Iraqi Security forces arrest Khaled Rajab in Mosul

Security forces in Iraq arrested the terrorist Khaled Rajab in Mosul City on 02/06/05 following information from a citizen.

Khaled Rajab was a former officer in the security services of the former regime, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He used his previous military experience to lead a terrorist cell consisting of 40 people. This cell launched many attacks against the security forces in Iraq , using various kinds of weapons. Khaled Rajab and a group of terrorists also tried to impose control over a village near Mosul from where they were trying to launch missile attacks on the city's airport.

The terrorist Khaled Rajab was responsible for filming beheadings with the help of his terrorist group.

SOURCE: Iraqi Interim Government

President's Toast at National Governors Association State Dinner

President's Toast at National Governors Association State Dinner
State Dining Room 8:06 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: It's always a pleasure to host the nation's governors here in Washington. Laura and I are proud to have you here for our first state dinner of my second term. (Applause.)

It's a joyous occasion, even made more so by the -- by the fact that I learned that the Blancos -- Governor Blanco and her husband are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary tonight. (Applause.)

Ever since a former governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, lived in this house, many of our Presidents have first served as governors. And there's a reason why. The experience of running a state government, of pulling together a capable team, of setting an agenda and working with an elected legislative body, is critical to the success of any administration.

My six years as governor of Texas have been invaluable to me as I carry out my duties as the presidency [sic]. And because I know firsthand how -- the valuable experience governors get, I've asked a lot to serve in my Cabinet. I had six governors in my first Cabinet. I am pleased that Mike Johanns -- Johanns -- (laughter) -- and Mike Leavitt -- (laughter) -- have agreed to serve in my second term. I'm proud you guys are here. (Applause.)

When our founders devised our federal system two centuries ago, they recognized, in Jefferson's words, that "our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government." The President and the governors are partners in our great enterprise, and that means we share great responsibilities. Together, we'll work to secure our homeland, protect our environment, to strengthen our economy. Together, we will work to ensure that every child gets a good education and good health care. And together, we'll work to make sure that we care for those in our society who hurt and who need help. I'm proud of our work together during the last four years. I look forward to working with you for the next four years.

I want to ask you to join me in a toast to our partners -- the governors and the administration -- in building a more perfect union. To the governors of the United States.

(A toast is given.)

END 8:09 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 27, 2005