Syria Announces Full Withdrawal from Lebanon

Urgent. Syria Announces Full Withdrawal from Lebanon Damascus, March 5, (SANA)-

President Bashar al-Assad announced Saturday that Syria will withdraw its forces based in Lebanon fully to the Bekaa region, and then to the Syrian-Lebanese borders.

" This is to complement steps that have been taken previously in the framework of al-Taif agreement and in line with the UN resolution 1559," the president said in a speech before the People’s Assembly.

The President added that "I agreed with President Emil Lahoud of Lebanon that the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council would be held during this week to ratify the pullback plan."

"With the end of this procedure, Syria will be in full compliance with its commitments over al-Taif agreement and would have carried out requirements of the resolution 1559, " the President said.

S. Younes

SOURCE: Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA address : Damascus-Baramka, nearby Damascus University, P.O. Box : 2661Telephones : 2228239/2231736/2224020/2226429/2129702, Fax : 2224572/2220365/2224292/2224557/2211254/2225774, Telex : 411004/411457/411458. E-Mail : sana@net.sy

Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Negotiations

Question: What progress has been made on the Free Trade Area of the Americas?

Answer: The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) remains a priority for the United States and is an important part of our global, regional and bilateral trade agenda.

Acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier met with his Brazilian Co-Chair, Ambassador Bahadian, on February 23 and 24 to discuss how to advance the negotiations.

The meetings were quite constructive and we feel the differences are being narrowed. The Co-chairs have agreed to meet again on March 29 and 30.

The goal is to narrow the differences enough to reconvene the Free Trade Area of the Americas vice ministers meeting in April or May. 2005/279

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 4, 2005 Question Taken at March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Afghanistan: Security for President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Question: Is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security protecting President Karzai?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security has provided security for President Karzai since November 2002 at the direction of the Secretary of State. President Karzai’s security detail is comprised of Diplomatic Security special agents, private U.S. contractors, and Afghan civilian security personnel.

Question: What contact will the Bureau of Diplomatic Security have with Mr. Dostam?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security does not expect to have any contact with Mr. Dostam in his role as President Karzai’s Chief of Staff for Military Affairs.

2005/277

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Charles Robert Jenkins

Passport Application for Charles Robert Jenkins

Question: Can the State Department confirm that U.S. Army deserter Charles Robert Jenkins applied for a U.S. passport at the US Embassy in Japan? Has a passport been issued?

Answer: Passport records are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Department may not release information contained or pertaining to those records without permission from the individual U.S. citizen.

2005/276

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Irish Prime Minister

President to Welcome Irish Prime Minister on St. Patrick's Day

Visit of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

President Bush will welcome Irish Prime Minister Ahern to the White House on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2005. They will participate in the traditional "Shamrock Ceremony," which celebrates the warm friendship between our nations and the many contributions to America made by the Irish and Americans of Irish descent. The President and the Taoiseach will meet in the Oval Office after the ceremony.

Following his meeting with the Taoiseach, the President will greet civil society leaders from Northern Ireland who are working to promote peace and tolerance in their community.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005 STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Giuliana Sgrena Baghdad check point

One killed and two wounded at Baghdad check point

Baghdad, Iraq -- At approximately 8:55 p.m. on March 4, Coalition Forces assigned to the Multi-National Force-Iraq fired on a vehicle that was approaching a Coalition checkpoint in Baghdad at a high rate of speed. The recently freed Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena was an occupant in the vehicle and was apparently injured. It appears a second person in the automobile was killed. Ms. Sgrena is being treated by Coalition Force medical personnel. The incident is under investigation and additional details will be provided when they become available.

TEXT FOR RELEASE AND OPSEC REVIEW PROVIDED BY THE COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT (703) 270-0279/0299/0321/0319/0273/0320 Release #050304h

Save Your Vision Week, 2005

Save Your Vision Week, 2005 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Eye disease causes suffering, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life for millions of Americans. During Save Your Vision Week, we raise awareness of eye disease and encourage all our citizens to take action to safeguard their eyesight.

As people age, they can develop conditions that affect eyesight, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, dry eye, and low vision. Through regular eye exams, many of these problems can be detected and treated early, reducing the risk of vision loss. The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests five steps for all Americans to take to protect their eyesight: regular physical exams; a complete eye exam every 1 to 2 years; a check of family history; immediate attention if you notice any loss of eyesight, eye pain, or other eye problems; and use of sunglasses and a hat to protect eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans lead better, healthier lives. We have doubled funding for the NIH, helping the United States to stay on the leading edge of medical research and technological change. Through education, prevention, early detection, and further research into effective treatments for eye disease, we can bring hope and comfort to our citizens and help more Americans keep the precious gift of sight. The Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as "Save Your Vision Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 6 through March 12, 2005, as Save Your Vision Week. I encourage eye care professionals, teachers, the media, and public and private organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of the measures all citizens can take to protect vision.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005

Navy Environmental Award Winners Named

Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award Winners Named

Seventeen winners have been selected in the 2004 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Environmental Awards competition, sponsored by the assistant secretary of the Navy (installations & environment).

The annual SECNAV Environmental Awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships and installations for their exceptional environmental stewardship. Competition categories include natural resources conservation, cultural resources management, environmental quality, pollution prevention, and environmental restoration.

Awards will be presented May 3, 2005, in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center.

The 2004 Navy and Marine Corps winners are:

Natural Resources Conservation Large Installation Award: Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Cultural Resources Management Installation Award:, Naval Base Kitsap at Bremerton, Wash., Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Cultural Resources Management Individual or Team Award:, James V. Sartain, Naval Support Activity, Panama City, Fla., Bryan P. Howard, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Environmental Quality Industrial Installation Award:, Naval Air Depot Cherry Point, N.C., Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.,

Environmental Quality Overseas Installation Award:, U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan

Environmental Quality Small Ship Award:, USS McClusky, San Diego, Calif.

Pollution Prevention Non-industrial Installation Award:, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Pollution Prevention Individual or Team Award:, Navy Region Northwest Spill Prevention and Response Team, Wash., Kathleen Stiles, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Environmental Restoration, Installation Award:, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Hawaii, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 230-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2005

Freedom Calendar 03/05/05 - 03/12/05

March 5, 1875, Blanche Bruce (R-MS) becomes first African-American to serve full term in U.S. Senate; in 1879 he was first African-American to preside over Senate.

March 6, 1857, Republican Supreme Court Justice John McLean issues strenuous dissent from decision by 7 Democrats in infamous Dred Scott case that African-Americans had no rights “which any white man was bound to respect”.

March 7, 1965, Police under the command of Democrat Governor George Wallace attack African-Americans demonstrating for voting rights in Selma, AL.

March 8, 1990, Republican Evan J. Kemp appointed by President George H. W. Bush
as Chairman of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; first person with a disability to serve on the Commission.

March 9, 1926, Republican Bertha K. Landes elected Mayor of Seattle; first woman to be mayor of a U.S. city.

March 10, 1975, President Gerald Ford appoints Republican Carla Hills as first woman to be U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; later first woman to be U.S. Trade Representative, appointed by President George H. W. Bush.

March 11, 1874, Death of Republican U.S. Senator Charles Sumner (R-MA), author of bill that would become Civil Rights Act of 1875; on his deathbed, said “You must take care of the civil rights bill, my bill. Don’t let it fail”.

March 12, 1956, Ninety-seven Democrats in Congress condemn Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, and pledge to continue segregation.

“The Republican Party is the ship, all else is the sea.”

Frederick Douglass, Republican Civil Rights Activist

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 03/05/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 02/26/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In the short time since I returned from my trip to Europe, the world has witnessed remarkable developments in the Middle East. In Lebanon, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in peaceful protest over the brutal assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri. For years, the Lebanese people have suffered from the aftermath of a horrific civil war and occupation by Syria. Lebanese citizens who have watched free elections in Iraq are now demanding the right to decide their own destiny, free of Syrian control and domination. Syria has been an occupying force in Lebanon for nearly three decades, and Syria's support for terrorism remains a key obstacle to peace in the broader Middle East.

Today, America and Europe are standing together with the Lebanese people. The United States and France worked closely to pass U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. This resolution demands that Lebanon's sovereignty be respected, that all foreign forces be withdrawn, and that free and fair elections be conducted without foreign influence. The world is now speaking with one voice to ensure that democracy and freedom are given a chance to flourish in Lebanon.

French President Chirac, British Prime Minister Blair, and German Chancellor Schr der have all called on Syria to withdraw from Lebanon. A Syrian withdrawal of all its military and intelligence personnel would help ensure that the Lebanese elections occur as scheduled in the spring, and that they will be free and fair.

At the same time, the Lebanese people were demonstrating against terrorism in Beirut, the elected leader of the Palestinian people, President Abbas, declared that his government is committed to chasing down and punishing those responsible for last weekend's terrorist attack in Tel Aviv. Such action is critical, because that attack is a reminder that there are still groups and individuals who will kill to prevent peace in the Middle East.

President Abbas made his remarks in London during an international meeting of world and Arab leaders, hosted by Prime Minister Blair. The leaders attending this meeting expressed their support for the Palestinians' efforts to reform their political institutions, their economy, and their security services. And the first reform must be the dismantling of terrorist organizations. Only by ending terrorism can we achieve our common goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and freedom.

Today, people in a long-troubled part of the world are standing up for their freedom. In the last five months, we have witnessed successful elections in Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territory and Iraq; peaceful demonstrations on the streets of Beirut; and steps toward democratic reform in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The trend is clear: In the Middle East and throughout the world, freedom is on the march. The road ahead will not be easy, and progress will sometimes be slow. But America, Europe and our Arab partners must all continue the hard work of defeating terrorism and supporting democratic reforms.

Freedom is the birthright and deep desire of every human soul, and spreading freedom's blessings is the calling of our time. And when freedom and democracy take root in the Middle East, America and the world will be safer and more peaceful.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release March 5, 2005

Steve Johnson EPA Administrator

President Nominates Steve Johnson as EPA Administrator FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 8:45 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I am pleased to announce my nomination of Stephen Johnson to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Johnson 1

Steve Johnson is a talented scientist and skilled manager with a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. He has 24 years of experience at the EPA, spanning all four decades of the agency's history. Since late January, he has served as Acting Administrator.

He knows the EPA from the ground up, and has a passion for its mission -- to protect the health of our citizens, and to guarantee the quality of our air, water, and land for generations to come. I've come to know Steve as an innovative problem-solver with good judgment and complete integrity.

Johnson 2

I'm proud to ask him to become the first career EPA employee to hold the office of Administrator, and I'm glad he's agreed to do so.

When confirmed by the Senate, Steve will also become the first professional scientist to lead the EPA. He will use that background to set clear, rational standards for environmental quality, and to place sound scientific analysis at the heart of all major decisions. Steve shares my conviction that we can improve the Earth while maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy. He will work cooperatively with leaders in government, industry, and environmental advocacy to continue using our resources wisely. He will listen to those living closest to the land, because they know our environmental needs best.

For the last four years, Steve has served at the side of EPA Administrators Mike Leavitt and Christie Todd Whitman, and he shares in their record of achievement. Today, America's air and water are cleaner than in 2001. The clean diesel rule we finalized will cut emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by more than 90 percent over the next 10 years. Our brownfields initiative has helped restore more than a thousand abandoned industrial sites to productive use in their community. We've taken landmark steps toward improving water quality in one of our nation's most treasured natural resources, the Great Lakes.

All Americans are benefitting from the EPA's practical approach and emphasis on results, and Steve will build on that progress. His immediate task is to work with Congress to pass my Clear Skies Initiative. This innovative legislation will reduce power plant pollution by 70 percent, without disrupting the economy or raising electricity prices. The bill will give governors the flexibility they need to meet strict new air quality standards, improve public health, and protect vulnerable ecosystems from acid rain. Clear Skies is a common-sense, pro-environment, pro-jobs piece of legislation, and Congress needs to get it to my desk this year.

Steve will also bring valuable experience that will help us improve our homeland security. As an expert on pesticides, he helped design new regulations to improve food safety. In his new role, Steve will lead federal efforts to ensure the security of our drinking water supply. My budget includes a new program to better monitor urban water systems, so we can detect contamination as quickly as possible. EPA personnel are playing an important role in the war on terror, so my budget increases support for EPA homeland security programs by more than 70 percent this year.

As he embarks on all these duties, Steve has the trust and admiration of his longtime colleagues, the thousands of hardworking EPA employees across the country. He is also fortunate to count on the love and support of his wife, Debbie, and their children and grandchildren, who are with us here today -- and his mother- and father-in-law. (Laughter.) I ask the Senate to confirm this nomination promptly. I look forward to welcoming Steve Johnson to my Cabinet as America's 11th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Congratulations, Steve. Appreciate you.

MR. JOHNSON: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. President, thank you very much. Under your leadership, we have made great strides in environmental protection. I'm deeply honored that you are nominating me to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. If confirmed, it will be my distinct privilege to serve you and our nation to continue to advance environmental agenda while maintaining our nation's economic competitiveness.

I'd like to acknowledge the tremendous service of Secretary Leavitt -- first, as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and continuing now as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He came in as the Administrator and now remains a dear friend and respected colleague. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank Governor Whitman for her support.

Finally, let me say, in my over 20 years of public service, I have the utmost admiration and respect for my colleagues at the Environmental Protection Agency and throughout the government. I'd like to thank and recognize those whose love and support have brought me to this day, my family.

Mr. President, thank you again for this historic opportunity and the confidence that you have placed in me.

THE PRESIDENT: Good job, Steve.

MR. JOHNSON: Sir, thank you. Thank you very much, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Smile, smile for the camera. (Laughter.)

END 8:51 A.M. EST

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005

President Thanks CIA Employees

President Thanks CIA Employees Central Intelligence Agency Langley, Virginia 3:11 P.M. EST

CIA 1

THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank Director Goss for his hospitality. It was such a pleasure to come out and see hundreds of folks who work here at the Central Intelligence Agency. I came for a couple of reasons.

One, I wanted to assure the people here that their contribution was incredibly vital to the security of the United States, and that, together, we've achieved a lot in securing this country. There's a lot of really incredibly bright, capable, hard-working, dedicated Americans who work in this building. So my first mission was to thank them.

CIA 2

And the second thing was to explain that the reforms that we'll be implementing through the good graces of Ambassador Negroponte, if confirmed by the Senate, will actually help the CIA do its job better. And I got a great reception. I want to thank you, again, Director, for your hospitality. We're making progress in the war on terror. The world is changing. And this country of ours will continue to do our duty, which is to find terrorists, bring them to justice through good intelligence and hard work and some brave souls, and at the same time work to spread freedom and liberty around the world.

I'll answer a couple of questions. Tom.

Q Mr. President, your CIA Director, Mr. Goss, said yesterday that he has to wear five hats now and that he was concerned there were some ambiguities in the new arrangement about his relationship with Mr. Negroponte and Secretary Rumsfeld. Do you feel there are such ambiguities, and will you move to -- if there are, will you move to clear them up? And will this prevent -- present a problem for the flow of intelligence in this time when it's a transition period?

THE PRESIDENT: That's an excellent question. Porter and I have discussed this, of course, because I don't want there to be any interruption of intelligence coming to the White House, and there won't be. As a matter of fact, Porter Goss comes every morning with the CIA briefer to deliver the briefing. And that, of course, will go on. And it's -- secondly, we don't even have Ambassador Negroponte confirmed yet. In other words, it's hard to implement reforms without somebody to be the reformer. And so the process is ongoing. Obviously, when his name gets up to the Senate we hope there's a speedy confirmation.

But one of the purposes of the whole process, Tom, is to make sure that information flows are smooth and that efforts are coordinated. The CIA is the Central Intelligence Agency, it's the center of the intelligence community, but there's a lot of other intelligence-gathering operations around government. And the job of Ambassador Negroponte is to be -- to take the information and make sure it is coordinated in its distribution to not only the White House, but to key players in my administration. And so I'm confident that the process will work.

Obviously, one of the reasons I came here is because I know there's some uncertainty about what this reform means to the people of the CIA, and I wanted to assure them that the reforms will strengthen their efforts and make it easier for them to do their job, not harder. I'm glad I came out.

Terry.

Q Mr. President, on Social Security reform, what's your judgment about where this process stands right now, with polls showing the public skeptical; some Republicans, like Senator Grassley, are seeming to back away from your proposal; and Democrats wanting to declare it dead.

THE PRESIDENT: I would say this: I am -- know we're at the early stages of the process. I've only had nine trips around the country so far -- or nine states on my trips. I've got a lot more work to do. Now, I do believe we're making progress on the first stage of getting anything complicated and difficult done in Washington, and that is to explain the problem. And the surveys I have seen, at least, say that the American people understand we have a problem. And I'm going to continue going out to explain that to people, the nature of the problem. And the problem is, in 2018, the system starts losing money. In 2027, it's $200 billion in the hole and it gets bigger every year thereafter.

In other words, we can't pay for the promises we've made -- that's the problem.

And my second phase of this explanation to the American people is to say to seniors who have retired or people near retirement, you don't have anything to worry about, you're going to get your check. I've got a lot of work to do on that, and I understand that. But we're making progress. People are beginning to say, we have a problem. The next phase, when people say we have a problem, is going to be, what are you going to do about it? And I'm willing to put out some ideas about what to do about it. In my judgment, ultimately, I think politicians need to be worried about not being a part of the solution.

And so I'm looking forward to continue to make the case. As you know, Terry -- you have followed me a lot -- I like to get out amongst the people. I get energized. I get energized by being with people, and I get energized when I think about taking on big problems, because that's why we got elected. The American people expect people to come together to solve problems. And I'm looking forward to listening to Republicans and Democrats. I said, put your ideas out there; there will be no political third rail when it comes to Social Security. Now is the time for good people of goodwill to come together and get the problem fixed.

Q Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said today that a consumption tax, maybe even a national sales tax, might spur greater economic growth. What do you think about that?

THE PRESIDENT: I think that I'm going to wait until the tax commission I put together, the reform commission, headed by former Senator John Breaux, Democrat of Louisiana, former Senator Connie Mack, Republican of Florida, comes forward with some ideas. I told the American people I want to work to simplify the tax code and make it easier to understand, so people are spending less time filing paper, and I believe a simplified tax code will spur entrepreneurial activity. And so I'm looking forward to what the commission has to say.

Q You mentioned Osama bin Laden earlier this morning and you said several times that there's progress being made on the war on terrorism. But more than three years after September 11th, you still don't know where he is. How would you assess the adequacy of the intelligence you're getting on bin Laden, and do you expect that he's going to be found anytime soon, even within your second term?

THE PRESIDENT: If al Qaeda was structured like corporate America, you'd have a chairman of the board still in office, but many of the key operators would no longer be around -- in other words, the executive vice presidents, the operating officers, the people responsible for certain aspects of the organization have been brought to justice. A lot of them have been. And we are -- spend every day gathering information to locate Osama bin Laden and Zawahiri, obviously, people like Zarqawi. We're not resting on our laurels. We've had great successes. And -- but that doesn't mean that we should stop.

And one of the reasons I came out here was to remind people that we've had great successes. I appreciate their successes -- Khalid Shaykh Muhammad, Ramzi Binalshibh. I can go down the list. But there's more work to be done. And it's a matter of time. As far as I'm concerned and as far as the CIA is concerned, it's a matter of time before we bring these people to justice. And I can't thank the intelligence gatherers, the analysts and the operators -- I can't thank them enough for the sacrifices they're making.

Last question.

Q Mr. President, on Iran, you spoke to Condoleezza Rice yesterday, we were told. What can you tell us about the pros and cons that you're weighing now as you reach a decision on going forward with the EU?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, let me just tell you how I see the state of action here. First, I am most appreciative that our friends in Europe agreed with the United States that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, period. No ands, ifs or buts. And I thought that was a very important statement from the leaders I met with. And by the way, Mr. Putin feels the same way. And to me that is a very -- a positive start for achieving our common objective. First, you got to agree to the goal. And the goal is no weapon.

Secondly, I have told our European friends who are handling the negotiations on behalf of the rest of the world that we want to help make sure the process goes forward. And we're looking at ways to help move the process forward.

The guilty party is Iran. They're the ones who are not living up to international accords. They're the people that the whole world is saying, don't develop a weapon. And so we are working with our friends to make sure not only the world hears that, but that the negotiating strategy achieves the objective of pointing out where guilt needs to be, as well as achieving the objective of no nuclear weapon. And I felt good about our visits.

I did visit with Condi yesterday. I'm about to go visit with her again in the Oval Office to discuss not only this issue, but other key issues including Lebanon, where the message is loud and clear from the United States and France -- and many other nations -- that Syria must withdraw not only her troops, but her secret service forces out of Lebanon now. And I look forward to talking to Condi about getting an amplification on her visit with our allies overseas. I look forward to not only hear their words, I want to hear about their body language. I want to hear about their enthusiasm for the project. I think I'm going to find it was quite high because the people now understand that if you believe in democracy, why not let the democracy in Lebanon flourish and grow? And the United States of America strongly supports democracy all around the world, including Lebanon. And it cannot flourish so long as Syrian troops are there. It's time for Syria to get out.

Listen, thank you all. I appreciate seeing you.

END 3:22 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 3, 2005

Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa

Remarks at Camera Spray Before Meeting With Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC March 4, 2005 (11:30 a.m. EST)

SECRETARY RICE: Foreign Minister Zuma, we've had a relationship for some time, when I was National Security Advisor. South Africa and the United States are partners in many ways, in many ways global partners, and I look forward to a full range of discussion of our bilateral issues, but also the prospects for peace in the Middle East and the prospects for prosperity and peace on the African continent.

FOREIGN MINISTER ZUMA: Well, thank you very much. It's a pleasure to meet with you again in your new portfolio, congratulations once more. And I look forward to a very good continuing relationship that we've had in your previous portfolio but I'm sure we will continue in that direction now.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you.

2005/280 Released on March 4, 2005

Tax Reform Panel's Third Hearing

Tampa Small Business Will Host Tax Reform Panel's Third Hearing On March 8th

The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform today announced that SAGO Networks, a small technology business in Tampa, Florida, will host the Panel's third hearing. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at 4465 W. Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33611. Former Senators Connie Mack and John Breaux serve as the Chairman and Vice -Chairman of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. The Panel's third hearing will focus how the tax system affects businesses and entrepreneurs. The witness list for this hearing will be provided at a later date.

About SAGO Networks: Sago Networks is a technology services company that provides solutions for all of its customers' bandwidth and custom telecommunications needs. From its headquarters in the Tampa Bay area and satellite offices in Miami and Dallas, Sago has implemented multiple rapidly deployable, high-speed wireless networks and maintains one of the largest bandwidth datacenters in the country. sagonetworks

About the Tax Reform Panel: The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform was established by President Bush on January 7, 2005. President Bush has charged the bipartisan panel with recommending reforms to the tax code that will make the U.S. tax system simpler, fairer and more growth oriented. ###

Alan Greenspan, et al, Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

Remarks by Chairman Alan Greenspan Chairman Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System before the President.s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform Washington, D.C. March 3, 2005

"Simplification of an overly complex structure was another important accomplishment of the 1986 reform. Unfortunately, tax code drift since 1986 has evolved to a point where taxpayers are again confronted with great complexity. Indeed, an individual taxpayer may have difficulty even knowing his or her marginal tax rate because of the overlapping web of deductions and exemptions and the provisions that attempt to limit those deductions and exemptions. And many taxpayers are now required to compute their liability under two systems--the regular income tax and the alternative minimum tax. Such challenges also affect lower-income households, who face the complexities of the Earned Income Tax Credit. A simpler tax code would reduce the considerable resources devoted to complying with current tax laws, and the freed-up resources could be used for more productive purposes. Thus, greater simplicity would, in and of itself, engender a better use of resources."

• Directions


• Agenda
  • Written Statement of Senator Connie Mack
  • Written Statement of Chairman Alan Greenspan
  • Written Statement of Secretary James A. Baker, III
  • Written Statement of Commissioner Mark W. Everson
  • Testimony of Nina E. Olson
  • Testimony of Joel B. Slemrod
  • Testimony of Leonard Burman
  • Testimony of Claudia Hill
  • Written Statement of Thomas Rinaldi
• Transcripts (to be posted when available

Elaine Chao, February Unemployment Numbers

Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao On February Unemployment Numbers
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released the following statement on the February unemployment numbers released today:

“Today's announcement of 262,000 new jobs created is great news for America's families, showing strong across the board job growth, many of which came in sectors paying above average wages. Three million new jobs have been created in the past 21 months and construction employment and spending are at an all time high.

“For this kind of growth to continue, Congress must act on the President's proposals to further strengthen our economy through energy independence, health insurance access for small businesses, social security reform, and permanent tax relief for working families.” # # #

OPA News Release: [03/04/2005] Contact Name: Pamela Groover or Jane Norris Phone Number: 202-693-4676 Release Number: 05-0361-NAT

RELATED:

• Employment Situation Summary 03/04/05 - Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 262,000 in February and the unem- ployment rate edged up to 5.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Job growth occurred in both goods- producing and service-providing industries.

Employment Situation Summary 03/04/05

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION: FEBRUARY 2005

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 262,000 in February and the unem- ployment rate edged up to 5.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Job growth occurred in both goods- producing and service-providing industries.

Unemployment (Household Survey Data)

In February, both the number of unemployed persons, 8.0 million, and the un- employment rate, 5.4 percent, returned to their December levels after dipping in January. The jobless rate had been either 5.4 or 5.5 percent during each of the last 6 months of 2004. In February, the unemployment rates for the major worker groups--adult men (4.9 percent), adult women (4.7 percent), teen- agers (17.5 percent), whites (4.6 percent), blacks (10.9 percent), and Hispanics or Latinos (6.4 percent)--showed little change. The unemployment rate for Asians was 4.5 percent in February, not seasonally adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.) FULL TEXT and CHARTS

Technical information:
Household data: (202) 691-6378 USDL 05-345 http://www.bls.gov/cps/
Establishment data: 691-6555 http://www.bls.gov/ces/ Media contact: 691-5902
Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until 8:30 A.M. (EST), Friday, March 4, 2005.

Bush, Fox, Martin, Texas

RELATED: 03/23/05

• Joint Statement, Bush, Fox, Martin - Joint Statement by President Bush, President Fox, and Prime Minister Martin, Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. We, the elected leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, gather in Texas to announce the establishment of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

President to Welcome President Fox and Prime Minister Martin to Texas

President Bush will host Mexican President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in Texas on March 23, 2005. The three leaders will discuss ways to strengthen our continent'

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 3, 2005

“Advance Democracy Act”

Mccain, Lieberman Introduce “Advance Democracy Act”

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) today introduced legislation designed to strengthen significantly the ability of the U.S. government to promote democracy abroad. It directs and authorizes practical steps to advance liberty, freedom, and democracy around the globe.

Congressmen Frank Wolf, Chairman of the Commerce-State-Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, and Tom Lantos, Ranking Member on the House International Relations Committee, introduced identical legislation in the House.

“The promotion of democracy and freedom is simply inseparable from the long term security of the United States,” said Senator McCain. “When the security of New York or Washington or California depends in part of the degree on freedom in Riyadh or Baghdad or Cairo, then we must promote democracy, the rule of law and social modernization just as we promote the sophistication of our weapons and the modernization of our militaries. The bill we are introducing today will strengthen America’s ability to do just that.”

“From the dawn of the 20th century,” added Senator Lieberman, “presidents from Wilson to Roosevelt, Truman, and Kennedy knew that America’s vital interests are best secured when we help others find their own voice of freedom. The ADVANCE Democracy Act sends a profound message to the world that the unfinished work enshrined in the Declaration of Independence is within our global grasp if we stand with those who struggle mightily for liberty.”

The ADVANCE Democracy bill enshrines a fundamental lesson of September 11: where repression rules, the lack of political participation and economic opportunity engenders despair and even extremism in the hearts of some. Promoting democracy fulfills America’s moral mandate and bolsters our national security. As the recent events in Georgia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Palestinian Territories illustrate so dramatically, the desire of people to live free is universal.

The ADVANCE Democracy bill would strengthen America’s ability to promote democracy in a number of ways, including by:

• Establishing a new office of Democracy Movements and Transitions at the State Department and separate Regional Democracy Hubs at several embassies abroad;
• Creating a Democracy Promotion Advisory Board to provide outside expertise to the U.S. Government;
• Authorizing $250 million in increased funding for democracy promotion over two years;
• Requiring an annual report on democracy to include action plans to promote democracy in nondemocratic countries; and Providing training and incentives for State Department personnel in the promotion of democracy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2005 Contact: Casey Aden-Wansbury Phone: 202.224.4041

Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela

Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela Case and Proposal from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

Question: What does the United States think about the extradition of Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela?

Answer: I would refer you to the Department of Justice for comment on this ongoing legal matter.

Question: What is the U.S. position on a reported Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia proposal to trade the three American contractors they hold hostage, in exchange for Simon Trinidad, a senior leader of that organization, presently in U.S. government custody?

Answer: It is U.S. policy not to make concessions to terrorists. We believe such concessions will only encourage future hostage taking. We hold the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia responsible for the safety, health and well being of its hostages, including three U.S. citizens. We demand that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia release the Americans immediately and unharmed.

2004/272

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 2, 2005 Daily Press Briefing