Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri

Remarks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad, Pakistan March 17, 2005

FOREIGN MINISTER KASURI: It's been a great pleasure to welcome Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice on her first official visit to Pakistan. Secretary Rice's visit to Pakistan, early in the second term of President Bush, underlines the importance attached by the United States to developing a robust partnership with Pakistan. I respect Secretary Rice's intellectual vigor, grasp of history and vision for a better future. I am confident that during her stewardship of U.S. foreign policy our bilateral relationship, which has assumed a strategic dimension, will contribute to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

I am strengthened in my belief because of what Secretary Rice told me during my visit to Washington that our relationship has both grown immeasurably in the last few years much beyond Afghanistan, Iraq and terrorism. We remain engaged in broadening and deepening our multifaceted relationship on a long-term basis for the mutual benefit of our two countries.

There is something missing so I am going to dictate that, but the rest is -- copies will be given to you.

I made specific proposals especially for discussion in security and strategic matters during our meeting today, which is probably not being given to you, and you can, if you have any doubt, you can ask us later.

Secretary Rice called on President Pervez Musharraf last evening. She praised President Musharraf for his courage and vision in promoting peace and stability in the region and for his concept of enlightened moderation. Dr. Rice had earlier met with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on her arrival yesterday. During these meetings and again this evening with her meeting with me, Secretary Rice reiterated the commitment of the United States to an expanded and sustainable long-term partnership with Pakistan. I had wide-ranging discussions with her covering bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. We discussed steps to take our partnership to a new and higher level of engagement. We reviewed our bilateral cooperation and agreed to promote greater collaboration in the areas of security and defense as well as in economic and technological fields. We also focused on the importance of increasing market access of Pakistani products. I expressed satisfaction with the progress made with India on a number of CBMs. I did however emphasize to Dr. Rice that Pakistan desires durable peace with India and pointed out that this could only be achieved by resolving all outstanding issues, especially the Kashmir dispute. This is, of course, as you know, been a cause of perpetual tension during the last 57 years.

I also raised the issue of water security for Pakistan. In this context, I discussed the Baglihar dam and the Kishan Ganga project. We also touched on the situation in Afghanistan. Secretary Rice expressed her appreciation for the support extended by Pakistan for stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. We exchanged views on UN Security Council reform, nonproliferation and the global war on terrorism. I am looking forward to working closely with her in building a strong and enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United States.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you very much. I'd like to thank you, Minister Kasuri, for very productive meetings here and also for arranging a very (inaudible) for me here in Pakistan. We've known each over an extended period of time and we've remarked many times about how far the U.S.-Pakistani relationship has come in the last three and a half years. It is a relationship that is broader than the war on terrorism although we obviously admire the courage of the Pakistani leadership and the courage of the Pakistani people and armed forces in the fight against terrorism. We have also extended our relationship to America's interest and support for educational reform in Pakistan, for economic reform in Pakistan, our trade relationship. President Bush has pledged $3 billion over five years in economic and security assistance to Pakistan. So this was a broad and deep relationship.

We had an opportunity to talk about the warming relations between India and Pakistan I want to give my encouragement to the parties for continued progress along that front. It's extremely important for a region like this that Pakistan and India continue their efforts to improve relations, to remove barriers to interaction between their people. And as I did when I was in India, I noted that it is quite great to see cricket diplomacy, even if I don't myself understand cricket very well. (Laughter.) So it was a very good discussion about India and Pakistan. Obviously, it is important that all issues be on the table for eventual resolution and all of the parties, both India and Pakistan as well as the Kashmiris, believe that they have a future that can be secure and peaceful and free of terrorism and violence, but also a democratic future. And so we did have a very good discussion of that.

We talked about Pakistan's internal development and the need for a democratic path ahead for Pakistan, and I had a chance to talk with President Musharraf and the Prime Minister last night and with the Foreign Minister today. And we continue to work with Pakistan and we look forward to the evolution of a democratic path toward elections in 2007 for Pakistan.

The United States and Pakistan are working closely together also in this region with Afghanistan in the fight on terrorism, and of course I was just in Afghanistan for the first time and I want to take note of the increasingly productive relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, one that was really unthinkable some years ago has really begun to blossom. It is a relationship that could anchor an entire region in trade and in development, in economic commerce. It was once a region that had a great deal of economic vibrancy and we look forward to trying to help the regional actors, particularly Afghanistan and Pakistan, reestablish that economic vibrancy.

So all in all, I think it has been a very good discussion and I look forward to continuing it with you over dinner, Foreign Minister, and I think we will now take questions.

FOREIGN MINISTER KASURI: Thank you.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) Pakistan and India (inaudible). What is your comment on this?

SECRETARY RICE: Well, first of all, I do believe that bilateral discussions between the parties can not only serve to resolve tensions but are serving to resolve tensions. And it is the case that the United States has always said that it is prepared to help in any way that it can, but it can never do so in a way that tries to supplant the goodwill and the intention and the commitment of the parties to dialogue. And so we've been actually very impressed by the composite dialogue and want to see it continued.

As to specific issues between India and Pakistan, I'm really not prepared to comment. These are issues that the parties will have to resolve and I'm certain they'll find the appropriate mechanisms in which to do so.

MODERATOR: (inaudible) Associated Press (inaudible).

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, did you ask for and did you receive any specific assurances about when President Musharraf intends to give up his military post?

SECRETARY RICE: We did talk about the importance of democratic reform in Pakistan -- about getting on a road to democratic reforms that would, in fact, lead to free and fair elections in 2007. And that was the character of our discussion. I want to just note that Pakistan is a country that has come an enormously long way in the last several years. This is not the Pakistan of September 11th. It is not even the Pakistan of September 11th, 2002. And it is a credit to President Musharraf and his advisors and indeed to the Pakistani people that progress is being made in educational and other reforms, press reforms among them, that we would hope do lead to a future for Pakistan that is both democratic and tolerant of many different views, in other words pluralistic, and that is (inaudible) of the kind of extremism that of course does not believe in or intend to be involved in a democratic process.

And so we will always talk about the need for democracy. And it is central to our dialogue with every country in the world and it is also central for our dialogue here. And I found our Pakistani hosts to be more than willing and open to have those discussions.

FOREIGN MINISTER KASURI: I'd like to say something here because very important. (Inaudible) and democracy, there are quite a few ingredients to that. One of them, of course, is an independent and free media. I'm quite proud to say that Pakistan has one of the freest media in Asia. And that includes every single country in Asia.

Secondly, as far as women participation is concerned, gender equality issues, we have 40,000 women working at the local bodies level. We have 73 members in the National Assembly. We have quite a large number of women in the Senate.

On the minorities, probably Pakistan is the only country in the world, if I might say, that has granted two voting rights to minorities. I can't think of any country, in fact some countries will say is going overboard because it's a violation of one man, one vote. To minorities we give two votes; they elect the general members and they also get their own co-religionists in the National Assembly.

And furthermore, in the history of Pakistan, 57year history of Pakistan, we've never had such a strong opposition. We are 190 in government and there are 150 in the opposition in the National Assembly. So looked at from every point of view, I think we have a working democracy. We can never be perfect. It's a move towards perfection and we are continuing in that direction. And I agree with Secretary Rice that when we discussed this issue, we look forward to totally free and fair elections in 2007.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, (inaudible) between India and Pakistan. But do you think that a durable peace can be achieved without the resolution of the core issue of Kashmir, which has been the source of three -- four wars between the two countries?

SECRETARY RICE: Certainly, I would expect that in the course of time, there will need to be resolution of all issues of concern to both sides. But let me be very clear that an improved atmosphere and efforts to bring the two sides together that really, if you look at three years ago or so, these efforts seem quite remarkable in and of themselves. That trend certainly helped to improve the atmosphere in which the difficult issues can be addressed and ultimately resolved.

I don't have any doubt that as much as we applaud the (inaudible) dialogue and all that has been achieved there, that there are still deep divisions and difficulties and that they need to be overcome. But if they can be overcome in an atmosphere of goodwill, an atmosphere of commitment to better relations between India and Pakistan, and a recognition that the future of these two great countries rest in peace between them, then I'm quite certain that all issues can eventually be resolved.

MODERATOR: (Inaudible), New York Times, yes sir?

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, you and the Pakistanis have discussed the possible sale of F16s, but it seems fairly clear that Congress is not going to approve any such deal as long as the lingering questions about A.Q. Khan's sales, particularly to Iran. Did you receive any new information or any new assurance during this visit that Pakistan will finally answer these questions?

SECRETARY RICE: Let me start by saying of course we have had broad discussions about the defense requirements of Pakistan. I think that's not surprising. We are very much in a strategic relationship with Pakistan and we've been discussing the defense requirements and we've been discussing military balance issues here in the region.

As to A.Q. Khan, I don't think there is any doubt that A.Q. Khan represented a threat not just to the United States but a threat also to Pakistan, to the region, to the international community as a whole. And we have had cooperation with Pakistan to try and make sure that the A.Q. Khan network is broken up, to get as much information as is possible. It's a network that we want to make certain that its tentacles are broken up as well and so we have cooperation with a number of countries on that front. But I do not doubt that we all have an interest in knowing what happened, that we all have an interest in making sure that this network cannot -- it does not continue to operate in any way. And perhaps most importantly, we all have an interest in knowing how it happened so that we can safeguard against this kind of black market entrepreneurship in the future.

FOREIGN MINISTER KASURI: On this issue I'd like to say something. The international community got wise to it much later. President Musharraf, off his own back, as it were, in 2001 removed Dr. A.Q. Khan from the position in (inaudible) laboratories. In view of his status in Pakistan as the father of the bomb as he was called, he was removed and given (inaudible) high-sounding title of advisor to the prime minister and his entry into (inaudible) laboratory was banned. That was not an easy decision for President Musharraf or for any leader to take. It required a lot of courage. So he didn't act when our friends pointed out and friendly agencies -- from some friendly countries, agencies from friendly countries, pointed out certain facts to the President. He took the action on their doubt when there was no proof available. I don't want to go into details, but he was removed much earlier than the information that was supplied to him.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you.

SECRETARY RICE: Oh. Do we have another question? (Inaudible)

QUESTION: (Inaudible) in your opening remarks you talked of the importance of the resolution of (inaudible) problem. But there -- it is -- (inaudible) that United States of America believes in (inaudible) and freedom. The United States Department (inaudible) Human Rights Report speak of growing human rights violation in the part of Kashmir occupied by India. Since you were in India, did you discuss this specific question with your interlocutors there so that you get a reassurance that human rights violation (inaudible) and the long sufferings of the Kashmiri people should come to an end and this problem will be resolved on the political (inaudible)? Can you comment?

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you. Well, it is obviously the view of the United States that there should be no long-suffering people anywhere in the world who are denied the liberty that we all enjoy here, that we as Americans enjoy. The fact is that we do a human rights report; it speaks for itself. We've also talked about the need to end violence and terrorism in this area. And so there are a number of issues that need to be dealt with by all the parties and I think we've been very clear to Pakistan, to India, as to what we consider their responsibilities to be.

Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER KASURI: Thank you.

2005/T4-11 Released on March 17, 2005

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Kabul, Afghanistan

Remarks to Troops at the Kabul Compound Secretary Condoleezza Rice Kabul, Afghanistan March 17, 2005

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you very, very much. I first want to thank General Barno for that wonderful introduction and I want to thank him, too, for the wonderful leadership that he has provided here in Afghanistan. We admire you, General, for the job you’ve done. You’ve served the country well and we continue to look forward to working with you. Thank you.

I also want to recognize our fine Ambassador, Zal Khalilzad, who was born here in Afghanistan. And maybe only in America could somebody be born in Afghanistan, go to the United States to study, grow up then as a member of the foreign policy establishment, and then come back to Afghanistan to lead America’s effort here. Thank you, Zal.

And I just stopped by to say hi to you because -- (applause and cheers) -- thank you, thank you, for what you’ve done here. And I want to thank you and have you thank people who may have served here over the years. I know it’s been a sacrifice and sometimes it’s been tough because this is not an easy place. I know that there are lost comrades who served here in Afghanistan who you remember every day.

But I want to go back to September 11th, on that horrible day when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked and when America was so vulnerable in a way that America had not felt vulnerable, really, in its entire history. And a few days after that, September 16th, I went with President Bush and Vice President Cheney, Secretary Powell and Secretary Rumsfeld, and we went up to Camp David to try and plan the response of the United States of America to what had happened to us.

And I think it’s fair to say that everybody was still a little bit in a state of shock about what had happened to us and we rolled out a map because we knew that the people who had done that to us had come right out of here, right out of Afghanistan, which had become a terrorist haven for al-Qaida and for the ideology of hatred that caused people to fly those airplanes into our buildings.

We rolled out that map, and I’m going to tell you, the color drained from everybody’s face because we looked and we saw Afghanistan and we thought, "Afghanistan, sitting there next to Iran and Pakistan, not the easiest places in and of themselves," and I think we wondered how was all of this was going to turn out.

And in fact, what happened was that because of the skill and bravery of the American Armed Forces we were able, with our Afghan allies, the Afghan resistance, to overthrow the Taliban, and in doing so to create the possibility of a different kind of Afghanistan that would be a place that would no longer be a haven for terrorists but would indeed be an ally in the war on terrorists. And that was the first phase of this great effort, the overthrow of that horrible regime and the opportunity to give the people of Afghanistan a chance.

And then the next phase was: What kind of Afghanistan was it going to be? And in the finest American tradition that we saw in Europe and that we saw in Asia, America supported the emergence of a democratic Afghanistan because we fundamentally understand that our values and our interests are linked, that it is really only freedom and liberty that is an antidote to those ideologies of hatred. And when Afghans went out in record numbers and voted, people who clearly came from the far reaches of this country, people who came despite the fact that many of them couldn’t even read and write -- I read the story of a 93-year-old man who said that his son had brought him to vote because he was going to get a chance to exercise his right to vote. Just imagine what a tremendous gift this has been, not just to the people of Afghanistan but to the people of the world.

And I can tell you it’s an inspiration. When I talk to ordinary Americans, they know what it means that people of Afghanistan have a chance for freedom. And they know that that chance for freedom and that desire for freedom is spreading. It spread to Iraq. It spread to Lebanon. It’s spreading throughout the Middle East. And we’re going to build, as a result of the bravery and skill of America’s men and women in uniform and the chance that we’ve given the people here, which is where it started, we’re going to build a different kind of Middle East, a different kind of broader Middle East that’s going to be stable and democratic and where our children will one day not have to worry about the kind of ideologies of hatred that led those people to fly those airplanes into those buildings on September 11th.

That’s what you have helped to achieve. It’s in the finest tradition of America that power comes with compassion. It’s in the finest tradition of America that strength comes with a belief in values. It’s in the finest tradition of America that the defeat of the enemy comes with a hand to help those up who need our help.

Thank you for what you’ve done here. America is so proud of you. America is so grateful. I bring you greetings from your Commander-in-Chief, who watches this place every day. All of us do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

(Applause.)

2005/T4-5 Released on March 17, 2005

President's Statement on World Bank and Paul Wolfowitz

President's Statement on World Bank and Paul Wolfowitz

Wolfowitz 1

President George W. Bush today announced that he has directed U.S. Executive Director of the World Bank Robert B. Holland to recommend that the World Bank Board of Directors elect Paul Wolfowitz as the next president of the World Bank.

"Paul Wolfowitz is a proven leader and experienced diplomat, who will guide the World Bank effectively and honorably during a critical time in history - both for the Bank and the developing nations it supports. He has devoted his career to advancing the cause of freedom.

Wolfowitz 2

He is a person of compassion who believes deeply that lifting people out of poverty is critical to achieving that goal. With his significant experience in government, including as a former Ambassador, and as an academic, Paul has a deep understanding of developmental issues and economic and political reform. He has the skills and the track record to build successfully on the leadership and substantial contributions of outgoing World Bank President Jim Wolfensohn," stated President Bush.

Secretary Wolfowitz is currently the 28th Deputy Secretary of Defense, managing the largest U.S. government agency with over 1.3 million uniformed personnel and nearly 700,000 civilian employees around the world. Prior to joining the Administration, he served as Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of The Johns Hopkins University

Under President Reagan, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, one of the largest developing countries in the world. Prior to his assignment overseas, Secretary Wolfowitz served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, where he was in charge of U.S. relations with more than twenty countries. He received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

RELATED:

• Dr. Paul D. Wolfowitz, World Bank - The World Bank's Board has received a nomination from the United States for the Presidency of the Bank of Dr. Paul D. Wolfowitz, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Rob Portman, United States Trade Representative

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Rob Portman, of Ohio, to be United States Trade Representative. He currently serves in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his 12 years in Congress, he has authored numerous bills that have become law including legislation regarding pension laws, capital gains taxes, IRS reform, and community anti-drug efforts. Congressman Portman is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and its subcommittee on Trade. He is also Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee, and he serves as the Chairman of the House Republican Leadership.

Prior to his election to Congress, he practiced business and international law as a partner in the Cincinnati law firm of Graydon, Head and Ritchey. Earlier in his career, Congressman Portman practiced international trade law at the Washington, DC law firm of Patton Boggs. He also served in President George H. W. Bush's Administration as Associate Counsel to the President and later as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. He received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from the University of Michigan.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Nowruz, new year and celebration of life

Presidential Message: Nowruz March 2005 I send greetings to those celebrating Nowruz.

Nowruz marks the arrival of a new year and the celebration of life. It has long been an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Many Americans who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Central Asia observe this special occasion to preserve their rich heritage and ensure that their values and traditions are passed on to future generations. This festival also reminds all Americans of the diversity that has made our Nation stronger and better.

Laura and I send our best wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Senate Vote

President's Statement on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Senate Vote

I applaud today's vote in the Senate to allow for environmentally responsible energy exploration in a small part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A reliable domestic supply of energy is important to America's security and prosperity. This project will keep our economy growing by creating jobs and ensuring that businesses can expand. And it will make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy, eventually by up to a million barrels of oil a day.

I also call on the Congress to pass a comprehensive national energy plan that will diversify supply, increase conservation and efficiency, and upgrade our energy infrastructure.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

Bolivian President Mesa’s Call for Early Elections

Bolivian President Mesa’s Call for Early Elections

In view of President Mesa's call for early national and constituent assembly elections, the United States encourages all leaders - social and political - to seek consensus for the common good through sincere and open dialogue within a democratic framework. As this process evolves, the United States wishes to express its support for the people of Bolivia and a peaceful democratic process. We stand ready to work with the international community to ensure that Bolivia has the support it needs in the days ahead.

2005/329 Released on March 16, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 16, 2005

2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan

Opening of 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan

The United States congratulates Japan on its opening on March 25 of the 2005 World Exposition. We are honored to participate in the first World Expo of the 21st century and invite people from Japan, Asia and around the world to visit the U.S. Pavilion at the Expo. The U.S. Pavilion theme is "The Franklin Spirit," honoring American statesman, diplomat, entrepreneur, and innovator Benjamin Franklin and showcasing American culture, values, and technological achievements. The United States will be represented at the 2005 World Expo by Commissioner General Lisa Gable, whom President Bush has accorded the personal rank of Ambassador for the duration of the Expo. The 2005 World Expo will be held March 25-September 25 in Japan's Aichi Prefecture.

2005/327 Released on March 16, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 16, 2005

United States Assistance for Sudanese Refugees in Chad

United States Assistance for Sudanese Refugees in Chad

The United States is pleased to announce a contribution of $17.85 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to continue to provide assistance and protection for over 200,000 Sudanese who have sought refuge in Chad as a result of the continuing conflict and deprivation in Darfur.

The United States has provided nearly $100 million towards appeals from UNHCR, the World Food Program, and partner international and non-governmental organizations to support the Sudanese refugees in Chad since the beginning of the crisis in 2003. The humanitarian situation on both sides of the border remains fragile and additional donor support for the international relief effort is needed. The United States calls on other donors to respond with similar generosity.

2005/328 Released on March 16, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 16, 2005

DHS/IAIP Daily Open Source Critical Infrastructure Report

About the DHS/IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report

The DHS/IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report (Daily Report) is a daily [Monday through Friday] summary and assessment of open-source published information concerning significant critical infrastructure issues. Each Daily Report is divided by the critical infrastructure sectors and key assets defined in the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.

CNET News reports Netcraft security says banks are increasing the risk of online fraud by not tackling the problem of cross−site scripting, an easily remedied Website loophole. (See item 6)·

The News Tribune reports the federally funded Highway Watch program generates between
200 and 300 calls a month nationally, with about one or two calls out of every 100 related to
terrorism and passed along to the Department of Homeland Security. (See item 11)

Current Report March 16, 2005 - DHS/IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report, (PDF 12 pages - 84 KB)

Dr. Paul D. Wolfowitz, World Bank

Nomination For Presidency Of The World Bank

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2005 — The World Bank's Board has received a nomination from the United States for the Presidency of the Bank of Dr. Paul D. Wolfowitz, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense. The Executive Directors of the Board, who are charged under the Bank's Articles of Agreement with the selection of the Bank's President, are in the process of consultations with the member countries they represent. An official announcement of the outcome of the deliberations and actions of the Executive Directors will be made as soon as a decision has been reached.

Contacts: Gerry Rice: 202-473-1842, David Theis: 202-458-8626 SOURCE: The World Bank

His Eminence Cardinal Sfeir

President Meets with Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Sfeir The Oval Office 2:00 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BUSH: Your Eminence, welcome. It is my honor to welcome you and your distinguished delegation to the Oval Office. We're -- thank you for your conversation.

His Eminence and I discussed, of course, Lebanon, and our deep desire for Lebanon to be a truly free country -- free where people can worship the way they choose to, free where people can speak their mind, free where political parties can flourish, a country based upon free elections. And I assured His Eminence that United States policy is to work with friends and allies to insist that Syria completely leave Lebanon, Syria take all her troops out of Lebanon, Syria take her intelligence services out of Lebanon, so that the election process will be free and fair.

His Eminence is a man of God. He brings great prestige of the Church to the Oval Office. And I'm proud you're here, Your Eminence, and thank you for your time.

Now His Eminence would like to say a few words.

CARDINAL SFEIR: Thank you very much, Mr. President. I come to the White House in response to the invitation of His Excellency, President George W. Bush, and to thank him for his courteous and warm reception. I would also like to express my deep gratitude for his sincere interest in Lebanon, the freedom of its people, and in peace in Lebanon and the world.

This was a good opportunity to exchange views on the situation in Lebanon, and the questions of freedom and democracy in our region. We profited from this occasion to convey to President Bush the views and aspirations of all the Lebanese.

(Inaudible) -- by the continuing migration of Christian and Muslim youth due to the lack of job opportunities and the suffocating political conditions at home. We look forward to see these conditions reversed because the future of Lebanon requires the talents and energy of all her children.

It is important to recall that Lebanon was the first democracy -- democratic country in the region. Maybe it was not a perfect democracy, but Lebanon remains the role and the point of departure for the spread of democracy in the region. This is why His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, stated that Lebanon is an ideal for freedom and democracy for the East and West, and this is what we have repeated here.

We are hopeful that the Lebanese, with the support of their friends around the world, will be able to build a better future in a free, independent, pluralistic and sovereign Lebanon.

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Your Eminence, thank you, sir.

END 2:04 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

National Guard and Reserve Mobilized as of March 16, 2005

National Guard and Reserve Mobilized as of March 16, 2005

This week, the Navy and Marine Corps announced an increase, while the Air Force and Army had a decrease in the number of reservists on active duty in support of the partial mobilization. The Coast Guard had no change. The net collective result is 852 fewer reservists mobilized than last week.

At any given time, services may mobilize some units and individuals while demobilizing others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. Total number currently on active duty in support of the partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 155,161; Naval Reserve, 4,306; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 10,074; Marine Corps Reserve, 13,000; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 710. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been mobilized, to 183,251 including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are currently mobilized, can be found at defenselink.mil/news/Mar2005/. In PDF Format.

No. 258-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2005

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131
Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711

H.R.1268 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act

H.R.1268, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005 (Reported in House). Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 77 (Republicans in roman; Democrats in italic; Independents underlined), H R 1268, YEA-AND-NAY, 16-Mar-2005, 12:01 PM

QUESTION: On Passage, BILL TITLE: Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

Statement by the President

I applaud the House of Representatives for its strong bipartisan support for our troops and for our strategy to win the war on terror. The people of Iraq and Afghanistan are building new democracies and defying the terrorists, and America is standing with them. Both countries are assuming greater responsibility for their own security, which will help our troops return home as quickly as possible with the honor they have earned.

I thank the House for its quick action and look forward to working with the Senate so that all of my top priorities are included in the final legislation. # # #

Kevin J. Martin, FCC

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to designate one individual to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to designate Kevin J. Martin, of North Carolina, to be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Martin has served as a Member of the Federal Communications Commission since 2001. He previously served as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy at the White House. Prior to joining the Administration, Mr. Martin served on the Bush-Cheney Transition and was Deputy General Counsel for Bush for President. Earlier in his career, he served at the FCC as Legal Advisor to Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth. Prior to that, he worked in the Office of the Independent Counsel and as an associate at the Washington, DC based law firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding. Mr. Martin received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, his master's degree from Duke University, and his J.D. from Harvard University.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005 Statement by the President

President's Press Conference 03/16/05

President's Press Conference FULL STREAMING VIDEO James S. Brady Briefing Room 10:15 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for giving me a chance to come by and say hello. I'm preparing for my trip out of town for Easter -- the Easter week, and I thought I'd share some thoughts with you and answer some questions.

I am looking forward to continuing my dialogue with the people on Social Security. It's important for the American people to understand that I believe the Social Security system has worked well, that Franklin Roosevelt did a positive thing when he created the Social Security system, but that I am deeply concerned about the Social Security system for younger Americans. And I believe we're making progress on convincing the American people of two things: One, nothing will change for seniors, those who have retired or near retirement; and secondly, that we must work together to make sure the system works for a younger generation of Americans. That's progress.

As I said -- I think I told you all earlier that one of my missions in the Social Security debate was to set that issue before the people so the people fully understand why I was addressing it, in other words, why -- I fully understand some in Washington are saying, why would the President bring this up, it's a difficult issue, it may cause us to have to make a tough vote. I'm making that case to the people, and will continue to do so -- in Florida on Friday, and then we'll head out West from Crawford and then back to Crawford for my meetings with Prime Minister Martin and President Fox.

I urge the members to go out and, when they go home, to talk to their constituents not only about the problem, but about solutions. I urge members to start talking about how we're going to permanently fix Social Security. Members, I hope, would not talk about a Band-Aid solution, but I think it's important for them to talk about a permanent fix, something that will last forever. I think the voters will appreciate people who come up with constructive suggestions, not statements merely in opposition of some ideas.

And so this is -- part of what I wanted to share with you is that I'm -- I'm actually enjoying myself on these trips. I hope you're enjoying traveling with me. It's -- I like to get out of Washington, I like to discuss big issues, I like to remind people that my job is to confront problems, and I will continue to talk about Social Security for the next period of time.

Iraq had a meeting today of its transitional national assembly. It's a bright moment in what is a process toward the writing of a constitution, the ratification of the constitution, and elections. And I want to congratulate the Iraqis for their assembly. And it's -- we've always said this is a process, and today was a step in that process. And it's a hopeful moment, I thought.

I am looking forward to seeing you down there in Crawford, those of you lucky enough to be able to travel with me. I wish you all a happy Easter. And I'll be glad to answer some questions.

Q Mr. President, the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq once had 38 countries contributing troops. And now that number has fallen to 24. And yesterday, Italy said that it was going to start pulling out some forces in September. How can you keep the coalition from crumbling? And is it time to think about a timetable for pulling out some U.S. troops, given that the Iraqi parliament was seated today, and you're making progress in training some forces?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, actually I called Silvio Berlusconi on another matter, which may or may not come up during this press conference. It's -- I'll give you a hint. I called him about the World Bank, and -- (laughter) -- and discussed my nominee, and -- but he brought up the issue of Italian troops in Iraq and said, first of all, he wanted me to know that there was no change in his policy, that, in fact, any withdrawals would be done in consultation with allies and would be done depending upon the ability of Iraqis to defend themselves. And I said, are you sure I can say this to the press corps that will be wanting to know what took place in our conversation? He said, absolutely.

So I think what you're going to find is that countries will be willing -- anxious to get out when Iraqis have got the capacity to defend themselves. And that's the position of the United States. Our troops will come home when Iraq is capable of defending herself. And that's generally what I find to be the case, Terry, when I've talked to other allies on this issue.

And we're making progress. I've talked to General Casey quite frequently. And he keeps us abreast of the progress being made. One of the things -- one of the issues in terms of Iraqi troops being able to defend their country is the ability to stand up chains of command. I think I've shared this with you before, and it's still an issue that they're working on. There's officer training schools, plus the ability for a command to go from a civilian government to a military chain of command, down to the lower ranks of troops. And there's positive signs that have taken place in the development of the Iraqi security forces, and there's still work to be done. Our allies understand that.

But I say "anxious to come home," every -- nobody -- people want their troops home, but they don't want their troops home if it affects the mission. We've gone -- we've made a lot of progress. It's amazing how much progress has been made, thanks in large part to the courage of the Iraqi people. And when I talk to people, most understand we need to complete the mission. And completing the mission means making sure the Iraqis can defend themselves.

Q So you don't think it's crumbling, the coalition?

THE PRESIDENT: No, quite -- quite to the contrary, I think the coalition is -- has been buoyed by the courage of the Iraqi people. I think they've been pleased and heartened by the fact that the Iraqis went to the polls and voted and they're now putting together a government, and they see progress is being made. And I share that sense of enthusiasm about what's taking place in Iraq.

Yes, Steve.

Q Yes, sir. The Iranians have dismissed the European incentive as insignificant. Should more incentives be offered? How long do they have until you take their case to the Security Council?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I -- first of all, I want to thank our European friends for taking the lead on this issue, telling the Iranians that they should permanently abandon any enrichment or reprocessing to make sure that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

Let me review the bidding on this, if I might, just kind of the history, right quick. Iran has concealed its -- a nuclear program. That became discovered, not because of their compliance with the IAEA or NPT, but because a dissident group pointed it out to the world, and -- which raised suspicions about the intentions of the program. You can understand why. It's a non-transparent regime, they're run by a handful of people. And so suspicions were raised. And as a result of those suspicions, we came together with friends and allies to seek a guarantee that they wouldn't use any nuclear program to make weapons. A lot of people understand that if they did have a weapon, it would create incredible instability; it wouldn't be good for world peace.

And so the best way to do that -- and this is where we are in the talks -- was to say to the Iranians that they must permanently abandon enrichment and reprocessing. And the EU 3 meant it. And now we're waiting for an Iranian response.

Q So how long do you -- how long do you wait? When do you go to the Security Council?

THE PRESIDENT: The understanding is we go to the Security Council if they reject the offer. And I hope they don't. I hope they realize the world is clear about making sure that they don't end up with a nuclear weapon.

David.

Q Mr. President, you say you're making progress in the Social Security debate. Yet private accounts, as the centerpiece of that plan, something you first campaigned on five years ago and laid before the American people, remains, according to every measure we have, poll after poll, unpopular with a majority of Americans. So the question is, do you feel that this is a point in the debate where it's incumbent upon you, and nobody else, to lay out a plan to the American people for how you actually keep Social Security solvent for the long-term?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, Dave, let me, if I might correct you, be so bold as to correct you, I have not laid out a plan yet, intentionally. I have laid out principles, I've talked about putting all options on the table, because I fully understand the administration must work with the Congress to permanently solve Social Security. So one aspect of the debate is, will we be willing to work together to permanently solve the issue.

Personal accounts do not solve the issue. But personal accounts will make sure that individual workers get a better deal with whatever emerges as a Social Security solution.

And the reason why is because a personal account would enable a worker to, voluntarily, by the way -- this is a voluntary program, you can choose to join or choose not to join. The government is not making you do that, it's your option, and you can decide whether or not you want to put some of your own money aside in a conservative mix of stocks and bonds to earn a better rate of return than that which you would earn -- your money would earn inside the Social Security system. And over time, that compounds, it grows, and you would end up with a nest egg you could call your own.

And so I think it's an interesting idea, and one that people ought to discuss to make sure the system works better for an individual worker. But it's very important for people to understand that the permanent solution will require Congress and the administration working together on a variety of different possibilities.

Q But, sir, but Democrats have made it pretty clear that they're not interested in that. They want you to lay it out. And so, what I'm asking is, don't --

THE PRESIDENT: I'm sure they do. The first bill on the Hill always is dead on arrival. I'm interested in coming up with a permanent solution. I'm not interested in playing political games. (Laughter.) I'm interested in working with members of both political parties.

Q Would you say if you're specifically supportive of an income test for the slowing of future benefits? Could that get some kind of bipartisan consensus going?

THE PRESIDENT: David, there's some interesting ideas out there. One of the interesting ideas was by the fellow -- by a Democrat economist name of Posen. He came to visit the White House -- he didn't see me, but came and tossed some interesting ideas out, talking about making sure the system was progressive. We're open for ideas. And I -- look, I can understand why people say, make -- force the President to either negotiate with himself, or lay out his own bill. I want to work with members of both political parties.

And I stood up in front of the Congress and said, bring your ideas forward. And I'm looking forward to people bringing ideas forward. That's how the process works. I'm confident we'll get something done. See, the American people want something done. They don't like partisan politics; they don't like people saying, I'm not going to accept so-and-so's idea because it happens to come from a particular political party. What they want is people coming together to solve this problem.

John.

Q Mr. President, the price of oil is at record levels, well above the $28 price point that you would prefer. The price of gasoline is projected to go above $2.50 this spring. How concerned are you that this could start to affect the American economy? Is there more you could do to talk with oil-producing nations to get the price at the wellhead down? And is there more you could do, since part of the problem is refining capacity, to encourage oil companies who haven't built a new refinery in 20 years to start increasing their capacity domestically?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I am concerned about the price of energy. I'm concerned about what it means to the average American family when they see the price of gasoline going up. I'm concerned what it means to small businesses. I'm worried about the price of natural gas, particularly given the sense that because a lot of utilities now rely upon natural gas to provide electricity for their consumers. And I have been worried about this since 2001, when I first showed up in Washington, D.C.

I'm concerned about the relationship between the demand for oil -- our growing economy's demand for oil, but more particularly, the demand for oil from -- or energy, in general, from countries like China, fast-growing countries that are consuming a lot of raw materials and natural resources. And it is of concern, John. And that's why I went to the Congress and asked them to join in a comprehensive energy plan, which they have yet to do. I would hope that when members go back to their districts and hear the complaints of people about the rising price of gasoline, or complaints from small business owners about the cost of energy, that they will come back and, in the spirit of -- in a proper spirit, get a bill to my desk that encourages conservation and continue to find alternative sources of energy.

The -- and by the way, the modernization of the electricity grid is an important part of the energy bill. I, frankly, don't think we need a lot of incentives for energy companies in the energy bill. The incentive is price. That's plenty of incentive for people to go out and find additional resources. I hope Congress passes ANWR. There's a way to get some additional reserves here at home on the books.

In terms of world supply, I think if you look at all the statistics, demand is outracing supply, and supplies are getting tight. And that's why you're seeing the price reflected. And hopefully, there will be more conservation around the world, better conservation around the world, as well as additional supplies of energy.

One thing is for certain; we've got to use our technology to, over time, evolve away from reliance upon oil and gas, and at the same time use our technologies to make sure we can use our plentiful resources like coal in an environmentally friendly way. I went to Columbus, Ohio the other day and talked to the person responsible for the FutureGen plant, which is an innovative use of technology for there to be emissions-free coal-burning plants. That would not only be helpful to the United States, it would be helpful for the world -- developing nations to be able to use this technology.

This is going to be a subject, by the way -- was a subject of interest in my trip to Europe. In the councils of the EU, we talked about how we can work together on technological developments to change habits and change supply of the energy mix for the world. And this will be a topic of -- at the G8, as well.

Yes.

Q Mr. President, could I follow up? Everybody else has had a chance to follow up.

THE PRESIDENT: I know, I'm trying to break the habit. (Laughter.) Sorry, it's not you, Roberts. Don't take it personally. (Laughter.)

Q I never do, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: That's good. Neither do I.

Q Mr. President, can you explain why you've approved of and expanded the practice of what's called rendition, of transferring individuals out of U.S. custody to countries where human rights groups and your own State Department say torture is common for people under custody?

THE PRESIDENT: The post-9/11 world, the United States must make sure we protect our people and our friends from attack. That was the charge we have been given. And one way to do so is to arrest people and send them back to their country of origin with the promise that they won't be tortured. That's the promise we receive. This country does not believe in torture. We do believe in protecting ourselves. We don't believe in torture. And --

Q As Commander-in-Chief --

THE PRESIDENT: Sorry, what -- make Roberts feel terrible.

Q That's all right.

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, you shouldn't make --

Q It doesn't bother me at all. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Elisabeth.

Q As Commander-in-Chief, what is it that Uzbekistan can do in interrogating an individual that the United States can't?

THE PRESIDENT: We seek assurances that nobody will be tortured when we render a person back to their home country.

Elisabeth.

Q Paul Wolfowitz, who was the -- a chief architect of one of the most unpopular wars in our history --

THE PRESIDENT: (Laughter.) That's an interesting start. (Laughter.)

Q -- is your choice to be the President of the World Bank. What kind of signal does that send to the rest of the world?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I think people -- I appreciate the world leaders taking my phone calls as I explained to them why I think Paul will be a strong President of the World Bank. I've said he's a man of good experiences. He helped manage a large organization. The World Bank is a large organization; the Pentagon is a large organization -- he's been involved in the management of that organization. He's a skilled diplomat, worked at the State Department in high positions. He was Ambassador to Indonesia where he did a very good job representing our country. And Paul is committed to development. He's a compassionate, decent man who will do a fine job in the World Bank. And that's why I called leaders of countries and that's why I put him up.

I was pleased to see that Jim Wolfensohn, earlier today, made a very strong comment about Paul's candidacy. Jim Wolfensohn has done a fine job in leading the World Bank. He's represented the World Bank with a lot of class and a lot of dignity, and I think his comments are very important comments for -- for people to get to know Paul better before the -- before the vote is taken.

Jim.

Q Tom DeLay, the House Majority Leader, has been admonished three times by the House Ethics Committee, is currently embroiled in several controversies involving a lobbyist who happened to be a pretty big fundraiser for your two campaigns. Do you have the full confidence in Tom DeLay, his tactics and his leadership role in the Republican Party?

THE PRESIDENT: I have confidence in Tom DeLay's leadership, and I have confidence in Tom DeLay. And I am -- we've worked closely with Tom DeLay and the leaders in the House to get a lot done during the last four years, and I'm looking forward to working with him to get a lot done during the next four years. We've got a big agenda. We've got to get an energy bill out of the House; we've got to get more legal reform out of the House; we've got to get a Social Security reform package out of the House; got to get a budget out of the House. There's a lot going on. And Speaker Hastert and Leader DeLay and Whip Blunt are close allies and people with whom we're working to get a lot done.

Q Mr. President, you have spoken out about the need for owners, coaches and players in all sports to stop steroid use. And you've also voiced reservations about government getting too involved in that. And as you know, Congress is issuing subpoenas to Major League baseball players during spring training. Do you think that that's an abuse of power, or is it appropriate, in your view?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Congress generally has an independent mind of its own. I spoke out and was pleased to see that baseball responded, and they've got a testing policy in place for the first time ever -- a firm testing policy in place. And it's very important that baseball then follow through and implement the testing and, obviously, deal with those who get caught cheating in the system.

And the hearings will go forward, I guess. I guess that's the current status. But I'm wise enough not to second-guess the intentions of the United States Congress. I do appreciate the public concern about the use of steroids in sports, whether it be baseball or anywhere else, because I understand that when a professional athlete uses steroids, it sends terrible signals to youngsters. There's -- we've had some stories in my own state, one of the newspapers there pointed out that they thought there was steroid use in high schools as a result of -- in order to make sure these kids, at least in the kid's mind, could be a better athlete. It's a bad signal. It's not right. And so I appreciate the fact that baseball is addressing this, and I appreciate the fact that the Congress is paying attention to the issue. This first started, of course, with Senator McCain, who basically said, get your house in order. And baseball responded, and my hope is the system will work.

Q You have no problem with the subpoenas?

THE PRESIDENT: No.

Carl.

Q Mr. President, your judicial nominees continue to run into problems on Capitol Hill. Republicans are discussing the possibility of ending the current Democratic filibuster practice against it. And Democrats yesterday, led by Minority Leader Harry Reid, went to the steps of the Capitol to say that if that goes forward, they will halt your agenda straight out. What does that say about your judicial nominees, the tone on Capitol Hill? And which is more important, judges or your agenda?

THE PRESIDENT: Both. I believe that I have a obligation to put forth good, honorable people to serve on the bench, and have done so. And I expect them to get a up or down vote on the floor of the Senate. This isn't a new position for me, or the -- I've been saying this for the last several years. And they ought to get a vote. They're getting voted out of committee, but they're not getting a vote on the floor. And I don't think it's fair to the candidates, and I don't think it's fair to the administration for this policy to go forward. And so, hopefully, the Senate will be able to conduct business and also get my nominees a vote -- an up or down vote on the floor of the Senate.

Yes, sir. John.

Q Sir, on Social Security, what is the time line that you want to see for action by Congress on a bill? When do you start to get worried about not getting something done this year? And also, if I can add, would you be willing to drop personal accounts in order to get a bill?

THE PRESIDENT: Personal accounts are very important for the individuals. It's a -- you know, it's interesting -- David quoted some poll -- there's all kinds of polls. For every poll you quote, I'll quote another one. It's kind of the way Washington works these days. They poll everything. The one I read the other day said people like the idea of personal accounts.

I think people like the idea of being able to take some of their own money -- in other words, government says, you can decide, as opposed to, we'll decide for you, you get to decide if this is in your interest. And you get to decide whether you want to set some of your money aside in an account that will earn a better rate of return than that which will be earned in the Social Security system. That's an important part of making sure the system works for the individual.

I repeat, personal accounts do not permanently fix the solution. They make the solution more attractive for the individual worker. And that's important for people for understand, John, and that's why it's very important for Congress to discuss this issue.

In terms of timetables, as quickly as possible -- whatever that means. No, I am going to -- one of the things that I think is very important for people to understand is that I believe that we have a duty to work on big problems in Washington, D.C., and so I'm going to continue working on this. And it's, I guess -- I'm not going to go away on the issue, because the issue is not going to go away. The longer we wait, the more difficult it is to solve the problem.

And, listen, I fully understand it's a difficult issue; otherwise it would have been solved a long time ago. And I understand some members don't -- view this as a tough vote. In other words, why did you bring it up, it's a tough vote? And -- but that's just not the way I think, John. I think we have a duty. I truly do. This is -- now is the time to get this solved. I remember 1983, we've got a 75-year solution. It wasn't a 75-year solution that they came up with. It was a -- I like the spirit of people coming together from both parties to sit down and see if they couldn't solve the immediate problem, but it wasn't a 75-year solution because we're talking about it now. And in 2018, the situation starts to get worse because more money is coming into the system -- I mean, more money is going out of the system than coming in.

You know, one thing about Social Security -- I'm sorry to blow on here, but now that you asked -- a lot of people in America think there is a trust: your money goes in, the government holds it, and then the government gives your money back when you retire. That's just not the way it works. And it's important for the American citizens to understand. It's a pay-as-you-go system. And right now, we're paying for a lot of programs other than Social Security with the payroll tax coming in, thereby leaving a pile of IOUs. And part of why I think a personal account is an attractive option for a younger worker is that there will be real assets in the system at this point in time.

I also will continue reminding people, when it comes to personal accounts, that the system oftentimes doesn't work for a widow. You know, if a wage-earner dies prior to 62, there are no spousal benefits available until 62. If the spouse -- both spouses work, the spouse that survives will get the higher of his or her Social Security benefits, or the death benefits, but not both. In other words, somebody's contribution to the system just goes away. And a personal account will enable somebody to leave behind an asset base to whomever he or she chooses. And that's an important concept for people to understand.

Peter.

Q Mr. President, your administration recently called on the Texas courts to review some death -- some death penalty cases down there.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q And during your State of the Union you talked about the importance of DNA evidence, and you talked about the possibility that maybe there were inequities in the system and the lawyers that represent death row inmates. I'm wondering if this represents a change in your feelings about the death penalty since you were governor of Texas. And if there are the possibilities -- the possibilities exist of problems, why not call on -- for a moratorium?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I still support the death penalty, and I think it's a deterrent to crime. But I want to make sure, obviously, that those subject to the death penalty are truly guilty. And that's why I talked about what I talked about, and why I made the decision I made. I think, regardless of your position on the issue, one of the things we got to make sure is that we use, in this case, technology, DNA technology, to make sure that we're absolutely certain about the innocence or guilt of a person accused.

Yes.

Q Mr. President, are you trying to send a message to the IRA by not inviting Gerry Adams and the other Northern Ireland politicians tomorrow?

THE PRESIDENT: I talked to Bertie Ahern about this and -- at the EU, and he just asked who was coming to the events, which -- I said, you are, for certain. And we wanted to make sure that we honored those in civil society in Ireland who are contributing positively to the peace process. And that's what we'll be doing on this particular trip.

It's very important that people understand that the parties must renounce violence. There's a -- the Good Friday Agreement laid out the way forward for peace in Northern Ireland, and this administration and our government strongly supports those steps. But tomorrow's message will be, we want to thank those in civil society who are working hard to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Q By inviting the widow -- the sisters, rather, of this man who was killed --

THE PRESIDENT: That's part of the statement -- a very strong part of the statement. And I'm looking forward to meeting these very brave souls. They've committed themselves to a peaceful solution. And hopefully, their loved one will not have died in vain. I mean, out of the -- hopefully, some good will come out of the evil perpetuated on this family.

Yes, sir.

Q Mr. President, yesterday you said that Hezbollah could prove it is not a terrorist organization by laying down arms and supporting peace. How willing and flexible, and under what conditions are you able to, as you promote democracy in the Middle East, encourage parties like Hezbollah to discontinue the use of terrorism as a tactic?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I think -- let me make sure that you put my answer into full context. I first said that Hezbollah is on the terrorist list for a reason: because they have killed Americans in the past, and they -- they're a violent organization. And the question was about Lebanon, and let me take a step back, if I might, on this question, because it's important for the American people to understand our policy.

Our policy is this: We want there to be a thriving democracy in Lebanon. We believe that there will be a thriving democracy, but only if -- but only if -- Syria withdraws not only her troops completely out of Lebanon, but also her secret service organizations, intelligence organizations -- not secret service, intelligence organizations. I am concerned, and the world should be concerned that the intelligence organizations are embedded in a lot of government functions in Lebanon, and there needs to be a complete withdrawal of those services in order for there to be a free election. And we will -- this government will work with a -- elected leaders of a free, truly free Lebanon, and looking forward to it.

I like the idea of people running for office. There's a positive effect when you run for office. Maybe some will run for office and say, vote for me, I look forward to blowing up America. I don't know, I don't know if that will be their platform or not. But it's -- I don't think so. I think people who generally run for office say, vote for me, I'm looking forward to fixing your potholes, or making sure you got bread on the table. And so -- but Hezbollah is on the terrorist list for a reason, and remain on the terrorist list for a reason. Our position has not changed on Hezbollah.

Judy.

Q President Bush, a court ruling in California this week has revived debate over same-sex marriage. You support a constitutional amendment to ban such marriages. But it's not something you talk about nearly as often as Social Security and many other issues. Will you put some muscle behind that effort this year? Or is it something you'd prefer not to deal with?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I haven't changed my position. And as a matter of fact, the court rulings are verifying why I took the position I took, and that is I don't believe judges ought to be deciding this issue. I believe this is an issue of particular importance to the American people and should be decided by the people. And I think the best way to do so is through the constitutional process. I haven't changed my mind at all. As a matter of fact, court rulings such as this strengthen my position it seems like to me. People now understand why I laid out the position I did.

Q What can you do to promote action on that amendment?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I -- the courts are going to promote a lot of the action by their very rulings. People will understand that -- the logic behind the decision I made. And no matter what your position is on the issue, this is an issue that should be decided by the people, not by judges. And the more that judges start deciding the issue, I'm confident the more the people will want to be involved in the issue. This is a very important issue for the country and one that obviously needs to be conducted with a great deal of sensitivity and concern about other people's feelings. But this is -- it's an issue I feel strongly about.

Yes, Stretch.

Q Mr. President, you faced a lot of skepticism in the run-up to the Iraq war, and a lot of criticism for miscalculating some of the challenges of postwar Iraq. Now that the Iraq elections seem to be triggering signs of democratization throughout the broader Middle East, do you feel any sense of vindication?

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I fully understand that as long as I'm the President I will face criticism. It's like part of the job. Frankly, you wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't occasionally lay out the gentle criticism. I welcome constructive ideas as to how we might do our job better. So that doesn't bother me. And, therefore, since it doesn't bother me and I expect it, I don't then seek vindication.

Look, history -- shall I give you my talk on history and presidencies? Okay, thank you. I don't -- what's interesting is George Washington is now getting a second, or third, or fifth, or tenth look in history. I read the Ellis book, which is a really interesting book, and -- "His Excellency," it's called. And McCullough is writing a book on George Washington, as well. People are constantly evaluating somebody's standing in history, a President's standing in history, based upon events that took place during the presidency, based upon things that happened after the presidency, based upon -- like in my case, hopefully, the march of freedom continues way after my presidency. And so I just don't worry about vindication or standing.

The other thing, it turns out, in this job you've got a lot on your plate on a regular basis, you don't have much time to sit around and wander, lonely, in the Oval Office, kind of asking different portraits, how do you think my standing will be? (Laughter.) I've got a lot to do. And I like to make decisions, and I make a lot of them.

But, you know, look, the people who deserve the credit in Iraq are the Iraqi citizens that defied the terrorists. Imagine what it would be like to try to go vote thinking that there could be a suicide bomber standing next to you in line, or somebody would lob a shell or a mortar at you. The courage of the Iraqi citizens was just overwhelming, I thought. It's easy for us to vote. The question is, what it would be like to vote if you were fearful for your life. Parts of the country people were getting messages that said, if you vote we'll find somebody you love and take care of them. And yet they defied these terrorists. It was a powerful moment in the history of freedom. People in the world got to see what it means to -- for a group of people that have been downtrodden to rise up and say, I want to be free.

Now, there's a lot of work to be done, and I'm sure there will be some opinions about what takes place during the next nine months, as the constitution is written, and whether or not the elections move forward as smoothly as some think they should. Obviously, there's concern now I read about -- occasionally reading, I want you to know, in the second term -- that -- your stories, that is -- that they haven't formed a government yet. But I take a different look. First of all, obviously, there will be a government formed, but I think it is interesting and -- to watch the process of people negotiating and worrying about this and worrying about that, and people seeking out positions as to their stands on issues that will be relevant to the future of Iraq. It's a wholesome process. And it's being done in a transparent way. I mean, you've got the press corps all over them, watching every move, which is a positive example for others in the region.

And that's important. It's important for people in that region to see what is possible in a free society. And I firmly believe that the examples of Iraq and Afghanistan -- I believe there will be a Palestinian state; I believe we'll be able to convince Syria to fully withdraw, or else she'll be isolated -- fully withdraw from Lebanon, or else she'll be isolated -- I believe those examples will serve as examples for others over time. And that will lead to more peace. And that's what we want.

Yes, Carl.

Q Mr. President, do you also think it will lead to America's reputation being restored? Earlier this week you brought Karen Hughes back at ambassador rank to address the question of antipathy to America around the world --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q -- particularly the Muslim world. What does that entail?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, it entails a couple of things, Carl. It entails people understanding why we do things we do. You know, for example, there was -- I think we had the image of wanting to fight Muslims -- the United States stood squarely against a religion, as opposed to a society which welcomes all religions. And, in fact, we're fighting a handful of people relative to the Muslim population that wanted to -- I used to say -- hijack the religion.

People need to understand we're a compassionate nation and we care deeply about suffering, regardless of where people live. And the -- you know, President Clinton and President Bush 41 did a fine job of helping the world see the great compassion of America when they went on the -- went on their trips in the areas ravaged by the tsunamis.

It is very important for us to have a message that counteracts some of the messages coming out of some of the Arab media -- some of it coming out, partly, because of our strong and unwavering friendship with Israel. You know, Israel is an easy target for some of the media in the Middle East, and if you're a friend of Israel, you become a target. And since we're not going to abandon our alliance with Israel, there's a -- there was some churning in the press, and there was some unhelpful things being said. And so part of that is to make sure people understand the truth. And that is, in this particular issue, you bet we're going to stand by Israel. But we also believe the Palestinians have the capability of self-governance in a truly democratic state that will live side-by-side with the Israelis in peace.

And so Karen is going -- one, I want to thank her for coming back from Austin. It's very hard, if you're a Texan, to abandon Austin for anywhere else, and -- or Texas for anywhere else. Secondly, I applaud Secretary Rice's decision to include Karen in the process. I thought that was very wise of her to call upon Karen's talents. And Dina Powell, from my office, an Egyptian American, is also going over, leaving the White House compound to work with Karen, because she believes deeply in the American experience, in American values, and wants to share those values with people around the world.

And, you know, I think when people also see, Carl, that we do what we say we're going to do -- for example, that we helped feed the hungry and that we believe all folks should be free and that women should have an equal say in society. I think when people see we actually mean that, and then when it comes to fruition, it will help people around the world better understand our good hearts and good nature.

Yes, Ken.

Q Mr. President, earlier this year, you told us you wanted your administration to cease and desist on payments to journalists to promote your agenda. You cited the need for ethical concerns and the need for bright line between the press and the government. Your administration continue to make the use of video news releases, which is prepackaged news stories sent to television stations, fully aware that some -- or many of these stations will air them without any disclaimer that they are produced by the government. The Comptroller General of the United States, this week, said that raises ethical questions. Does it raise ethical questions about the use of government money to produce stories about the government that wind up being aired with no disclosure that they were produced by the government?

THE PRESIDENT: There is a Justice Department opinion that says these -- these pieces are within the law, so long as they're based upon facts, not advocacy. And I expect our agencies to adhere to that ruling, to that Justice Department opinion. This has been a longstanding practice of the federal government to use these types of videos. The Agricultural Department, as I understand it, has been using these videos for a long period of time. The Defense Department, other departments have been doing so. It's important that they be based on the guidelines set out by the Justice Department.

Now, I also -- I think it would be helpful if local stations then disclosed to their viewers that that's -- that this was based upon a factual report, and they chose to use it. But evidently, in some cases, that's not the case. So, anyway.

Q The administration could guarantee that's happening by including that language in the pre-packaged report.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I don't -- oh, you mean a disclosure, "I'm George W. Bush, and I" --

Q Well, some way to make sure it couldn't air without the disclosure that you believe is so vital.

THE PRESIDENT: You know, Ken, there's a procedure that we're going to follow, and the local stations ought to -- if there's a deep concern about that, ought to tell their viewers what they're watching.

Q Mr. President, do you think there should be regime change in Iran? And if so, what are you prepared to do to see that happen?

THE PRESIDENT: Richard, I believe that the Iranian people ought to be allowed to freely discuss opinions, read a free press, have free votes, be able to choose amongst political parties. I believe Iran should adopt democracy; that's what I believe.

Q Mr. President --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, ma'am.

Q Thank you, sir. Do you believe that nativity scenes and the Ten Commandments should continue to be displayed on federal property or in schools?

THE PRESIDENT: We had a display of the Ten Commandments on the statehouse grounds in Texas, and I supported that display.

Q Mr. President, back to Social Security, if I may. You said right at the top today that you urged members of Congress to go out and talk about the problem with their constituents.

THE PRESIDENT: About solutions to the problem.

Q But also to talk about solutions. It's that part of it I want to ask about. Aren't you asking them to do something that you really haven't been willing to do yet?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm interested in -- first of all, I have laid out, in the State of the Union address -- I haven't looked at all previous State of the Union addresses, but I think I'm the first President ever to say, all options are on the table, and named a series of options. I think. Now, maybe somebody could go back and find out -- if you've got some idle time on your hand, you might want to go read previous State of the Union addresses and see if that's true.

I don't believe members should go write a bill, but I do believe a member should start discussing ideas with constituencies about how to solve the problem, as opposed to blocking ideas -- to say, here are some ideas, and come back and present them. That's what's happening, by the way. There's a lot of members are talking about different concepts. I've called a lot of them into the White House compound, I've listened to them. There's a variety of ideas. And that's positive. I view that as a positive sign that members of Congress, one, take the problem seriously -- I thought it was helpful yesterday when the United States Senate said that Social Security is a serious problem that requires a permanent solution.

And now it's time for people, when they get back from Easter, having talked to different constituency groups, to come back and sit down and start sharing ideas about how to move the process forward. And my pledge is that I will not take somebody's idea and use it as a political weapon against them. That's what's changed in this debate. In other words, the Social Security -- they used to call it the third rail of American politics, because when you talked about it, you got singed, at the minimum. And it's now time to talk about it in a serious way, to come up with a permanent solution.

Yes, Jackson.

Q Mr. President, you talked earlier about going --

THE PRESIDENT: I can't call on Herman and not on Jackson.

Q Thank you. You talked about going to the Security Council if Iran turns down this EU 3 deal. Iran says they're not making nuclear weapons. Are we looking at a potential military confrontation with Iran?

THE PRESIDENT: No, we've got a lot of diplomacy, you know. There's a lot of diplomacy on this issue. And that's why I was so pleased to be able to participate with our friends, France and Great Britain and Germany, to say to the Iranians, we speak with a common voice, and we share suspicions because of your past behavior. And the best way to ensure that you do not develop a nuclear weapon is for you to have no enrichment of plutonium -- of -- have no highly enriched uranium program or plutonium program that could lead to a weapon. That's what we've said.

And we just started the process -- we just had the discussion. How long ago was I in Europe? Maybe 10 days, or so? Two weeks? About two weeks? I mean, it takes a while for things to happen in the world, David. I mean, I know there's a certain impatience with a never-ending news cycle. But things don't happen on -- necessarily overnight the way some would like them, you know, solve this issue and we go to the next issue. There's a certain patience required in order to achieve a diplomatic objective. And our diplomatic objective is to continue working with our friends to make it clear to Iran we speak with a single voice.

Listen, whoever thought about modernizing this room deserves a lot of credit. (Laughter.) Like, there's very little oxygen in here anymore. (Laughter.) And so, for the sake of a health press corps and a healthy President, I'm going to end the press conference. But I want to thank you for giving me a chance to come by and visit. I wish you all -- genuinely wish you all a happy Easter holiday with you and your family.

Thank you.

Q Can I get that follow-up now?

THE PRESIDENT: What?

Q Can I get that follow-up now? (Laughter.)

END 11:03 A.M. EST

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 16, 2005

Senate Commitment to Permanent Social Security Fix

President Welcomes Senate Commitment to Permanent Social Security Fix

The President has made it clear that he is not interested in another band-aid approach to Social Security and that Social Security must be fixed permanently. Today, by a vote of 100 to 0, the United States Senate agreed with the President and voted in favor of a resolution stating that a permanent solution is needed. The President welcomes this strong commitment from every United States Senator, and hopes that all members will now work together in a constructive and bipartisan way to make it happen this year.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 15, 2005 STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Media Coverage for March 17th Hearing Into Steroids in Major League Baseball

Media Coverage for March 17th Hearing Into Steroids in Major League Baseball

Washington, Mar 15 - Due to the widespread interest in the Government Reform Committee’s March 17th hearing on steroids in Major League Baseball, the Committee and the Press Galleries of the U.S. House of Representatives have concluded that members of the press will need to RSVP to the appropriate press gallery in order to reserve a seat at the hearing. Contact information for the galleries is listed below.

Note that we anticipate more requests for coverage than there are seats in the hearing room. We will do our best to accommodate as many news organizations as possible. The Committee will provide an overflow room for members of the media who cannot get a seat in the hearing room.

Please provide the names and contact information (including email if possible) for all members of the media seeking to cover the hearing:

Print Press Gallery – (202) 225-3945, Radio and TV Gallery – (202) 225-5214 , Periodical Press Gallery – (202) 225-2941, Press Photographers’ Gallery – (202) 224-6548 SOURCE: Committee on Government Reform Contact: Robert White/Drew Crockett (202) 225-5074

insurgent cell leaders confess to beheading seven people

Samarra citizens support commando operations

MOSUL, Iraq – The Iraqi police service’s Emergency Response Unit conducted several operations against insurgents Feb. 12 through March 7, assaulting 49 buildings and capturing two insurgent cell leaders, two high value targets, and several other suspects who are now in custody of the Ministry of Interior.

One of the cell leaders confessed to 45 murders, numerous rapes, improvised explosive device attacks and the murder of an ERU operator. Two men captured during raids by the ERU confessed to kidnapping and beheading seven people, including the ERU member, according to a multinational force report.

The ERU provides a national, high-end, rapid-response law enforcement tactical unit responsible for high-risk search, arrest, hostage-rescue and crisis response operations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2005 Contact: Capt. Tim Jeffers IRAQNA Cell: 011-964-0790-191-0653E-mail: jefferstj@mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil PRESS RELEASE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ

Positive Initial Detection for Anthrax at Pentagon

Positive Initial Detection for Anthrax at Pentagon

During routine mail operations the Pentagon had a positive detection for the presence of anthrax bacteria at the Remote Delivery Facility (RDF). The RDF was evacuated while tests were conducted to determine if anthrax was present. Subsequent tests have proven negative, however, the Department is taking precautionary measures while further testing is conducted.

Cultures are being taken from all personnel who may have had contact with deliveries. Those personnel have also been given the option to begin antibiotic treatment if desired.

The RDF will resume normal operations upon the conclusion of all testing. DoD personnel can obtain additional information in the attached document at defenselink.mil/news/anthrax . In PDF Format

U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 255-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2005

Venezuela: Reports of Ambassador Shapiro’s Warning of a Coup Plot

Venezuela: Reports of Ambassador Shapiro’s Warning of a Coup Plot

Question: Please respond to reports that the Venezuelan Vice President has said that that Amb. Shapiro warned him about a coup plot. Did he? What was said?

Answer: As we have said before, then Ambassador Charles S. Shapiro warned representatives of the Venezuelan government at the highest levels.

2005/326 Released on March 14, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 15, 2005 Question Taken at March 14, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

EU Delegates in Washington, DC

EU Delegates in Washington, DC

Question: Is there a group of EU delegates in Washington this week? Will they meet with anyone at the State Department? Will the China arms embargo be on the agenda?

Answer: Annalisa Giannella, the Personal Representative of the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, is leading a delegation here this week to discuss the European Union's ideas regarding its China arms embargo. Meetings were held today at the State Department, at the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Congress. Additional meetings will be held on Capitol Hill tomorrow.

2005/324 Released on March 14, 2005

Taken Question (Revised)Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 14, 2005 Question Taken at March 14, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Raad al-Banna, Al-Hilla

Foreign Ministry condemns outcome of Terrorist Act in Hilla

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted with great sorrow what was reported by Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad that a party was held by the family of Raad al-Banna ; a Jordanian terrorist who blew himself up in Al-Hilla City on February 28 , 2005 , killing and injuring more than 300 Iraqi innocent people.

This hideous crime and its outcome against the Iraqi people require strongest condemnation . It represents flagrant violation to the feelings of the families of the innocent victims and necessitates taking deterrent actions against all those attempting to harm Iraq’s security and the lives of its people.

NEWS 14 March, 2005 SOURCE: Iraq Ministry of foreign affairs

President Bush and King Abdullah

President and King Abdullah of Jordan Discuss Middle East Peace, Trade
The Oval Office 11:48 A.M. EST

PRESIDENT BUSH: It's my real pleasure to welcome His Majesty back to the Oval Office. Your Majesty, every time you come, I really enjoy our conversation. His Majesty leads a great country in the midst of a part of the world that is changing, changing for the better. And I want to thank His Majesty for his leadership, his understanding about the need for reform, his strong alliance, his clear vision that the world needs to jointly fight terror. And I really appreciate you coming.

Welcome.

KING ABDULLAH: Thank you. I'd like to thank the President for welcoming me back to Washington. As always, our discussions have been very fruitful, to try and make the Middle East a better place. We had the chance to discuss the issues of the peace process, how we can move that forward, and, obviously, our commitment to a regional reform. And as always, we've come away with some very good ideas, and a decent way of being able to look at the future.

PRESIDENT BUSH: We'll answer a couple of questions. Jennifer.

Q Yes, sir. Thank you. The Lebanese Maronite Patriarch you're meeting with tomorrow supports integrating Hezbollah into the political mainstream.

PRESIDENT BUSH: A little louder, excuse me.

Q The Lebanese Maronite Patriarch you're meeting with tomorrow supports integrating Hezbollah into the political mainstream in his country. Are you willing to consider that kind of role for Hezbollah?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first, I look forward to listening to the Patriarch. It's going to be a very interesting discussion. One of the messages I want to say is that my meeting with the Patriarch is in no way embracing any religion for Lebanon; it is a way for me to speak to people that believe the Lebanese society ought to be free.

We view Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and I would hope that Hezbollah would prove that they're not by laying down arms and not threatening peace. One of our concerns The Majesty and I discussed is that Hezbollah may try to derail the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. And it's very important that this peace process go forward, for the sake of the Palestinians, for the sake of the Israelis, and for the sake of all the people in the region. But Hezbollah has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States because of terrorist activities in the past.

Q Mr. President, the Arab peace initiative in Beirut has defined the ground for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, which would be also re-articulated in the coming Algeria summit. What would be the role of the United States in the coming stage to push for with that initiative? And when it comes to reforms, how would the United States help the Arab world, and Jordan in particular, in pushing forward?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I appreciate that question. First, let's start with Jordan. One of the things we've done is entered into trade negotiations with Jordan, so that commerce between our countries can flow better. It's much easier to reform when there's prosperity, when people are able to see His Majesty's vision about a prosperous future. And I -- the other way to encourage reform is to herald examples of reformers, people who are willing to put mechanisms in place that respond to the voice of the people. And His Majesty has done that.

We look forward to hearing the results of the conference in Algeria. The Foreign Minister briefed us on His Majesty's plans and the Jordanian government's plans to have accountability measures in place, so as to help measure as to whether or not reforms are going forward.

As for the Palestinian-Israeli issue, the role of the United States will be to continue to urge both parties to make the sacrifices necessary -- sacrifice meaning that Israel must withdraw from the settlements, there must be contiguous territory for a Palestinian state -- into which a Palestinian state can grow. The Palestinians, in their part, must continue to work hard to fight any terrorist activities within the territories, and the Arab world must continue to work together to help Palestine build the necessary structures for democracy.

And I believe progress is being made. I said in my State of the Union address to our country that I believe peace is within hand and that the United States government will do that which is necessary to help move the process forward.

One of the things we've done is we've recently sent a general, Your Majesty, to the region to help the Palestinians have an effective security force. I believe President Abbas is desirous of developing a state that will live side by side with Israel in peace. And we recognize that the Palestinians need help in consolidating security forces and training security forces to defeat the terrorists who would like to stop the march of freedom.

Let's see -- Steve.

Q Sir, a new poll says 55 percent of Americans oppose your proposals on Social Security. Do you worry you're losing ground here? Is it a question of getting your message across, or does the plan need to be changed?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, in that same survey I was heartened to see that over two-thirds of the Americans recognize we have a problem. And, therefore, the administration and members of both parties in the legislative branch must come together to permanently solve the problem. My first concern was that members of Congress would think the public didn't think there was a problem -- but they do. And I am mindful that when the public says there's a problem, we've got to work to solve it.

Secondly, I was also heartened to see in that survey that many people believe younger workers ought to be allowed, at their option, to set aside some of their own money in a personal savings account. That principle was embraced by a lot of folks in the survey.

My view about taking on a tough issue is that, that's what the American people expect a President to do. And I look forward to working with members of the Congress to develop a plan. I've suggested ideas. I've suggested that we stop partisan bickering and come together to work for a solution. And I'm looking forward to finding that solution. That's what the people expect.

So, no, listen, I'm just getting started on this issue, Steve, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I like to take big issues to the American people. I like to say to the American people, you sent us here to Washington for a reason, and that is to solve problems. And we've got a problem, the American people say we've got a problem, and they're going to expect people to come to the table, and they're not going to like it when they see people not coming to the table.

Q May I ask the King a question? May I ask the King a question, please?

THE PRESIDENT: That's up to His Majesty. He's a generous guy -- (laughter.)

Q Your Majesty, since the new Palestinian leadership took over, what's your personal vision for the region at this time?

KING ABDULLAH: Well, I'm, again, very supportive of President Abbas. I think he's a man of his word and I think that you'll see him give 110 percent to deal with the security issues and to push the process forward.

I truly believe that in this man Prime Minister Sharon has a partner for peace, and I'm very optimistic that between the two leaders that the process will go forward and go forward positively.

END 11:56 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 15, 2005

Delegation of Reporting Function Related to the Sudan Peace Act

SUBJECT: Delegation of Reporting Function Related to the Sudan Peace Act

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the reporting function conferred upon the President by section 6(e) of the Sudan Peace Act (Public Law 107 245).

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 14, 2005 Memorandum for the Secretary of State