President Discusses Freedom and Democracy in Latvia

President Discusses Freedom and Democracy in Latvia The Small Guild Hall Riga, Latvia 5:09 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Sveiki Draugi. (Applause.) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the warm welcome. Madam President, Laura and I thank you for your kind words of introduction, we thank you for your principled leadership, and I thank you for your friendship, and we thank you for the hospitality that you and Dr. Freibergs have shown us.

I want to thank the people of the Republic of Latvia for being such gracious hosts for my visit here. And I want to also thank the Prime Minister for joining us, and members of the government. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Laura and I are so pleased to make this second journey to the Baltic States, and our first visit to the great land of Latvia. We're honored, as well, to be in the company of President Ruutel of Estonia, and President Adamkus of Lithuania -- thank you both for coming. These are good friends to Latvia, and good friends to America.

The Baltic countries have seen one of the most dramatic transformations in modern history, from captive nations to NATO allies and EU members in little more than a decade. The Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian people showed that the love of liberty is stronger than the will of an empire. And today you're standing for liberty beyond your borders, so that others do not suffer the injustices you have known. The American people admire your moral courage in the cause of freedom.

This week, nations on both sides of the Atlantic observe the 60th anniversary of Hitler's defeat. The evil that seized power in Germany brought war to all of Europe, and waged war against morality, itself. What began as a movement of thugs became a government without conscience, and then an empire of bottomless cruelty. The Third Reich exalted the strong over the weak, overran and humiliated peaceful countries, undertook a mad quest for racial purity, coldly planned and carried out the murder of millions, and defined evil for the ages. Brave men and women of many countries faced that evil, and fought through dark and desperate years for their families and their homelands. In the end, a dictator who worshiped power was confined to four walls of a bunker, and the fall of his squalid tyranny is a day to remember and to celebrate.

Causes can be judged by the monuments they leave behind. The Nazi terror is remembered today in places like Auschwitz, Dachau, Rumbula Forest, where we still hear the cries of the innocent, and pledge to God and history: Never again. The alliance that won the war is remembered today in carefully tended cemeteries in Normandy, Margraten, St. Petersburg, and other places across Europe, where we recall brief lives of great honor, and we offer this pledge: We will always be grateful.

The Baltic states had no role in starting World War II. The battle came here because of a secret pact between dictators. And when the war came, many in this region showed their courage. After a puppet government ordered the Latvian fleet to return to port, sailors on eight freighters chose to remain at sea under the flag of free Latvia, assisting the United States Merchant Marine in carrying supplies across the Atlantic. A newspaper in the state of South Carolina described the Latvian crew this way: "They all have beards and dressed so differently... They are ... exhausted, but full of fighting spirit."

By the end of the war, six of the Latvian ships had been sunk, and more than half the sailors had been lost. Nearly all of the survivors settled in America, and became citizens we were proud to call our own. One American town renamed a street Ciltvaira -- to honor a sunken ship that sailed under a free Latvian flag. My country has always been thankful for Latvia's friendship, and Latvia will always have the friendship of America.

As we mark a victory of six days ago -- six decades ago, we are mindful of a paradox. For much of Germany, defeat led to freedom. For much of Eastern and Central Europe, victory brought the iron rule of another empire. V-E Day marked the end of fascism, but it did not end oppression. The agreement at Yalta followed in the unjust tradition of Munich and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Once again, when powerful governments negotiated, the freedom of small nations was somehow expendable. Yet this attempt to sacrifice freedom for the sake of stability left a continent divided and unstable. The captivity of millions in Central and Eastern Europe will be remembered as one of the greatest wrongs of history.

The end of World War II raised unavoidable questions for my country: Had we fought and sacrificed only to achieve the permanent division of Europe into armed camps? Or did the cause of freedom and the rights of nations require more of us? Eventually, America and our strong allies made a decision: We would not be content with the liberation of half of Europe -- and we would not forget our friends behind an Iron Curtain. We defended the freedom of Greece and Turkey, and airlifted supplies to Berlin, and broadcast the message of liberty by radio. We spoke up for dissenters, and challenged an empire to tear down a hated wall. Eventually, communism began to collapse under external pressure, and under the weight of its own contradictions. And we set the vision of a Europe whole, free, and at peace -- so dictators could no longer rise up and feed ancient grievances, and conflict would not be repeated again and again.

In these decades of struggle and purpose, the Baltic peoples kept a long vigil of suffering and hope. Though you lived in isolation, you were not alone. The United States refused to recognize your occupation by an empire. The flags of free Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania -- illegal at home -- flew proudly over diplomatic missions in the United States. And when you joined hands in protest and the empire fell away, the legacy of Yalta was finally buried, once and for all. The security and freedom of the Baltic nations is now more than a noble aspiration; it is the binding pledge of the alliance we share. The defense of your freedom -- in defense of your freedom you will never stand alone.

From the vantage point of this new century, we recognize the end of the Cold War as part of an even broader movement in our world. From Germany and Japan after World War II, to Latin America, to Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe, and now to the broader Middle East, the advance of freedom is the great story of our age. And in this history, there are important lessons. We have learned that free nations grow stronger with time, because they rise on the creativity and enterprise of their people. We have learned that governments accountable to citizens are peaceful, while dictatorships stir resentments and hatred to cover their own failings. We have learned that the skeptics and pessimists are often wrong, because men and women in every culture, when given the chance, will choose liberty. We have learned that even after a long wait in the darkness of tyranny, freedom can arrive suddenly, like the break of day. And we have learned that the demand for self-government is often driven and sustained by patriotism, by the traditions and heroes and language of a native land.

Yet we've also learned that sovereignty and majority rule are only the beginnings of freedom. The promise of democracy starts with national pride, and independence, and elections. But it does not end there. The promise of democracy is fulfilled by minority rights, and equal justice under the rule of law, and an inclusive society in which every person belongs. A country that divides into factions and dwells on old grievances cannot move forward, and risks sliding back into tyranny. A country that unites all its people behind common ideals will multiply in strength and confidence. The successful democracies of the 21st century will not be defined by blood and soil. Successful democracies will be defined by a broader ideal of citizenship -- based on shared principles, shared responsibilities, and respect for all. For my own country, the process of becoming a mature, multi-ethnic democracy was lengthy and violent. Our journey from national independence to equal injustice [sic] included the enslavement of millions, and a four-year civil war. Even after slavery ended, a century passed before an oppressed minority was guaranteed equal rights. Americans found that racial division almost destroyed us, and the false doctrine of "separate but equal" was no basis for a strong and unified country. The only way we found to rise above the injustices of our history was to reject segregation, to move beyond mere tolerance, and to affirm the brotherhood of everyone in our land.

Latvia is facing the challenges that come with ethnic diversity, and it's addressing these challenges in a uniformly peaceful way. Whatever the historical causes, yours is now a multi-ethnic society -- as I have seen on my visit. No wrongs of the past should ever be allowed to divide you, or to slow your remarkable progress. While keeping your Latvian identity and language, you have a responsibility to reach out to all who share the future of Latvia. A welcoming and tolerant spirit will assure the unity and strength of your country. Minorities here have a responsibility as well -- to be citizens who seek the good of the country in which they live. As inclusive, peaceful societies, all of the Baltic nations can be models to every nation that follows the path of freedom and democracy.

In recent months, the Baltic governments gave assistance during the election in Ukraine, and the people of that country chose a wise and visionary leader. As President Yushchenko works to strengthen the rule of law and open Ukraine's economy, the United States will help that nation join the institutions that bind our democracies. Later on this trip I'll travel to Georgia, another country that is taking a democratic path and deserves support on its journey. My country will stand by Georgian leaders who respect minority rights and work to peacefully unify their country, and grow closer to the free nations in Europe. We're also committed to democratic progress in Moldova, where leaders have pledged to expand freedom of the press, to protect minority rights, and to make government institutions more accountable.

All of us are committed to the advance of freedom in Belarus. The people of that country live under Europe's last dictatorship, and they deserve better. The governments of Latvia and Lithuania have worked to build support for democracy in Belarus, and to deliver truthful information by radio and newspapers. Together we have set a firm and confident standard: Repression has no place on this continent. The people of Minsk deserve the same freedom you have in Tallinn, and Vilnius, and Riga.

All the nations that border Russia will benefit from the spread of democratic values -- and so will Russia, itself. Stable, prosperous democracies are good neighbors, trading in freedom, and posing no threat to anyone. The United States has free and peaceful nations to the north and south of us. We do not consider ourselves to be encircled; we consider ourselves to be blessed. No good purpose is served by stirring up fears and exploiting old rivalries in this region. The interests of Russia and all nations are served by the growth of freedom that leads to prosperity and peace. Inside Russia, leaders have made great progress over the last 15 years. President Putin recently stated that Russia's future lies within Europe -- and America agrees. He also stated that Russia's democratic future will not be determined by outsiders -- and America agrees, as well. That nation will follow its own course, according to its own history. Yet all free and successful countries have some common characteristics: freedom of worship, freedom of the press, economic liberty, the rule of law, and the limitation of power through checks and balances. In the long run, it is the strength of Russian democracy that will determine the greatness of Russia. And I believe the Russian people value their freedom, and will settle for nothing less.

For all the problems that remain, it is a miracle of history that this young century finds us speaking about the consolidation of freedom throughout Europe. And the stunning democratic gains of the last several decades are only the beginning. Freedom is not tired. The ideal of human dignity is not weary. And the next stage of the world democratic movement is already unfolding in the broader Middle East.

We seek democracy in that region for the same reasons we spent decades working for democracy in Europe -- because freedom is the only reliable path to peace. If the Middle East continues to simmer in anger and resentment and hopelessness, caught in a cycle of repression and radicalism, it will produce terrorism of even greater audacity and destructive power. But if the peoples of that region gain the right of self-government, and find hopes to replace their hatreds, then the security of all free nations will be strengthened. We will not repeat the mistakes of other generations, appeasing or excusing tyranny, and sacrificing freedom in the vain pursuit of stability. We have learned our lesson; no one's liberty is expendable. In the long run, our security and true stability depend on the freedom of others. And so, with confidence and resolve, we will stand for freedom across the broader Middle East.

In this great objective, we need a realism that understands the difficulties. But we must turn away from a pessimism that abandons the goal and consigns millions to endless tyranny. And we have reason for optimism. When the people of Afghanistan were finally given the vote, they chose humane rulers and a future of freedom. When the people of the Palestinian Territories went to the polls, they chose a leader committed to negotiation instead of violence. When Iraqi voters turned out by the millions, they repudiated the killers who hate and attack their liberty. There's much work ahead, but the direction of events is clear in the broader Middle East: Freedom is on the march.

Recent elections have brought a tremendous catalyst for change, and more are on the way. Elections are set to start at the end of this month in Lebanon, and those elections must go forward with no outside interference. The people of Lebanon now have the opportunity to bridge old divides and build an independent government. Egypt will hold a presidential election this fall. That election should proceed with international monitors, and with rules that allow for a real campaign.

As in other parts of the world, the work of democracy is larger than holding a fair election; it requires building the structures that sustain freedom. Selective liberalization -- the easing of oppressive laws - is progress, but it is not enough. Successful democracies that effectively protect individual rights require viable political parties, an independent judiciary, a diverse media, and limits on executive power. There is no modernization without democracy. Ultimately, human rights and human development depend on human liberty.

As in other parts of the world, successful democracies in the broader Middle East must also bridge old racial and religious divides -- and democracy is the only force capable of doing so. In Iraq, the new Cabinet includes members of all of Iraq's leading ethnic and religious groups, who, despite their differences, share a commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The new President of Iraq is a member of a minority group that was attacked with poison gas by the former regime. Democracy is fostering internal peace by protecting individual rights, while giving every minority a role in the nation's future. Iraq's free government is showing the way for others, and is winning the respect of a watching world.

In the Middle East, we are seeing the rule of law -- the rule of fear give way to the hope of change. And brave reformers in that region deserve more than our praise. The established democracies have a duty to help emerging democracies of the broader Middle East. They need our help, because freedom has deadly enemies in that region -- men who celebrate murder, incite suicide, and thirst for absolute power. By aiding democratic transitions, we will isolate the forces of hatred and terror and defeat them before violence spreads.

The Baltic states are members of a global coalition, and each is making essential contributions every day. Lithuania is preparing to deploy a reconstruction team to western Afghanistan, and has troops in Iraq conducting patrols and aiding in reconstruction. Estonians are serving in Afghanistan, they're detecting and removing explosives, and Estonian troops serve side-by-side with Americans in Baghdad. Latvia has a team in Kabul, Afghanistan, clearing mines, and soldiers in Iraq providing convoy security and patrols. Your commitment to freedom has brought sacrifice. We remember Lieutenant Olafs Baumanis, who was killed in Iraq. We ask for God's blessings for his family, and we're honored that his wife, Vita, is here with us today.

It's no surprise that Afghanistan and Iraq find strong allies in the Baltic nations. Because you've recently known tyranny, you are offended by the oppression of others. The men and women under my command are proud to serve with you. Today I'm honored to deliver the thanks of the American people.

Sixty years ago, on the 7th of May, the world reacted with joy and relief at the defeat of fascism in Europe. The next day, General Dwight D. Eisenhower announced that "history's mightiest machine of conquest has been utterly destroyed." Yet the great democracies soon found that a new mission had come to us -- not merely to defeat a single dictator, but to defeat the idea of dictatorship on this continent. Through the decades of that struggle, some endured the rule of tyrants; all lived in the frightening shadow of war. Yet because we lifted our sights and held firm to our principles, freedom prevailed.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, the freedom of Europe, won by courage, must be secured by effort and goodwill. In our time, as well, we must raise our sights. In the distance we can see another great goal -- not merely the absence of tyranny on this continent, but the end of tyranny in our world. Once again, we're asked to hold firm to our principles, and to value the liberty of others. And once again, if we do our part, freedom will prevail.

Thank you, and God bless. (Applause.)

END 5:35 P.M. (Local)For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 7, 2005

Freedom Calendar 05/07/05 - 05/14/05

May 7, 1990, President George H. W. Bush proclaims first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Mother’s Day May 8, 2003, Speaker Dennis Hastert, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and other Republican leaders gather at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, announce $1 million restoration effort

May 9, 2001, President George W. Bush nominates Miguel Estrada to be first Hispanic to serve on U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Circuit; Democrats in Senate successfully filibuster nomination.

May 10, 1866, U.S. House passes Republicans’ 14th Amendment guaranteeing due process and equal protection of the laws to all citizens; 100% of Democrats vote no.

May 11, 1949, Birth of African-American Republican and sharecropper’s daughter Janice Rogers Brown, nominated by President George W. Bush as Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

May 12, 1850, Birth of U.S. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge (R-MA), whose 1890 Federal Elections Bill enforcing African-American voting rights passed House on party-line vote but was defeated in Senate by a Democrat filibuster.

May 13, 1983, President Ronald Reagan designates first national observance of American Indian Day.

May 14, 1971, Republican Senators Jacob Javits (NY) and Charles Percy (IL) appoint the first female pages in U.S. Senate.

“No man is above the law, and no man is below it.”

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 05/07/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 05/07/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Sunday and Monday, I will attend ceremonies in The Netherlands and Russia, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-E Day.

These events will celebrate a great triumph of good over evil. We will never forget the acts of courage that made possible the liberation of a continent, or the heroes who fought in the cause of freedom. And we honor the brave Americans and allied troops who humbled tyrants, defended the innocent, and liberated the oppressed. By their courage and sacrifice, they showed the world that there is no power like the power of freedom -- and no soldier as strong as a soldier who fights for that freedom.

The defeat of Nazi Germany brought an end to the armed conflict in Europe. Unfortunately, for millions of people on that continent, tyranny remained -- in a different uniform. In Latvia, where I'm also visiting on this trip, free people were taken captive by another totalitarian empire. Germany was split into free and un-free halves. And countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary were cut off from liberty by an Iron Curtain. The people of these countries survived the Cold War through great courage, and then they took history into their own hands and reclaimed their freedom.

The result is the continent of Europe, wounded by decades of conflict and oppression, is today whole, free and at peace for the first time in its history. The wave of democracy that swept Central and Eastern Europe in 1989 has now swept to nations like Georgia and Ukraine. And the victory for freedom represented by V-E Day has become a reality for millions of people.

On my trip, I will visit Freedom Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, to applaud the people there for the Rose Revolution that advanced democracy in their land. Georgia has survived oppression, fought for liberty and taken its place among free nations. America is proud to call Georgia our partner in freedom, and we will help the people of that country enhance prosperity, improve security and spread liberty at home and abroad.

The new democracies of Europe still have much work to do. Free elections are a significant achievement, yet they are only part of a fully functioning democracy. Democratic governments must be committed to providing full and equal rights for minorities, resolving conflicts peacefully, encouraging a vibrant political opposition, and ensuring the rule of law. As the nations of Central and Eastern Europe work to build up the institutions necessary for a free society, America will stand by their side.

Today, these nations are standing with us as we defend liberty abroad. Freedom has no better friends than those with a fresh memory of tyranny. That is why countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Georgia have been partners in our coalition in Iraq and Afghanistan. We're grateful for their contributions, and especially for the example they are setting for other aspiring democracies.

America and these new democracies are bound together by history, by the universal rights we have defended together, and by our deepest convictions. All of us understand that the advance of freedom is the concentrated work of generations -- from the brave Americans who fought against Nazi Germany sixty years ago to those who struggle for liberty today. And by working together, we will ensure that the promise of liberty and democracy won on V-E Day will one day reach every person and every nation in the 21st century.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release May 7, 2005

President Presented the Order of Three Stars, First-Class in Latvia

President Presented the Order of Three Stars, First-Class in Latvia, Riga Castle, Riga, Latvia, 9:55 A.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, I gratefully accept. I am so honored and so thrilled to be here in your beautiful country.

I was telling the President that it's such a joy to come to a country that loves and values freedom, and to be in the presence of a President who speaks so clearly about the need for people to be free, and her recognition that a free world will yield peace.

And so Madam President, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you so much for this great honor. Appreciate it.

END 9:55 A.M. (Local) For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 7, 2005

Location: CIA MAP Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania.

Background: After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. SOURCE: CIA - The World Factbook

President Welcomed by President Vike-Freiberga to Latvia

President Welcomed by President Vike-Freiberga to Latvia, Riga Castle, Riga, Latvia 1:10 A.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT VIKE-FREIBERGA: We are, of course, very gratified for this sudden interest in Latvia that we're seeing among the journalists. (Laughter.) And it's truly a great pleasure to see these wonderful journalists coming to my country and having a look around. And, Mr. President, I think that you have something to do with that. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, thank you for having us, Madam President. It's been a trip I've really been anxious to fulfill. I admire your leadership; I admire your country's courage. I love the fact that you're a free nation and willing to speak out so clearly for freedom. So, thanks for the hospitality.

PRESIDENT VIKE-FREIBERGA: And we're pleased that the cameras are now turned on Latvia while you are here. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: That's right.

Q Mr. President --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. We'll have ample opportunity in an open press conference. And I certainly wouldn't want you to fire your best question here. (Laughter.)

END 11:11 A.M. (Local) For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 7, 2005

Location: CIA MAP Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania.

Background: After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. SOURCE: CIA - The World Factbook

transition from Neandertals to modern humans

Neandertal femur suggests competition with hyenas and a shift in landscape use
Analysis of approximately 41,000-year-old human remains found in France suggests that Neandertals may have become regionally mobile earlier than scientists once thought.

Cédric Beauval and colleagues from Université Bordeaux 1 in France, Max Planck Institute in Germany, and Washington University in St. Louis, conclude that the human femur fragment found in 2002 in the cave of the Rochers-de-Villeneuve comes from a Neandertal, based on its shape and mitochondrial DNA. Its age places it at the end of the Middle Paleolithic archeological period, just before modern humans arrived in Europe.

The research will be published in the PNAS online early edition the week of May2-6.

"In Europe, with the transition from Neandertals to modern humans, anthropologists have long argued that major behavioral changes and major improvements in adaptation began to take shape with modern humans," said Erik Trinkaus, Ph.D., Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor of Anthropology at Washington University and co-author of the paper.

"One of the changes that has been documented with the transition from Neandertals to modern humans was that people became more mobile and their territories became much larger. They became less locally focused and more regionally focused," Trinkaus said.

It's been assumed that this happened in the Upper Paleolithic which is associated with some very late Neandertals and early modern humans. However, this is a femur bone from a Middle Paleolithic Neandertal. It shows in the shape of the femur that a shift to greater mobility had already begun prior to the transition to the Upper Paleolithic, prior to any appearance of modern humans in Europe.

In addition, the cave was a hyena den at about the same time that the humans lived in it, the authors say. Archeological evidence indicates that humans processed carcasses of the same animals as the hyenas, with some animal bones showing both cut marks from human tools and tooth marks from hyenas. Additionally, the human femur was gnawed by carnivores, probably hyenas. This shows that close competition for food and space persisted through the Middle Paleolithic among these Neandertals. ###

Late Neandertal Femur from Les Rochers-de-Villeneuve, France by Cédric Beauval, Bruno Maureille, François Lacrampe-Cuyaubère, David Serre, David Peressinotto, Jean-Guillaume Bordes, David Cochard, Isabelle Couchoud, David Dubrasquet, Véronique Laroulandie, Arnaud Lenoble, Jean-Baptiste Mallye, Sylvain Pasty, Jérôme Primault, Nadin Rohland, Svante Pääbo & Erik Trinkaus

SOURCE: EurekAlert! MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dr. Cédric BeauvalInstitut de Préhistoire et de Géologie du Quaternaire, Université de Bordeaux 1, Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence, FranceE-mail : c.beauval@ipgq.u-bordeaux1.frTel (lab): (33) 5 40 00 29 83Tel (mobile) : (33) 6 72 27 96 28

Dr. Bruno MaureilleLaboratoire d'Anthropologie des Populations du Passé, Université de Bordeaux 1, Avenue des Facultés, 33405 Talence Cedex, FranceEmail : b.maureille@anthropologie.u-bordeaux1.frTel : (33).5.40.00.89.36Mobile (Cell Phone): (33)-6-66-82-14-57Fax : 33.5.40.00.25.45

Prof. Erik TrinkausDepartment of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130tel. (day): (314) 935-5207fax (314) 935-5207E-mail: trinkaus@artsci.wustl.edu

Contact: Neil Schoenherr nschoenherr@wustl.edu 314-935-5235 Washington University in St. Louis

President to Welcome President of Indonesia

President to Welcome President of Indonesia to the White House

President Bush will welcome President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia to the White House on May 25. President Yudhoyono came to office last October in Indonesia's first direct presidential election, an event that capped a series of impressive democratic reforms in recent years. This will be President Yudhoyono's first visit to Washington in his current capacity, though the two leaders met on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Santiago last November. The two Presidents will discuss tsunami relief and reconstruction, as well as ways to strengthen further our cooperation on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 6, 2005

President intends to nominate, Hawley, Sigal, Derham, Dieter, Vallee,

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate five individuals to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Edmund S. Hawley, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration). Mr. Hawley currently serves as a supply chain technology consultant. He is also a member of the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Services Committee. Mr. Hawley previously served as Vice President of Transportation Services for Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of Governmental Affairs for the Department of Transportation. Mr. Hawley earned his bachelor's degree from Brown University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School.

The President intends to nominate Jill L. Sigal, of Wyoming, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs). Ms. Sigal currently serves as Acting Assistant Secretary of Energy in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. She previously served as President of Jill Sigal Associates, developing and implementing legislative strategies on environmental issues. Earlier in her career, Ms. Sigal worked in the Office of General Counsel at the Department of Energy. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont and her J.D. from The George Washington University.

The President intends to nominate James M. Derham, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Derham currently serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Mexico City, Mexico and in Brasilia, Brazil. Earlier in his career, Mr. Derham was Director of the Office of Bilateral Trade at the Department of State. He earned his bachelor's degree from Fordham University, his first master's degree from The George Washington University and his second master's degree from Harvard University.

The President intends to nominate Robert Johann Dieter, of Colorado, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belize. Mr. Dieter currently serves as Director of Clinical Programs and Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Colorado School of Law. He previously served as the Director of the University's Legal Aid and Defender Program. Earlier in his career, Mr. Dieter was Deputy District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District, Colorado. He received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Denver School of Law.

The President intends to nominate Rodolphe M. Vallee, of Vermont, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic. Mr. Vallee has served as Chairman and CEO of R. L. Vallee, Inc. in Colchester, Vermont since 1989. He is also a former member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Mr. Vallee previously served as Vice President of Catalyst Waste-to-Energy Corporation. Earlier in his career, he worked for U.S. Senator Robert Stafford. He received his bachelor's degree from Williams College and his master's degree from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 6, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Jewish Heritage Week, 2005

Jewish Heritage Week, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

During Jewish Heritage Week, we celebrate and honor Jewish Americans for their contributions to this country and for helping to shape our national character.

The story of the Jewish people reflects the triumph of faith, the importance of family, and the power of hope. Through inspiring stories of personal sacrifice and survival, the Jewish people have demonstrated unyielding trust in a loving God and enduring faith in human freedom.

America is stronger and more hopeful because of the industry, talent, and imagination of Jewish Americans from around the world. Their commitment to excellence in science, public service, law, athletics, literature, and countless other fields has enriched our Nation and enhanced our culture. Through strong ties to family and community, Jewish Americans reflect a compassionate spirit and set a positive example for others.

We are also grateful for their legacy of selfless service to our country. As our troops defend liberty and justice abroad, we recognize Jewish Americans who have answered the call to help keep our Nation secure and build a more peaceful world. Their personal courage, love of country, and devotion to duty are helping to bring freedom and hope to millions who had previously lived under tyranny.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8 through May 15, 2005, as Jewish Heritage Week.

I urge all Americans to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to our Nation and observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, 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 May 5, 2005

Director of the Office of Personnel Management

Memorandum for the Director of the Office of Personnel Management

SUBJECT: Designation of Officers of the Office of Personnel Management to Act as Director of the Office of Personnel Management

By the authority vested in me as President under the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., I hereby order that:

Section 1. Order of Succession.

During any period when the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (Director), or the Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management, has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Director, the following officers of the Office of Personnel Management, in the order listed, shall perform the functions and duties of the office of Director, if they are eligible to act as Director under the provisions of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, until such time as at least one of the officers mentioned above is able to perform the functions and duties of the office of Director:

General Counsel; Chief of Staff; Director, Office of Communications and Public Liaison; Director, Office of Congressional Relations; Associate Director, Human Resources Products and Services; Associate Director for Management; Associate Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy; Chief Financial Officer; Associate Director, Human Capital Leadership and Merit Systems Accountability; Deputy Associate Director, Center for Investigations Services; and Director, Federal Executive Institute.

Sec. 2. Exceptions.

a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 in an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as Director pursuant to this memorandum.

b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d, to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Director.

Sec. 3. Prior Memorandum Superceded.

This memorandum supercedes the Presidential Memorandum of March 11, 2003, entitled, "Designation of Officers of the Office of Personnel Management to Act as Director of the Office of Personnel Management."

Sec. 4. Publication.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 5, 2005

Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108 175)

Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria

On May 11, 2004, pursuant to my authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 1706) and the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108 175), I issued Executive Order 13338 in which I declared a national emergency blocking the property of certain persons and prohibiting the exportation or reexportation of certain goods to Syria. I took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, continuing its occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq.

Because the actions and policies of the Government of Syria continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared on May 11, 2004, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond May 11, 2005.

Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency blocking the property of certain persons and prohibiting the exportation or reexportation of certain goods to Syria.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, May 5, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary

FY 2006 budget amendments

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed FY 2006 budget amendments for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, and the Treasury; and the United States-Canada Alaska Rail Commission. Overall, the discretionary budget authority proposed in my FY 2006 Budget would not be increased by these requests.

This transmittal also contains FY 2006 budget amendments and an FY 2005 proposal for the legislative branch. As a matter of comity, appropriations requests of the legislative branch are commonly transmitted without change.

The details of these proposals are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 5, 2005

National Emergencies Act Syria sanctions

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting the exportation and reexportation of certain goods to Syria, is to continue in effect beyond May 11, 2005, to the Federal Register for publication.

The actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq, and with respect to Lebanon pose a continuing, unusual, and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue in effect the national emergency authorizing the blocking of property of certain persons and prohibiting the exportation and reexportation of certain goods to Syria, and to maintain in force the sanctions to respond to this threat.

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 5, 2005

LETTER TO ZARQAWI

LETTER TO ZARQAWI SEIZED IN RAID

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During an April 28 raid in Baghdad, forces from Multi-National Forces - Iraq seized a letter written by Abu Asim al-Qusaymi al-Yemeni, a member of Qa’idat al-Jihad Fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn, or QJBR, addressed to “the Sheik.” Analysts believe the letter, dated April 27, 2005, was meant for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, because many of his close followers refer to him as “the Sheik.”

While the letter advocates Jihad and praises “the Sheik” for being “a thorn in the mouth of the Americans,” the main purpose of the letter is to address low morale, weakening support for the Jihad, and the incompetence of many of the Mujahideen leaders. The author also admonishes the “the Sheik” for abandoning his followers since Fallujah. The letter written by Abu Asim al-Qusaymi al-Yemeni is attached.

Along with the letter, an undated document was found listing targeting information and sketch maps for kidnappings and bombings.

Due to the continuous pressure by Iraqi and Coalition forces, Zarqawi relies on his cell leaders to conduct operations while he is forced to evade being killed or captured.

During the raid, MNF-I forces also killed five terrorists and captured three. Abu Rayyan, one of the five terrorists killed by Coalition forces, was the Saudi leader of a Baghdad-based vehicle borne improvised explosive device cell. Abu Rayyan also served as the lieutenant to the terrorist, Abu al Abbas, who is allegedly responsible for planning the attack on Abu Ghraib in early April.

Documents, weapons, ammunition and fake identification cards were found in the possession of the cell members as well as inside the buildings in which the terrorists were operating. Those captured in this raid are providing information on the composition and intentions of a significant support and operations cell associated with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

No Coalition forces were injured or killed during this raid.

The English translation of this letter can be viewed in .DOC (word) format at: English translation of this letter

The PDF of the letter in Arabic can be viewed at: PDF of the letter in Arabic

For further information, please contact Lt. Col. Michael Caldwell, MNF-I, at e-mail Michael.caldwell@iraq.centcom.mil or 703-343-8645.

-30- NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 May 3, 2005 Release Number: 05-05-02 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 percent increase lifespan, protecting against free radicals

Researchers extend mouse lifespan by protecting against free radicals

Scientists at the University of Washington and their colleagues at other research centers have found a way to significantly extend the lifespan of mice while reducing the impact of the aging process. Their study, which will be published online by the journal Science on May 5, lends more credence to the free-radical theory of aging.
The theory suggests that very reactive chemicals, called "free radicals," can be damaging to the body at the cellular level. Those reactive chemicals can take part in unnecessary chemical reactions that can damage the cell components, including DNA. Some researchers believe that free radicals could contribute to or hasten heart disease, cancer, and other age-related diseases. The theory also suggests that if the body could be protected from those free radicals, then age-related diseases could be tamed and organisms – and ultimately people – may be able to live longer.

Scientists have previously been able to extend the lifespan of mice in lab experiments by managing their diets and reducing their caloric intake. Another method relied on the restriction of a growth factor, but a side effect was that the mice suffered from dwarfism. However, neither of those methods of elongating the mouse lifespan was clearly connected to the free-radical theory of aging.

A group of scientists led by Dr. Peter Rabinovitch, professor of pathology at the UW School of Medicine, examined a method that was closely connected to the free-radical theory. He and his colleagues focused their study on catalase, an enzyme in the body that helps convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a waste product of metabolism and it can be a the precursor of free radicals that can damage the cell. The damage can in turn lead to more flaws in the cell's chemical processes, making a vicious cycle that leads to more free radicals, more cellular damage, and so on.

The researchers studied mice with a genetic variation that made them produce more human catalase, the enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide. They targeted delivery of the catalase to different areas of the cell: the cytoplasm, where catalase normally goes to decompose hydrogen peroxide; the nucleus, the DNA-containing "control center" for the cell; and the mitochondrion, the cell's power plant that converts organic matter into energy.

They compared the different groups of mice to a control group and found that increased production of catalase could affect the mouse lifespan. The mice with higher catalase levels in the mitochondria, dubbed the MCAT group, had about a 20 percent increase in average and maximum lifespan, or about four and a half months. The mice with increased catalase levels in the nucleus and cytoplasm saw only modest increases in lifespan. These results fit with the theory that mitochondria can be an important source of free radicals created as a byproduct of energy production. Removing hydrogen peroxide "at the source" seems to be the most effective strategy for enhancing lifespan, Rabinovitch said.

The scientists also found that the mitochondrion-targeted catalase mice had healthier heart muscle tissue, indicating that the catalase helped protect from age-related heart problems seen in wild-type mice. The MCAT mitochondria also had fewer mutations, and the MCAT nuclear DNA had fewer oxidized components.

"This study is very supportive of the free-radical theory of aging," said Rabinovitch. "It shows the significance of free radicals, and of reactive oxygen species in particular, in the aging process."

This study and others that are able to extend animal lifespan beyond the normal limits are very powerful in that they most clearly demonstrate the important steps and pathways in the aging process, Rabinovitch said. By identifying these steps and pathways, scientists could pave the way for future development of drugs or other treatments that protect the body from free radicals and possibly some age-related conditions.

"People used to only focus on specific age-related diseases, because it was believed that the aging process itself could not be affected," Rabinovitch explained. "What we're realizing now is that by intervening in the underlying aging process, we may be able to produce very significant increases in 'healthspan,' or healthy lifespan." ###

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging. In addition to other researchers from the UW School of Medicine, the project also included researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.

SOURCE: EurekAlert! Public release date: 5-May-2005 Contact: Justin Reedy jreedy@u.washington.edu 206-685-0382 University of Washington

Togo: Call for Government of National Unity and an End to Violence

Togo: Call for Government of National Unity and an End to Violence

The United States calls on Togo to form a government of national unity. President Gnassingbé, who was sworn in on 4 May, has stated that he aims to form a national unity government and to advance democratic reforms. The Secretary and President Obasanjo of Nigeria in their discussion this morning agreed that a unity government was an essential step for Togo to move forward. We urge Togo’s two principal political forces to enter into a dialogue leading to a genuine power-sharing government. We strongly support efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote this. Reforming Togo’s electoral laws and institutions must be a top priority of that government. Togo cannot afford to lose another opportunity for peaceful national reconciliation. We stand ready to support the people of Togo and efforts to foster national unity.

The United States urges President Gnassingbé to end violence against opposition supporters that has led over 20,000 Togolese to seek refuge in neighboring Benin and Ghana. We regret that national reconciliation in Togo suffered a setback from the flawed electoral process, the resort to violence by both sides and the failure of the election authority to act in a politically neutral fashion. Brutality by security forces and ruling party militia, and the rejection of dialog by some opposition leaders, further set back reconciliation.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/475 Released on May 5, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 5, 2005

Vietnam Religious Freedom Agreement

United States -Vietnam Religious Freedom Agreement

We are pleased to announce that we have concluded an agreement with the Government of Vietnam that addresses a number of important religious freedom concerns. Vietnam's progress on these issues and the outstanding work to be done will be topics of discussion during Deputy Secretary Zoellick's visit to Hanoi on Friday, May 6.

This achievement advances a key component of the President's freedom agenda. Working with Congress under the International Religious Freedom Act, the Bush Administration has secured continuing cooperation with Vietnam on our religious freedom concerns. The commitments made by the Government of Vietnam result from our work over the past several years to advance religious freedom in that country.

In recent weeks, Vietnam banned the practice of forced or coerced renunciations of faith, released a number of prominent prisoners of concern, and has begun to register and to permit the reopening of churches that had previously been closed. Most importantly, Vietnam has also enacted significant legislative reforms that hold the promise of major improvements in religious freedom in the near future. A new Ordinance on Religion took effect on November 15, 2004, and the crucial implementation regulations for this ordinance were just released in early March. These new laws and policies provide increased latitude and protection for religious belief and practice. In addition, the Prime Minister issued special instructions in February aimed at alleviating restrictions on religious practice faced by many Vietnamese Protestants.

To build on these first steps, the Vietnamese have made a significant number of commitments. The Government of Vietnam has committed to fully implement the new legislation on religious freedom and to render previous contradictory regulations obsolete. They have also committed to instruct local authorities to strictly and completely adhere to the new legislation and ensure their compliance. The Government of Vietnam will also facilitate the process by which religious congregations are able to open houses of worship, and give special consideration to prisoners and cases of concern raised by the United States during the granting of prisoner amnesties. While these commitments offer a strong foundation, other important public steps remain to be taken, and the United States will continue to monitor developments in Vietnam closely.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/473 Released on May 5, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 5, 2005

Industry Advisory Panel Overseas Building Operations

Industry Advisory Panel of the Overseas Building Operations Meeting, Thursday, June 2, 2005

The Industry Advisory Panel of the Overseas Building Operations will meet on Thursday, June 2, 2005, from 9:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. EDT. The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW, Room 1107, Washington, D.C. (Entrance on 23rd Street.)

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss new technologies and successful management practices for design, construction, security, property management, emergency operations, the environment, and planning and development. An agenda will be available before the meeting.

The meeting will be open to the public but there will be limited seating.

Prior notification and a valid photo ID are mandatory for entry into the State Department building. Register by e-mailing: IAPR@state.gov no later than Monday, May 23, 2005. Your e-mail should include, name, date of birth, social security number and company affiliation.

Contacts: Gina Pinzino, Overseas Building Operations, (703) 875-6872, Michael Sprague, Overseas Building Operations, (703) 875-7173

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/477 Released on May 5, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 5, 2005

U.S. Signs Open Skies Aviation Agreement With Maldives

U.S. Signs Open Skies Aviation Agreement With Maldives

The United States is pleased to announce the signing of an Open Skies air transport agreement with Maldives. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and Maldives Ambassador to the United States Mohamed Latheef today inaugurated aviation relations between their two countries, signing an Open Skies agreement that will permit U.S. and Maldivian airlines to operate air services between the two countries without restriction.

This agreement modernizes U.S.-Maldives aviation relations by allowing airlines to make commercial decisions with minimal government intervention. It provides for open routes, capacity, frequencies, designations, and pricing, as well as opportunities for cooperative marketing arrangements, including code-sharing. It also includes all-cargo seventh freedom rights, allowing airlines to perform international cargo operations without a connection to their homeland.

Establishing Open Skies as the basis of U.S.-Maldives aviation relations is an important step toward spurring trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations. The agreement with the Maldives follows the U.S. Open Skies pact signed last month with neighboring India, as well as previous Open Skies agreements with other South Asian nations, including Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With this signing, Maldives is the 69th country with which the United States has negotiated a bilateral Open Skies agreement.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/476 Released on May 5, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 5, 2005

Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India

Background: The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government have pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago. SOURCE: CIA - The World Factbook

Detention of U.S. Soldiers in Colombia

Detention of U.S. Soldiers in Colombia (Taken Question)

Question: Any comment on reports that two U.S. soldiers were detained by Colombian authorities for selling weapons to the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia?

Answer: Two U.S. soldiers were detained by Colombian authorities on the afternoon of May 3. We are discussing the circumstances of their detention with Colombian authorities, but do not have any additional information to provide at this time.

2005/470 Released on May 4, 2005 Taken Question Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 4, 2005 Question Taken from the Daily Press Briefing of May 4, 2005