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governments, to speak their minds, and to mitted to doing more in the future. We pursue a good life for their families, they also agree that highly indebted developing build a strong, prosperous, and just society. countries that are on the path to reform This is the vision chosen by Iraqis in should not be burdened by mountains of elections in January, and the debt. Our countries are developing a pro- and Britain will stand with the Iraqi people posal for the G–8 that will eliminate 100 as they continue their journey toward free- percent of that debt, and that, by providing dom and democracy. We’ll support Iraqis additional resources, will preserve the fi- as they take the lead in providing their nancial integrity of the World Bank and own security. Our strategy is clear: We’re the African Development Bank. training Iraqi forces so they can take the As we work with African nations to de- fight to the enemy, so they can defend their country. And then our troops will velop democratic institutions and vibrant come home with the honor they have economies that will provide greater oppor- earned. tunity for all Africans, we must also address By spreading freedom throughout the emergency needs. I’m pleased to announce broader Middle East, we’ll end the bitter- the United States will provide approxi- ness and hatred that feed the ideology of mately $674 million of additional resources terror. We’re working together to help to respond to humanitarian emergencies in build the democratic institutions of a future Africa. One of those emergencies is the Palestinian state. We support Israel’s dis- growing hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. engagement from Gaza and parts of the In response to this need, $414 million of West Bank. We’re advancing the vision of those additional resources will be provided two states, Israel and Palestine, living side immediately to avert famine there. We urge by side in peace and security. the international community to join us in We also share a commitment to help the committing greater resources to the hu- people of Africa build strong democratic manitarian needs in Africa. institutions and healthy economies. The I also look forward to working with the Prime Minister has made the promotion Prime Minister through the G–8 to forge of reform and development in Africa a cen- a new strategy for the 21st century that ter piece of the G–8 summit that the helps countries achieve economic pros- United Kingdom will be hosting next perity, energy security, and a clean environ- month. And I’m grateful for your vision, ment to improve public health by cutting and I’m grateful for your leadership on this air—public air pollution and to address important subject. global change, subjects which I look for- Helping those who suffer and preventing the senseless death of millions of people ward to discussing at the G–8, Mr. Prime in Africa is a central commitment of my Minister. To develop and make available administration’s foreign policy. We’re mak- clean and efficient technologies that will ing historic progress in helping the poorest help attain these goals has got to be part countries in Africa gain a fresh start and of our dialog at the G–8. to build a future of greater opportunity and I look forward to also continuing our dis- prosperity. America will continue to lead cussion to support freedom and democracy the world to meet our duty in helping the in the broader Middle East. world’s most vulnerable people. The United States congratulates the Over the past 4 years, we have tripled United Kingdom as it takes over the Presi- our assistance to sub-Sahara Africa, and dency of the EU on July the first. The now America accounts for nearly a quarter United States has a wide-ranging and active of all the aid in the region. And we’re com- agenda with Europe, and we’re determined

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to work together to meet the global chal- issues to do with Africa but all of them lenges common to us all. The Prime Min- together and deal with it on a basis of ister and I believe a strong Europe that a partnership with the African leadership acts in partnership with the United States that’s prepared to embrace the same values is important for world peace. of democracy and freedom that we em- I appreciate your leadership, . brace. I appreciate your friendship. I appreciate In respect of debt and debt cancellation, your courage, and I appreciate your vision. I’m pleased at the progress that we’re mak- Welcome back to America. ing. And I think we are well on the way— Prime Minister Blair. Thank you very I hope we can, if we’re able to, conclude much, indeed, Mr. President, and I say how a deal at the finance ministers’ meeting this delighted we are to be back here in the weekend, but one that will involve 100 per- White House and to say thank you for your cent debt cancellation and also the commit- warm welcome. ment of the additional funding necessary And we’ve also got a busy agenda ahead to make sure that the institutions aren’t of us in the international community over penalized as a result of that. And if that the coming months. We’ve obviously dis- substantial funding is added also to the cussed, as the President has just indicated, debt cancellation, I think it will make a the issues to do with the G–8 summit. And real difference to those African countries. on Africa, I think there is a real and com- But we know there’s a lot more to do. mon desire to help that troubled continent And over the coming weeks, in the run- come out of the poverty and deprivation up to the summit that will take place in that so many millions of its people suffer. Scotland, we want to carry on working on In a situation where literally thousands of the specific programs in relation to things children die from preventable diseases like education and infrastructure and deal- every day, it’s our duty to act, and we will. ing with the killer diseases, that allow us But we know that there are two things to make the commitment that we need. very clear about Africa today. The first is, On climate change, I think everyone that though it is important that we commit knows there are different perspectives on the resources to Africa that are necessary, this issue. But I also think that it’s increas- it’s not just about resources. It’s also about ingly obvious, whatever perspective people debt. It’s about trade. It’s about making have and whatever—from whatever angle sure that we deal with these diseases, HIV/ they come at this issue, there is a common AIDS, malaria, TB, polio, that are killing commitment and desire to tackle the chal- so many people. It’s about conflict resolu- lenges of climate change, of energy security tion and having the proper peacekeeping and energy supply. And we need to make and peace enforcement mechanisms. sure that we do that. And again, I hope And it’s about making sure that in doing over the coming weeks, we will work close- this, that it’s not a something-for-nothing ly on this. deal. We also need to make sure that there On the Middle East and the Middle East is a commitment on the part of the African peace process—of course, we had a discus- leadership to proper governance, to action sion about this. I would just like to empha- against corruption, to making sure that the size again the vital necessity of making sure aid and the resources that we’re prepared that democracy succeeds in Iraq. Our to commit actually go to the people that troops work together very, very closely need it and do the job that it’s supposed there, and I would like to pay tribute not to do. just to the bravery of the British troops So we are trying to create a framework that work there and other coalition troops in which we deal not just with one of the but to the United States forces that do

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such a magnificent job there and often in Africa is an important part of my foreign very, very difficult circumstances. And yet policy. I remember when I first talked to it is absolutely vital for the security, not Condi when I was trying to convince her just of that country and of that region but to become the National Security Adviser, of the world, that we succeed in Iraq. And she said, ‘‘Are you going to pay attention the reason it’s tough is because people to the continent of Africa?’’ I said, ‘‘You know what’s at stake. And what’s at stake bet.’’ And I’ve fulfilled that commitment. is the ability of Iraq finally to function We’ve convinced Congress to triple aid. properly as a democracy, run for the good We’ve got a significant HIV/AIDS initiative of its people. And our help in ensuring that we’re undertaking. We started what’s that Iraq can attain that goal is of vital called the Millennium Challenge Account, importance, not just to our countries but and we’ll do more down the road. to the future of the world. Now, in terms of whether or not the In addition, of course, the progress that’s formula that you commented upon are the being made in respect to the Middle East right way to analyze the United States com- peace process is very welcome. Mr. Presi- mitment to her, I don’t think it is. I mean, dent, I’d like to thank you for your leader- I don’t think—there’s a lot of things that ship on that issue, which has been ex- aren’t counted in our desire to spread com- tremely important. passion. But our country is—has taken the We also had an opportunity to discuss lead in Africa, and we’ll stay there. It’s the issues to do with Iran and Libya and Af- right thing to do. It’s important to help ghanistan and a range of different matters. Africa get on her feet. But once again, let me thank you very And by the way, I think one of things much for inviting me here and to come that many African nations have come to back after my reelection. Thank you for discover is that through trade they can de- the kind words about that. And I look for- velop a more hopeful society rather than ward to working not just on the issues to through aid. I mean, aid helps, but we do with the G–8 but on the full range passed what’s called AGOA, the African of the international agenda with you. It’s Growth and Opportunity Act, and have ex- a good alliance and a good partnership for tended it. It passed during President our two countries, and I believe, for the Clinton’s period. My administration ex- wider world. tended it, with Congress, and it’s made an President Bush. Thank you, sir. enormous difference to young economies. Prime Minister Blair. Thank you, Mr. When you open up your market to entre- President. preneurs and small businesses, it helps President Bush. We’ll answer two ques- spread wealth. And that’s, after all, what tions a side. Jennifer [Jennifer Loven, Asso- we’re trying to achieve. ciated Press]. So I’m proud of our accomplishments, U.S. Aid to Africa and we’ll continue to take the lead on the issue. Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Prime Prime Minister Blair. Okay—Andy [An- Minister Blair has been pushing for wealthy drew Marr, BBC]. nations to double aid to Africa. With Amer- President Bush. Andy is still with you. ican aid levels among the lowest in the Prime Minister Blair. He is. G–8 as per portion of national income and the problems on the continent so dire, why Debt Relief/Reciprocation of African isn’t doubling U.S. aid a good idea? Nations President Bush. Well, first, as I said in Q. For a brief period, Mr. President. I’m my statement, we’ve tripled aid to Africa. from BBC. Could I ask both leaders—I

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understand from what you say that you’re figure out of the air but to realize the Com- pretty close to cracking the differences be- mission for Africa reached that figure on tween you about how to pay for debt can- the basis of an analysis of what Africa cellation for the poorest countries. Is that needs. And I think that this is what we the case, and can you tell us any more can do over the coming weeks. about that? In relation to specific areas where we And also, if I may, to the President, Mr. accept there is a real need and we can Blair’s Africa Commission has really raised act and we can act in a way, what is more, the ante quite a lot in Africa, talking about that is not going to waste the money given this big historic moment for the world and but is going to put it to the use to which the continent. Do you see it that way too? it’s supposed to be put—on education, on President Bush. I do. That’s why we tri- malaria, on HIV/AIDS, on things like water pled aid. I see we have got a fantastic op- sanitation, on the peacekeeping, peace en- portunity, presuming that the countries in forcement aspect of conflict resolution in Africa make the right decisions. Nobody Africa—we have got the chance over the wants to give money to a country that’s next period of time to make a definitive corrupt, where leaders take money and put commitment, but it is a two-way commit- it in their pocket. No developed nation is ment. We require the African leadership— going to want to support a government that this is what the President is saying—we doesn’t take an interest in her people, that require the African leadership also to be doesn’t focus on education and health care. prepared to make the commitment on gov- We’re really not interested in supporting ernance, against corruption, in favor of de- a government that doesn’t have open mocracy, in favor of the rule of law. economies and open markets. We expect Now, there are African nations that are there to be a reciprocation. That’s what prepared to make that commitment today. the Prime Minister talked about. They’re going to get help. What we’re not But absolutely, it’s a great opportunity. going to do is waste our countries’ money. And I’m honored to be working with the So that is the nature of what we are trying Prime Minister on this important subject. to put together. Obviously, there’s going Prime Minister Blair. I think in relation to be a lot of discussions over the next to the debt cancellation, yes, I think we’re few weeks to—because it’s at Gleneagles well on the way to agreement on that. But that we will get the final package there. it’s important to realize we need, obviously, But I’m hopeful after the discussions that America and the UK to be in agreement, we’ve had today that we can get there. but then we need to get the agreement President Bush. Steve [Steve Holland, of the others. So we’ve got to watch how ]. we manage that process and bring everyone into it. But yes, I think there is a real desire Downing Street Memo to make sure that we cancel the debt and Q. Thank you, sir. On Iraq, the so-called cancel the debt in such a way that it Downing Street memo from July 2002 says doesn’t inhibit or disadvantage the inter- intelligence and facts were being fixed national institutions. around the policy of removing Saddam I think, in relation to Africa more gen- through military action. Is this an accurate erally, it’s important—in respect to the Af- reflection of what happened? Could both rica Commission report—we set out a fig- of you respond? ure of the doubling of aid, and $25 billion Prime Minister Blair. Well, I can respond extra is effectively what that would mean. to that very easily. No, the facts were not But the important thing is not to take the being fixed in any shape or form at all,

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and let me remind you that that memo- take a—put a united front up to Saddam randum was written before we then went Hussein, and say, ‘‘The world speaks,’’ and to the . Now, no one knows he ignored the world. Remember, 1441 more intimately the discussions that we passed the Security Council unanimously. were conducting as two countries at the He made the decision. And the world is time than me. And the fact is, we decided better off without in to go to the United Nations and went power. through that process, which resulted in the Prime Minister Blair. Nick. November 2002 United Nations resolution, Eradication of Poverty in Africa/Climate to give a final chance to Saddam Hussein Change to comply with international law. He didn’t do so. And that was the reason why we Q. Nick Robinson, ITV News. You’ve had to take military action. talked of what you’ve hoped to do for Afri- But all the way through that period of ca. Do you regard the phrase ‘‘make pov- time, we were trying to look for a way erty history’’ as rhetoric from rock stars? of managing to resolve this without conflict. Or do you really believe in your gut that As it happened, we weren’t able to do that this the year it could happen? because, as I think was very clear, there And Mr. President, if I may as well on was no way that Saddam Hussein was ever climate change—you didn’t talk about cli- going to change the way that he worked mate change—do you believe that climate or the way that he acted. change is manmade and that you, person- President Bush. Well, I—you know, I ally, as the leader of the richest country read kind of the characterizations of the in the world, have a responsibility to re- memo, particularly when they dropped it verse that change? out in the middle of his race. I’m not sure President Bush. Let me address your first who ‘‘they dropped it out’’ is, but—I’m not question. Talk about—you said I’m willing suggesting that you all dropped it out there. to talk about what we’re going to do. I [Laughter] And somebody said, ‘‘Well, you want you to focus on what we have done, know, we had made up our mind to go for starters. I mean, part of the—part of to use military force to deal with Saddam.’’ this world, we’ve got a lot of big talkers. There’s nothing farther from the truth. What I like to say is, my administration My conversation with the Prime Minister actually does what we say we’re going to was, ‘‘How could we do this peacefully? do, and we have. When I say we’re going What could we do?’’ And this meeting, evi- to make a commitment to triple aid in Afri- dently, that took place in London happened ca, I meant it, and we did. When I said before we even went to the United Na- we’re going to lead an initiative, an HIV/ tions—or I went to the United Nations. AIDS initiative, the likes of which the And so it’s—look, both us of didn’t want world has never seen before on the con- to use our military. Nobody wants to com- tinent of Africa, we have done that, and mit military into combat. It’s the last op- we’re following through. And so when I tion. The consequences of committing the say we’re going to do more, I think you military are very difficult. The hardest can take that to the bank, as we say, be- things I do as the President is to try to cause of what we have done. We have comfort families who’ve lost a loved one taken a leadership role. in combat. It’s the last option that the Second question—do I believe in my gut President must have, and it’s the last option we can eradicate poverty? I do believe we I know my friend had as well. can eradicate poverty. And by the way, And so we worked hard to see if we Bono has come to see me. I admire him. could figure out how to do this peacefully, He is a man of depth and a great heart

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who cares deeply about the impoverished oping nations out of the mix if you expect folks on the continent of Africa, and I ad- to have a cleaner world. mire his leadership on the issue. And so I strongly believe that the world needs I do believe—I don’t view—I can’t remem- to share technologies on nuclear power. I ber how you characterized the rock stars, don’t see how you can be—diversify away but I don’t characterize them that way, hav- from hydrocarbons unless you use clean ing met the man. nuke. And so we need to work together In terms of climate change, I’ve always on developing technologies that will not said it’s a serious, long-term issue that only ensure people that nuclear power will needs to be dealt with. And my administra- be safe but that we can dispose of it in tion isn’t waiting around to deal with the a safe way. issue. We’re acting. I don’t know if you’re I’ll tell you an interesting opportunity for aware of this, but we lead the world when not only here but for the rest of the world it comes to dollars spent, millions of dollars is biodiesel. That is a fuel developed from spent on research about climate change. soybeans. I kind of, in jest, like to travel We want to know more about it. It’s easier our country, saying, ‘‘Wouldn’t it be won- to solve a problem when you know a lot derful if someday the President sat down about it. And if you look at the statistics, and looked at the crop report, and said, you’ll find the United States has taken the ‘Man, we’ve got a lot of soybeans. It means lead on this research. we’re less dependent on foreign sources of Secondly, we’re spending a lot of money energy.’ ’’ We’re spending money to figure on developing ways to diversify away from out how best to refine soy into diesel. a hydrocarbon society. America must do See, there’s a lot of things we’re doing that for national security reasons and eco- in America, and I believe that not only nomic security reasons. And that’s why I can we solve greenhouse gas, I believe we laid out the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative, will. And I appreciate the Prime Minister with the understanding that our country is bringing this issue up. I look forward to going to have to diversify away from the sharing that which we know here in Amer- type of automobiles we drive. ica with not only the G–8 members but, And it’s beginning to happen here. We’ll equally importantly, with developing coun- have more fuel cells—cars driven by fuel tries. And not only that, I’m convinced that cells on the road next year than we had we can use technology to help keep the the past year, and more after that. We’re air cleaner and the water purer and develop beginning to change. Technology is chang- economies around the world at the same ing how we can approach energy, and the time. That’s going to be one of the great technology—mating technology and energy advances in technology in the coming years. independence from hydrocarbon also will Thank you for your question. Good to produce a cleaner environment. see you all. We’re spending a lot of money on clean coal technology. That’s going to be very NOTE: The President’s news conference important for a country like ours and a began at 4:46 p.m. in the East Room at the country like China. And one of the issues White House. In his remarks, he referred to we’ve got to deal—figure out how to deal Cherie Booth Blair, wife of Prime Minister with is how we share that technology with Blair; former President Saddam Hussein of developing nations. You cannot leave devel- Iraq; and musician and activist Bono.

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Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey June 8, 2005

President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, wel- Prime Minister Erdogan. Thank you, Mr. come to the Oval Office. We’ve had an President. In our meeting with the Presi- extensive visit about a lot of issues, and dent, we discussed and evaluated the polit- the reason why is because Turkey and the ical partnership that we have with the United States has an important strategic re- United States, and we looked into the fu- lationship. I told the Prime Minister how ture with regard to our relations. I can grateful I was that he was a—is a strong summarize the main titles of our discussion supporter of the broader Middle Eastern as freedom, democracy, rule of law, fight initiative. Turkey’s democracy is an impor- against , security, and human tant example for the people in the broader rights. Middle East, and I want to thank you for We also had an opportunity to talk about your leadership. the broader Middle East initiative, with re- Along these lines, I thanked the Prime gard to regional developments. We also dis- Minister for Turkey’s leadership role in Af- cussed the Cyprus issue. And we were able ghanistan. I was most impressed by his re- to discuss with some depth the issues with port from his trip to Afghanistan and his regard to Israel, Palestine, the situation in deep concern for the conditions of the peo- Iraq, Afghanistan. ple there and his desire to work with the We discussed and I’m confident that we United States and NATO countries to help will continue to have the same kind of soli- improve the lives of the children, for exam- darity we’ve had in Turkish-U.S. relations ple, in Afghanistan. in the past, in the future as well. We discussed—a lot of foreign policy and I also mentioned to the President that shared interests between our countries. And Turkey is open to any new investment as one of the most important foreign policy a country now of stability and security. And initiatives of my administration—and I we were very happy to see that the Presi- know the Prime Minister shares the same dent agreed that he had a positive view desire—is to work with the Palestinians so on investments. they can have their own state, their own And we’re happy that we were able to democracy, living side by side in peace with confirm that our strategic relationship will Israel. move and will take place in the future, And finally, we discussed the domestic as it has been done in the past. issues. We discussed our economies, and Thank you. the Prime Minister reminded me that the— President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank in his judgment, Turkey is a good place you. for U.S. investment. I listened very care- fully to what he had to say, but we spent— all in all, it was a very rich and important NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. in discussion. the Oval Office at the White House. Prime Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for com- Minister Erdogan spoke in Turkish, and his ing. remarks were translated by an interpreter.

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Remarks at the Associated Builders and Contractors National Legislative Conference June 8, 2005

Thank you all. Please be seated. Thanks and therefore, any relief, any decisions as for coming. Thanks for the warm welcome. to how to deal with the recession had to Thanks for the kind introduction, Gary; it’s be good policy for small businesses. And good to keep it in the old Texas family. the tax relief we passed made a difference [Laughter] All you other Texans who are for our small businesses here in America. here, make sure you behave yourself. And the economic policy is working. I [Laughter] mean, after all, more people work in Amer- But I’m really honored to be here. I ica today than ever before in our Nation’s appreciate ABC; I appreciate your leader- history. The unemployment rate is down ship. I appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit. to 5.1 percent. Small businesses are flour- I appreciate the fact that you’re hiring peo- ishing. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. ple and making your communities better But there’s more work to be done; there’s in which you live. I want to thank Carole more work to be done. Bionda and Kirk Pickerel and the board One of the main jobs we have here in of directors for having me here. Washington is to protect our country. You You made a mistake, you should have invited Laura—[laughter]—to be your see, not only did the attacks help accelerate speaker, if you were looking for the A- a recession; the attacks reminded us that team in our family. She’s become quite the we are at war. It’s a different kind of war. comedienne. [Laughter] I’m pleased to re- It’s a war that has taken the country a port, though, that she’s doing great. I’m while to adjust to, because we’re not facing a lucky man when she said yes when I nation states; we’re facing terrorist organi- asked her to marry me. And I think the zations that know no border, terrorist orga- country is lucky to have her as the First nizations that know no conduct the way Lady. civilized nations know it when it comes to You know, I came to Washington to get fighting war. They’ll kill innocent people some things done. This isn’t my permanent like that in order to justify a hateful ide- home. I’m going to give it my all, put my ology, which means that we’ve got to do energy into the job, and pour my soul into a couple of things here out of Washington. my work, and when time is up, I’m going One, we’ve got to do everything we can to head back home. But I want it to be to protect the homeland, and we are. We’re said that my administration came to Wash- doing a better job of collecting and ana- ington, DC, to solve problems. And when lyzing intelligence and sharing intelligence. we had a problem that we square—that Tomorrow I’m going to go to Columbus, we dealt with it squarely. And we did it Ohio, to talk about the renewal of the PA- based upon principle. And we’ve been pre- TRIOT Act, which is an important piece sented with some problems in this adminis- of legislation that on the one hand guaran- tration. One of them was a recession, be- tees the civil liberties of the American peo- cause of an enemy attack and the down ple, but on the other hand, gives our terror cycle in the economy. We had to deal with fighters the same tools that we use to deal the recession. with drug lords or white-collar criminals. And at the heart of my decisionmaking We’re making progress about making sure was my understanding that most new jobs Federal agencies do a better job of commu- in America are created by small businesses, nicating.

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