July 13 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

many others in the international commu- We want to work together to promote free- nity, I respect her judgment and I value dom. There’s so much that we can do, her opinion. working together, and that’s part of my visit It’s such an honor to be in her constitu- today, is to pledge to you and the Chan- ency. When I met with her in the Oval cellor, America and stand side by Office, she said, ‘‘When you come to Ger- side. many, you need to come to one of the Thank you for your warm welcome. May best parts of Germany.’’ She didn’t predict God bless you all. Thank you very much. the weather. [Laughter] But I want to thank the mayor for delivering such a beau- NOTE: The President spoke at approximately tiful day. And she forgot to tell me I was 9:55 a.m. in Stralsund Market Square. In his going to get some herring, and I thank remarks, he referred to Mayor Harald you for that gift. Lastovka of Stralsund, Germany; and Min- I bring a message from the American ister President Harald Ringstorff of the Fed- people: We’re honored to call the German eral State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, people friends and allies. We share com- Germany. Chancellor Merkel spoke in Ger- mon values and common interests. We man, and her remarks were translated by an want to work together to keep the peace. interpreter.

The President’s News Conference With Chancellor of Germany in Stralsund July 13, 2006

Chancellor Merkel. Ladies and gentle- foremost on top of the agenda is certainly men, I am delighted to be able to welcome Iran. The international community actually the President of the United States here to submitted a very substantial, very funda- Stralsund yet again. We had a lengthy con- mental offer to Iran, starting from the firm versation just now in the office of the view that Iran should not be in possession mayor. We felt very much at home here of a nuclear weapon, but that, on the other in this beautiful city hall. We talked about hand, Iran should have—should know good all of the different issues on the global development. So far we have not received agenda. any sort of reaction from the Iranian lead- We shall later on see a little bit more ership as to how their position is on this of the countryside here, of the city itself. offer. I am really pleased to be able to show And this is why it was only consistent to the President of the United States how that yesterday the foreign ministers decided matters have developed here, with some yet again to show clearly, also through a problems still existing but also what sort resolution in the U.N. Security Council, of problems we’ve coped with quite suc- that should Iran not in any way reply to cessfully. And it’s such a great thing to this offer and accept this offer, we unfortu- have this lovely weather for our visits. nately have to embark on a new course. Just now in our talks, we talked at great The door has not been closed, but Iran length about international issues. Unfortu- must know that those who have submitted nately, there are quite a lot of problems this offer are willing—and this is the suc- that we need to deal with and for whose cess of yesterday’s meeting—Russia, China, solution we feel responsible. The first and the E–3, and the United States of America,

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all of them together are willing to act in mitment as regards Congo. We also, how- concert and to show this clearly through ever, see the situation in Darfur as a threat- their action in the Security Council. ening one. We also addressed the very disturbing We found that there is a lot that we situation in the Middle East, and it fills agree on, as regards our common respon- us with concern. And we have also stated sibilities, responsibilities that we see for the clearly that everything needs to be done two of us the world over. And I, for one, in order to come back to a peaceful resolu- think that as regards, for example, Iran, tion. We need to remind all of us again this responsibility ought to be shouldered how this escalation started, with the kid- by more and more countries—that goes for naping of a soldier, through rockets—for Russia; that goes for China. It will only the firing of missiles against Israeli terri- be if we act in concert that we will be tory. And we can only urge all parties, ap- able to vanquish the tyrants, remove dicta- peal to all parties to stop, to cease violence, torships, and contain those who sponsor and to also release the kidnaped soldier terrorism. And Germany would like to give and to stop this firing of missiles at Israeli its contribution to that. territory. President Bush. Chancellor, thank you We would like to appeal to the powers very much. Thanks for the invitation. This in the region to see to it that further esca- is a beautiful part of the world, and Laura lation is warded off and that, first and fore- and I are so honored to come to your con- most, the root causes of this conflict are stituency and meet some of the friendly removed. And only in this way will a nego- people who live here. I remember you tiating process become possible again. We coming to the Oval Office, and you said, have every interest in seeing the Lebanese ‘‘If you are coming to Germany, this is Government be strengthened and this Gov- the part of Germany I want you to see.’’ ernment being able to pursue its policies And now I can see why you suggested it. in a sensible and secure environment. I’m looking forward to the feast you’re We also addressed matters of trade, glob- going to have tonight. I understand I may al trade. Here we—and I’m saying this have the honor of slicing the pig. from a German perspective—have a com- We had a good discussion—it’s more mon interest in seeing this world round than a discussion; it’s really a strategy ses- be a successful one, this world trade round. sion, is the way I’d like to describe it. We But that means there has to be movement talked about a lot of subjects. We talked on all sides. And we’re expecting a reason- about the Middle East and Iran, and I able, sensible offer by the G–20, because briefed the Chancellor on North Korea. We this is where movement is necessary. Eu- talked about Iraq and Afghanistan as well. rope and others have submitted far-reach- But when we talked about the issues, ing proposals, and we would like to explore it’s important for you to understand, we’re every possibility of these negotiations, but really trying to figure out how to work to- that means, as I said, movement on all gether to solve problems. And I appre- sides. And here I see that the G–20 has ciate—appreciate the Chancellor’s judg- to deliver. ment a lot. It’s an interesting conversation, We also addressed those issues that will you know, when you toss out what may be on the agenda at the G–8 in St. Peters- seem to be a problem that’s insoluble, and burg. Here, first and foremost, energy pol- all of a sudden, two people start thinking icy, secure energy supply, was at the top about how to solve it, solve the problem. of the agenda. We addressed African issues, And that’s what we’re doing. Darfur and the Congo mission. We as Ger- You know, on the Iranian issue, for ex- mans, as you know, have taken out a com- ample, the last time that we were together,

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we talked—spent a lot of time on Iran, peace will continue to work together to en- and the Chancellor was wondering whether courage peace. or not the United States would ever come We talked about North Korea. I assured to the table to negotiate with the Iranians. the Chancellor that I’m committed to the You made that pretty clear to me that you six-party talks and that the five of us in thought it was something—an option we the six-party talks will work to convince ought to consider, which I did. And I made North Korea to come back to the table. it clear to the Iranians that if they were I’m hopeful that we can get some U.N. to do what they said they would do, which action on North Korea. is to stop enrichment in a verifiable fashion, We did talk about Doha, the trade we’re more than pleased to come back to round, and it’s—look, these trade rounds the table. are difficult to negotiate with. We’ve all There’s no question that this issue can got our own interests, but the good news be solved diplomatically, and there’s no is, we do share a common desire to open question that it can be solved diplomatically up markets. Germany is a great exporter. with Germany and the United States It’s in Germany’s interest that tariffs be strategizing as how to solve it. And I want reduced around the world. It’s in our inter- to thank the Chancellor’s leadership on this ests that tariffs be reduced around the issue. It’s really important for Europe to world. And I committed to what I told speak with one common voice. And it’s im- the world back last September: We will portant for Angela and myself to work with reduce agricultural subsidies. But all we Vladimir Putin, which we will do at the want is fair treatment when it comes to G–8, to continue to encourage him to join market access. us in saying to the Iranians loud and clear, I’m optimistic we can still get something ‘‘We’re not kidding; it’s a serious issue. The done on the Doha round. It’s going to take world is united in insisting that you not work, but G–8 is a good place for us to have a nuclear weapons program.’’ continue the dialog, and we will. And I guess that’s about all—we dis- We talked about the Israeli-Palestinian cussed a lot of things, in other words. And and the Israeli issues with Hizballah and thank you for having me. I’m looking for- our common desire to work together to ward to that pig tonight. [Laughter] help bring peace to that troubled region. I’ll be glad to answer a couple of ques- My attitude is this: There are a group of tions. Do you want to start her off? terrorists who want to stop the advance of peace. And those of us who are peace- Iran loving must work together to help the Q. Chancellor, you spoke about charting agents of peace—Israel, President Abbas, a new course as regards a response to the and others—to achieve their objective. You Iranian conflict. What new course will that got to understand, when peace advances, be? You talked about the results of the it’s in the terrorists’ interests in some cases foreign ministers’ meeting where they will to stop it. And that’s what’s happening. appeal to the Security Council. What sort We were headed toward the roadmap; of action will there be? Again, just a resolu- things looked positive. And terrorists tion that only demands certain things, or stepped up and kidnaped a soldier, fired is the objective a resolution that will then rockets into Israel. Now we’ve got two actually threaten sanctions of a specific na- more kidnapings up north. Hizballah ture? This question is also addressed to the doesn’t want there to be peace. The mili- President. tant arm of Hamas doesn’t want there to Chancellor Merkel. Well, essentially what be peace. And those of us who do want we’re talking about here is not a totally

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new process; it’s just another phase. We understand other nations have got—there’s have waited patiently whether Iran will ex- a pace to this diplomacy. And I assured amine this offer and in which way it will the Chancellor that the United States will react. So far we have not had any sort continue to work to make sure the process of reliable reaction. And for us, the pre- is steady as it moves forward. condition for talks has always been suspen- The key first step is—common goal, sion of the enrichment activities, and a pre- which is no nuclear weapon or program— condition for talks has always been, well, and united message to the Iranians. I truly we will then, under the circumstances, not think they’re trying to wait us out. They react with sanctions. But through this com- think it’s a matter of time before people mon action, we are now making clear, be- lose their nerve or a matter of time before cause we are not receiving a reply, that different interests are able to influence the there will be a concerted action and that process. And I think they’re going to be there will be specific steps. And we’re de- sorely mistaken. I think they’re going to fining what steps these will be if Iran con- be disappointed that this coalition is a lot tinues to let us wait with its response. firmer than they think. So we wanted to demonstrate yet again It is in our interests to make sure they that the international community is willing don’t have a weapon. It would be dan- to show resolve to pursue this strategy fur- gerous if the Iranians had a nuclear weap- ther in every direction. Iran has received on. And that’s a recognizable fact now. So a proposal that I think is a very substantive I appreciate the Chancellor’s position on one, a very good one, one that is good this. for the development of its own country, Yes, Terry. of its own interests—is in its own interests. But if Iran should not reply, if they think Russia they can prevaricate in the hope of the Q. Madam Chancellor, Mr. President— international community being split, then Terry Hunt with the AP [Associated Press]. this proves them wrong. And this is why Looking ahead to St. Petersburg, I’d like I am so happy about the conclusion of that to ask you, do you think that Russia is meeting of the foreign ministers. honoring human rights and democratic President Bush. This notion that the Ira- freedoms and has a responsible approach nians must understand that they can’t wait to energy security? us out and can’t hope to split a coalition— And, Mr. President, were you surprised and so the first step is to go to the United by President Putin replying to Vice Presi- Nations and speak with as common a voice dent Cheney’s criticism, saying that it was as possible. an ‘‘unsuccessful hunting shot?’’ Your question really is, how fast should President Bush. Did I think it was a clev- the process move along? And my attitude er response? It was pretty clever. Actually, is, the answer to that is, it should move quite humorous—not to dis my friend the as fast as necessary to make it effective, Vice President. I don’t know, do you want which is a nonanswer, admittedly. But the to start with this? I’d be glad to—[laugh- truth of the matter is, diplomacy takes a ter]. No, I think our job is to continually lot of work, and there are different interests remind Russia that if she wants to do— involved here. We do share a common goal have good relations, that she ought to share of no nuclear weapon and no program. And common values with us. We share common by the way, we’ve already sanctioned Iran, values; free press is a common value we so we’ve got a different position than oth- share. And I’ve expressed my opinion to ers. It’s easy for me to espouse sanctions, President Putin. You might remember my since it’s already a fait accompli. But we visit with him in Slovakia where I was quite

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pointed in my concerns about whether or have a greater degree of certainty and secu- not there is a free and vibrant press in rity that we understand our common com- Russia. We share concerns about the ability mitments on this. for people to go to the town square and As regards—a strategic link between express their opinions and whether or not Russia and Europe obviously is of tremen- dissent is tolerated, whether or not there’s dous importance. It’s important because we active political opposition. need energy supplies from Russia. And this And so I will continue to carry that mes- is why we shall work towards Russia accept- sage. My own view of dealing with Presi- ing that charter, that energy charter, so that dent Putin, though, is that nobody really we get a legitimate charter that is also likes to be lectured a lot, and if you want based on contracts. But again, it has to to be an effective person, what you don’t be said that Russia has always been a reli- go is scold the person publicly all the time; able supplier. that you remind him where we may have As to democracy and human rights, dur- a difference of opinion, but you do so in ing my visit to Russia, I met with a number a respectful way, so you can then sit down of representatives of nongovernmental orga- and have a constructive dialog. nizations. We discussed what is desirable, And that’s exactly how I’m going to con- what ought to be there as regards Russia’s tinue my relations with President Putin. I’ll further development, and what needs to be be firm about my belief in certain demo- addressed, time and again. And let me tell cratic institutions; I’ll be firm in my belief you that I talked to the President about about the need for there to be an active these issues. civil society, and NGOs should be allowed I think also we ought to have an open, to function in Russia without intimidation. confidential dialog. We should not, sort of, But I’m also going to be respectful of the speak loudly and in public about certain leader of an important country. And I may issues; that we have different ideas about not tell you exactly what I talked to him how a pluralist society, a democratic society about in private, and I would hope that ought to work; that there ought to be a he wouldn’t tell you what he talks to me strong opposition is certainly one of the about in private. realities of life. There are differences of But, yes, we’ve got issues. Listen, we’ve opinion between Russia and the European got common problems that we need to Union. We would wish for Russia to em- work together to solve—North Korea and bark on a path that leads to a lively and Iran are two. And we’ve also got—I hope very pluralistic political landscape, that they he continues to understand that it’s in his enter into a dialog with their civil society, country’s interest to implement the values which is at yet not there, for many reasons. that Germany and Russia—Germany and But we would like to share with them, the United States share. also, the experience that we’ve made with Chancellor Merkel. Well, first, as to the democracy, that pluralism in a democracy, issue of energy security, I can safely say last but not least, actually enhances stability that, looking at Germany over the past few in a country. And that is an experience decades, Russia has always proved to be that we have made, and that is a very a reliable supplier of energy. They have strong force which drives reform processes always abided by the treaties that we forward. For example, we’ve seen that in signed. But we would wish—and I’ve ad- German unity. It’s sometimes complicated dressed this with the Russian President— to bring those decisionmaking processes that they actually bring the energy charter forward in a democracy, but then you re- to its completion, that is to say, commit ceive the necessary legitimacy. And that is themselves to it, because then we would the experience that informs us in our talks.

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Situation in the Middle East two states living side by side in peace— Q. A question addressed to you both. it’s really sad where people are willing to You talked about the Middle East, and take innocent life in order to stop that what is your assessment of the military ac- progress. As a matter of fact, it’s pathetic. tion of Israel in Lebanon? The French For- And having said that, Israel has a right eign Minister already said it is dispropor- to defend herself. Every nation must de- tionate. Does that give you cause for Eu- fend herself against terrorist attacks and the rope or the United States to intervene? killing of innocent life. It’s a necessary part And apart from the pig, Mr. President, of the 21st century. what sort of insights have you been able Secondly, we—whatever Israel does, to gain as regards ? [Inaudi- though, should not weaken the Siniora ble] Government in Lebanon. We’re concerned about the fragile democracy in Lebanon. Chancellor Merkel. Neither have I, but We’ve been working very hard through the apparently a camera team was there when United Nations and with partners to it was shot. So apparently it is already strengthen the democracy in Lebanon. The there, physically. [Laughter] I hope it’s ac- Lebanese people have democratic aspira- tually already roasting; otherwise, we won’t tions, which is being undermined by the be able to eat it tonight. actions and activities of Hizballah. Well, as to the violence in the Middle Thirdly, Syria needs to be held to ac- East, particularly as regards Lebanon, I count. Syria is housing the militant wing think that one needs to be very careful of Hamas. Hizballah has got an active pres- to make a clear distinction between the ence in Syria. The truth of the matter is, root causes and the consequences of some- if we really want there to be—the situation thing. So we started here from a case of to settle down, the soldiers need to be re- kidnaping of a soldier, and one of the other turned, and President Asad needs to show root causes, also, is the activity of some leadership toward peace. Hizballah. And it’s most important for the To answer your question about involve- Israeli Government to be strengthened, but ment, we will be involved diplomatically it is also clearly shown that these incur- and are involved diplomatically. sions, such as the kidnaping of soldiers, is Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters]. not acceptable. And the parties to that conflict obviously Iran have to use proportionate means, but I am Q. Thank you, sir. Just to follow up—— not at all for, sort of, blurring the lines President Bush. Follow up on? between the root causes and the con- Q. On both of these. Does it concern sequences of an action. There has to be you that the Beirut Airport has been a good reaction now, not from the Israeli bombed? And do you see a risk of trig- Government but from those who started gering a wider war? these attacks in the first place. And on Iran, they’ve so far refused to President Bush. ——to help calm the sit- respond. Is it now past the deadline, or uation, we’ve got diplomats in the region. do they still have more time to respond? Secretary of State Rice, who is here, is President Bush. I thought you were going on the phone talking to her counterparts. to ask me about the pig. I’ll be making calls. Q. I’m curious about that too. [Laughter] I gave you my initial impression earlier, President Bush. The pig? I’ll tell you to- and that is that it’s a sad situation where— morrow after I eat it. when there is a very good chance for there The Iranian issue is—will be taken to to be a two-state solution enacted—that is, the U.N. Security Council. We said that

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we have—to the Iranians, we said, ‘‘Here’s show that they’re not enriching, like they your chance to move forward, and we’d said they would do earlier. This is not a— like a response in a reasonable period of this is not a new statement by them. They time.’’ And we meant what we said. One agreed to this in Paris. All we’re asking of the important things about moving to- them to do is to honor what they said they ward the Security Council, it shows that would do in the past in a verifiable fashion. when we say something, we mean it. In The rest of your four-part question? order for—to help solve these problems, you just can’t say things and not mean it. Situation in the Middle East And so when we spoke, we said, reasonable period of time—weeks, not months—that’s Q. Sorry about that, sir. what we explained to the Iranians. They President Bush. That’s okay. It just—it’s evidently didn’t believe us. And so now a bad habit. we’re going to go to the Security Council, Q. Does the Beirut—the attack on the and we’re united in doing that. Beirut Airport, does that concern you, and Q. Their deadline has passed—— are you concerned about triggering a wider President Bush. Their deadline passed, Middle East war? right. That’s why we’re going to the U.N. President Bush. As I mentioned, my big- Security Council. gest concern is whether or not actions Q. ——have time? taken will weaken the Siniora Government. President Bush. Oh, they’ve got plenty Democracy in Lebanon is an important part of time. I mean, the U.N. Security Coun- of laying a foundation for peace in that cil—they’ve got time to react. They’ve got region. We have worked really hard to get time to make a decision. By the way, it’s Syria out of Lebanon—U.N. Resolution their choice. We’ve made our choice. It’s 1559 and its followup, Resolution 1680, the Iranian choice. And as Angela men- were manifestations of the work of the tioned, there was an offer put on the table, international community to get Syria out a reasonable offer, for them to make the of Lebanon. We’ve always felt that a de- choice as to the way forward. mocracy in Lebanon is important for the And our choice is, look, we want to have Lebanese people, and it’s important for the relations with you, but you’re not going to region. have a weapon or the capacity to make So the concern is that any activities by a weapon. It would be incredibly dangerous Israel to protect herself will weaken that if we—5 years from now, Iran shows up Government. And we have made that—or with a nuclear weapon and threatens peo- topple that Government—and we’ve made ple in the neighborhood, and they’re going it clear in our discussions. to say, ‘‘Where were you? What were you Having said all that, people need to pro- doing during that period of time?’’ And tect themselves. There are terrorists who that’s what we’re working on. will blow up innocent people in order to And so time—when we said, weeks, not achieve tactical objectives. In this case, the months, we meant it. And now we’re head- objective is to stop the advance of peace— ing to the U.N. Security Council. They can which is a remarkable statement, isn’t it— show up any time and say, ‘‘Wait a minute. willing to kill to stop peace. Now we’d like to go back and negotiate, We have a good chance to get a two- now—take a look at the interests.’’ We’re state solution, two democracies living side not precluding any further negotiations with by side in peace. It is a clear and achiev- the Iranians. able vision. There is a way forward called In order for us to come to the table, the roadmap to achieve that vision. What however, what they must do is verifiably will prevent that vision from being achieved

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is—are terrorist activities, and that’s what captive by militants in Gaza since June 25; you’re seeing taking place. Prime Minister Fuad Siniora of Lebanon; Thank you all. Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, Israeli Chancellor Merkel. Thank you. soldiers captured and held captive by mili- tants in Lebanon since July 12; and President NOTE: The President’s news conference Bashar al-Asad of Syria. A reporter referred began at 12:34 p.m. in the Town Hall. In to Minister of Foreign Affairs Philippe his remarks, he referred to President Vladi- Douste-Blazy of France. Chancellor Merkel mir V. Putin of Russia; President Mahmoud spoke in German, and her remarks were Abbas of the Palestinian Authority; Gilad translated by an interpreter. Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured and held

Remarks in a Discussion With Civic Leaders in St. Petersburg, Russia July 14, 2006

Ambassador, thank you for setting up this which I’d be more than happy to do. I meeting. I’ve just had a really interesting explained to them that it’s in the U.S. inter- meeting. I’ve been meeting with young, vi- ests to remain engaged with Russia—Russia brant Russian activists who, first, love their is a great country with a fantastic future— country; secondly, care deeply about the and that the foreign policy of my adminis- form of government of the country; and tration will be to work with Russia to solve third, care deeply about the human condi- common problems and, at the same time, tion in their country. be in a position where we can have a frank These folks come from a variety of dif- exchange of ideas and philosophies and ferent NGOs and civic groups, representing views. a variety of issues, all bound together to I told the young leaders here that this be involved in their governments, in their has been a very enriching experience for countries, so that it’s the best it can pos- me. I shared the thought—shared the idea sibly be. that I’m the father of 24-year-old twin I spent a lot of time listening to their daughters. I’m looking at some folks here concerns. I assured them that the United at the table who are their age; I’m im- States of America cares about the form of pressed by their courage and their idealism government in Russia, that we believe in and their desire to make their societies a the universal values embedded in democ- better place. racy. We believe in rule of law; we believe So I want to thank you all for your visit. in human rights; we believe everybody has Thank you for your frank exchanges. I will a right to be treated equally. you all the very best, and I ask for God’s I explained to them that our own Gov- blessings on the people of Russia. ernment and our country took a while to evolve, but nevertheless, it’s important to NOTE: The President spoke at 4:06 p.m. at be aiming toward a better tomorrow. the Counsel General’s residence. In his re- I hope my visit here was encouraging marks, he referred to U.S. Ambassador to to them; it certainly was instructional for Russia William J. Burns; and President Vladi- me. I explained to them my strategy of mir V. Putin of Russia. A tape was not avail- dealing with Vladimir Putin, who is my able for verification of the content of these friend. Some asked me to deliver messages, remarks.

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