Negroponte Director of National Intelligence

President Nominates Negroponte as Director of National Intelligence FULL STREAMING VIDEO Room 450 Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Biography of Ambassador John D. Negroponte

President's Remarks 10:00 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. I appreciate you're here -- coming here. I'm pleased to announce my decision to nominate Ambassador John Negroponte as Director of National Intelligence. The Director's responsibility is straightforward and demanding. John will make sure that those whose duty it is to defend America have the information we need to make the right decisions. John understands America's global intelligence needs because he spent the better part of his life in our foreign service, and is now serving with distinction in the sensitive post of our nation's first Ambassador to a free Iraq.

John's nomination comes at an historic moment for our intelligence services. In the war against terrorists who target innocent civilians and continue to seek weapons of mass murder, intelligence is our first line of defense. If we're going to stop the terrorists before they strike, we must ensure that our intelligence agencies work as a single, unified enterprise. And that's why I supported, and Congress passed, reform legislation creating the job of Director of National Intelligence.

As DNI, John will lead a unified intelligence community, and will serve as the principle advisor to the President on intelligence matters. He will have the authority to order the collection of new intelligence, to ensure the sharing of information among agencies, and to establish common standards for the intelligence community's personnel. It will be John's responsibility to determine the annual budgets for all national intelligence agencies and offices and to direct how these funds are spent. Vesting these authorities in a single official who reports directly to me will make our intelligence efforts better coordinated, more efficient, and more effective.

The Director of the CIA will report to John. The CIA will retain its core of responsibilities for collecting human intelligence, analyzing intelligence from all sources, and supporting American interests abroad at the direction of the President.

The law establishing John's position preserves the existing chain of command and leaves all our intelligence agencies, organizations and offices in their current departments. Our military commanders will continue to have quick access to the intelligence they need to achieve victory on the battlefield. And the new structure will help ensure greater information- sharing among federal departments and agencies and also with appropriate state and local authorities.

John brings a unique set of skills to these challenges. Over the course of a long career, John Negroponte has served his nation in eight countries spanning three continents. He's held important leadership posts at both the State Department and the White House. As my representative to the United Nations, John defended our interests vigorously and spoke eloquently about America's intention to spread freedom and peace throughout the world.

And his service in Iraq during these past few historic months has given him something that will prove an incalculable advantage for an intelligence chief: an unvarnished and up-close look at a deadly enemy.

Today I'm pleased, as well, to announce that joining John as his Deputy will be Lt. General Michael Hayden. As a career Air Force intelligence officer, General Hayden now serves as Director of the National Security Agency, America's largest intelligence service, and Chief of the Central Security Service. In these critical roles, Mike has already demonstrated an ability to adapt our intelligence services to meet the new threats of a new century.

I appreciate the willingness of these men to take on these tough new assignments in an extraordinary moment in our nation's history. I'd like to thank the thousands of men and women already serving in our intelligence services. These are people who go to work each day to keep Americans safe. We live in a dangerous world, and oftentimes, they take great risk to their own lives. These men and women are going to be pleased to have leaders such as Ambassador John Negroponte and General Mike Hayden.

John, I want to thank you for being here today. Congratulations. Godspeed.

AMBASSADOR NEGROPONTE: Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored that you would select me to be the first Director of National Intelligence.

Providing timely and objective national intelligence to you, the Congress, the departments and agencies, and to our uniformed military services is a critical national task -- critical to our international posture, critical to the prevention of international terrorism, and critical to our homeland security. Equally important will be the reform of the intelligence community in ways designed to best meet the intelligence needs of the 21st century.

If confirmed, I look forward to support you, Mr. President, in working to the best of my ability towards achievement of these objectives, so vital to the protection of our country. I appreciate your confidence in choosing me for what will no doubt be the most challenging assignment I have undertaken in more than 40 years of government service.

Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT: I'll be glad to take some questions. Jennifer.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. Can you tell us if you believe that Syria is linked to the assassination of Mr. Hariri? And further, how far are you willing to go to expel Syria from Lebanon and stop its involvement in Iraq?

THE PRESIDENT: First, we support the international investigation that is -- will be going on to determine the killers of Mr. Hariri. We've recalled our ambassador, which indicates that the relationship is not moving forward, that Syria is out of step with the progress being made in a greater Middle East, that democracy is on the move. And this is a country that isn't moving with the democratic movement.

And we've talked clearly to Syria about, one, making sure that their territory is not used by former Iraqi Baathists to spread havoc and kill innocent lives. We expect them to find and turn over former regime -- Saddam regime supporters, send them back to Iraq. We've made it very clear from the beginning of my administration that Syria should not use its territory to support international terrorist groups. We expect them to adhere to 1559 -- U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, which calls for the removal of troops from Lebanon. And we expect them to help free and fair elections to take place in Lebanon.

These are very reasonable requests, the requests all aimed at making the world more peaceful. I look forward to working with our European friends on my upcoming trip to talk about how we can work together to convince the Syrians to make rational decisions.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. The Europeans want more support from the U.S. in their negotiations with Iran. Would the U.S. consider joining these talks?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, a couple of points. One, we are a party to the talks -- or a party to the process, as a result of being a member of the IAEA. In other words, we're on the IAEA board, one of some 30-odd nations. So we've been very much involved with working with the Iranians and the world to achieve a goal that we share with the Europeans, and that is for Iran not to develop a nuclear weapon.

I look forward to, again, on this trip, to discussing strategies, ways forward with the Europeans to make sure we continue to speak with one voice, and that is, Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, and how to work together to make sure they don't.

Wendell.

Q Mr. President, in your answer to Jennifer's question, I heard several reasons for recalling the Ambassador from Syria, but not an indication of whether you believe Syria bears some responsibility for the assassination.

THE PRESIDENT: I can't tell you that. I don't know yet, because the investigation is ongoing. And so I'm going to withhold judgment until we find out what the facts are. Hopefully by the time I get overseas, we'll have a clearer understanding of who killed Mr. Hariri, and it will be an opportune time to talk with our friends, to determine what to do about it.

But it's important that this investigation go on in a thoughtful way, and I'm convinced it will. We supported the international --

Q Would you like it to be an international investigation, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, we support the -- we support the international investigation.

Yes, John.

Q Mr. President, I recall a conversation a small group of us with a very senior administration official about a year ago, and in that conversation, the subject of Iran and Israel came up. And I'm just wondering, what's your level of concern that if Iran does go down the road to building a nuclear weapon, that Israel will attack Iran to try to prevent that from happening?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, of course the -- well, first of all, Iran has made it clear they -- that they don't like Israel, to put it bluntly. And the Israelis are concerned about whether or not Iran develops a nuclear weapon, as are we, as should everybody.

And so the objective is to solve this issue diplomatically, is to work with friends, like we're doing with France, Europe, and -- I mean, France, Germany, and Great Britain, to continue making it clear to the Iranians that developing a nuclear weapon will be unacceptable.

But clearly, if I was the leader of Israel, and I listened to some of the statements by the Iranian ayatollahs about -- that regarded my security of my country, I'd be concerned about Iran having a nuclear weapon, as well. And in that Israel is our ally, and in that we've made a very strong commitment to support Israel, we will support Israel if -- if there's a -- if their security is threatened.

Q Do you believe there's a real possibility Israel could attack?

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, I -- John, I think that there's a -- the need for us to work together to convince the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon. And we will work with Europeans and the Israelis to develop a strategy and a plan that is effective. And that's one of the reasons I'm going to Europe.

Let's see here. I've got to make sure I go to the TV people. Norah.

Q Mr. President, you've made clear that Social Security reform is your top legislative priority. The top Republican leader in the House has said you cannot jam change down people's throats. And in your interviews with the regional newspapers, you made very clear that you would not rule out raising the cap on payroll taxes. If you were to do that, why would that not be seen as going back on your pledge not to raise taxes?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I -- a couple of questions there. One, I agree, you can't cram an issue down people's throats. As a matter of fact, the best way to get this issue addressed in the halls of Congress is for the American people to say, why don't we come together and do something. And so the first priority of mine is to convince the people we have a problem. And I'm going to do that a lot. As a matter of fact, I enjoy traveling the country, and I hope you do, too, because I'm going to be doing a lot of it. I fully understand, Norah, that nothing will happen if the members of Congress don't believe there's a problem that needs to be solved. And so you'll see a lot of travel.

And the problem is plain to me: You've got baby boomers getting ready to retire -- they've been promised greater benefits than the current generation, they're living longer, and there's fewer people paying into the system. And the system goes negative starting in 2018 and continues to do so. There's the problem. Nothing will happen, I repeat, unless the Congress thinks there's a problem.

Once the Congress -- once the people say to Congress, there's a problem, fix it, then I have a duty to say to members of Congress, bring forth your ideas. And I clarified a variety of ideas that people should be encouraged to bring forth, without political retribution. It used to be, in the past, people would step and say, well, here's an interesting idea, and then they would take that idea and clobber the person politically.

What I'm saying to members of Congress is that we have a problem -- come together and let's fix it, and bring your ideas forward, and I'm willing to discuss them with you. And so that's why I said what I said, and will continue to say it. And it's not -- I've got some ideas of my own. Obviously, I think personal accounts are an important part of the mix and want to continue working with members of Congress to understand the wisdom of why personal accounts makes sense for the long-term, to be a part of a long-term solution for Social Security.

John.

Q Sir, thank you. Regarding the Director of National Intelligence, in this town power is often measured in a couple of ways, by who controls the money and how close that person is to the President, sometimes physically. So let me ask you about that. You said that Mr. Negroponte will determine the budgets for all intelligence agencies. A lot of people feel the Pentagon is going to fight that, that the Pentagon wants to control its intelligence money. Would you address that? And also, where is Mr. Negroponte going to work? Will he be in the White House complex, close to you? Will he give you your intelligence briefings every day?

THE PRESIDENT: I think your assessment is right; people that can control the money, people who have got access to the President generally have a lot of influence. And that's why John Negroponte is going to have a lot of influence. He will set the budgets.

Listen, this is going to take a while to get a new culture in place, a different way of approaching the budget process. That's why I selected John. He's a diplomat. He understands the -- and he's an experienced person; he understands the power centers in Washington. He's been a consumer of intelligence in the past, and so he's got a good feel for how to move this process forward in a way that addresses the different interests.

Now, as to where his office is, I don't know. It's not going to be in the White House. Remember the early debate about, should this man be a -- or person -- be a member of the Cabinet. I said, no, I didn't think so. I thought it was very important for the DNI to be apart from the White House. Nevertheless, he will have access on a daily basis in that he'll be my primary briefer. In other words, when the intelligence briefings start in the morning, John will be there. And John and I will work to determine how much exposure the CIA will have in the Oval Office. I would hope more rather than less. The relationship between John and the CIA Director is going to be a vital relationship; the relationship between the CIA and the White House is a vital relationship.

John and I both know that change can be unsettling, and so, therefore, I'm sure there's some people out there wondering right now what this means for their jobs and the influence of a particular agency into the White House. And the answer is, everybody will be given fair access, and everybody's ideas will be given a chance to make it to John's office. And if he thinks it's appropriate I see it, I'll see it. And if he thinks it's a waste of my time, I won't see it. And obviously -- therefore, the conclusion is, I trust his judgment. And I'm looking forward to working with him. It's going to be an interesting opportunity.

Yes, John.

Q Will you back him if he goes up against Don Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld wants a certain amount of money for his intelligence budget and Negroponte says, I don't think so?

THE PRESIDENT: I don't think it necessarily works -- I know that's how the press sometimes likes to play discussions inside the White House -- X versus Y, and butting of heads and sharp elbows. Generally, it works a little more civilly than that. People make their case, there's a discussion, but ultimately John will make the decisions on the budget.

"Backing" means it's kind of zero-sum; that's not the way our team works. It's not a zero-sum attitude in the White House, it is -- people have strong opinions, by the way, around here, which is, I would hope you'd want your President to have people around who have got strong opinions, people who are willing to stand up for what they believe, people who say, here's what I think is right and it may not be what so-and-so thinks is right; then the question is, do I have the capacity to pick the right answer, to be able to make a decision. I think people have seen that I'm capable of making decisions. And one reason why I feel comfortable making them is because I get good advice. And John is going to be a great advisor.

Suzanne.

Q A top European Union official said that Dr. Rice's trip, Secretary Rice's trip to Europe was very positive. He described it as "romance blossoms once two are determined to get married." (Laughter.) He also said that he did not expect that there would be any kind of substantive differences in U.S. policy on your own trip to Europe, but he hoped that it would help increase the sense of trust between the United States and European allies. What do you have to offer or say to European allies to help restore that trust, particularly the trust in U.S. intelligence?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, you know, my first goal is to remind both Americans and Europeans that the transatlantic relationship is very important for our mutual security and for peace, and that we have differences sometimes, but we don't differ on values, that we share this great love and respect for freedom.

September the 11th was an interesting phenomenon in terms of our relations. For some in Europe, it was just a passing terrible moment. And for us, it was a change of -- it caused us to change our foreign policy -- in other words, a permanent part of our foreign policy. And that -- those differences, at times, frankly, caused us to talk past each other. And I recognize that, and I want to make sure the Europeans understand I know that, and that as we move beyond the differences of the past, that we can work a lot together to achieve big objectives.

There's also a concern in Europe, I suspect, that the only thing I care about is our national security. And, clearly, since we have been attacked -- I fear there's a terrorist group out there thinking about us again, or would like to -- that national security is at the top of my agenda. That's what you'd expect from the President of the United States. But we also care deeply about hunger and disease. And I look forward to working with the Europeans on hunger and disease.

We care about the climate. Obviously, the Kyoto Protocol had been a problem in the past. They thought the treaty made sense; I didn't. And neither did the United States Senate when it rejected the -- rejected the Kyoto concept, 95 to nothing. And so there's an opportunity now to work together to talk about new technologies that will help us both achieve a common objective, which is a better environment for generations to come. And the methanes to markets project is an interesting opportunity. I spoke to my friend Tony Blair the other day, and I reminded him that here at home, we're spending billions on clean coal technology where we could have -- it's conceivable and hopeful we'll have a zero-emissions coal plan, which will be not only good for the United States, but it would be good for the world. This isn't a question on environment, but I was hoping somebody would ask it. I asked myself.

Anyway, let me -- so I'm looking forward -- (laughter) --thank you, Dickerson -- I'm looking forward to discussing issues that not only relate to our security, that not only relate to how we work together to spread freedom, how we continue to embrace the values we believe in, but also how we deal with hunger and disease and environmental concerns.

Let's see, have I gone through all the TV personalities yet?

Q Yes. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Herman.

Q Mr. President, good morning.

THE PRESIDENT: A face made for radio, I might add.

Q Thank you. My mother appreciates it. (Laughter.) You offer a long list of things you expect Syrian leaders to do. What are the consequences if they don't do those things?

THE PRESIDENT: The idea is to continue to work with the world to remind Syria it's not in their interest to be isolated.

Mark.

Q Mr. President, if I could go back to Social Security.

THE PRESIDENT: Sure.

Q You spoke about your desire to have a plan that includes private retirement accounts. Chairman Greenspan yesterday, although supportive of those accounts, expressed two concerns: that he was worried about rushing something into print, if you will, and also about the borrowing, the transition costs that would be required, trillions. He was especially worried about the latter. What is your response to that?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I presume the reason he was talking about Social Security at all is because he understands that we've got about $11 trillion of debt owed to future generations of Americans. Therefore, we've got to do something about it now. And the longer we wait, the more difficult the solution becomes.

The -- you asked about the transition cost, and what was the other?

Q And that he wanted to do it slowly.

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, slowly. Well, as you might remember in my State of the Union, when I expressed my desire that Congress ought to think about personal accounts, I did say they ought to be phased in.

And so -- and that's part of the transition cost issue. And we look forward to working with Congress to come up with ways to make sure that the personal accounts, if Congress so chooses, and I hope they do, can be financed. And that's part of the issue. And that's part of the -- part of the dialogue that is going to be needed once Congress understands we have a problem.

Let me repeat what I said before -- and I fully understand this -- that this idea is going nowhere if the Congress does not believe there is a problem. Why should somebody take the hard path if they don't believe there's a problem? And so I'm going to spend a lot of time reminding people there is a problem.

Once the people figure out there's a problem -- and I think they're beginning to understand that -- then the question to ask to those of us who have been elected is, what are you going to do about it? And that's an important question. And when people start answering that question, I have said, bring your ideas forward. We welcome any idea -- except running up the payroll tax rate, which I've been consistent on. And so bring them up. And I look forward to hearing their ideas.

And part of the ideas is going to be to, one, understand the benefits of personal accounts, as well as how to pay for the transition costs. We've started that process, Mark, by talking about a phase-in program. And one of the reasons we do is because we -- we wanted to indicate to the Congress we understand there's an issue. We want to work with you on it.

Let's see here, let's see here, John.

Q Sir, can you talk a little bit --

THE PRESIDENT: If you don't raise your hand, does that mean you don't have a question?

Q Not necessarily, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Okay, good, because you didn't raise your hand.

Q Could you talk a little bit about how you would like to see the landscape of the Middle East change over the next year? Can you talk about the specific changes you'd like to see across the region?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. You know, a year is a really short period of time when it comes to working on -- working with nations to encourage democracy. So there's not a kind of a universal answer. But let me try -- let me try to answer it this way, because it's not -- in other words, you can't apply the same standard for every country as they move toward democracy, I guess, is what I'm saying. In other words, there's kind of not a blanket answer.

I'll give you kind of a general thought. I would like to see the following things happen: we make progress on the development of a Palestinian state, so there can be peace with Israel. And notice I put it that way: There needs to progress for democracy to take -- firmly take hold in the Palestinian Territory. It is my belief that that -- when that happens, that we've got a very good chance for peace. That's why I said in my State of the Union, it's within reach. What's in reach is to work with leadership that appears committed to fighting terror to develop the institutions necessary for democracy.

That's why the conference Tony Blair has called is an important conference. It's a conference that we'll be working with the world, with countries from around the world to say, how can we help you develop a democracy. And so I'd like to see that move forward.

Obviously, I'd like to see the Iraqi government continue to make the progress it is making toward providing its own security, as well as begin the process of writing the constitution. We will continue to work with the international community to make it clear that some of the behavior in the Middle East is unacceptable. The development of a nuclear weapon is unacceptable. Harboring terrorists, or providing safe haven for terrorists is unacceptable. And so there's a lot of progress that can be made.

I was pleased to see that Saudi had municipal elections. And I think Crown Prince Abdallah's vision of moving toward reform is coming to be. Every speech I've given on democracy is -- I fully recognize that democracy will advance at a pace that may be different from our own expectations and obviously reflect the cultures of the countries in which democracy is moving. But there's progress being made, and so it's kind of hard to have a summary because there's different countries, different places. But if I try to come up with one, I'd like to see more advance toward a free and -- free and democratic states.

What's interesting -- and surely hasn't crept into your writing or reporting -- but for a while there was a period that people said, it's an impossible mission to have freedom take hold; I mean, what was he doing, how can he possibly think that these people can possibly accept democracy? I don't know if you remember that period of reporting or not. I vaguely do. And then look what's happening. And that's why I can say, John, that I'd like to see more progress because progress is being made. Afghanistan elections were a remarkable achievement in the march of history.

The elections that John was involved in Iraq, and was -- it must have been fantastic to be there. It was -- to think of the millions who defied the terrorists. And you remember the reporting that went on -- first of all, democracy may not be the kind of system that people agree to in Iraq, it's kind of a foreign concept to them, and coupled with the fact there's a lot of terrorists there who are getting ready to blow anybody up who goes and votes. And yet, millions -- I think it's over eight million now, I think, we've calculated -- went to the polls.

And what's interesting to me in Iraq is to see the posturing that's going on, kind of the positioning. It's not exactly like the Social Security debate, but it's posturing, it's politics. People are jockeying for position. And I say it's not like the Social Security debate because their, obviously, democracy isn't as advanced as ours. But nevertheless, there's -- people are making moves here and there. And you hear about the conferences and the discussions. To me, that's healthy. It's inspiring to see a fledgling democracy begin to take -- take wing right here in the 21st century in a part of the world where people didn't think there could be progress. I think there can be progress, and we'll continue to work that progress.

Part of my reason I'm going to Europe is to share my sense of optimism and enthusiasm about what's taking place and remind people that that's -- that those values of human rights, human dignity, and freedom are the core of our very being as nations. And it's going to be a great experience to go there.

Let's see, Hillman.

Q Yes --

THE PRESIDENT: I had to call on Hillman, because -- to balance the thing here with the competing Texas newspapers.

Q Yes, Mr. President, have you, by any chance, received any sort of interim or preliminary report from the Robb Commission that's investigating intelligence failures? And did you seek the Commission's counsel on the scope of the duties for the new Intelligence Director?

THE PRESIDENT: I haven't -- that's -- no, I have not had an interim report. Maybe the national security people have -- or not. Hadley said he hasn't either. We have -- our people have gone to talk to the Robb-Silberman Commission when asked. But I've got great confidence in both those leaders to bring forth a very solid report. And so we haven't been involved in the process other than when asked to share opinion.

Q When might they report back?

THE PRESIDENT: Don't know -- don't know yet. Do we have any idea?

MR. HADLEY: Sometime next month.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Hadley said, "Try to work me in the press conference," and I did. (Laughter.) Congratulations. Sometimes [sic] next month, he said.

It's an important report. And it's a relevant question today because of the announcement of Ambassador Negroponte. He will take, and I will take, the findings of the Robb-Silberman Commission very seriously. And I look forward to their conclusions, and look forward to working with the leaders and the Commission members to not only deal with the conclusions, but to address whatever conclusions they have in concrete action. And I appreciate the work.

But in terms -- no, and then I did not consult with either person and/or members as to whether or not -- the nature of the pick. I did it independently from the Commission.

Yes, sir. Mark.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. If, as you say, the development of nuclear weapons is unacceptable, and if the administration's concern for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which proved out to be unfounded, drove an invasion to seek regime change, how concerned should Americans and, for that matter, the world be that the true identification of weapons in Iran or North Korea might not lead to the same sort of attack?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, Iran is different from Iraq -- very different. The international community was convinced that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction -- not just the United States, but the international community -- and had passed some 16 resolutions. In other words, diplomacy had -- they tried diplomacy over and over and over and over again. John was at the United Nations during this period. And finally, the world, in 1441 -- U.N. Resolution 1441 -- said, disclose, disarm, or face serious consequences. This was not a declaration by the United States of America, it was a declaration by the United Nations Security Council -- and a 15-to-nothing vote, as I recall. And we took that resolution very seriously.

As you know, the Iranian issue hasn't even gone up to the Security Council yet. And so there's more diplomacy, in my judgment, to be done. And we'll work very closely with our European friends and other nations. As I mentioned before, we're an active member of the IAEA board, which will give us an opportunity to continue -- to continue to say to the Iranians, you've got to be transparent with your program and adhere to -- adhere to protocols that you have signed.

Remember, this all started when they -- we found them enriching uranium in an undeclared fashion. And it happened because somebody told on them. There was an Iranian group that brought forth the information and it was clear that they were enriching. And yet, they hadn't told anybody, which leads you to wonder, why they hadn't told anybody. And so you can understand our suspicions.

And we'll work with nations. And in terms of Korea, North Korea, again, it's not Iraq. It's a different situation. But I'm -- I remember being with Jiang Zemin in Crawford, and as a result of that meeting, we issued a joint declaration that said that the Korean Peninsula should be nuclear weapons-free. Since then I've -- that policy has been confirmed by President Hu Jintao. And the other day the leader of North Korea declared they had a nuclear weapon, which, obviously, means that if he is -- if he's correct, that the peninsula is not nuclear weapons-free. So now is the time for us to work with friends and allies who have agreed to be a part of the process to determine what we're jointly going to do about it. And that's where we are in the process right now.

Thank you all very much for your attention and questions. Appreciate it.

END 10:37 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 17, 2005

Electoral Commission of Iraq Seat Allocation

Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq Your Voice... Your Future

February 17, 2005 8:00 pm Seat Allocation, Seat Allocation for 18 Governorate Councils, Kurdistan National Assembly, and Transitional National Assembly.

The United Iraqi Alliance, mainly Shiite Islamist religious parties, will occupy 140 seats in the 275-seat assembly.

A Kurdish bloc, ran second, won 75 seats. The group led by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite, got 40 seats.

About 8.5 million votes were cast, a turnout of agout 58 percent of the more than 14 voters. Many Sunni Muslims, at the urging of their leaders, did not vote.

FULL FILE in PDF format, Electoral Commission of Iraq Seat Allocation

Iraq Shiites set for power after decades of oppression

Iraq's main Shiite list swept to victory in the country's historic elections, finally translating the majority community's demographic weight into political power after decades under the Sunni yoke.

The United Iraqi Alliance backed by powerful Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani fell short of garnering 50 percent of the votes but the counting system laid out by the electoral law should guarantee it absolute majority in parliament.

The list won 48.1 percent of the almost 8.5 million votes cast but should hold 140 out of the National Assembly's 275 once the final results are made official. Political groups have three days in which to challenge the results.

This means the list will have to find an agreement for the choice of the presidential council, which requires a two-thirds majority approval from parliament, but will have a free hand to okay a cabinet line-up.

For Iraq's long-oppressed Shiites, who make up at least 60 percent of Iraq's estimated population of 27 million, the victory has been a long time coming.

Shiite clerics made abundant reference in the run-up to the January 30 vote to elections in 1924, when Shiites widely boycotted the polls and ended up excluding themselves from power for the next eight decades.

Instead, Iraq's Shiites worked hard to form a united front ahead of the vote, no matter how transitory it turns out to be in power.

With member parties ranging from conservative Islamists and radical clerics to fringe Sunni and Kurd groups, many observers have said the alliance will not last.

Cracks may appear soon, as the race for the prime minister's post and key ministries goes into the final furlong.

"The Shiites will remain the dominant force but not in its present form," one senior member of the alliance admitted earlier this month.

"It may only be a question of months or even weeks," said one Western election observer. "It is a matter of personalities and the breadth of issues. It was a strong electoral coalition but not a long-term alliance."

The alliance formed under the auspices of Shiite spiritual leader Sistani includes the two mainstream Shiite religious factions -- the Dawa party and the Tehran-backed Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq -- as well as the secular Iraqi National Congress of former Pentagon favourite Ahmed Chalabi.

Three names on the list of candidates have emerged as most likely contenders for the premiership: Dawa leader Ibrahim Jaafari, Finance Minister and SCIRI member Adel Abdel Mahdi and Hussein Shahrastani, a nuclear scientist and close confidant of Sistani.

Jaafari is a religious Shiite who commands popular support unmatched by any of his competitors, with an opinion poll published last year ranking the 54-year-old as the third most influential public figure in Iraq, behind Sistani and Shiite radical leader Moqtada Sadr, neither of whom were candidates.

Abdel Mahdi has emerged as the best consensus candidate for the top job.

Once a Baath socialist, Mahdi has transformed into a staunch ultra-liberal who wants to overhaul the state apparatus and lead the country into modernity.

Abdel Mahdi's conservative SCIRI has toned down its Islamist demands in recent months and he reportedly enjoys close ties with some members of the White House's influential National Security Council.

Shahrastani, number seven on the Shiite list, is a strong advocate of healing Iraq's divisions and is seen as someone who could offer an olive branch to Sunni Arab insurgents and calm Shiite and Kurdish cries for revenge against members of Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated regime.

The list's leaders were swift to promise the marginalised Sunnis they would be included in the political process.

But the man ultimately calling the shots in the new Iraqi government will not hold any official post.
From behind the scenes, Sistani's vision for Iraq's future appears to be that of an Islamic imprint on a secular administration.

Sistani's network has made it known that he does not want an Iranian-style theocracy, despite his Iranian nationality and close links to Tehran.

The grand ayatollah reportedly approved of the wording in Iraq's US-promulgated interim constitution, which states that "Islam is the official religion of the state and is to be considered a source of legislation."

While Sistani may take a harder line on the permanent constitution, a source close to him said he does not oppose a secular-led government.

Others say the reclusive cleric will watch from the shadows as his political troops fight the public battles over the new constitution.

SOURCE: UNAMI 2/14/2005 1:10:29 AM

Campaign and Election in Moldova

Call for a Free and Fair Campaign and Election in Moldova

On March 6, the citizens of Moldova will vote in parliamentary elections. Since gaining independence in 1991, Moldova has had a good record of conducting parliamentary elections in accordance with international democratic standards. However, recent trends are disturbing. Reports of biased coverage in the public media, harassment of the opposition by police, intimidation of independent civil society groups, and use of public resources for campaign purposes are cause for particular concern and could cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election. We note that a free and fair election is about more than just a smoothly and legally administered election day. International standards for democratic elections include a level playing field for all candidates and parties in the pre-election period. In the international community’s overall assessment of the Moldovan elections, the campaign environment will be as important as the conduct of election day.

We support the European Union’s February 9 statement calling on the Moldovan authorities to conduct an open and fair election campaign, with unbiased, pluralist media coverage of all parties and candidates, and even-handedness shown by the state administration towards all candidates and their supporters. We also echo the European Union’s call for the Moldovan government to pay special attention to the areas of concern outlined by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in its needs assessment mission. The U.S. welcomes Moldova’s invitation for international teams to observe the upcoming elections, and we are preparing to send a contingent as part of the Organization’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights effort.

As in all countries, the U.S. supports a free and fair democratic process, not any particular candidate or party. We appeal to Moldova’s leadership to take immediate, decisive action to remove any doubts about the fairness of the campaign and election. We hope that this election will be conducted in a manner that confirms Moldova’s commitment to the values of the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies, and creates the conditions under which the United States can most effectively support Moldova’s further development along the path towards a prosperous, European future.

2005/207 Released on February 17, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC

Condoleezza Rice African-American History Month

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Address a Celebration of African-American History Month

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will address a celebration of African-American History Month on Friday, February 18, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. in the Dean Acheson Auditorium. Other speakers will be Civil rights activist and authority on the strategy of nonviolent social change Dr. Bernard La Fayette, Jr.; Former President of the National Council of Negro Women and Congressional Gold Medal recipient Dr. Dorothy Irene Height; and head coach of the Cleveland Browns Football Team Romeo Crennel. The celebration program includes a performance by the Morgan State University Choir.

The event will be open to the press.

Pre-set up time for cameras: 2:30 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.
Final access time for all press: 3:15 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

Media representatives who plan to attend must present one of the following press credentials: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).

2005/204 Released on February 17, 2005 Notice to the Press Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC

Asa Hutchinson OAS Counter-Terrorism Efforts

U.S. Pledges $1.6 Million for OAS Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The United States has pledged an additional $1.6 million to strengthen and expand counter-terrorism coordination in the Western Hemisphere, bringing the total U.S. contribution to $5 million since the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Asa Hutchinson, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, announced the pledge at the Organization Of American States (OAS) Fifth Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE), a three-day conference hosted by Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. pledge represents approximately 80 percent of total hemispheric investments in the Committee.

This year’s session brings together official delegations from all 34participatingOAS member states to evaluate existing policies and to develop new strategies for hemispheric communication, cooperation, and training in combating the threat of transnational terrorism.
Among the issues addressed at this year’s conference are: improving border controls; document security; aviation security (including potential threats to civilian aircraft posed by Man Portable Air Defense Systems, or MANPADS); biometrics sharing; and links between arms/narcotics trafficking and terrorism.

Under Secretary Hutchinson is the head of the U.S. delegation. Other senior members of the U.S. delegation include Ambassador John Maisto, Permanent Representative to the OAS, and William F. Pope, Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counter-terrorism. The Committee was established in 1999 to foster a cooperative multilateral approach to counter-terrorism. For more information on this year’s session, visit online at http://www.cicte.oas.org/.

2005/205 Released on February 17, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC

Secretary Rice, Japanese Foreign Minister Machimura

Secretary Rice Meeting With Japanese Foreign Minister Machimura, U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee Meeting (2+2)

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will hold a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura on February 19, 2005 at 9:30 AM to discuss matters of mutual interest. There will be a camera spray at the beginning of the meeting (Open Coverage).

Following this meeting, at 10:00 AM, Secretary Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld will host Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura and Director-General of the Japan Defense Agency and Minister of State for Defense Yoshinori Ohno in a meeting of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) on February 19, 2005, at the Department of State. The last such meeting occurred in Washington on December 16, 2002. As in previous meetings of this forum, the principals will discuss the range of security issues affecting the U.S.-Japan security alliance. There will be a joint press availability involving the four ministers at 11:30 AM (Open Coverage).

Media representatives wishing to attend these events should use the Diplomatic Entrance at 22nd and C Streets NW.

For the camera spray: Arrive by 8:30 AM
Pre-set time for cameras for the joint press availability: 10:00 AM
Final Access for the joint press availability: 11:00 AM

Media representatives may cover this event upon presentation of either (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a photo ID issued by the employing media organization, or (3) a letter on official letterhead from their news organization verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo ID (driver’s license or passport).

2005/203 Notice to the Press Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 16, 2005

Organization of American States Environmental Cooperation Agreement

U.S. and Six Member Governments of Organization of American States to Sign Environmental Cooperation Agreement and Trade Understanding

Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Regina Vargo will join senior representatives of five Central American countries and the Dominican Republic to sign an Environmental Cooperation Agreement and an Understanding Regarding the Establishment of a Secretariat for Environmental Matters under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, or "CAFTA." The signing ceremony will take place on Friday, February 18, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in the Hall of the Americas, main building of the Organization of American States, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC.

Both the Agreement and the Understanding promote sound environmental practices, the former by establishing a framework for cooperation in environmental protection and the latter by instituting a mechanism to aid in the implementation of the environmental provisions of CAFTA. Senior representatives from the governments of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the United States will sign the instruments.

This event is open to the press. Media representatives will be required to present press credentials. Media with electronic equipment (TV cameras, etc.) should arrive at 9:00 a.m. to clear security and complete set up by 9:30 a.m. Other members of the press should arrive by 9:30 a.m. The event will be web cast live over the Internet at oas.org.

For further information, please contact Susan Povenmire, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, at (202) 647-3486.

2005/202 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 16, 2005

3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment

MOSUL, Iraq – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), received an Iraqi citizen’s tip of a possible car bomb in northern Iraq Feb. 13.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, received word through a Joint Coordination Center hotline call made by an Iraqi citizen of a car bomb in northern Mosul. The 3-21st cleared the area before the bomb was detonated, saving lives. No Multi-National Forces or Iraqi citizen injuries were reported.

These types of courageous acts demonstrate the commitment of Iraqi citizens to ensuring a safe and peaceful Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces encourage citizens of Iraq to continue to cooperate with security forces and turn in military weapons and equipment.

TEXT PROVIDED BY THE TASK FORCE FREEDOM, MULTINATIONAL BRIGADE-NORTHWEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT LT. COL. ANDRE HANCE AT ANDRE.HANCE@MNBNW.IRAQ.ARMY.MIL.

Samuel W. Bodman Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator

Testimony of Secretary Samuel W. Bodman U.S. Department of Energy Before the Committee on Armed Services United States Senate February 15, 2005

Chairman Warner, Senator Levin, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the Administration’s priorities for nuclear weapons, threat reduction programs, and DOE’s environmental cleanup program. Before I start, I also want to thank all of the members for their strong support for our critical national security activities. Let me first address national security programs under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). NNSA’s

FY 2006 budget request supports three fundamental national security missions:
· assure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile;
· reduce the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and
· provide reliable and safe nuclear reactor propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy.

NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAMS

Our Nation continues to benefit from the security provided by safe, secure, reliable and effective
nuclear forces. In this, I am pleased to report that for eight consecutive years, the Secretaries of
Defense and Energy have reported to the President that the nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe, secure and reliable. I will join the Secretary of Defense soon in my first such assessment. This assessment is based not on nuclear tests, but on cutting-edge scientific and engineering tools, and extensive laboratory and flight tests of warhead components and subsystems. Each year, we are gaining a more complete understanding of the complex physical processes underlying the performance of our aging nuclear stockpile.

The FY 2006 request supports the requirements of the Stockpile Stewardship Program consistent
with the Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) and the revised stockpile plan submitted to the Congress in June 2004. Over $1.4 billion in FY 2006 is requested to support the Directed Stockpile Work that will ensure the operational readiness of the nuclear weapons in the nation’s stockpile. Our request places a high priority on accomplishing the near-term workload and supporting technologies for the stockpile along with the long-term science and technology investments to ensure the capability and capacity to support ongoing missions. We are requesting $4 million to restart the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator study and $14 million in FY 2007 to complete the study.

In our FY 2006 budget, $2 billion is focused on scientific and technical efforts essential for certification, maintenance and life extension of the stockpile which has allowed NNSA to move to “science-based” certification and assessments for stewardship. Specifically, $491.7 million provides the basic scientific understanding and the technologies required for the directed stockpile workload and the completion of new scientific and experimental facilities. This includes $70.3 million for the Microsystem and Engineering Sciences Applications (MESA)complex which will enable us to continue a path of completion in FY 2010. We will continue our efforts to maintain the ability to conduct underground nuclear testing and complete the transition to the18- month test readiness posture that is mandated by Congress.

With a request of $660.8 million for the Advanced Simulation and Computing Campaign, we will be able to remain on schedule to develop experimental and computational tools, and facilities and technologies necessary to support continued certification of the refurbished weapons and aging weapons components without underground nuclear testing. As we enhance our computational tools to link the historical test base of more than 1,000 nuclear tests to computer simulations, we can continue to certify whether the stockpile is safe, secure and reliable without resorting to nuclear testing. This will also include bringing on-line in FY 2006 a 100-teraflop system that will provide the supercomputer capabilities and three-dimensional modeling required for stockpile certification.

Secretary Samuel W. Bodman U.S. Department of Energy FULL TEXT in PDF format

US-Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement

United States and Chile Agree on Work Program for Environmental Cooperation

The Governments of the United States of America and Chile have reached agreement on a work program that will advance environmental cooperation between the two countries in six areas in 2005 and 2006. An exchange of Diplomatic Notes commemorated the agreement on the work program, which is being carried out within a framework created by the United States-Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement, signed by the two countries in June 2003.

The Environmental Cooperation Agreement, which is associated with the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement, encourages bilateral cooperation in environmental matters, establishing a lasting framework for cooperation between the two countries to promote sustainable development. The cooperative activities are set forth in a work program developed by a Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation that was also established under this Agreement. Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Paula Dobriansky, represents the United States on the Commission.

The work program anticipates cooperative activities in the following six areas: (1) capacity-building to improve enforcement and compliance with environmental laws and regulations; (2) encouraging sound environmental practices and technologies, particularly in the private sector; (3) promoting sustainable management of natural resources including wildlife and protected areas; (4) increasing/encouraging civil society participation in environmental decision-making; (5) improving environmental education; and (6) improving/enhancing/fostering information exchange on a range of issues, including environmental health, climate change, natural disasters, and public-private partnerships.

With its emphasis on good governance, including the promotion of the rule of law, public participation and transparency in environmental decision-making, the work program reinforces both countries’ commitment to democratic traditions, and to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in concert with strengthened trade relations.

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 16, 2005

Roll Call Votes Michael Chertoff

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 109th Congress - 1st Session as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Michael Chertoff, of New Jersey, To Be Secretary of Homeland Security )
Vote Number: 10 Vote Date: February 15, 2005, 04:00 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN122
Nomination Description: Michael Chertoff, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security
Vote Counts: YEAs 98 NAYs 0 Not Voting 2

Alphabetical by Senator Name

Akaka (D-HI), Yea Alexander (R-TN), Yea Allard (R-CO), Yea Allen (R-VA), Yea Baucus (D-MT), Not Voting Bayh (D-IN), Yea Bennett (R-UT), Yea Biden (D-DE), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Yea Bond (R-MO), Yea Boxer (D-CA), Yea Brownback (R-KS), Yea Bunning (R-KY), Yea Burns (R-MT), Yea Burr (R-NC), Yea Byrd (D-WV), Yea Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea Chafee (R-RI), Yea Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Clinton (D-NY), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Yea Cochran (R-MS), Yea Coleman (R-MN), Yea Collins (R-ME), Yea Conrad (D-ND), Yea Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Corzine (D-NJ), Yea Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea Dayton (D-MN), Yea DeMint (R-SC), Yea DeWine (R-OH), Yea Dodd (D-CT), Yea

Dole (R-NC), Yea Domenici (R-NM), Yea Dorgan (D-ND), Yea Durbin (D-IL), Yea Ensign (R-NV), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea Feingold (D-WI), Yea Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Frist (R-TN), Yea Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Yea Gregg (R-NH), Yea Hagel (R-NE), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Yea Hatch (R-UT), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Inouye (D-HI), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Yea Jeffords (I-VT), Yea Johnson (D-SD), Yea Kennedy (D-MA), Yea Kerry (D-MA), Yea Kohl (D-WI), Yea Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea Leahy (D-VT), Yea Levin (D-MI), Yea Lieberman (D-CT), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lott (R-MS), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea Martinez (R-FL), Yea

McCain (R-AZ), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Yea Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea Obama (D-IL), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Yea Reid (D-NV), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea Salazar (D-CO), Yea Santorum (R-PA), Yea Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea Schumer (D-NY), Yea Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea Smith (R-OR), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (R-PA), Not Voting Stabenow (D-MI), Yea Stevens (R-AK), Yea Sununu (R-NH), Yea Talent (R-MO), Yea Thomas (R-WY), Yea Thune (R-SD), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Warner (R-VA), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Yea

Grouped by Home State

Alabama:	Sessions (R-AL), Yea	Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Alaska:	Murkowski (R-AK), Yea	Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Arizona:	Kyl (R-AZ), Yea	McCain (R-AZ), Yea
Arkansas:	Lincoln (D-AR), Yea	Pryor (D-AR), Yea
California:	Boxer (D-CA), Yea	Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Colorado:	Allard (R-CO), Yea	Salazar (D-CO), Yea
Connecticut:	Dodd (D-CT), Yea	Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Delaware:	Biden (D-DE), Yea	Carper (D-DE), Yea
Florida:	Martinez (R-FL), Yea	Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Georgia:	Chambliss (R-GA), Yea	Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Hawaii:	Akaka (D-HI), Yea	Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Idaho:	Craig (R-ID), Yea	Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Illinois:	Durbin (D-IL), Yea	Obama (D-IL), Yea
Indiana:	Bayh (D-IN), Yea	Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Iowa:	Grassley (R-IA), Yea	Harkin (D-IA), Yea
Kansas:	Brownback (R-KS), Yea	Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Kentucky:	Bunning (R-KY), Yea	McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Louisiana:	Landrieu (D-LA), Yea	Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Maine:	Collins (R-ME), Yea	Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Maryland:	Mikulski (D-MD), Yea	Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea
Massachusetts:	Kennedy (D-MA), Yea	Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Michigan:	Levin (D-MI), Yea	Stabenow (D-MI), Yea
Minnesota:	Coleman (R-MN), Yea	Dayton (D-MN), Yea
Mississippi:	Cochran (R-MS), Yea	Lott (R-MS), Yea
Missouri:	Bond (R-MO), Yea	Talent (R-MO), Yea
Montana:	Baucus (D-MT), Not Voting	Burns (R-MT), Yea
Nebraska:	Hagel (R-NE), Yea	Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Nevada:	Ensign (R-NV), Yea	Reid (D-NV), Yea
New Hampshire:	Gregg (R-NH), Yea	Sununu (R-NH), Yea
New Jersey:	Corzine (D-NJ), Yea	Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea
New Mexico:	Bingaman (D-NM), Yea	Domenici (R-NM), Yea
New York:	Clinton (D-NY), Yea	Schumer (D-NY), Yea
North Carolina:	Burr (R-NC), Yea	Dole (R-NC), Yea
North Dakota:	Conrad (D-ND), Yea	Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Ohio:	DeWine (R-OH), Yea	Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Oklahoma:	Coburn (R-OK), Yea	Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Oregon:	Smith (R-OR), Yea	Wyden (D-OR), Yea
Pennsylvania:	Santorum (R-PA), Yea	Specter (R-PA), Not Voting
Rhode Island:	Chafee (R-RI), Yea	Reed (D-RI), Yea
South Carolina:	DeMint (R-SC), Yea	Graham (R-SC), Yea
South Dakota:	Johnson (D-SD), Yea	Thune (R-SD), Yea
Tennessee:	Alexander (R-TN), Yea	Frist (R-TN), Yea
Texas:	Cornyn (R-TX), Yea	Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Utah:	Bennett (R-UT), Yea	Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Vermont:	Jeffords (I-VT), Yea	Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Virginia:	Allen (R-VA), Yea	Warner (R-VA), Yea
Washington:	Cantwell (D-WA), Yea	Murray (D-WA), Yea
West Virginia:	Byrd (D-WV), Yea	Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Wisconsin:	Feingold (D-WI), Yea	Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Wyoming:	Enzi (R-WY), Yea	Thomas (R-WY), Yea

U.S. Senate Committee on Intelligence

U.S. Senate Committee on Intelligence - Press Release Current and Projected National Security Threats to the United States 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2005 Statements

Senator Roberts Chairs Intelligence Committee Hearing on the Worldwide Threat to the United States FULL STREAMING VIDEO

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today held an open hearing to give the public the Intelligence Community’s best assessment of the current and projected national security threats to the United States.

Chairman Roberts laid out the priorities of the Intelligence Committee going into the 109th Congress, “First, we look forward to the naming of a Director of National Intelligence. As soon as the president nominates this individual we will schedule a confirmation hearing. Second, we will monitor closely the implementation of the intelligence reform bill. We will focus a great deal of attention on how this committee can support the new Director of National Intelligence in the exercise of his or her authorities. And, because no legislation is perfect, we will also look at whether any legislative fixes are necessary. Third, in the area of oversight, we will focus on the Intelligence Community’s collection and analytical capabilities.”

Witnesses before the committee included: FULL TEXT in PDF format

Honorable Porter J. GossDirector of Central Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency

Mr. Robert S. Mueller, IIIDirector Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Vice Admiral Lowell E. Jacoby (USN) Director Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

Mr. Thomas Fingar Assistant Secretay of State Intelligence and Research

“This committee learned from our Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) inquiry that we can not and should not always take the Intelligence Community’s assessments at face value,” Senator Roberts said. “The Vice Chairman and I have therefore decided to change the way the Senate Intelligence Committee does its work. We haven’t launched anything, we haven’t begun an investigation or an inquiry, nor have we ruled them out. We have simply adjusted our approach based on the lessons we learned while reviewing the Community’s assessments on Iraq’s WMD programs.”

“Applying the methodologies we used in that review, we will now look deeper into the Intelligence Community’s work on critical threats,” Senator Roberts said, “Instead of examining these issues after the fact, as we did on the Iraq WMD question, we are going to be more proactive to try to identify our strengths and weaknesses ahead of time. We have already begun to examine our intelligence capabilities with respect to nuclear terrorism and also Iran.”

“In closing,” Chairman Roberts said, “I want to say something about the limitations of intelligence. Even the best intelligence will not be absolutely precise and tell us what to do. However, it is a necessary and crucial tool used by policymakers to make difficult decisions, nothing more, nothing less.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 16, 2005CONTACT: Sarah Ross Little(202) 224-4774

U.S. Recalls Ambassador to Syria

U.S. Recalls Ambassador to Syria

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has decided to recall Ambassador Margaret Scobey, the United States Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic, for urgent consultations following the brutal murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14. Ambassador Scobey will be returning imminently to Washington from Damascus.

Following the murder of former Prime Minister Hariri, Ambassador Scobey delivered a message to the Syrian Government expressing our deep concern as well as our profound outrage over this heinous act of terrorism. Syria maintains a sizeable presence of military and intelligence officials in Lebanon, in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1559. Yesterday’s bombing calls into question the stated reason behind this presence of Syrian security forces: Lebanon’s internal security. The Lebanese people must be free to express their political preferences and choose their own representatives, without intimidation and the threat of violence.

In recent months, we have raised repeatedly with senior officials of the Syrian Government a number of issues, including the Syrian presence in Lebanon, the continued presence and operational activities of international terrorist groups and the Iranian regime on and through Syrian territory, and the use of Syrian territory by the Iraqi insurgency. To date, these concerns have not been adequately addressed. We again call upon the Syrian government to take positive action on all these matters.

2005/195 Released on February 15, 2005

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC February 15, 2005

Recruitment drive for Iraqi Army draws thousands

Recruitment drive for Iraqi Army draws thousands

by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell
Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq Public Affairs

SOUTHERN IRAQ – An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 men arrived by foot, bus, and other vehicles by sun up Feb. 14, at an airfield outside an Iraqi Army base in an effort to join Iraq’s army, officials said.

Of that, close to 5,000 made it through a screening process that led them onto the base, which is home to several thousand Iraqi Soldiers and a contingent of U.S. service members, officials said. Most will be transferred to other bases in Iraq to supplement existing units.

The process was a result of the largest recruitment effort for the Iraqi Army to date, said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Woodley of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq.

During the screening process, potential recruits were given a literacy test, physical condition check and questioned about prior military service. Once inside the base, they went through a medical screening and received uniforms, boots and other military-related clothing.

Of those who were turned back, or did not make it through the screening, leaders told them to return for another recruitment drive.

Many recruits showed up with proof that they were serving when Saddam Hussein’s regime fell and they were subsequently released from duty. Former Iraqi Army Maj. Hussien Ali Kadhun, 48, traveled about an hour and a half by bus to rejoin.

“I want to serve my country and fight the terrorists,” he said through a translator.

Ali Kadhun said he graduated from a military college in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in military science. He returned to school to study law shortly after his release from the army in 2003.

Another former Soldier, Hakeem Shaial Hassan, 27, worked as a farmer after his first stint in the Army. It took him nearly four hours to get to the airfield with a group of friends, looking for a job to provide him and his family with a better income. New recruits earn $420,380 dinars a month, or about $212 in U.S. dollars, officials said.

“I am proud that I made it,” Shaial Hassan said through an interpreter. “But I am sad that my friends did not. They will have to go back home and tell their families they did not make it.”

U.S. Army officials were expecting a little more than 6,000 potential recruits. U.S. military members from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy were joined by several civilian security personnel and a few hundred Iraqi Soldiers stationed at the base. Several dozen Iraqi Soldiers arrived at the base the day before and went right to work early the next morning, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Harvey, base commander.

“We encountered all friendlies, no bombs and no deaths,” Harvey said. “So I’m happy.”

THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT CPICPRESSDESK@BAGHDADFORUM.COM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CAPTAIN STEVE ALVAREZ, MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION CORPS-IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT AlvarezSJ@mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil.

Burma - Reconvening of the National Convention

Burma - Reconvening of the National Convention

On February 17, the Burmese junta will reconvene its National Convention. The National League for Democracy and other pro-democracy parties have been denied a voice in this process. Absent their participation, the National Convention cannot possibly reflect the true political aspirations of the Burmese people, nor can it conduct the meaningful dialogue that is needed to achieve genuine national reconciliation. Without the full participation of the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups, the National Convention lacks the legitimacy necessary to draft a constitution that is truly democratic and representative of the will of the Burmese people. We note the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament, a group representing the democratic opposition, publicly repudiated the National Convention for the same reasons on February 12.

We call again on the junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, Hkun Htun Oo and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, to engage the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups in a meaningful dialogue leading to genuine national reconciliation and the establishment of democracy, to allow the national league for democracy to reopen its offices nationwide, and to respect and ensure the free exercise of the fundamental human rights of the people of Burma.

2005/196 Released on February 15, 2005

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC February 15, 2005

White House, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway

President Bush to Welcome King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway to the White House

The President and Mrs. Bush will host the King and Queen of Norway for lunch at the White House on March 7, 2005. The United States and Norway share a long history of friendship and a strong commitment to freedom. Norway is contributing to democracy and stability in Afghanistan, the Balkans and Iraq, and working with us to resolve conflicts and provide assistance in Sudan, Sri Lanka and elsewhere around the world. The visit of Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja will mark 100 years of U.S.-Norwegian diplomatic relations. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 15, 2005

Supplemental Budget appropriations of $81.9 billion

President's Statement on Supplemental Budget

With the help of the United States and coalition partners, the Iraqi and Afghan people have set their countries on the path of democracy and freedom. As both nations work to cement this great progress, our troops and assistance will continue to play a critical role.

The majority of this request will ensure that our troops continue to get what they need to protect themselves and complete their mission. It also provides for the continued pursuit of al-Qaida and other terrorist elements in Afghanistan and elsewhere. And it reflects our core mission in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing funding to accelerate efforts to train and equip Iraqi and Afghan forces, so they can assume greater responsibility for their own security and our troops can return home with the honor they have earned.

Other important funding in this emergency request includes resources to seize the opportunity to build peace and democracy in the Middle East, to continue helping nations affected by the tsunamis, and to address other unforeseen needs.

I urge the Congress to move quickly so our troops and diplomats have the tools they need to succeed. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2005

Related:

• Request for Additional Fy 2005 Funding for the War on Terror - When President Bush made the decision to respond to the attacks of 9/11 by dealing with al-Qaida and its Taliban sponsors, and protect America from a gathering threat by removing Saddam Hussein from power, he committed: to provide our troops with whatever they need to protect themselves and successfully complete their mission; and to stand with the Afghan and Iraqi people against the terrorists trying desperately to derail democracy and the advance of freedom.
• Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives - Today, I am submitting a request for fiscal year 2005 supplemental appropriations of $81.9 billion for ongoing military and intelligence operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and selected other international activities, including tsunami relief and reconstruction. This request reflects urgent and essential requirements. I ask the Congress to appropriate the funds as requested and promptly send the bill to me for signature.

H.CON.RES.25 `Greensboro Four'

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the contributions of Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, the `Greensboro Four', to the civil rights movement.

Whereas on February 1, 1960, Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, four African-American freshman students at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, walked into the F.W. Woolworth store in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, and sat at the `whites only' lunch counter, thereafter becoming known as the `Greensboro Four';

Whereas the `Greensboro Four' were refused service but continued to sit at the lunch counter in nonviolent protest;

Whereas the sit-in by the `Greensboro Four' was an act of courage and conscience, and inspired sit-ins across North Carolina and the southern United States to protest racial segregation in public accommodations and in other areas of life;

Whereas the courageous protest of the `Greensboro Four' and all of the sit-in demonstrations made a critical contribution to the civil rights movement, leading to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the integration of public accommodations; and

Whereas the civil rights movement made our nation more just and decent, and the courage and conscience of the `Greensboro Four' should inspire all Americans to act against injustice: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress--

(1) applauds the valor and courageous efforts of Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, known as the `Greensboro Four'; and

(2) encourages all Americans to remember the contributions they made to the civil rights movement and to conduct appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to commemorate the sit-in of the `Greensboro Four'. Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

SENATOR COLLINS, Michael Chertoff

SENATOR COLLINS CALLS FOR SENATE APPROVAL OF HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY NOMINEE Collins manages nomination on Senate floor; Vote to confirm Michael Chertoff expected Tuesday

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins today called on her colleagues in the Senate to act quickly to approve the President’s nominee to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Judge Michael Chertoff. Senator Collins managed the nomination debate on the Senate floor and spoke strongly in favor of Judge Chertoff. She said that the DHS needed a new leader as soon as possible, pointing out that the Secretary position was vacated thirteen days ago, and that Judge Chertoff is the right person for the job.

The confirmation of Judge Michael Chertoff was approved last week in a unanimous vote by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which Senator Collins chairs.

In a speech to the Senate, Senator Collins said, “I am convinced that Michael Chertoff has the character and the qualifications to excel in what is one of the most challenging positions in all of government. The strengths and experience he brings are impressive. He has devoted a significant part of his life to public service, as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey, as the head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and now as a federal judge.”

“He knows what is needed to fight a war on terrorism, the importance of strategic planning and the need to constantly improve information sharing and cooperation among agencies at all levels of government. Our nation will benefit greatly from these attributes and experiences in our next Homeland Security Secretary,” Senator Collins added.

Senator Collins said that she is also impressed with his commitment to civil liberties. She said that in border states like Maine, it is crucial that there is a balance between border security and the need to allow the free flow of individuals. Chertoff’s response to Senator Collins’ concerns was, “I believe that we cannot live in liberty without security, but we would not want to live in security without liberty.”

Senator Collins called on her colleagues to approve Chertoff’s nomination as soon as possible. “Judge Chertoff’s commitment to work tirelessly as the next DHS Secretary, combined with his character and qualifications, make it a privilege to enthusiastically present his nomination to my colleagues in the Senate.”

The Senate is expected to vote on Chertoff’s nomination on Tuesday. ###

February 14, 2005 Contact: Elissa Davidson (202) 224-4751

Korea, Christopher Hill Six-Party Talks

Korea – Appointment of Head of the U.S. Delegation to the Six-Party Talks

Secretary Rice today appointed our Ambassador to Korea, Christopher Hill, to serve concurrently as the head of the U.S. Six-Party Talks delegation.

Ambassador Hill is a career foreign service officer and a veteran negotiator.

Ambassador Hill will remain in Seoul but plans at an early opportunity to meet with his counterparts. He will lead the interagency delegation to the next plenary session of the talks, which we believe should occur at an early date and without preconditions.

Ambassador Hill’s appointment underscores U.S. support for the Six-Party Talks and the goal of a diplomatic solution ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs.

Special Envoy Joseph DeTrani will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Six-Party Talks issues.

2005/191 Released on February 14, 2005 Daily Appointments Schedule Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC February 14, 2005

Death of Rafik Hariri

Death of Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC February 14, 2005

The United States expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and to the others who were killed and wounded in the brutal terrorist attack in Beirut today. We state our unequivocal condemnation of this act of terrorism. We call on all parties to maintain calm and avoid further violence.

Prime Minister Hariri was a statesman who was committed to the restoration and renewal of Lebanon after the ravages of that country’s tragic civil war. His vision of a prosperous Lebanon, living in peace with its neighbors, sent a powerful message of hope to the people of Lebanon and the region.

In its Resolution 1566, the United Nations condemned “in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism” and called upon States “to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.”

All of those responsible for this terrible crime must be brought to justice immediately. The United States, together with the international community, will follow closely to ensure that this happens.

In its Resolution 1559, the United Nations Security Council called for “all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently” in “the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon.” It called for the Government of Lebanon to extend its control over all Lebanese territory.

The United States takes this opportunity to once again call for the immediate implementation of Resolution 1559, including the withdrawal of all Syrian forces, the disbanding and disarmament of all militias, and an end to foreign interference in the political independence of Lebanon. The Lebanese people must be free to exercise their political choices without intimidation or the threat of violence. 2005/187 Released on February 14, 2005

Department of Defense Announces Contract Reviews

Department of Defense Announces Contract Reviews

Michael W. Wynne, acting under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics announced today that he has asked the DoD Inspector General to review eight contracts which were under the decision-making purview of convicted former Air Force acquisition manager Darlene Druyun.

The Defense Contract Management Agency reviewed all the contracts that Ms. Druyan was directly involved with since 1993 at the request of Wynne. They examined more than 8,000 pages of information in 407 contracts and identified these eight contracts that appear to have anomalies in them which warrant further review. A list can be found at defenselink.mil/news/

Wynne developed a three-part plan to ensure that all contracting procedures in the Department were reviewed, this completes one step of that plan. Additionally, the Defense Science Board task force has examined the processes the department makes in acquisition decisions. This report, which will be issued in March, looks at the checks and balances necessary to preserve the integrity of those decisions. Lastly, the Government Accountability Office was asked to review protests by other defense contractors based upon the actions mentioned in Druyun’s plea agreement.

The department is committed to ensuring that all contract processes are conducted within the legal and ethical requirements set forth by law. The responsibility to oversee the proper expenditure of tax dollars is critical to the department.

No. 157-04 IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2005

United Nations Oil-for-Food Program

U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Susan Collins and Ranking Member Joseph Lieberman

Title: The United Nations’ Management and Oversight of the Oil-for-Food Program
Date: 2/15/05 Time (EST): 9:30 AM Place: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm. 342

The Subcommittee’s first hearing on the Oil-for-Food Program (“OFF Program”) laid the foundation for future hearings by describing how the OFF Program was exploited by Saddam Hussein. This second hearing will examine the operations of the independent inspection agents retained by the United Nations and their role within the OFF Program. The administration of the OFF Program by the U.N. Office of the Iraq Program and the findings of the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services will also be examined.

Witnesses

Panel 1
Robert M. Massey , Cheif Executive Officer , Cotecna Inspection S.A.
Andre E. Pruniaux , Former Senior Vice President , Africa and Middle East Division, Cotecna Inspection S.A.
John Denson , General Counsel , Saybolt Group
Verne Kulyk , Former Customs Officer , United Nations Office of the Iraq Program (OIP) TBA , Former Inspector , Cotecna Inspection S.A.

Panel 2
Joseph A. Christoff , Director , International Affairs and Trade Team, Government Accountability Office
Dileep Nair , Under Secretary General , Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)
Stafford Clarry , Former Humanitarian Affairs Advisor , United Nations Oil-for-Food Program

Panel 3
Patrick F. Kennedy , Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform , United States Mission to the United Nations.

John B. Bellinger III, R. Nicholas Burns, C. David Welch

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

John B. Bellinger III, of Virginia, to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State, vice William Howard Taft, IV.

R. Nicholas Burns, of Massachusetts, to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs), vice Marc Isaiah Grossman, resigned.

C. David Welch, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs), vice William J. Burns. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2005