’s something uni- book on Mao. It’s an amazing history of a versal about the notion of liberty—at least couple of things: one, about how fooled I think it is. And that’s what’s going to drive much of the world was, and how brutal this my foreign policy. I’ll be unabashed about country was. And yet now there’s more trans- trying to work for more free societies. I be- parency into China. lieve that’s the calling of the 21st century. I will make it clear, of course, to the Presi- I meant what I said, that in the 21st century, dent that our relationship is vital on a variety America ought to work to end tyranny in our of fronts. One such front is the economy, and world. It is a noble goal for the United States we expect that country to treat us fairly. We of America. expect there to be strong adherence to intel- I’m concerned about isolationist ten- lectual property rights. We believe that we dencies in our country that would say, ‘‘Well, grow pretty good crops and grow good beef, maybe this isn’t—maybe we’re not up to this and perhaps it’s in their interest to open up task.’’ Well, if we’re not up to this task, who their markets to our agricultural products. is up to the task? I’m concerned about pro- We expect our manufacturers to be treated tectionist policies in our country, which says fairly. We don’t believe in state subsidization to me, ‘‘We don’t have the confidence to of industry to give unfair advantage to state- compete anymore. Let us withdraw within owned enterprise. In other words, there’s a our borders.’’ I strongly reject isolationism variety of things we’ll talk about, and one of and protectionism. It’s not in our country’s them is freedom. interest, nor is it in the world’s interest. I have been—I don’t hesitate to talk to There’s great talk about what you do as him about my visits with the Dalai Lama who the American President with American influ- is—comes and sees me in the White House; ence. I believe American Presidents ought nor do I hesitate to talk about the concerns to confidently use American influence for the of the Catholic Church. I’m anxious to talk good of the world, and that includes demand- to him about the evangelicals’ concerns in- ing universal liberty and human rights and side of China, reminding him that a whole human dignity. society is one that’s just more than open mar- Yes, sir. kets; there’s institutions and common values that are necessary. Some, of course—let me say, if I might Spread of Democracy/Egypt make a philosophical statement about how Q. Mr. President, I’m from the Public I think. As Peter mentioned, there is a philo- International Law and Policy Group. I’m also sophical debate taking place in the world— from Egypt, and I aspire to one day go back at least I think it is—and that is, whether there and join Egyptian politics. So my ques- freedom is universal, or whether, one way tion is—— to put it, it just applies to only a handful of The President. Go for President. [Laugh- us. I believe in the universality of freedom. ter] That’s what I believe. Much of my foreign Q. I’m working on it; I’m working on it— policy is driven by my firm belief that every- in 2017, everyone. [Laughter] But my ques- body desires to be free; that embedded in tion is, would you support the regime of

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Gamal Mubarak if he takes over after Presi- have—you can’t wait for perfect, because it’s dent Mubarak? an excuse for the status quo. The President. That’s a leading question. Elections start the process; they’re not the [Laughter] end of the process. They’re oftentimes the Q. ——question. beginning of the process. And one of the rea- The President. No. That’s a ‘‘question I sons I respect the Freedom House is because don’t answer’’ question. [Laughter] I support you understand that you follow elections with a country which does not fear political move- institution-building and the creation of civil ments but is willing to compete with political society. But for those who say, ‘‘Well, we movements. That’s the kind of country I sup- can’t have elections until everything is just port. right or until we know the outcome of the There’s a—first of all, I appreciate the fact elections,’’ are those who provide excuse, in that there were elections in Egypt. That’s my judgment, for a foreign policy which in the past has said, it’s okay, just so long as positive. I think people in positions of re- energy is priced okay; and okay, so there’s sponsibility, like mine, ought to say, if there no ruffles on the—the sea looks calm. My seems to be a movement gaining ground on problem with that attitude is, beneath the the streets, the question ought to be why; surface, there’s resentment and anger. not how can we repress it, but what is taking I’ll also tell you another—I’m not going place? What is it that’s causing somebody to to tell you your business in the Freedom be in favor? What are they saying that I’m House, but I think a movement that must not saying, or what are they doing that I’m be tapped into in order to advance freedom not doing? is the women’s movement. I just—there is Competition for ideas and the votes of something universal about the desire to be people are very healthy in societies. As a mat- treated fairly and equally. And therefore, in ter of fact, it’s one of the ways to defeat the societies in which women are not being treat- terrorists. Terrorists feed on resentment. ed fairly and equally—provides great oppor- When people don’t feel their voices are tunities to advance the cause of freedom. heard, they become resentful, and then they We’ve got to be wise about how we do it become eligible for recruitment. If people in the United States. Sometimes the stamp don’t feel like they have a chance to express of America obviously provides those who are themselves and have a government listen to trying to resist freedom, giving them an ex- them, they’re likely to turn to people—the cuse not to; I understand that. But it’s—there false prophets, people who subvert a great are great opportunities in the world. religion to play on people’s frustrations and The temptation in today’s society is to say, then use that false prophecy to kill. it’s not worth it, or, certain people can’t self- And so I—to answer your question is, is govern. It’s really part of the debate in Iraq, that I support an openness in the political isn’t it, when you think about it—is, can these process. I think when—I think Egypt is a— people self-govern? And I can understand has a chance to be one of the leaders of the why some in America say they can’t, because freedom movement in the Middle East. And all they see is unbelievable violence. And I recognize that not everybody is going to we’re a country of deep compassion; we care. embrace this concept of democracy and free- One of the great things about America, one dom as firmly as I’d like them to. But all of the beauties of our country, is that when of us have got to continue to advance we see a young, innocent child blown up by progress. an IED, we cry. We don’t care what the One of the interesting debates we have child’s religion may be or where that child about the freedom movement is whether or may live, we cry. It upsets us. The enemy not institutions have to be right before knows that, and they’re willing to kill to shake there’s elections. So in other words, kind of, our confidence. That’s what they’re trying to one of these interesting philosophical de- do. bates that’s taking place. My answer—you They’re not going to shake my confidence, heard my answer—my answer is, you got to I just want you to know. I understand their

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tactics, and I know their designs. But I also happened? What happened was, Japan believe that Iraqis can and want to self-gov- adopted a Japanese-style democracy. That’s ern. That’s what I believe. And so when you what happened. And now they’re peaceful. see me make decisions or make statements And they sit at the table with their former like I make, you’ve got to understand it’s enemy. I think that’s a lesson worth listening coming from a basic set of beliefs. That’s to and understanding. what I believe. And that’s what a decision- But I bet you after World War II, there maker ought to do. The decisionmaker ought were great doubters as to whether or not to make decisions based upon deep-seated Harry Truman was doing the right thing to beliefs. You don’t need a President chasing help Japan become a democracy. I see Ste- polls and focus groups in order to make vens nodding; he was there. Weren’t you? tough decisions. You need Presidents who [Laughter] Well, I wasn’t. [Laughter] But make decisions based upon sound principle. I’m reading a lot about it. And I believe it’s Now, people may not agree with the deci- a lesson for all of us in this—in the 21st cen- sions; I understand that. But I hope after this tury. Spreading democracy is hard work. It’s talk, those of you who didn’t agree at least hard to overcome sectarian division and tor- know I’m making my decisions based on ture. It’s hard to overcome that. But it’s something I believe deep in my soul and worth it, for the sake of our children and something that’s worked in the past. Democ- grandchildren. racies have yielded the peace. I believe 30 Yes. Yes, ma’am. Okay, I’ll get you over years form now, people are going to look there. [Laughter] You’re in the end zone. back at this moment and say, thank goodness You’re next. a generation of Americans stood up and said, ‘‘We have faith in democracy, faith in democ- Progress in Iraq racy to lay the foundation for peace,’’ and Q. Oh, I’m next. an American President will be discussing The President. No, you’re not next. She’s issues of peace with duly elected leaders in next. [Laughter] the Middle East, and our children will be Q. I’m with Creative Associates, and we’re better off for it. one of the small companies that has the And I want to tell you one anecdote now honor to work in Iraq, so today is a real honor that you’ve got me wound up. [Laughter] I to be here. As you were mentioning all the sit down at the table with Prime Minister steps that we’re going to have to go through Koizumi. I tell this story all the time, because in the near future, I’m still very concerned one of my jobs is to go out and explain to that we might not be concentrating on the the American people the consequences of suffering of the children. the decisions that I have made and why I The President. In Iraq? think it’s in our interests. Koizumi and I are Q. In Iraq. So I would like to be sure that not only good friends, but we’re partners in as the different programs get processed that peace. We talk about a variety of issues— we don’t give up on the children. North Korea is an issue, we talk—you know, The President. Good, thank you very he’s got 1,000 troops in Iraq. Isn’t that amaz- much. Our soldiers are good Samaritans. ing, when you think about it? Because he They’re unbelievable. I see pictures all the understands the benefits of democracy in the time from family members of our soldiers broader Middle East. We’re close friends. in Iraq of their loved one showing compas- Sixty years ago—it seems like an eternity sion to children. No question, I’m concerned for a lot of people, I recognize that, but it’s about the children in Iraq as well. So our— not that long ago—my dad fought the Japa- we’ve got people in the field who care about nese, and so did your relatives. They were the children too. The truth of the matter is, the sworn enemy of the United States of if you care about the children of Iraq, then America. I find it unbelievable part of history you would want to make sure that Iraq that I am now sitting down at the table with doesn’t slip back into tyranny. Thousands of the Prime Minister of Japan talking about the children lost their parents because of Sad- peace, and my dad fought them. And so what dam Hussein.

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And so I want to thank you for your work. The President. Thank you. It’s very important for the security situation Q. Thank you, Mr. President. I think based to improve so that NGOs, people of compas- on what—review over 30 years of Saddam’s sion, are able to help lift lives. But there’s oppression and the regime in Iraq, and also a lot of work to be done. There’s just a lot based on the belief that you have—as an of work to be done—same in Afghanistan. Iraqi mother, Iraqi-American mother and a First of all, we’ve rebuilt thousands of schools woman—and I went back 2 years ago with- in Iraq, as we have in Afghanistan as well. out—I worked for a year—there’s always that And the world is more hopeful as the result concern and still worrisome. These are beau- of the liberation of these people. Afghani- tiful messages, yet there’s a big gap that stan—it’s obvious—when you have a society never crosses that ocean. It never gets to the in which young girls weren’t allowed to go Iraqi, to the simple man, the Iraqis facing to school because of the Taliban—thought despair, disillusionments, all kinds of things. it was, like, against humanity to send girls I speak to Iraqi friends and families on daily to school, and now they can. There’s an basis. This is what their message is: We hear amazing change in that society. of these things, but we don’t see it. It doesn’t But I readily concede there’s a lot of work get to us. left to be done. It’s—there’s no such thing The President. Yes, tangible results on as instant success. I told you that—and by the street, right. the way, after World War II, Germany and Q. But it’s not only us, Mr. President. It’s Japan took awhile to rebuild, and it took not only that. It doesn’t reach them in any awhile for those societies to become stable kind of media, unfortunately. So how can we societies. It just takes awhile. do that? I’ve been wondering about this, and Our march, by the way, between Revolu- you are the only person, I think, who can tion, liberation, and Constitution wasn’t all maybe do something. that smooth either. And frankly, our adhering The President. Talk to the Iraqi people? to the full extent of the liberties embedded Q. Talk to someone, talk to the Iraqi, relay in the Constitution and the Declaration of that message that we are honest, we have Independence took awhile. I realize that great beliefs, and we want to do something. when I talk to my Secretary of State. We The President. Well, I appreciate that. were—we had people enslaved in the United First of all, I’ve got great confidence in the States for a century. It takes a while. It’s hard people of Iraq. Iraqis are entrepreneurial; work. And the fundamental question the they’re well-educated; they’re peace-loving. American people have to answer is, is it Iraqi mothers want their children to grow up worth it? You’ve got my position: It abso- in a peaceful world. That’s what mothers lutely is worth it. want all over the world. Freedom is contagious, by the way. As lib- And so I—what my concern is, is that the erty begins to spread in the Middle East, tangible benefits of democracy aren’t reach- more people will demand it. And we should ing into people’s pockets yet. I mean, there’s not shirk our duty, nor should we be afraid got to be a direct correlation with someone’s to encourage reformers. The worst thing that lifestyle, someone’s standard of living, and a could happen, in my judgment, for the peace style of government. And that’s one of the of the world is for the United States to lose things that people who push freedom under- our nerve and retreat. And there’s—anyway. stand. I mean, there’s got to be a—people Yes. got to see the direct benefits at some point Thank you. You’ve been very anxious. This in time about being free. One direct benefit better be a good one. Yes, you’ve been wav- is that there’s not going to be a central gov- ing and yelling over there—[laughter]—wav- ernment summarily pulling you out of society ing, yelling, stomping your feet. It’s a free and killing you if need be. That’s the biggest society. That’s what happens. [Laughter] benefit. But there also has to be tangible benefits Message to the People of Iraq on the street. I try to speak to the Iraqi peo- Q. I’m Iraqi-American. ple all the time. Sometimes the message gets

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through the filters, sometimes it doesn’t. I I hope we get a bill out of the Senate. There’s want them to hear a couple of things. I want one out of the House. It goes to what’s called the Iraqi people to hear I’ve got great con- conference. And here’s my suggestions: One, fidence in their capacity to self-govern. I also that we’re a nation of law, and we ought to want to hear—the Iraqi people to hear, it’s enforce our borders. Both the House and the about time you get a unity government going. Senate passed good border enforcement In other words, Americans understand new- measures. We’re modernizing or upgrading comers to the political arena, but pretty soon, our border. We recognize that it’s important it’s time to shut her down and get governing. to have more Border Patrol, which we do. I want the Iraqi people to hear that we But the Border Patrol needs additional tools care deeply about the individuals in Iraq, re- in order to do their job. We’re talking about gardless of their religion. That’s what we care long borders. It’s a subject I’m quite familiar about. And we want them to worship freely. with since I was the Governor of a State that I like the fact in Iraq that there’s a bur- had a long border with Mexico. And so the geoning free press; there’s a lot of press, American people have got to know that we’ll which is a positive sign. It’s a healthy indica- enforce law. tion. I also want the Iraqis to hear that while there’s a political debate going on here in Secondly, we’ve got to enforce—and by America, I believe in what we’re doing, and the way, part of enforcing law means to make we’re not going to leave prematurely, that sure that when somebody is caught coming we have got a mission, along with the Iraqis, into our country illegally, they’re not let back and that is to secure a country for its democ- out in society. We had a real issue with de- racy and to help them defend themselves, tention beds, particularly for non-Mexican il- deny Al Qaida a safe haven, and have an ally legal people coming in. We’d catch people in the war on terror. from Central America. And people worked And so I thank you for that admonition hard; they spotted people being smuggled for me to speak out to the Iraqi people. I across. They were detained—the people try to do it as much as I possibly can. being smuggled across. They said, ‘‘Check in Yes, ma’am. No, not—[laughter]. Ambas- with your immigration officer in 15 days,’’ sador, you want to ask a question next? Yes, and nobody did. And so now we’ve added okay, fine. the number of detention beds and are work- ing for expedited removal procedures with Immigration Reform the countries in Central America. As far as Q. Good afternoon, Mr. President. I’m the Mexican folks sneaking in the border, glad to see you here speaking today. I have they’re sent back very quickly, back into their a question about the immigration issue that’s country. Since 2001, believe it or not, we’ve going on right now. And I’m just curious— stopped 6 million people trying to sneak into the Senate will probably pass a measure; the our country—an amazing statistic. It’s a lot. House has already passed a measure. And Secondly, there’s got to be better interior I’m curious, what kinds of components are enforcement. But it’s very difficult to en- you looking for in an immigration bill that force—get an employer to enforce the law you can support? And how do you reconcile when the employer is uncertain as to whether a guest-worker program for undocumented residents who are here, versus those who are or not the documentation being presented on line and in the system waiting 5 and 10 for the needed worker is legal. years to get here? It turns out—what’s very interesting is that The President. No, that’s a great ques- when you deny—when you make something tion. Thanks. It’s obviously topic du jour illegal and there’s a demand for it, people and—[laughter]. Pretty fancy, huh? Topic du find ways around it. That’s why you’ve got jour? [Laughter] I don’t want to ruin the a whole smuggling industry called coyotes. image. [Laughter] That’s why you’ve got unbelievable docu- I believe there ought to be three compo- ment forging going on. That’s why there’s nents to good immigration law. First of all, tunnels. I mean, there’s imaginative ways by

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people—by unscrupulous people to take ad- And so I look forward to the debate. I’m vantage of people who are coming here to going to say again what I’ve said before on do an honest day’s work. this debate. It’s very important for all of us Thirdly, my judgment is, you cannot en- in this debate to conduct ourselves with the force the border without having a temporary- following principles in mind: One, we’re a guest-worker program. The two go hand in nation of immigrants; two, our soul is re- hand. There are people doing jobs Americans freshed by newcomers to our society; three, will not do. Many people who have come into we love the idea of people starting with noth- our country are helping our economy grow. ing and ending up with something in Amer- That’s just a fact of life. And I believe that ica; four, we value family values, no matter we ought to say to somebody doing a job where they may be; and five, we’ve got to an American won’t do, here is a tamper-proof be careful about the language we use when identity card that will enable you to be here it comes to debating this important subject. for a period of time. And if that person wants People should not pit neighbor against neigh- to become a citizen of the United States, be- bor, group of people against group of people cause we’re a nation of law, they get at the in our country. Ours is a nation that’s able end of the line, not the beginning of the line. to assimilate people because we believe in I also believe—and the Senate is working human rights and human dignity of all. through different measures to say to the per- Final question. son getting into the line, there’s a con- sequence for being here illegally. Now, if Palestinian Government/Israel Congress believes that the line is too long Q. Mr. President—— or that we should facilitate people’s capacity The President. Okay, two questions. to then get a green card and become a cit- Please, ma’am. You’re last. You’re the last izen, increase the number of green cards. But guy. You’re the closer. [Laughter] It’s a base- people who have been here legally should ball term. Yes, you’re the closer. You’ve been not be penalized by someone who’s been persistent. [Laughter] here illegally. Q. Thank you, Mr. President, and I think And so I’d like to tell the American people, I sprained my arm trying to get your atten- we are a nation of law but that doesn’t pre- tion. But the main reason for that is because clude us from being a welcoming nation. I I think I speak for the unheard people. I’m think a system which forces people under- a Palestinian, and I come from a refugee ground and into the shadows of our society, camp, and I’m currently working at the which causes people to have to sneak across World Bank. our border and risk their life, is a system that The President. Welcome. needs to be changed. Q. Thank you. What can I say to my cous- I also know—and I used to tell this to peo- ins, my friends, people in the streets who are ple down there in Texas—family values don’t asking, why is the United States punishing stop at the Rio Grande River. If you’re a us and cutting funds for people who choose mother or a father who’s worried about put- fair and free elections? I think the National ting food on the table and you’re living in Endowment for Democracy has character- an impoverished area and you know there’s ized it as the textbook, fair and free elections. a job that Americans won’t do here, you’ll Then why are we punishing the people of— come to do it for the sake of your family. I don’t mean the government—the people And therefore, I think it makes sense to have of Palestine—the refugees, the poor, the a temporary-worker program that says, you’re malnourished mothers and children? not an automatic citizen, to help, one, en- The President. No, great question. Thank force the border, and two, uphold the de- you for asking it. Just to step back, I believe cency of America. If our Border Patrol agents I’m the first President to have articulated don’t have to focus on people trying to sneak the—my desires for there to be a Palestinian across to get a job, they will be able to be state living at peace with Israel. And I still more focused on people smuggling drugs, think it’s a real possibility for that to happen. smuggling guns, smuggling terrorists. I believe democracies don’t war with each

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other, and I believe a Palestinian democracy Q. And my—you mentioned about Iraq. is in the interests of the Palestinian people, The President. Iraq? the Israelis, and the rest of the world. Q. About Iraq, the effect of leaving pre- Secondly, I think that aid should go to suf- maturely and the issue it would cause—is fering Palestinians, but nor should it go to there an opportunity right now to perhaps a government, however, which has expressed supplement the American forces and perhaps its desire to destroy its neighbor. If the goal finally to replace them with a strong, large, of the United States is two states living side broad-based troops, security forces of Mus- by side in peace, and one government elected lim countries from North Africa, from Mid- says, ‘‘We want to destroy one of the parties,’’ dle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, which it makes no sense for us to support that gov- could go in there and then perhaps help in ernment. We support the election process. the situation? Because Iraq—a disaster in We support democracy, but that doesn’t Iraq is a disaster for the whole region. mean we have to support governments that The President. That’s a really good ques- get elected as a result of democracy. tion. I think the preferred strategy is to spend Now, Palestinians must make a choice as time and efforts on getting the Iraqis stood to whether or not it makes sense for them up so they can defend themselves. At some to have a government that says they want to point in time, the Iraqi citizens are going to destroy their neighbor. I don’t think it does. have to make the conscious decision that de- As a matter of fact, I think it’s important for mocracy is worth defending. And I appre- governments to say, we want to work out our ciate the efforts of some in the Arab world differences in a peaceful way. But I am con- to help train Iraqi police, like the Jordanian cerned about the suffering Palestinian peo- academy. There is support for training ple. I think the U.S. Government has got aid amongst different Arab nations, as there is that goes directly to people. And I know that from NATO. And the fundamental question we’ll continue to call upon governments in is, what will expedite the situation so that the region to support the Palestinian people. the Iraqis are fully prepared to do their job? I weep about the suffering of the Palestin- So the question—I would reverse your ians. I particularly weep about the fact that question and say, are we prepared to have the leadership has let them down for year others help the Iraqis defend themselves? after year after year. And now is the time And the answer is, absolutely. But the Iraqis for strong leaders to stand up and say, we must be encouraged to continue to take the want the people to decide. And I was pleased lead. And that’s a measurable part of our that there was an election in the Palestinian progress on the ground, more territories con- territories, and I agree with you that the elec- trolled by Iraqis. The march I just described tions were good elections. And—but now the to you was policed by, or guarded by Iraqi government has to make a choice, and we units who were in the lead. That Tall ‘Afar will continue to watch very carefully about example I used the other day talked about the choice they make. the Iraqi divisions in the lead that helped Final question. Then I’m going down to secure this city. be with the President of Mexico and the The ultimate solution for Iraq is for there Prime Minister with Canada—Cancun. to be a unity government which brings peo- [Laughter] No Speedo suit here. [Laughter] ple confidence, one that unites different fac- Thankfully. [Laughter] tions, thereby marginalizing the rejectionists, but also making sure the Iraqi Army is pre- Progress in Iraq pared to do what it needs to do, as well as Q. You ready? a police force. The President. Yes. Sorry to interrupt When we first got in there, we said, ‘‘Well, you. Just testing your concentration. [Laugh- let’s prepare an Iraqi Army for an outside ter] threat.’’ It turns out it wasn’t necessary. The Q. Mr. President, I am on the board of biggest threat was inside the country. And trustees of Freedom House. so we adjusted our strategy and started train- The President. Thank you for having me. ing Iraqis so that they are prepared to be

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able to defend sectors of their country. And Proclamation 7992—Cancer Control now the big—Senator Warner came and Month, 2006 briefed us at the White House the other day. March 29, 2006 He said—and this is what the General is tell- ing me as well—we’ve made good progress By the President of the United States in training the Iraqi Army. The problem is of America the Iraqi police force. And there is a national police force, which is more efficient than A Proclamation local police forces. It still needs to make sure During National Cancer Control Month, there are coalition troops embedded in the we continue the fight against cancer and police force to make sure that these police work to reduce the risk of this deadly disease understand that there’s—you don’t seek re- among our citizens. prisal as a police force. You’ve got to earn Cancer survival rates are increasing, with the confidence of all people, no matter what approximately 10 million survivors in the their religion is. And we’re still working with United States. New understanding of dis- local police forces. eases, better diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments help provide hope and healing to those who have been diagnosed with cancer. So in due respect, I think the question is, Across our country, cancer patients are living how do we expedite more Iraqis to earn the longer and fuller lives. confidence of the Iraqi people. We’re dealing Despite these advances, cancer is still the with a shattered confidence. There’s a sense second leading cause of death in our country, that, well, they may leave us, or our guys and some cancers, such as breast, prostate, aren’t prepared to provide security. And the lung, leukemia, and melanoma, continue to quicker we can get the Iraqis stood up and be too prevalent. By increasing public aware- trained, the faster the Iraqi people will have ness and encouraging people to take appro- confidence, not only in their own security sit- priate steps to protect themselves, we can uation but in their government. help prevent certain types of cancer. Individ- uals can reduce the risk of developing the disease by avoiding tobacco and excessive al- And so thanks for the suggestion. Listen, cohol and by making healthy lifestyle choices. I’ve enjoyed it; I hope you have. God bless. These include eating well, exercising regu- larly, and avoiding significant weight gain. I also encourage all Americans to get regular preventive screenings and speak with a NOTE: The President spoke at 12:53 p.m. at the health care provider about additional ways Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. In his remarks, he to reduce the risk of developing cancer. referred to Peter Ackerman, chairman of the My Administration is dedicated to fur- board, Freedom House; President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia; Usama bin Laden, leader of the thering our progress in the fight against can- Al Qaida terrorist organization; senior Al Qaida cer. We lead the world in cutting-edge med- associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; President ical research, and I have requested $5.9 bil- Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria; former President lion in my fiscal year 2007 Budget for cancer- Charles Taylor of Liberia, who was arrested on related activities within the Department of March 29 in Nigeria on United Nations war Health and Human Services. America will crimes charges; President Bashar al-Asad of Syria; continue to aggressively fight cancer, encour- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran; Presi- age innovative research, and spread hope to dent Vladimir Putin of Russia; President Hu Jintao those affected. of China; Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of As we observe Cancer Control Month, I Japan; former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; President Vicente Fox of Mexico; and Prime Min- commend the strength and courage of cancer ister Stephen Harper of Canada. Participants re- survivors, whose perseverance is an inspira- ferred to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United tion to all Americans. Our Nation is grateful Kingdom; and Gamal Mubarak, son of President for the generosity and skill of our medical Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. professionals. These healers, along with the

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loving family members and friends of cancer requires a commitment from other family patients, reflect the compassionate spirit of members, as well as individuals and organiza- our people and help build a healthier future tions in every community. Educators, con- for our citizens. Cancer can be prevented, cerned citizens, faith-based and community treated, and defeated, and we will continue organizations, and public officials all have to strive to reach the day when the battle vital roles in protecting our children and sup- to beat cancer has been won. porting families. When children are sur- In 1938, the Congress of the United States rounded by positive relationships and experi- passed a joint resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 ences, they are more likely to grow into con- U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the fident and caring adults. President to issue an annual proclamation My Administration remains dedicated to declaring April as ‘‘Cancer Control Month.’’ protecting our youth from child abuse and Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, neglect. The Federal Interagency President of the United States of America, Workgroup on Child Abuse and Neglect, led do hereby proclaim April 2006 as Cancer by the Department of Health and Human Control Month. I encourage citizens, govern- Services, provides a forum for Federal agen- ment agencies, private businesses, nonprofit cies to share information and make policy organizations, and other interested groups to and program recommendations regarding join in activities that will increase awareness the prevention, intervention, and treatment of how to prevent and control cancer. of child abuse and neglect. Through the Na- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set tional Child Abuse Prevention Initiative, my my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in Administration is partnering with organiza- the year of our Lord two thousand six, and tions across our country to promote the well- of the Independence of the United States of being of children and families and to assist America the two hundred and thirtieth. efforts to eradicate abuse. The Department of Health and Human George W. Bush Services’ Administration for Children and [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Families hosts the National Clearinghouse on 8:45 a.m., March 31, 2006] Child Abuse and Neglect Information website at www.nccanch.acf.hhs.gov, which NOTE: This proclamation was published in the offers more information on how to prevent, Federal Register on April 3. recognize, and report signs of child abuse. By working together to provide America’s Proclamation 7993—National Child young people the love, guidance, and protec- Abuse Prevention Month, 2006 tion they need, we can help protect our youth from abuse and give them the opportunity March 29, 2006 to achieve their dreams. By the President of the United States Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, of America President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by A Proclamation the Constitution and laws of the United Our society has a responsibility to protect States, do hereby proclaim April 2006 as Na- our children and help them thrive. During tional Child Abuse Prevention Month. I en- National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we courage all citizens to protect our children underscore our strong commitment to pre- and help build strong communities where in- venting child abuse and neglect and to ensur- dividuals, families, and children are valued ing that all children have the opportunity to and supported. grow up in safe and nurturing environments. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Parents hold the primary responsibility for my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in a child’s health and well-being and provide the year of our Lord two thousand six, and a foundation of love and support for their of the Independence of the United States of children. Parents are not alone as they work America the two hundred and thirtieth. to keep their children safe. Helping children George W. Bush

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[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, care professionals, volunteers, educators, 8:45 a.m., March 31, 2006] government agencies, faith-based and com- munity groups, and private organizations to NOTE: This proclamation was published in the help raise awareness about the urgent need Federal Register on April 3. for organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation. Proclamation 7994—National In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Donate Life Month, 2006 my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and March 29, 2006 of the Independence of the United States of By the President of the United States America the two hundred and thirtieth. of America George W. Bush A Proclamation National Donate Life Month is an oppor- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, tunity to celebrate the tremendous gen- 8:45 a.m., March 31, 2006] erosity of those who have saved lives by be- coming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood do- nors and to encourage more Americans to NOTE: This proclamation was published in the follow their fine example. Federal Register on April 3. Last year, more than 28,000 organ trans- plants took place in the United States—more than at any other time in history. Despite Exchange With Reporters in Cancun, this progress, more than 90,000 of our fellow citizens remain on a waiting list for a dona- Mexico tion, and many lives are lost each year while March 30, 2006 waiting for organ transplants. Through pro- grams like the Workplace Partnership for Jill Carroll Life, sponsored by the Department of Health Q. Mr. President, do you have a reaction and Human Services, my Administration re- to Jill Carroll’s release? mains committed to supporting organ, mar- The President. Thank God. row, tissue, and blood donations. As public Q. What is your reaction? and private organizations work together, we The President. I’m really grateful she was will educate more Americans about the im- released and thank those who worked hard portance of giving life. for her release, and we’re glad she’s alive. During National Donate Life Month, I It’s good to see you all. And I’d like to urge more Americans to make the decision make sure you work more than you play. to donate the gift of life. Individuals can learn more about becoming an organ and tissue donor at www.organdonor.gov. By saying yes to organ and tissue donation on their driver’s Trade With Canada licenses, adding their name to donor reg- Q. Are you optimistic you can resolve the istries, or talking about their decision with softwood dispute today? family and friends, citizens help save lives The President. I’m always optimistic. and contribute to a more compassionate and hopeful society. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, NOTE: The exchange began at 8:07 a.m. at the LeBlanc Spa and Resort. In his remarks, the Presi- President of the United States of America, dent referred to American journalist Jill Carroll, by virtue of the authority vested in me by who was taken hostage in Baghdad, Iraq, on Janu- the Constitution and laws of the United ary 7 and released on March 30. A tape was not States, do hereby proclaim April 2006 as Na- available for verification of the content of this ex- tional Donate Life Month. I call upon health change.

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Remarks Following a Tour of the Remarks Following Discussions With Chichen-Itza Archaeological Ruins President Vicente Fox of Mexico in With President Vicente Fox of Cancun, Mexico Mexico and Prime Minister Stephen March 30, 2006 Harper of Canada in Chichen-Itza, Mexico President Fox. We are ready. Good after- noon. I would like to welcome President March 30, 2006 Bush to Quintana Roo, to Cancun, and to Mexico. It is a great honor to have him here, [At this point, President Fox spoke in Span- particularly in this place in Cancun, which ish, and no translation was provided.] is all set and receiving many visitors. But the best visitors are President Bush and Prime President Bush. Mr. President, thank you Minister Harper, with our working agenda that will be fruitful and positive for the three very much for your hospitality. This is a good countries in Latin America. start to a very important series of discussions. Some words from Mr. Bush. It is an honor to be here with the Prime Min- President Bush. Mr. President, thank you ister of Canada as well. We’ve got vital rela- very much. First of all, thanks for inviting tions that will matter to the future of our us to Cancun. It’s such a beautiful part of people. And I look forward to the discus- the world. The hospitality is magnificent. I sions. know you were hit hard by hurricanes, which reminds me that I need to thank you and And I want to thank you for letting us the Mexican people for your strong support begin our very important meetings at this and help after Hurricane Katrina. very significant historical site. And I con- I will never forget being on the—in the gratulate our guide, and I want to thank those gulf coast area of my country, helping peo- who have worked hard to make sure this im- ple—lift people’s spirits. And we went to a portant part of history is accessible and is school that had been destroyed by Katrina, available for people to understand the past, a little elementary school. And there was the so we can better understand the future. Navy construction team working side by side with members of the Mexican Navy. It was So Mr. President, thank you for having us. a great sign of cooperation, and it reflects the spirit of friendship that defines the rela- tionship between our two countries and de- [Prime Minister Harper spoke in French, and fines our personal relationship. no translation was provided. He then contin- When you were speaking, I thought about ued in English.] the first time I went to visit you. I was newly- elected and flew down to your fantastic Prime Minister Harper. And I can repeat ranch. And that started a very important rela- the same thing quickly, if you don’t mind. tionship. And I think it’s important for the Forgive us; that’s how we speak Spanish in people of our countries to know that while the north. [Laughter] Wonderful to be here. we haven’t agreed on every single issue, that Thank you for the welcome, President Fox. nevertheless, we work in the spirit of friend- I think we stand here in a historic site, a ship and cooperation. symbol here of our determination to build Today we had a very important discussion. a new future for all inhabitants of North We discussed border security. The President America. And I am honored to be with Presi- understands, and I understand, we have an dent Bush and President Fox and look for- obligation to secure our borders. And I want ward to our discussions. to thank your Government for sending out such a strong statement about the need for— NOTE: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. A tape that the shared responsibility we have. In was not available for verification of the content other words, border security is not just one of these remarks. country’s prerogative; it’s the prerogative and

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duty of both countries. And we spent time to sending some of our experts down to listen talking about how to work together to con- to the ideas being talked about. tinue to strengthen that cooperation nec- One idea, of course, we want to inject in essary to do our duty. the conversation is the idea of developing al- I also appreciate the President’s work to ternatives to gasoline that comes from crude enforce Mexico’s southern border. It’s a dif- oil, that we’d like to see more use of ethanol, ficult job, but nevertheless, the President and how we can work together to increase shared with me the strategies he’s employing the crops necessary to become the feedstock to do that job as well. for an ethanol production. Obviously, the migration issue came up. But at any rate, the point I’m making is, I told the President there is a legislative proc- is that we’ve got a lot to do in our relation- ess that’s going forward, and that it may look ship. President Fox is—if people take an ob- cumbersome to some, but that’s how our de- jective look at his record, one of the things mocracy works. I told the President that I that I’m most proud of, and I think our coun- am committed to having a comprehensive try must be most appreciative of, is the sta- immigration bill on my desk. And by ‘‘com- bility of the Mexican economy. It’s important prehensive’’ I mean not only border secu- to have a trade partner that has got a stable rity—a bill that has border security in it, a economy. And, Mr. President, you’ve done bill that has interior enforcement in it, but a fine job of providing stability and increasing a bill that has a worker permit program in the net worth of your citizens, and that’s im- it. And that’s an important part of having a portant for the American economy as well. border that works. The more net worth there is in Mexico, the We don’t want people sneaking into our more likely it is a Mexican may be wanting country that are going to do jobs Americans to buy a U.S. product—and vice versa, by won’t do; we want them coming in, in an the way. And so our trade has made a dif- orderly way—which will take pressure off of ference in the lives of our citizens, and your both our borders. And I explained to the leadership has made a difference in the state President my vision of the citizenship issue. of your economy. I don’t believe somebody should be allowed So it’s good to be with you again, sir. Thank to come into our country and get ahead of you for your warm hospitality. the line, the citizenship line. President Fox. Thank you, President And so I told President Fox that I think Bush. Thank you. I would like to mention a program that will work is somebody work- with great satisfaction how productive the re- ing on a temporary basis with a tamper-proof lation with the United States has been on ID card. And if they want to become a cit- bilateral basis, how the NAFTA, the Free izen, they can get in line, but not the head Trade Agreement of North America has of the line. And I reminded the President, been, in order to promote development here I called for an increase of green cards the in Mexico. And all this is part of a commit- other day in Washington, DC, as one way ment and obligation of generating opportuni- to help manage this issue. ties, making sure that we can build up, create But at any rate, we’re in the middle of a jobs, create greater income, revenues for the legislative process. I’m optimistic we can get families in Mexico, the maquilla, the—[in- a bill done, and I look forward to continuing audible]—industry installed in the border of to work with members of both parties to get the country. a bill done. There is a deficit of 100,000 people. They We also talked about President Fox’s vi- want to give jobs to 100,000 people due to sion of working together in our hemisphere, the great growth that’s going on. And not particularly in Central America. And he’s only in this field but in many other fields, proposed a very innovative set of ideas to in many other areas, we have been working. help stabilize and help encourage growth in We might say that something that appeared Central America, starting with an energy ini- in the mass media in Mexico—opposition of tiative. And of course we appreciate your a state, clearly, very clearly in Mexico of the leadership on that issue, and I look forward political parties—the Congress; the House of

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Representatives; the upper chamber, the to consider an important element to thrust Senators; the Executive power, the President development in the Central American econo- of the Republic; the Governors of the States; mies so that they can grow, they can generate everybody, everybody has a very clear idea jobs, that through this project and through in the topic of our relationship with the this program they can generate actual oppor- United States and particularly, migration. It tunities in these countries, and this is a pro- is a shared—shared—responsibility, and we gram of energy. understand very clearly here in Mexico all With this program, we want to achieve the the main characters of the political scenario construction of refineries for oil, different that we have to work so as to assume our docks to build natural gas, sources of electric responsibility. energy on the other hand, and conversion of Furthermore, we are working with Central natural gas—liquid, fluid gas to natural gas. American countries with the same purpose. It is a program that we shall approve next Let us assume shared responsibilities. It is May, the Central American countries and very clear for us that tomorrow, the Congress Mexico. And we are cordially inviting the of the United States might approve any sort United States to attend, to know, to observe, of bill, any sort of matter, migration-wise. It to see the project, so as to know, how can is a sovereign decision, of course, in the United States, but Mexico assumes its re- we interact with the strength and the capacity sponsibilities to work with passion, with com- of North America so as to integrate a strong mitment, diligently, with our economy and development and solid process in the Central developing opportunities for our people. American countries. Our commitment with the citizenship is We have spoken—we have mentioned very broad. For example, with the United about the whole American canal. We have States, we work closely with Homeland Secu- to reactivate the working commission in this rity, with the Ministry of the Interior here area so that we can discuss ideas and give in Mexico, with Secretary Abascal. Secretary solutions for both parts, as we have always Abascal has a total support of the President done, worked together, have a dialog, find of the Republic, and the possibility of adding solutions. And this is what we have proposed the support of all the ministries and all the in reference to the total or whole American different Federal agencies that have to do channel. with safety and security, so that we can give Thus I want to thank President Bush for steps forward in this topic in the border. his attendance, for his presence, and for his We want to have a safe border for the ben- work, as well as all his team. efit of our citizens and for the benefit of our Tomorrow in the trilateral meeting, we will relationship with the United States. Like- be covering other topics—the topic of safety wise, we have intensified our actions with the and security and then some other developing OASISS project. We are going after the topics amongst the three countries, the three criminals that are trafficking with people, partners that belong to this bloc of both that are, let’s say, promoting illegally the economy, trade, and association for our pros- movement of citizens to the United States— perity and security of North America. the alien smugglers. We have stopped more Thank you. than 120 of these criminals, alien smugglers. Likewise, in the southern border, as Presi- dent Bush said, we are very active, very active NOTE: The President spoke at 4:12 p.m. at the on what has to do with patrol, constructions Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Hotel. Presi- of different stations so as to stop migrants, dent Fox spoke in Spanish, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter. President Fox re- illegal migrants, people that are coming ille- ferred to Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Can- gally to the Mexican territory, and sending ada; and Secretary of Government Jose Carlos them back to their own countries, with due Maria Abascal Carranza of Mexico. The Office of respect to human rights. But we’re doing an the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- efficient work in that sense. guage transcript of these remarks. A tape was not Now, with the same type of orientation, available for verification of the content of these the idea that we share with President Bush, remarks.

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Remarks Following Discussions With able day, and I want to thank you very much Prime Minister Stephen Harper of for your candor. Canada in Cancun Prime Minister Harper. Thank you very March 30, 2006 much, Mr. President. [At this point, Prime Minister Harper spoke President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, in French, and no translation was provided.] thank you. This is a—we’ve had a day full of talks. I had a really good meeting with I’ll try to repeat all of that. [Laughter] First the Prime Minister on the choppers, flying of all, just to begin by saying that we had to the Mayan ruins. We’ve also had a very a long meeting both this morning and this good meeting here. We talked about a lot afternoon, the President and I, discussing of subjects. particularly global security issues of national I view the relationship with Canada as a and shared security interests. vital relationship for the United States. The And as you know, we’re cooperating on relationship, of course, is defined Govern- these things in places like Afghanistan, ment-to-Government. It’s also defined peo- Sudan, Haiti. Canada and the United States ple-to-people, and there’s a lot of people in from time to time will disagree on particular my country who respect Canada and have courses of action that should be taken, and great relations with Canadians, and we in- we may have different perspectives and even tend to keep it that way. different interests, but there should be no The Prime Minister, of course, was—made doubt that Canada and the United States an emphatic case for softwood lumber. And share very important common values—values I appreciate his steely resolve to get some- like freedom, democracy, human rights, and thing done. And I assured him that our inten- the rule of law. We believe that these values tion is to negotiate in good faith, in a timely are important not only for Canada and the fashion, to resolve this issue. And I appre- United States, but they are the right of every ciate your—appreciate you pushing. people on the face of the Earth. We may We also talked about the mutual values we disagree on how we get there, but that’s the share: respect for human life and human dig- objective that we share. nity. And along those lines, I want to thank We’re going to meet later on in the spring you very much for two things: One, the quick to further discuss cooperation on some of response that your Government and your these matters. We’re also going to be dis- country gave to those who suffered by cussing some initiatives we’ve taken to task Katrina. It indicates the Canadian people’s some of our officials to discuss some energy desire to help humans when they suffer. I and environmental concerns. We’re anx- appreciate very much your trip to Afghani- ious—we’re in a continental security market, stan and you and your Government’s support and we’re anxious to see our officials discuss of their fledgling democracy, support of peo- not just energy security but how we can har- ple that have been under the brutal thumb ness energy, new energy technology, to make of tyrants—so brutal they wouldn’t let young real progress on greenhouse gas emissions girls go to school—and it’s representing the and also on pollution. So we’ll have some dis- great Canadian tradition of really helping re- cussions in the next few weeks along those store human dignity to people’s lives. lines. The Prime Minister and I talked about a We’re going to move quickly to renew— variety of subjects. We’ve got a lot of com- to sign an agreement to renew NORAD, to mon interests. We’ve got a lot of trade be- take that to Parliament in the not-too-distant tween our countries—nearly half a billion future. dollars in—$500 billion in the year 2005. And Of course, we discussed softwood lumber. that trade means jobs on both sides of the The President has expressed his desire to see border. And it’s our intention to make sure a resolution. I certainly accept at face value that we continue to trade as freely as possible the President’s commitment to that. I just so that our people can benefit. All in all, Mr. reminded the President that Canada’s posi- Prime Minister, I found today to be a valu- tion on this is very clear, and if we don’t see

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a resolution, Canada is certainly going to con- bilateral meetings yesterday and today a tri- tinue to pursue all its legal options as well lateral meeting, a very productive one, fol- as enhanced support for our industry through lowed by an enlarged meeting, trilateral- this battle. wise, with the attendance of the entrepre- We talked about issues like passports, Dev- neurial community, business, and investment il’s Lake, BSE, all areas where there remain of our three countries. Consequently, we will some difficulties and some—[inaudible]— give you full information. but I think we agreed to work together to I would like to ask the Prime Minister of seek some collaboration on all these fronts. Canada, Stephen Harper, to make some In particular—and I didn’t mention this in comments. French—we’ve asked—we’re going to be Prime Minister Harper. Thank you. asking Secretary Chertoff and Minister Day Thank you, President Fox, and ladies and to meet as soon as possible, at the highest gentlemen. I’d like to thank President Fox levels, to do what we can to see how we can first of all. It was a pleasure to meet Presi- accommodate congressional legislation on dent Fox and President Bush to discuss passport travel issues. These present for us issues of importance to our countries and our some pretty significant challenges, and we common will to work together. are concerned about the disruptions to trade and other travel that this may bring about. In North America, we have an economy And let me just end by saying as I think that is integrated; it is not necessary to dif- you heard me say a few days ago, I expressed ferentiate our products. And we have dis- through Ambassador Wilkins, and I’ve had cussed the progress accomplished in the Se- a chance to do it—[inaudible]—how much curity and Prosperity Partnership of North the Government of Canada appreciates the America, and we are committed to consid- actions taken by our allies and our friends ering the private sector. First of all, we be- both in the United Kingdom and in the lieve that it is an engine of competitiveness, United States in the liberation of the hos- made up of members of the private sector, tages that were held in Iraq. You know, Iraq, that will allow us to make our economies in particular, has been a source of some dis- even more competitive. agreement—dare I say some tension—be- Our ministers will be working on this. tween our two peoples, but I think this inci- They will be identifying our priorities, and dent reminds us that when the chips are they will make sure that they are followed down, we all pull together and support each up. We will be cooperating on issues of im- other. I hope that’s a lesson we keep in mind portance—on border security, management for the future. of urgent situations, as well as energy secu- rity. We will prepare a coordinated and ex- NOTE: The President spoke at 5:40 p.m. at the haustive way to approach the issues of the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Hotel. Prime bird flu, and we will be guided by common Minister Harper referred to Minister of Public principles. Over the course of the next few Safety Stockwell Day of Canada. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these months, we will be doing everything possible remarks. to ensure the security along our borders and to be able to move our merchandise back and forth. We will be working in the area The President’s News Conference of energy, the area of research and innova- With President Vicente Fox of tion, to be able to deal with clean tech- Mexico and Prime Minister Stephen nologies. Harper of Canada in Cancun We are happy with the discussions of our March 31, 2006 trade ministers on cooperation and of the ne- gotiation of our countries, and we encourage President Fox. Good morning. Welcome them to follow up with this work. for your interest and your presence and at- This meeting has been extremely produc- tendance. We have come to an end in this tive. And Presidents Bush and Fox have ac- productive meeting, as you well know, with cepted my invitation for the next summit

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meeting, which will take place in Canada in These talks were productive. And I’m, of 2007. course, very pleased that President Bush and President Fox have accepted my invitation [At this point, Prime Minister Harper contin- to have the next leaders’ meeting in Canada ued in English.] in 2007. ——grateful for our host, President Fox, Thank you. and to the workers here at the hotel and the President Fox. President Bush. Mexican people for their warm hospitality. President Bush. Thank you for your hos- Over the past 2 days, I’ve had the pleasure pitality. It’s a really good choice to pick of meeting with President Fox and President Cancun—as my press corps will tell you. Bush to discuss issues that jointly affect our They’re looking forward to staying by the three nations. I’ve been encouraged by the pool after I leave. [Laughter] It’s a beau- common will of our three nations. We are tiful—beautiful part of the country. living today in an integrated economy. We I want to thank you for your friendship cannot afford the politics of isolation. as well. It’s been a joy discussing very impor- tant issues with you over the course of my During my meetings with Presidents Bush Presidency. And this is probably one of the and Fox, we reviewed the progress of our most productive meetings we’ve had. It’s Security and Prosperity Partnership, which been a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister provides a framework to advance the com- Harper in his official capacity as the Prime mon interests in areas of security, prosperity, Minister of Canada. I find him to be a very and quality of life. open, straightforward fellow. If he’s got a We committed to further engage the pri- problem, he’s willing to express it in a way vate sector. We’ve agreed to set up a North that’s clear for all to understand. And that’s American Competitiveness Council, made up the way I like to deal with people. of business leaders from all three countries, We’ve got big goals for this very important to advise us on ways to improve the competi- relationship. One goal is prosperity. You can’t tiveness of our economies. They will meet achieve a standard of living increase for your with our ministers, identify priorities, and people unless you have a prosperous neigh- make sure we follow up and implement borhood, and it’s this prosperity that has them. been much of a focus on NAFTA. And one We agreed to expand our existing coopera- of my vows, and I know the other leaders tion on key issues such as border security, share this goal, is to make sure that people emergency management, and energy secu- are able to connect the NAFTA relationship rity. As an immediate priority, we’ll develop with improvement of their own quality of life. a coordinated and comprehensive approach I know there’s deep concern about social to preparing for a possible avian or pandemic justice throughout the neighborhood, and so- influenza outbreak in North America. Our cial justice can be achieved more likely if action will be guided by shared principles. people are able to realize their dreams and We’ll take concrete steps in the coming 24 if there’s a prosperous society. And pros- months to improve the security at our bor- perity has been increased as a result of the ders and to ensure the smooth and efficient trade between our nations. And we want to flow of goods and people, particularly—par- make sure that trade continues in a way that’s ticular discussions with President Bush on fair and free but also in a way that enables the Windsor-Detroit Corridor. our countries to be able to compete with the We’ll collaborate on energy, especially great challenges we face. with respect to innovation and science and And we face prosperity challenges from technology, with the focus on clean tech- abroad like never before—the challenge of nologies. We also welcome the discussions— a growing Chinese economy or the challenge the recent discussions by our trade ministers of an Indian economy. And my attitude is, on NAFTA collaboration on trade negotia- we shouldn’t fear these challenges; we ought tions with third countries. And we urge that to welcome them and position ourselves so this work be given priority. that we can compete. And I think the leaders

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share that sense of unity when it comes to leading edge of technological change when being a competitive part of the world in the it comes to energy but also sharing those future. technologies and ideas with our counterparts. We talked about security. Look, we got Because we want to make sure that we’ve long borders, and we got to make sure we got national security concerns addressed work hard to secure the borders. We also when it comes to energy; we also want to have got to make sure we got smart borders. be good stewards of the environment—and And so the whole vision of our borders has we can do both by the use of proper tech- got to be to enhance trade and tourism but nologies. to prevent smugglers and terrorists and dope It’s been a good meeting. I want to thank runners from polluting our countries. And you for your leadership. I like coming to I’m confident, with the use of technology and meetings where people put things on the by close collaboration, we’ll be able to table and we try to come up with solutions. achieve those objectives. And this has been such a meeting, Mr. Presi- I want to thank the CEOs and the business dent. Good job. Es todo. leaders from the three countries who are President Fox. Thank you. Thank you so here. I thought we had a very constructive much. Undoubtedly, these two days have discussion about ways to make sure that there brought about spaces for meeting of both is harmonization between our industries so friends and partners, and undoubtedly, we that the people benefit. And they brought have made a very good use of time. some really good ideas. The visit to Chichen-Itza was excellent, as We talked about, of course, bird flu, avian well as yesterday evening’s dinner, in a re- flu, and the need to be prepared in case there laxed atmosphere but, likewise, creating this is an outbreak. We spend a lot of time in my own country preparing for an avian flu association and making a very productive as- outbreak, strategizing as how to coordinate sociation. Equally important were the dif- efforts between the Federal, State, and local ferent working meetings. governments; working to wisely spend money We took advantage of time, we were not to come up with, hopefully, a vaccine that working isolated. We touched upon funda- would then be available for sharing around mental items in that meeting. First of all, we the world. And I do want to thank Canada carried out an evaluation meeting. Then we for having taken the lead early in this issue got information about the development of and preparing the world for what is possible programs. And then we gave the necessary so that there’s good information sharing if instructions for the works that should be car- the bird flu were to break out in Southeast ried out in the next period of work. Asia, for example. But my point is, it’s very This is a most important thing and this as- important for us to share information and sociation has become a dynamic and profes- data and strategies amongst our three coun- sional process, a constructive process, a tries so that if this were to happen, there short-term action process, and great vision is a focused, coordinated, intelligent re- and perspective in a long term. Con- sponse. sequently, we have concluded that institu- We talked about energy. My view of the tionalizing all these mechanisms is of utmost energy initiative is that we’ve got to be wise importance so that they will have continuity, about the resources we have and be smart so that there will be a followup—a necessary about the investment for research and devel- followup, so that they will be fruitful both opment so we can change our energy habits. at a short, middle, and long term. The truth of the matter is, we’ll all be better So we have established the next meeting. off if we use alternative sources of energy The Prime Minister of Canada has suggested like ethanol or explore how to use hybrid bat- and has invited us to Canada. Next June, we teries in a better way. I mean, there’s some shall have, let’s say, an information, evalua- really interesting things coming down the tion, and results study of the work of this pike, and I look forward to not only leading association, this Security and Prosperity Part- my own nation to spend money to be on the nership. And we have carried out a series

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of actions that should be integrated in this imply mechanisms by means of which we will report. give the necessary importance and long-term First of all, I would like to make clear what action, something constant, and continuity has been the results of 12 years of joint work should be achieved as well. That has been in the Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA. The fruitful, and that can give very good results three nations are fully satisfied of what we for our region. We are not renegotiating what have been able to achieve. We have seen the has been successful or open the Free Trade fruits of work through this tool of coopera- Agreement. It’s going beyond the agreement, tion, trade, and investment. Nonetheless, both for prosperity and security. we’re not fully satisfied. We have to give Summarizing, we have to increase com- steps forward. We have many an opportunity petitiveness of our economies, of our compa- and many a challenge. nies, our enterprises, our structures, and like- I want to mention two figures in reference wise, our technological and educational levels to the results of NAFTA. Mexico has a com- so as to face competition of other blocs in mercial balance trade of $535 billion, the sev- the world. We have to homogenize enth in size throughout the world. And these would be a direct product of both trade and normotivity standards so as to have common investment that has been carried out among standards to facilitate jobs and productivity. the three partner countries. And then we We have to make borders much more mod- should point out that every single State, bor- ern with technology so as to guarantee secu- der States with the United States had per rity but the good flow of commodities and capita income to December as of last year products. We have invested a good amount that go beyond to $10,000. The per capita of time to logistics, efficiency and efficacy average income has to do with $7,500—the in customs, topics that have to do with shar- highest in Latin America. Nonetheless, the ing—sharing these efficiencies. borderline States are above $10,000 per cap- We are totally aware that we require infra- ita income, and some of them have a per structure studies in the borderline areas so capita rate to $10,000. as to analyze needs, to facilitate both trade We’re not talking about small numbers, and passage of people and goods. This is fun- small figures; we’re talking about a concrete damental; security is fundamental for our fu- result of the efforts and work through trade. ture development. It is a problem and a chal- It is achieved through investment, and like- lenge shared by the three countries. Migra- wise, it is achieved through joint work, tion can only be solved in that we agree upon everybody’s work. Behind all this, there’s under the framework of a legislation that will nothing else but work, work, and work. guarantee our legal order, safe and respectful Now I would like to mention a couple of migration, respecting the rights of people. items in the goals. First, strengthen and We have spoken about the collaboration maintain, growing, the Free Trade Agree- of the three countries to support develop- ment, first of all. Benefits are evident, but ment and generation of opportunities for before the new reality of the 21st century, Central American countries and the Carib- we have decided to give steps forward and bean-area countries. We have seen an excel- strengthen the relationship. Now we have the alliance both for security and prosperity. One lent level of relationships, and these are giv- item is as important as the other—shared re- ing steps forward. They’re better and better. sponsibility an important element—one as We have more points of coincidence important as the other. And that is what the amongst the three countries. I would like to three countries think. thank the attendance, the presence, in this We started with the constitution of the beautiful port of Cancun in this area of the North American Competitiveness Council, Riviera Maya. You can see it is dynamic, a so as to consider public and private policies— beautiful place, as it always has been. We face a challenge of our region. We want to receive millions of tourists every single year, institutionalize our mechanisms, have a clear people that come over, and we’re proud to project for the next month of June. It would receive.

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We want to thank President Bush; we want We are working in the inner part and in to thank Prime Minister Harper—my ac- the southern part of the country to stop mi- knowledgment, my thanks, and my commit- gration flows that come from Central Amer- ment. We shall be working together, no ica that are crossing illegally the southern doubt about it, to give steps forward in the border of Mexico. And with all due respect field of prosperity and security. May you have to the dignity of these people, respecting a happy return back home. Thank you. their human rights, they are stopped; they For the question-and-answer period, we remain on temporary bases and stations. have two questions for the journalists of each They offer them services with dignity, and country. then we send them back to their commu- nities of origin; 240,000 people—people that Border Security/Trade were detained, and then they were sent back Q. Good morning, Presidents and Prime to Central America. Minister. President Fox, what are the con- We are working jointly with the Central crete measures that Mexico is implementing American Governments. We have spoken to guarantee this indispensable security so as about the fact that the decision of Mexico to have a legal, safe, and orderly migration? is not only assuming our responsibilities mi- For President Bush and President Harper, gration-wise, but we have a firm commitment do you consider that there should be a con- of generating jobs and employment. We’re tinuity on the economic policy in Mexico be- working jointly with Central America so as fore the change of President in our country? to achieve this, so each country will absorb Last but not least, how can the partners of our commitment and our total commitment NAFTA—can be competitive before the generating opportunities within our own Asian countries if there are so many dif- countries. ferences that are leading us to talk first about And so this program, like the energy initia- security, then productivity? And what are the tive for Central America, is one that has the unilateral decisions on migration matters? purpose of bringing development and growth Thank you. to the Central American economies. Thus President Fox. First, security. Many ac- we’re working on a broad spectrum on the tions have been implemented. Many actions issue of security in all of its facets. have to do with close cooperation with the President Bush. I don’t see how you can security authorities with the United States. be prosperous if you don’t have security. I This effort, headed by the representative of mean, it’s—if people are concerned that, for Homeland Security, Mr. Chertoff, and Min- example, the towns along the border aren’t ister of the Interior here in Mexico, Mr. secure, it’s going to be difficult to keep pros- Abascal, and the cooperation based upon perity alive. And so I appreciate the Presi- mutual trust, coresponsibility, and what has dent’s commitment to security along our bor- to do with security in the borders. der, and we’ve got—we share the same com- Likewise, we’re doing our own work in mitment. It’s very important to enforce laws. cases of homicides and crimes among the dif- Robust economy depend upon the rule of ferent Mafias, the drug cartels. We shall con- law, and therefore, when countries enforce tinue working on this. There’s a presence of law, it kind of creates the conditions for con- Federal forces in the main points in the bor- tinued economic growth. der, and then a great commitment to win When you have robust trade like we have, the battle against organized crime and drug there are issues that come up. One way to trafficking, particularly in the city of Nuevo look at it is, if we had no trade, there would Laredo. We have programs such as be no issues. And the more issues there are Programma OASISS, OASISS Program, so as and the more opportunities there are to dis- to attack the people that are trafficking with cuss them, the likelier it is these economies people, with migrants. And fortunately, there will continue to grow. And so I don’t—I don’t are more than 120 in jail. And then we have worry about having to deal with problems. a permanent program, 24 hours a day, so as As a matter of fact, I view the problems that to achieve this. have arisen as a result of complex and active

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trade as positive. And the fundamental ques- of our security and economic partnership, tion is, can we resolve these issues in a re- and, of course, the advantages of free mar- sponsible way? And one of the reasons we kets from which all of our nations benefit. meet is to put ourselves in a position to do so. Immigration Reform You mentioned something about the elec- Q. Thank you. Mr. President, would you tions. I’m not going to talk about them. The veto an immigration bill that did not include only thing I am going to talk about is, I love a guest-worker program? And how do you to have a strong, vibrant democracy on our counter the angry argument from conserv- southern border. And I want to thank the atives on Capitol Hill who are saying that President for his strong leadership and his your demand for one could hurt the Repub- recognition that democracy is a very impor- lican Party this fall? tant legacy of his administration, the previous President Bush. The migration issue has administration, that we certainly hope there been a topic of discussion here, as you can will be a peaceful transition of power, and imagine. I told the President exactly what I I’m confident there will be one. told our country, that, one, I expect the de- Prime Minister Harper. Obviously, I bate to bring dignity to America, in recogni- don’t want to get into the issue of Mexican tion that America is a land of immigrants and politics, but I can say the same thing that people ought to be treated with respect; and I said yesterday with regard to the leadership this debate ought to be a debate that does of President Fox. We’ve had both bilateral not pit neighbor against neighbor; that fo- and multilateral relationships progressively cuses on three elements. One is that we are growing and without precedent. I trust that a nation of laws and therefore must enforce the President is going to leave a stronger our laws. And that includes enforcing the economy that is shared, a firm democracy, laws of people coming into our country ille- respect for human rights, and faithfulness to gally. the most important principles for our shared President Fox and I discussed this issue progress, for the Security and Prosperity at length. I don’t know if people recognize, Partnership of North America, and all the but his Government, all aspects of the Mexi- good results that come from a free market can Government came together to send a economy. clear message to the American people: The All of these things lead to more progress, Mexican Government understands it has a which we hope the next President will be responsibility as well, to protect the border. able to build upon, which will benefit all of It is a nation of law. You heard the President our countries. talk about not only enforcing the northern border but also the southern border. [Prime Minister Harper continued in I also have said to the American people English.] that we must enforce our laws in the interior And I’ll just repeat that I, obviously, do of the country. Employers must be held to not intend to make any comments or get my- account if they’re employing the people in self involved in Mexican politics, but I’ll just our country illegally. However, part of the repeat what I said yesterday, which is that problem is—that complicates the lives of our President Fox has provided unprecedented many employers who are providing employ- leadership for both our bilateral and our tri- ment for people who are here illegally, is that lateral relations, unprecedented progressive there has been a lot of document forgery. leadership. There’s an industry that has sprung up, and I believe that the legacy of that leadership part of that industry is to provide forged doc- will be to leave behind not just the strong uments so that our employers don’t know democracy that believes in liberty and human whether a person is in our country legally rights but also loyalty and adherence to the or not. principles that are—on which the success of I also believe strongly that an important our integrated economy is based. And those part of securing the border and enforcing our are the principles of NAFTA, the principles laws is to recognize there are people in our

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country doing work that Americans will not Canada-U.S. Relations/Border Security do. And those people ought to be given a Q. Mr. President, can you explain to Cana- chance to have a tamper-proof card that en- dians—— ables them to work in our country legally for President Bush. Which one? a period of time. That’s called a guest-worker Q. That would be you, Mr. Bush. program. One of the important issues about President Bush. Me. a guest-worker program is, what does that Q. Could you explain to Canadians why mean for someone’s desire to become a cit- they’ll need to have a passport or an unspec- izen of our country? I believe if someone has ified secure document before they cross over been here in our country illegally, they to the United States? And what would the should not get at the head of the line if they impact be on both of our countries, economi- want to become a citizen. In other words, cally, if Canada doesn’t follow through by the we have a line of people waiting, people who deadline of the end of next year? are in our country legally, waiting to become President Bush. I appreciate you bringing a citizen. And people who have been in our up this issue. This is an issue, obviously, that country illegally should not get ahead of the affects not only border crossings with Can- line who are there legally. ada; it also affects border crossings with Mex- A nation of laws can also be a welcoming ico. The Congress passed the law, and I in- nation, and I believe a guest-worker program tend to enforce the law. But the law said will help us rid the society and the border there ought to be a passport or a passport- of these coyotes who smuggle people in the like document that I believe, if properly im- back of 18-wheelers. I believe it will help plemented, will facilitate travel and facilitate get rid of the document forgers. I believe trade, not hinder travel and trade. And the it will help people on both sides of our border reason I believe that is, I think we can be respect the laws of our border and enforce wise about the use of technologies to—envi- our borders. I believe it is important to bring sion a card that can be swiped across a read- people out of the shadows of American soci- ing device that facilitates the movement of ety so they don’t have to fear the life they people. live. I believe it’s important for our Nation It’s a—look, I understand this issue has to uphold human rights and human dignity. created consternation. Your Prime Minister And the plan I’ve just proposed is one that made it very clear to me that he’s very wor- will do all that and achieve important objec- ried that such a implementation of the law tives. on the books will make it less likely people And I’m looking forward to working with will want to travel between our countries. the Congress. We’re making the—I told the I’ve heard from business leaders who are concerned about the bookings for conven- President, we’re making progress. You know, tions. And so what I’ve told the Prime Min- there’s a legislative process. It’s—some guy, ister and told President Fox, as well, is that some wag one time put it, it’s like watching we have an obligation to work very closely people make sausage. It’s kind of a—you with our counterparts to provide a set of know, probably appears a little unpleasant standards as to what will meet the obligations from your perspective. [Laughter] But we’re of the law. making progress. And I want a comprehen- Again, I repeat to you, I believe this can sive bill. And I’ve made that very clear to be done in such a way that it makes future the Members of the Congress, and I will con- travel, future relations stronger, not weaker. tinue making it clear to Members of Con- Prime Minister Harper. Maybe I could gress. just add to that. Obviously, we are con- Q. [Inaudible] cerned. I expressed those concerns to Presi- President Bush. So, no answer—I said I dent Bush, and I know they’ve been ex- want a comprehensive bill. You’re presuming pressed by Canadian business leaders as well. there won’t be a comprehensive bill; I believe The President is confronted with legislation there will be a comprehensive bill. passed by Congress and has a responsibility

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to act upon that legislation, and we under- express according to his own decision and stand that. We understand the security con- convenience, by all means, respecting the cerns that are behind that. rights of third parties. But above all this, we At the same time, we’re obviously con- have the freedom of both Mexicans, ladies cerned that if we don’t move quickly and and gentlemen, that work in the mass media: properly on this, that this could have effects press; newspapers; journals; TV. We have on trade and movement of people, conven- now a freedom that we never had in the past. tions, you name it, that is not helpful to our Every single citizen in our country nowadays economy or to relationships. So we’ve agreed exercises this freedom openly. This is one of that Minister Day and Secretary Chertoff will the great fruits and results of democracy won meet as soon as possible to make this their in the second of July of the year 2000. top priority. Democracy in Mexico Iran Q. Mr. President Fox, two questions. The Q. President Bush, Secretary of State Rice first is, our Senate last night passed a law, is finding common ground with the British and I’d like to know what you’re going to today on the view that the next step against do? Will you veto that law, or will you leave Iran could be sanctions. Do you agree that’s the legislative packet to the next President the way to go if Iran fails to comply with of our country? And second, you have spoken the Security Council’s 30-day deadline on its and you have warned us Mexicans against nuclear program? populism and the demagogues who exist in President Bush. Thanks. First, I do want campaigns, in Presidential campaigns, and to offer my country’s assistance to the people that we are going through a very difficult affected by the recent earthquakes in Iran. stage. I’d like to ask if you already forgot the We obviously have our differences with the populist language that you used in your own Iranian Government, but we do care about Presidential campaign when you even talked the suffering of Iranian people. about—[inaudible]—and things like that? There is common agreement that the Ira- What about talking about democracy using nians should not have a nuclear weapon, the a populist language in the past, but now you capacity to make a nuclear weapon, or the are against candidates doing that. knowledge as to how to make a nuclear weap- President Fox. In reference to the first on. And the reason there’s common agree- item, the Ministry of the Interior will inform, ment is because the Iranian Government on behalf of the Federal Government, our with such as weapon, as is now constituted, position. And I celebrate—I’m glad that both would pose a serious threat to world security. the Congress, the lower chamber and the Condoleezza Rice is in Europe today to upper chamber, have exercised their auton- discuss with the P–5, the permanent mem- omy, their freedom. They have discussed and bers of the U.N. Security Council plus Ger- approved one more of the many laws that many, a strategy to go forward in a unified have been approved in our country in this way that says to the Iranian Government, the last 5 years of democratic and respectful world rejects your desires to have a nuclear Government—the autonomies and the inde- weapon. Condi is strategizing with those who pendence on the other two powers. As never will be making the U.N. Security Council de- before, we have lived this reality that has cisions as to that united front. In other words, been positive, fruitful, in reference to the ap- we agree on a goal; now the question is, how plication of our autonomy and constitutional do we work together to achieve that goal? freedom that all the other powers have. And you’re watching Secretary of State Rice Now, in reference to the second item, I work with our friends to remind the Iranians can only say—and I will say it very clearly— on a regular and consistent basis that if they from the second of July and since the second want to be—participate in the international of July of the year 2000, there has been abso- order of things, if they don’t want to isolate lute freedom, and that is of utmost impor- themselves, they must listen very carefully to tance for all of us. Every single person should what we are saying with unified voice.

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Murder Investigation in Cancun of Foreign Affairs Luis Ernesto Derbez Bautista Q. My question is to President Fox, and of Mexico. President Fox referred to Secretary of Government Jose Carlos Maria Abascal Carranza I wonder if we could prevail upon you, sir, of Mexico. to answer it in English. A few weeks ago, there was a very bloody murder here with the Ianiero family in Cancun. Two young Ca- Joint Statement by President George nadian mothers are very concerned, back in W. Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Canada, that Mexican authorities have mis- Harper of Canada, and President takenly made them suspects amidst concerns, Vicente Fox of Mexico—The Security also in Canada, the Mexicans may have bun- gled this investigation. Can you tell us where and Prosperity Partnership of North this investigation is going, and can you assure America: Progress those two young women, indeed, they are not March 31, 2006 suspects? President Fox. Well, we are absolutely Canada, Mexico and the United States sorry, and we have our, well, feelings that share a continued commitment to enhance a crime has been carried out here in a hotel the security, prosperity and quality of life of in Cancun. The attorneyship office is work- our citizens within North America. We rec- ing, both the Federal one and the local one— ognize that the success of our countries is they’re working on the investigation. When enhanced by working cooperatively. The Se- the data is ready and when they finally de- curity and Prosperity Partnership of North cide, we can claim which are the guilty peo- America, which celebrates its first anniver- ple. As of now, that is the only information sary this month, provides a framework for we have at hand. We’re working closely. We us to advance collaboration in areas as di- are reporting to the Government and the au- verse as security, transportation, the environ- thorities of Canada. Investigation is being ment and public health. carried out. So far we cannot make any fur- This Partnership has increased our institu- ther comments. Thank you. tional contacts to respond to our vision of Prime Minister Harper. ——say that we do appreciate the full cooperation of the a stronger, more secure, and more pros- Mexican Government, Mexican police at all perous region. In June 2005, our three gov- levels. There has been consultation with our ernments released detailed work-plans iden- officials, and I’ve spoken to the RCMP, and tifying key initiatives that form an ambitious they assure me that that has been the case, agenda of collaboration. Since June, we have particularly since the commitments made by worked to implement these initiatives. Many Secretary Derbez in Ottawa. So we are work- will take months or years to be completed, ing together in this; we’re fully apprised of but we already note significant results. We the situation. I can just add one small thing, ask our Ministers to build on this momen- which is that we’re told once again, and I tum. think we’ve been saying this repeatedly for We have discussed how we can ensure some time, there is no extradition pending— North America is the most economically dy- extradition demand pending, nor is there one namic region in the world and a secure home anticipated in the near future. And that’s for our citizens. Today, we exchanged views probably about all I can say. with private sector leaders on how to en- President Fox. Muchas gracias. hance the competitiveness of North America. Building on existing commitments, we NOTE: The news conference began at 10:45 a.m. agree that priority initiatives warrant special in the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Hotel. attention in the coming year: President Fox spoke in Spanish, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter. Portions of Strengthening Competitiveness in North Prime Minister Harper’s remarks were in French, America. We are pleased to announce the and an English translation was provided. Prime creation of a North American Competitive- Minister Harper referred to Minister of Public ness Council (NACC). The Council will com- Safety Stockwell Day of Canada; and Secretary prise members of the private sector from

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each country and will provide us rec- stance, we have agreed to work together to ommendations on North American competi- accelerate research, development, produc- tiveness, including, among others, areas such tion, and availability of human pandemic in- as automotive and transportation, steel, man- fluenza vaccines, and develop a strategy to ufacturing, and services. The Council will best facilitate the sharing of information to meet annually with security and prosperity enhance the availability of vaccines to the re- Ministers and will engage with senior govern- gion. We will also establish a small Coordi- ment officials on an ongoing basis. nating Body of senior officials to ensure fol- We are convinced that regulatory coopera- low-up on these commitments. tion advances the productivity and competi- North American Energy Security. A sus- tiveness of our nations and helps to protect tainable, secure and affordable supply of en- our health, safety and environment. For in- ergy is key to fueling the North American stance, cooperation on food safety will help economy. Collaboration in the areas of inno- protect the public while at the same time vation, energy efficiency, and technology de- facilitate the flow of goods. We affirm our velopment, including moving these tech- commitment to strengthen regulatory co- nologies to market, promotes energy secu- operation in this and other key sectors and rity. Our governments renew their commit- to have our central regulatory agencies com- ment to trilateral cooperation on clean en- plete a trilateral regulatory cooperation ergy technologies, conservation, and market framework by 2007. facilitation as a means to meeting our shared North American Emergency Manage- goals of energy security and sustainable de- ment. A disaster—whether natural or man- velopment. Officials will also examine how made—in one of our countries can have con- this cooperation can be expanded to further sequences across national borders. Our vision our climate efforts. for a North American response, relief and North American Smart, Secure Borders. recovery strategy would ensure that critical Our vision is to have a border strategy that equipment, supplies and personnel can be results in the fast, efficient and secure move- deployed expeditiously throughout North ment of low-risk trade and travelers to and America. We commit to develop a common within North America, while protecting us approach to critical infrastructure protection, from threats including terrorism. In imple- coordinated responses to cross border inci- menting this strategy, we will encourage in- dents, and coordinated training and exer- novative risk-based approaches to improving cises, with the participation of all levels of security and facilitating trade and travel. government in our countries. These include close coordination on infra- Avian and Human Pandemic Influenza. structure investments and vulnerability as- Given the highly integrated nature of our sessments, screening and processing of trav- economies, an outbreak of pathogenic avian elers, baggage and cargo, a single integrated flu or human pandemic influenza in any one North American trusted traveler program, of our countries would affect us all. Today, and swift law enforcement responses to we have agreed to develop a comprehensive, threats posed by criminals or terrorists, in- science-based and coordinated approach cluding advancing a trilateral network for the within North America to avian influenza and protection of judges and officers. human pandemic influenza management. The Security and Prosperity Partnership of We have endorsed a set of shared principles North America represents a broad and ambi- to underpin cooperative activities by our tious agenda. We instruct our Ministers to Governments in all stages of avian influenza develop options to strengthen the SPP and and human pandemic influenza manage- present them next June as part of the second ment: prevention; preparedness; response; report on progress of the SPP. and recovery. Pursuant to these principles, President Fox and President Bush were officials will develop, as an immediate pri- pleased to accept, on behalf of their coun- ority, incident management protocols to en- tries, Prime Minister Harper’s invitation to sure that we are well prepared in advance host the next trilateral leaders meeting in of an outbreak in North America. For in- Canada in 2007.

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NOTE: An original was not available for influenza outbreak or a human influ- verification of the content of this joint statement. enza pandemic, by building on existing mechanisms of cooperation and strengthening them as required. Joint Statement by President George • Coordinate our actions and leverage our W. Bush, Prime Minister Stephen respective capacities to ensure rapid Harper of Canada, and President and effective steps are taken to deal Vicente Fox of Mexico—The Security with avian influenza outbreaks or a and Prosperity Partnership of North human influenza pandemic in North America: Next Steps America. • March 31, 2006 Advise one another in advance of mak- ing any decision that could seriously af- The three leaders of North America fect the other countries. agreed to advance the agenda of the Security • Base our actions on the best available and Prosperity Partnership of North America science and evidence-based decision- (SPP) by focusing on five high priority initia- making. tives: • Agree that the imposition and removal The North American Competitiveness of veterinary or public health measures Council. Increasing private sector engage- on the movement of people, animals, ment in the SPP by adding high-level busi- and goods, under our national laws and ness input will assist governments in enhanc- international obligations, will not be ing North America’s competitive position and more restrictive or maintained longer engage the private sector as partners in find- than necessary to achieve the veterinary ing solutions. The Council will: or public health objective so as to avoid • Consider issues that could be addressed unnecessary interference with the trilaterally or bilaterally, as improve- movement of people and goods within ments in our bilateral relationships en- North America. hance North American competitiveness. • Ensure that the business continuity • Address issues of immediate importance plans of our respective governments and provide strategic medium and long- consider the highly interconnected na- term advice. ture of our economies. • Provide input on the compatibility of • Strive to utilize clear and consistent our security and prosperity agendas, messaging to the public and inter- given the linkages between security and national organizations that is proactive, prosperity in a global marketplace. timely and accurate. • Offer ideas on the private sector’s role North American Energy Security Ini- in promoting North American competi- tiative. A secure and sustainable energy sup- tiveness. ply is essential for our economic prosperity Advancing Cooperation on Avian and in North America. To advance our energy Pandemic Influenza. Leaders agreed to the agenda we have agreed to: following principles to guide collaboration on • Enhance the development of a diverse all stages of avian or pandemic influenza energy resource base in North America management: by increasing collaboration on research, • Share information among our govern- development and commercialization of ments in an open, timely and trans- clean energy-related technologies, and parent manner. • Strengthen the North American energy • Adopt an integrated and comprehensive market by improving transparency and approach that incorporates animal and regulatory compatibility, promoting the public health aspects in managing avian development of resources and infra- influenza and influenza pandemics. structure, increasing cooperation on en- • Ensure coordination within our respec- ergy efficiency standards, and sup- tive national governments on all aspects porting other efforts aimed at address- of emergency management for an avian ing challenges on the demand side.

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North American Emergency Manage- ers of Mexico, Canada and the United States ment. The commitments made in the SPP in March 2005, aims to promote growth and recognize that a disaster—whether natural or economic opportunity, increase security, and man-made—in one North American country improve the quality of life of our peoples. can have consequences across national bor- In June 2005, lead Ministers issued a joint ders, and may demand a common approach report outlining steps to achieve these goals. to all aspects of emergency management. Re- Since then, highlights of accomplishments in- cent experience with hurricanes, ice storms, clude: industrial accidents and the like demonstrate • To enhance growth and competitiveness our interdependencies, as well as the need in a key sector, the North American for coordination and mutual assistance in Steel Trade Committee developed a protecting and safekeeping our populations. new strategy aimed at reducing market Moving forward we will: distortions, facilitating trade and pro- • Develop a common approach to critical moting overall competitiveness through infrastructure protection, and response innovation and market development. to cross border terrorist incidents and • To adapt to changes in sourcing and natural disasters, across a number of dif- production methods, the three coun- ferent sectors including, but not limited tries have analyzed ways to liberalize re- to, transportation, energy, and tele- quirements for obtaining NAFTA duty- communications. free treatment. Changes to the rules of • Develop and implement joint plans for origin have been implemented success- cooperation for incident response, as fully and technical teams are working well as conduct coordinated training on additional changes. and exercises in emergency response. • Smart, Secure Borders. Leaders agreed To speed up response times when man- to complete the following activities, to con- aging infectious disease outbreaks, save tribute to smart and secure borders, over the lives, and reduce health care costs, the next twenty-four months: United States and Canada signed an • Collaborate to establish risk-based agreement to enable simultaneous ex- screening standards for goods and peo- change of information between virtual ple that rely on technology, information national laboratory networks (PulseNet). sharing and biometrics. • • Develop and implement compatible To make consumer goods safer, save electronic processes for supply chain se- lives, and prevent injuries, the United curity that use advanced electronic States and Mexico signed an agreement cargo information to analyze risk and for advance notifications when con- ensure quick and efficient processing at sumer goods violate one country’s safety the border; standards or pose a danger to con- • Develop standards and options for se- sumers. Canada and the United States cure documents to facilitate cross-bor- signed a similar agreement in June. der travel; • The United States and Canada signed • Exchange additional law enforcement an agreement, which is a milestone in liaison officers to assist in criminal and pipeline regulatory cooperation, to security investigations; and, allow increased compliance data shar- • Develop coordinated business resump- ing, staff exchanges and joint training. tion plans at border crossings to ensure The sharing of best practices will lead legitimate trade continues. to a more uniform regulatory approach for cross border pipelines. The Security and Prosperity Partnership • The United States and Canada reached of North America Key Accomplishments a full Open-Skies aviation agreement, since June 2005 removing all economic restrictions on The Security and Prosperity Partnership of air service to, from, and beyond one an- North America (SPP), launched by the lead- other’s territory by the airlines of both

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countries. The agreement will encour- • To strengthen the integrity and security age new markets development, lower of asylum and refugee status determina- prices and greater competition. tion systems, the United States and • The United States and Mexico ex- Canada launched a pilot project to share panded air service in specific markets information on refugee and asylum by increasing the number of designated claimants based on a comparison of fin- passenger airlines per city-pair, and gerprint records. opening cooperative marketing arrange- • To address border violence, United ments (code-sharing) to airlines of ei- States and Mexico signed an Action Plan ther country and carriers of third coun- to Combat Border Violence and Im- tries. prove Public Safety. Officials of the two • In order to increase navigational accu- countries in Nogales, AZ-Nogales, So- racy across the region, five Wide Area nora and Laredo, TX-Nuevo Laredo Augmentation System (WAAS) stations completed protocols on border security were installed in Canada and Mexico in and public safety. 2005. • Under the United States-Mexico Vol- • To promote prosperity by reducing the untary Repatriation Program, more than costs of trade, the United States and 35,000 persons, including 20,500 in Canada decreased transit times at the 2005, were returned to their home in Detroit/Windsor gateway, our largest a secure, legal, and humanitarian way. border crossing point, by 50 percent. • To increase maritime security, the • To support increased trade and expedite United States and Canada completed secure processing of cross-border trade joint exercises on the St. Clair and De- and travel between Mexico and the troit Rivers in September and in Feb- United States, six FAST/Express lanes ruary during Super Bowl XL. Officers, are operating at the US-Mexico border, who were cross-designated on vessels of a new lane in Nogales will open soon, the other nation, could authorize pur- and we are working on a project for a suit of suspect vessels crossing jurisdic- lane in Matamoros. Exclusive lines and tions. schedules will be implemented at nine • To advance preparedness to address a crossings. cyber incident affecting critical infra- • To allow more efficient examination of structure, authorities from the United rail cargo for hazardous materials and States and Canada completed a multi- illicit flows of goods, the United States national exercise, Cyberstorm, in Feb- and Mexico have installed gamma ray ruary 2006. equipment at key border crossings. • To enhance aviation security, the • To speed cargo shipping, the three United States, Canada, and Mexico countries are developing uniform in-ad- completed training on principles to pro- vance electronic exchange of cargo tect aircraft from terrorism threats, on manifest data for maritime, railroad and marksmanship skills, and on emergency motor carriers. procedures. • To improve air quality and promote a • To enhance port security, Canada and more competitive automotive industry, the United States concluded port facil- Mexico implemented an official stand- ity visits at Oakland, CA and Vancouver, ard to reduce sulfur in fuels. This will BC in October 2005 to facilitate the de- increase supply of low-sulfur fuels in velopment of benchmark security stand- Mexico. ards. • To increase border security, Mexican • To ensure food safety while facilitating and U.S. agencies are harmonizing risk trade, a Food Safety Coordinating Task assessment mechanisms, exchanging in- Force was formed and is developing a formation, and establishing protocols to prioritized list of standards to compare facilitate detection of fraud and smug- for similarities, differences, and sci- gling. entific bases for the differences. These

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efforts will facilitate the development of Digest of Other North American standards and, as ap- White House Announcements propriate, the removal of differences in standards. The following list includes the President’s public • To enhance clarity and compatibility of schedule and other items of general interest an- energy regulation, Canadian, U.S. and nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Mexican regulators began regular meet- not included elsewhere in this issue. ings to exchange information on regu- latory standards and energy market de- March 25 velopments and to discuss bringing gas In the morning, the President had an intel- from Alaska to the North American ligence briefing. Later, he and Mrs. Bush market. traveled to Camp David, MD.

• To reduce marine air pollution, Canada March 26 and the United States have coordinated In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. data collection, marine inventory devel- Bush returned to Washington, DC. opment and air quality monitoring. The two countries are preparing to approach March 27 the International Maritime Organiza- In the morning, the President had an intel- tion to designate special areas for con- ligence briefing. trolling sulfur emissions from marine In the afternoon, the President had lunch vessels. with Vice President Dick Cheney. The President announced his intention to • Canada and the United States are devel- nominate Ronald S. Cooper to be General oping Mutual Assistance Arrangements, Counsel of the Equal Employment Oppor- which will enhance our preparedness tunity Commission. for cross-border public health emer- The President announced his intention to gencies; Mexico has been invited to par- nominate Harry R. Hoglander and Peter W. ticipate. Tredick to be members of the National Me- diation Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Molly A. O’Neill to be Assistant [NOTE: An original was not available for Administrator of the Environmental Protec- verification of the content of this joint statement.] tion Agency for Environmental Information. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the Advisory Council on Historic Preserva- Statement on the Earthquakes in tion: John Nau (General Public); D. Franklin Iran Arey III (General Public); Alan Autry; and Matt Blunt. March 31, 2006 The President announced his intention to appoint Marilyn Castor Machon Pattillo and On behalf of the American people, Laura Frank Jao as members of the Board of Direc- and I express our sincere condolences for the tors of the Vietnam Education Foundation. loss of life and suffering caused by the series The President announced his intention to of earthquakes in the Iranian province of appoint the following individuals as members Luristan. Our thoughts and prayers are with of the President’s Committee for People with families and individuals who have lost loved Intellectual Disabilities: Ricardo Barraza, Jr.; ones. The United States stands ready to assist Herbert Bartlett; Sharman Word Dennis; the people of Iran, and we hereby extend Carmela Vargas Gonzales; Harris N. Hollin; an offer of humanitarian assistance. Casey Patrick O’Halloran; Thomas J. Reilly;

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Steven C. Rhatigan; Neil Romano; and Dal- March 31 las Rob Sweezy. In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Later, at the Fiesta Ameri- March 28 cana Condesa Cancun Hotel, he participated In the morning, the President had an intel- in a meeting with American, Canadian, and ligence briefing. Later, he had a telephone Mexican chief executive officers to discuss conversation with outgoing Prime Minister the North American economy. He then trav- Percival James Patterson of Jamaica to com- eled to the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX. mend him for his distinguished service. He The President announced his appointment then had a telephone conversation with of Dana M. Perino as Deputy Assistant to Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson the President and Deputy Press Secretary. Miller of Jamaica to congratulate her on tak- The President announced his appointment ing office. of Kenneth A. Lisaius as Special Assistant to In the afternoon, the President met with the President and Deputy Press Secretary. Members of Congress who had recently vis- The President announced his appointment ited Iraq. of Christopher G. Michel as Special Assistant During the day, the President met with to the President for Speechwriting. President-elect Rene Preval of Haiti. The President announced his appointment The President declared a major disaster in of Blain Rethmeier as Special Assistant to the Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supple- President for Communications. ment State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by tornadoes and severe storms on March 11–13.

March 29 Nominations Submitted to the Senate In the morning, the President had a tele- phone conversation with acting Prime Min- ister Ehud Olmert of Israel to congratulate The following list does not include promotions of him on his party’s success in the recent elec- members of the Uniformed Services, nominations tion. Later, he had an intelligence briefing. to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- In the afternoon, the President met with eign Service officers. Republican congressional leaders to discuss legislative priorities. Later, he participated in a photo opportunity with Spring 2006 White Submitted March 27 House interns. He then traveled to Cancun, Mexico. Ronald S. Cooper, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the March 30 Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- In the morning, the President had an intel- sion for a term of 4 years, vice Eric S. ligence briefing. Later, the President trav- Dreiband, resigned. eled to Chichen-Itza, Mexico, where he toured the Chichen-Itza archaeological ruins. Harry R. Hoglander, He then returned to Cancun, Mexico. of Massachusetts, to be a member of the Na- In the evening, at the Fiesta Americana tional Mediation Board for a term expiring Condesa Cancun Hotel, the President had July 1, 2008 (reappointment). dinner with President Vicente Fox of Mexico and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Can- Michael D. Kirby, ada. of Virginia, a career member of the Senior The President announced his nomination Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, of Daniel L. Cooper to be Under Secretary to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- for Benefits of the Department of Veterans potentiary of the United States of America Affairs. to the Republic of Moldova.

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Molly A. O’Neill, Checklist of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator of White House Press Releases of the Environmental Protection Agency, vice Kimberly Terese Nelson. The following list contains releases of the Office Peter W. Tredick, of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as of California, to be a member of the National items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, Other White House Announcements. 2007, vice Edward J. Fitzmaurice, Jr., term expired. Released March 27 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Withdrawn March 27 retary Scott McClellan

Henry W. Saad, Fact sheet: Comprehensive Immigration Re- of Michigan, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the form: Securing our Border, Enforcing our Sixth Circuit, vice James L. Ryan, retired, Laws, and Upholding our Values which was sent to the Senate on February Released March 28 14, 2005. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Scott McClellan David C. Sanborn, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Mari- Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster time Administration, vice William Schubert, assistance to Illinois which was sent to the Senate on January 18, 2006. Released March 29 Fact sheet: Strategy for Victory: Freedom in Submitted March 30 Iraq Released March 30 Daniel L. Cooper, of Pennsylvania, to be Under Secretary for Transcript of a press briefing by Senior Di- Benefits of the Department of Veterans Af- rector for Western Hemisphere Affairs Dan- fairs for a term of 4 years (reappointment). iel W. Fisk of the National Security Council on the President’s visit to Mexico Gary D. Orton, Statement by the Press Secretary on China’s of Nevada, to be U.S. Marshal for the District treatment of Kim Chun-Hee of Nevada for the term of 4 years, vice Rich- ard Zenos Winget.

Withdrawn March 30 Acts Approved Daniel P. Ryan, by the President of Michigan, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Patrick NOTE: No acts approved by the President were J. Duggan, retired, which was sent to the received by the Office of the Federal Register Senate on February 14, 2005. during the period covered by this issue.

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