United States Observers for Albanian Election

United States Observers for Albanian Election

Question: Will the U.S. send monitors to the Albanian elections to be held July 3, 2005?

Answer: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has asked the U. S. to participate in its observer mission for the Albanian election and the U.S. hopes to do so. U.S. embassy and U.S. non-governmental organizations are also likely to engage in independent monitoring activity.

2005/505 Released on May 11, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 11, 2005 Question Taken from the May 11, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Medical BRAC Recommendations

Fact Sheet Medical BRAC Recommendations for the National Capital Region

The 2005 BRAC recommendations afford this department the opportunity to transform and improve how medical care will be delivered to the department’s 9.1 million beneficiaries in the 21st Century.

BRAC 2005 medical recommendations include a number of realignments and consolidations of military medical activities and facilities. These initiatives follow the overall BRAC rationale and goals. In all instances, improving access to care for beneficiaries was a priority consideration; other considerations included military value, quality of care, and opportunities for efficiency through joint organizational solutions.

Military Health System activities evaluated in the BRAC 2005 process included patient care facilities, education and training activities, and research, development and acquisition activities; in all, 234 military medical activities were evaluated.

The Realignment

Establish the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) at Bethesda, Md., as a 300-bed Medical Center with the full range of intensive and complex specialty and subspecialty medical services, including specialized facilities for the most seriously war injured. This facility will serve as the U. S. military’s worldwide tertiary referral center for casualty and beneficiary care.

Construct a large Community Hospital at Fort Belvoir, Va., a 165-bed facility jointly staffed facility focused on family and community medicine, especially to serve the large number of military beneficiaries in the southern-most areas of the National Capital Region.

Convert the 89th Medical Group at Andrews Air Force Base to a clinic with ambulatory surgery capability and realign some staff to the new WRNMMC and new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Realign Walter Reed Army Medical Center, D.C., by assigning management, clinical, and training activities to the new WRNMMC and the new community hospital at Fort Belvoir. Research and Development activities will relocate and form Centers of Excellence at Fort Sam Houston, Tex., Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., or Fort Detrick, Md.

Realign the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology by moving the DNA registry and the Medical Examiners functions to Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del.; the technician training functions to Fort Sam Houston, Tex.; the museum to WRNMMC, and outsource non-military essential pathology activities.

Maintain existing military outpatient capabilities at Fort Myer, Bolling Air Force Base, the Pentagon and other military clinics in the surrounding NCR.

The substantial construction required for this recommendation will result in major investments in new facilities occurring after 2008.

Why?

These realignment actions for the NCR create a single world class, jointly staffed medical center complex for support of the troops and their families.

They will improve the use of military infrastructure by fully utilizing newly constructed inpatient capacity at Bethesda, while better serving our beneficiary population with a new community hospital at Fort Belvoir. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center was opened in 1977 with a designed capacity of 1200 beds. The Bethesda National Naval Medical Center was opened in 1980 with a designed capacity of 450 beds and rehabilitated in 1995. Andrews was opened in 1958 with a design capacity 250 beds. Today these facilities use each day, on average, only a fraction of their available beds; 189 (Walter Reed), 113 (Bethesda) and 33 (Andrews).

These realignment actions afford better placement of healthcare delivery capabilities in the National Capital Region. Demographics show that the beneficiary population has been moving into Northern Virginia for the past several years - straining the capabilities of the current DeWitt Army Community Hospital. The creation of a new, jointly staffed, state-of-the-art community hospital at Fort Belvoir delivers enhanced services to the Northern Virginia military community.

Investing and modernizing key military infrastructure will enhance the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the Military Health System. This realignment of healthcare is estimated to cost $988 million, and will provide the DoD with an enduring annual savings of approximately $100 million with an estimated savings of $301 million above the implementation costs over the next 20 years.

Advantages

The amount of healthcare provided through military facilities in the National Capital Region will remain the same, with markedly improved access for our beneficiaries, particularly in the growing Northern Virginia area.

Joint staffing of these hospitals will bring together the very best expertise found in Army, Navy, and Air Force medicine to better serve our military men and women, especially those returning from the field critically ill or injured.

We will combine two facilities operating at less than full capacity into one fully utilized, world-class military healthcare complex.

This move also allows us to better leverage both the training capabilities resident in the Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences on the same campus and the research leadership of the National Institutes of Health immediately across the street to offer a unique and fully integrated military platform for healthcare, education, and research.

This action will enhance the seamless care we've seen delivered from jointly staffed facilities in Iraq through the jointly staffed Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to the United States. To see the chart in PDF format click here.

U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/nr20050513-3144.html Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact:dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 473-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2005

RELATED:

• Medical BRAC Recommendations - 05/13/05
• DoD BRAC Recommendations - 05/13/05
• BRAC Closure and Realignment by State - 05/13/05

DoD BRAC Recommendations

DoD BRAC Recommendations Expected to Save Nearly $50 Billion

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today that the department’s recommendations to close or realign military facilities in the United States will better position U.S. forces to confront this century’s threats. The recommendation, if fully implemented, will generate an estimated net savings of nearly $50 billion over the next two decades. When combined with the anticipated savings from overseas basing realignments around the world, the projected net savings increases to $64.2 billion.

“Our current arrangements, designed for the Cold War, must give way to the new demands of the war against extremism and other evolving 21st Century challenges,” Rumsfeld said.

The department’s BRAC recommendations, if adopted, would close 33 major bases and realign 29 more.

The BRAC recommendations were developed in a process that began in 2001, with the initiation of a review of how U.S. forces were arrayed overseas. Prospective changes to the department’s global posture were fed into the analysis and recommendations. As a result, forces coming home will return to installations better arrayed to train and deploy for possible contingencies around the world.

The department’s BRAC recommendations were developed by the military services and seven joint cross-service groups in consultation with the combatant commanders. Each recommendation was created under the procedures established in the Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, as amended. The BRAC analysis started with the 20-Year Force Structure Plan and the department’s inventory of facilities, and then applied BRAC selection criteria that had been published early in 2004.

These criteria give paramount importance to an installation’s military value. Other considerations included costs of potential savings, and economic and environmental impacts of potential changes. The BRAC analysis used data that was certified accurate in a process monitored by the Government Accountability Office and the department’s inspection and audit agencies.

The department’s BRAC recommendations are intended to:

- Enhance the military’s ability to meet contingency surge or mobilization requirements;

- Retain those installations that have unique capabilities that would be difficult to reconstitute at other locations;

- Consolidate similar or duplicative training and support functions to improve joint war fighting;

- Transform important support functions – including logistics, medicine and research and development – by capitalizing on advances in technology and business practice.

The department’s recommendations will now be reviewed by the BRAC Commission, which will seek comments from the potentially affected communities. As it has in the past four BRAC rounds, the department will assist affected communities in a variety of ways. Department of Defense programs include personnel transition and job training assistance, local reuse planning grants, and streamlined property disposal. The department will join with other federal agencies to offer additional assistance to affected communities.

Once the commission has completed its review, it will present its recommendations to the President. The President must approve and submit the commission’s recommendations to the Congress for review and appropriate action. The entire process is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.

The full BRAC recommendations, additional information regarding community assistance and other details, may be found online at defenselink.mil/brac .

NOTE: Attached in PDF format is a state-by-state summary of those recommendations that entail changes that have military and civilian personnel impacts (click here). The summary does not include locations where there are no changes to military or civilian personnel. For details on all recommendations, see volume one at the web site mentioned above.

U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131
Public contact:dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 469-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2005
RELATED:

• Medical BRAC Recommendations - 05/13/05
• DoD BRAC Recommendations - 05/13/05
• BRAC Closure and Realignment by State - 05/13/05

Executive Order 12788, Defense Economic Adjustment Program

Executive Order Amendments to Executive Order 12788 Relating to the Defense Economic Adjustment Program

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including 10 U.S.C. 2391 and the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990, enacted as Division D, section 4001 et seq., of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991, Public Law 101-510, and in order to update the Defense Economic Adjustment Program, it is hereby ordered that Executive Order 12788 of January 15, 1992, as amended, is further amended as follows:

Section 1. The text of section 2 of Executive Order 12788 is revised to read as follows: "The Defense Economic Adjustment Program shall (1) assist substantially and seriously affected communities, businesses, and workers from the effects of major Defense base closures, realignments, and Defense contract-related adjustments, and (2) assist State and local governments in preventing the encroachment of civilian communities from impairing the operational utility of military installations."

Sec. 2. (a) The text of section 3(c) is amended by deleting "and communities" and inserting in lieu thereof "communities, and businesses";

(b) The text of section 3(l) is amended by deleting "and" after the semicolon;

(c) The text of section 3(m) is amended by adding "and" after "diminish;" and

(d) A new section 3(n) is added to read: "(n) Encourage resolution of regulatory issues that impede encroachment prevention and local economic adjustment efforts."

Sec. 3. (a) Section 4(a) is amended by: (i) deleting "(19) Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency;" (ii) deleting "(21) Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;" and (iii) renumbering the remaining subsections listing the officials on the Economic Adjustment Committee (the "Committee") accordingly;

(b) The text of section 4(b) is revised to read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary's designee, shall chair the Committee."; and

(c) The text of section 4(c) is revised to read as follows: "The Secretaries of Labor and Commerce shall serve as Vice Chairmen of the Committee. The Vice Chairmen shall co-chair the Committee in the absence of both the Chairman and the Chairman's designee and may also preside over meetings of designated representatives of the concerned executive agencies."

Sec. 4. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any party at law or in equity against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, agents, or any other person.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, May 12, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 12, 2005

black youth twice as likely to die from traumatic injury as white

BLACK CHILDREN MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM TRAUMATIC INJURY THAN WHITE CHILDREN

COLUMBUS , Ohio – A new study of nearly 6,000 children suggests that black youth are more than twice as likely to die from a traumatic injury as are white children.

“Trauma has a far greater impact on minority children than it does on white children,” said Jonathan Groner, the study's lead author and a clinical associate professor of surgery at Ohio State University . “As a group, black children tend to have more serious injuries.”

Indeed, black children are also two to three times more likely to be admitted to the hospital because of a traumatic injury.

However, when black and white children are admitted to the hospital with equally severe injuries, they have an equal chance of survival, spend about the same amount of time in the hospital, and also have equal access to rehabilitation services.

“Trauma-induced injuries are mainly a problem of prevention, not a problem of treatment,” said Groner, who is also the trauma medical director at Columbus Children's Hospital. “Trauma is a disease – it can be prevented and it has recognizable risk factors.”

The findings are reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the National Medical Association. Groner conducted the study with John Hayes, a statistician with the trauma program at Columbus Children's Hospital.

The study sample included the medical records of 5,973 children who received emergency inpatient treatment at one of six pediatric trauma centers in Ohio . (Trauma centers were located in Columbus , Cleveland , Cincinnati , Dayton , Toledo and Akron .)

The researchers also gathered information from the 2000 U.S. census and from death certificate data from the Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics. Data were collected for injuries that happened in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Information included the cause of the injury and, in most cases, the zip code where the injury occurred.

All of the children were younger than 16 at the time of their injuries. Information was included only for patients who came to an emergency department and were subsequently admitted to the hospital or died after treatment in the emergency room.

Although Groner and Hayes gathered data from Ohio 's four largest minority groups – African American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian – the latter three groups made up a very small portion of the trauma cases.

“This study principally compares black and white children, as the other populations were too small to give us reliable numbers,” Groner said.

At the time of the study, 12.3 percent of Ohio children 15 and younger were black. But these children accounted for 28 percent of the trauma cases.

Compared to white children, black children were:

• Nearly eight times more likely to sustain burns or gunshot wounds;
• Seven times more likely to be struck by a car;
• Six times more likely to be assaulted (the number includes cases of child abuse);
• Nearly five times as likely to drown; and
• Had a greater risk of dying from a traumatic injury, because their injuries tend to be more severe. (The overall risk of a black child dying was 2.2 times greater than that of a white child.)

The researchers also found that suicide rates begin to rise for both black and white children around age 10.

“Suicide isn't generally thought to be an issue until a child reaches his early teens,” Groner said. “Our findings demonstrate that parents, school officials and mental health professionals need to be aware of the potential for suicide in pre-teen children.”

Part of the reason why black children may be more susceptible to serious injury is due to their environment, Groner said.

“When we looked at the social and economic data, we saw that many traumatic injuries – particularly assaults and burns – corresponded with the severity of poverty,” he said. “Overall, black children tend to live in places where the potential for serious injury is higher.”
As with many illnesses, Groner said that prevention is the key to keeping children safe from traumatic injuries.

“If a child doesn't have a primary care physician and instead comes into the emergency room for care, his or her caregivers are probably less likely to receive injury prevention information than they would if the child made regular visits to an established doctor,” Groner said.

“And it's possible that prevention campaigns have targeted geographic and social centers where African Americans or other minorities are not broadly present.”

SOURCE: researchnews.osu.edu/ This study was funded by Ohio Emergency Medical Services, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. #

Contact: Jonathan Groner, 614-722-3919; GronerJ@chi.osu.edu
Written by Holly Wagner, 614-292-8310; wagner.235@osu.edu

President Discusses CAFTA-DR

President Discusses CAFTA-DR, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The Rose Garden President's Remarks 11:39 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, thank you for coming. Welcome to the White House, and welcome to the Rose Garden. I want to thank the six Presidents who have joined me today. We've just had a constructive dialogue in the Cabinet Room about our mutual interests.

Our mutual interests are prosperity for our people and peace in the region. I am honored to be here with six really fine leaders, people who have stood strong for democracy and who care deeply about the people of their nations.

We're here today, as well, because the best way to achieve peace and prosperity for our hemisphere is by strengthening democracy and continuing the economic transformation of Central America and the Dominican Republic. And all of us agree that the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement presents us with an historic opportunity to advance our common goals in an important part of our neighborhood.

CAFTA brings benefits to all sides. For the newly emerging democracies of Central America, CAFTA would bring new investment that means good jobs and higher labor standards for their workers. Central American consumers would have better access to more U.S. goods at better prices. And by passing this agreement, we would signal that the world's leading trading nation was committed to a closer partnership with countries in our own backyard, countries which share our values.

For American farmers, businesses, and workers, CAFTA would create a more level playing field. Under existing rules, most of Central America's exports already enter the United States duty free. But our products still face hefty tariffs there. By passing CAFTA, we would open up a market of 44 million consumers who already import more of our goods and services than Australia or Brazil. And we would create incentives for factories to stay in Central America and use American materials rather than relocate to Asia where they are more likely to use Asian materials.

Finally, for the Western hemisphere, CAFTA would bring the stability and security that can only come from freedom. Today a part of the world that was once characterized by oppression and military dictatorship now sees its future in free elections and free trade. And we must not take these gains for granted. These are small nations, but they're making big and brave commitments, and America needs to continue to support them as they walk down the road of openness and accountability. By transforming our hemisphere into a powerful free trade area, we will promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic liberty for everyone.

The United States was built on freedom -- and the more of it we have in our backyard, the freer and safer and more prosperous all of the Americas will be. I applaud these leaders for their vision. I thank them for working with members of Congress from both political parties to persuade those members about the importance of this piece of legislation. I assured them I will join in the efforts to get this bill passed. This bill is good for Central American countries, it is good for America.

I want to thank you all for being here. Que dios les bendiga.

END 11:44 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 12, 2005

President Bush will welcome Nelson Mandela

President to Welcome Former President Nelson Mandela to the White House

President Bush will welcome former South African President Nelson Mandela to the White House on May 17. This meeting provides the two leaders an opportunity to discuss their common concern for fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. President Bush looks forward to discussing the efforts being undertaken by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote universal education in Africa and enhance the social development of African youth and children.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 12, 2005

President Bush will welcome President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan

President to Welcome President Karzai of Afghanistan to the White House

President Bush will welcome President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to the White House on May 23. President Karzai was elected last October in the first presidential election in Afghan history. President Karzai and President Bush last met in September 2004 in New York during the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. The two Presidents will discuss progress in the global war on terror, the Afghan people's achievements in building democracy, and ongoing cooperation on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 12, 2005

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Nazif of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Visit by Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Ahmed Mohamed Nazif

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Nazif of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Washington on May 18, 2005. The President looks forward to discussing with Prime Minister Nazif a wide range of key bilateral and regional issues, including the President's efforts to promote democratic reform, achieve peace in the Middle East, and advance the war on terrorism.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 12, 2005 Statement by the Press Secretary

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen to the White House on May 20, 2005. Denmark is a close friend and ally of the United States, and Prime Minister Rasmussen is a strong proponent of effective transatlantic cooperation. Under his leadership, Denmark has been a key partner in advancing freedom and democracy around the world. President Bush looks forward to discussing with the Prime Minster how Denmark and the United States can continue to support freedom and democracy, particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Broader Middle East North Africa Initiative, NATO and U.S.-EU issues, as well as the President's current trip to Europe.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 12, 2005 Statement by the Press Secretary

World Trade Week, 2005

World Trade Week, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Free and fair trade creates jobs, raises living standards, and lowers prices for families throughout America. It also strengthens our relationships with other countries, helping us to forge new partnerships based on a commitment to generate new prosperity and a better way of life for people in America and throughout the world. This year, as we mark the tenth anniversary of the World Trade Organization, World Trade Week provides an opportunity to recognize the many benefits of free and fair trade in strengthening economies and improving lives.

Because 95 percent of the world's population resides outside of our borders, trade creates opportunities for American farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers to sell their products to consumers across the world. Trade also raises up the world's poor, bringing hope to those in despair.

Millions of American jobs depend on exports, and my Administration is committed to opening markets around the world for American products. Since 2001, we have completed free trade agreements with 12 nations, representing a combined market of 124 million consumers for American products, goods, and services. These agreements will create millions of new consumers for America's farmers, manufacturers, and small business owners, and deepen our friendships with countries in other parts of the world.

As we open up new markets to trade, we must always ensure that American workers are treated fairly. Our workers can compete with anyone, anywhere, so long as the rules are fair. My Administration will continue to enforce trade agreements and insist upon a level playing field for America's workers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 15 through May 21, 2005, as World Trade Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this week with events, trade shows, and educational programs that celebrate the benefits of trade to our Nation and the global economy.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 12, 2005

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act

Statement on H.R. 1268, the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005" On Wednesday, May 11 2005, the President signed into law:

H.R. 1268, the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005" which provides emergency supplemental FY 2005 appropriations for military operations, relief and reconstruction, and related activities critical to building stable democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. This Act also provides funds to assist those suffered in the aftermath of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 11, 2005

RELATED:

• Statement on H.R. 1268 - Today, I have signed into law H.R. 1268, the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act, 2005" (the "Act").

Statement on H.R. 1268

President's Statement on H.R. 1268

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 1268, the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief Act, 2005" (the "Act"). The Act provides funds for ongoing military and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and selected other international activities, including tsunami relief and reconstruction. The Act supports new benefits for service members who have suffered traumatic injury and for survivors of fallen service members. The Act also provides additional border enforcement resources, which will strengthen the Nation's ability to prevent foreign terrorists from operating in the United States.

The executive branch shall construe subsection 1025(d) of the Act, which purports to determine the command relationships among certain elements of the U.S. Navy forces, as advisory, as any other construction would conflict with the President's constitutional authority as Commander in Chief.

Provisions of the Act, such as sections 2104 and 6024, purport to require congressional committee approval prior to certain obligations or expenditures of funds appropriated by the Act. The executive branch shall construe such provisions to require only prior notification to congressional committees, as any other construction would be contrary to the constitutional principles set forth by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1983 in INS v. Chadha.

Section 6025 purports to regulate the content of the President's annual budget submission, which is a proposal for enactment of legislation to appropriate funds. In addition, section 301 calls for submission of legislative recommendations by an executive branch official to the Congress. The executive branch shall construe these and any other similar provisions in a manner consistent with the Constitution's commitment to the President of exclusive authority to supervise the unitary executive branch and to recommend for the consideration of the Congress such measures as the President shall judge necessary and expedient.

Several provisions of the Act, including sections 6041, 6042, 6043, 6052, 6053, 6069, 6070, 6071, and 6072 make specified changes in statements of managers of the House Senate conference committees that accompanied various bills reported from conference that ultimately became laws. As with other committee materials, statements of managers accompanying a conference report do not have the force of law. Accordingly, although changes to these statements are directed by the terms of the Act, the statements themselves are not legally binding.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, May 11, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 11, 2005

Vice President, A Nation Honors Nancy Reagan

Vice President's Remarks at "A Nation Honors Nancy Reagan" The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, D.C. 8:08 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you, Diane. And I'd like to respond to Diane's introduction. (Laughter.) But Lynne is here tonight, and I'd better not. (Laughter.)

But I'm delighted to be with all of you this evening on a very special occasion for Lynne and me to pay tribute to a great and beloved American, Nancy Reagan.

We're pleased as well to be joined by the congressional leadership; by members of the Reagan administration; current and former members of the Cabinet; and President Reagan's first appointee to the Supreme Court of the United States, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. (Applause.)

So many of you here this evening have worked at the White House, or have been guests there from time to time. And you'll recall that one of the first rooms that visitors see is called the Vermeil Room, just off the corridor on the Ground Floor. If you go into the room, you see Aaron Shikler's portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy -- a painting that calls to mind a period of elegance and renewal in the White House. And just a few steps away you see another portrait -- equally stunning, painted by the same artist -- of a lady in red. She is Nancy Davis Reagan, and she, also, defined the beauty and the style of an entire era. (Applause.)

To this day our whole nation admires the wife of our 40th President for her graciousness and good taste, for the respect she held for the presidency and for the symbols of that office, for the causes she has served so generously and, above all, for the personal courage she has displayed in all the seasons of her life.

Nancy Reagan has never been one to speak of her own accomplishments, but her entire life is a story of great talent, of persevering character, and many successes. She is a graduate of Smith College who decided to become an actress, then made her own way in show business. The woman we honor this evening has appeared on Broadway, performed with touring companies, and starred in motion pictures with Gary Cooper, Ava Gardner, Barbara Stanwyck, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, and Ronald Reagan.

In fact, long before she ever met her husband, Nancy Davis had a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and her beautiful face was familiar to millions of Americans.

Nancy had extraordinary, loving parents, and they both lived long enough to see their only daughter become a movie star, a devoted wife and mother, First Lady of California, and First Lady of the United States.

Her father, Loyal Davis, M.D., was chairman of the department of surgery at Northwestern University Medical School. For many decades, Dr. Davis was one of the most respected physicians in the United States, and he is remembered, professionally and personally, as the finest of men.

Nancy's mother was Edith Luckett Davis -- also a beautiful and kind-hearted woman, a former actress, and by all accounts a person of unlimited warmth and humor. A Catholic priest once told Nancy about the day he introduced Nancy's mother to the Bishop of Phoenix. He said he very cordially presented Mrs. Davis to the Bishop, and she curtsied in a very proper fashion. Then she turned to the priest and said, "Well, aren't you and I going to kiss? -- we always do that when the bishop isn't here." (Laughter.)

The Davis family included a devoted son-in-law. And every year on his wife's birthday, Ronald Reagan sent Edith Davis a bouquet of flowers, to thank her for giving birth to Nancy -- the woman who, in his words, "made my life complete."

The future President and First Lady of the United States were married at the Little Brown Church in Los Angeles. And ever after, both Nancy and Ronald Reagan would refer to the 4th of March, 1952 as the day their lives truly began.

For 52 years Nancy Reagan was at the side of this great man -- and she has shared with us so many wonderful stories of their life together. In her memoir Nancy explains that Ronald Reagan was not an early riser. She tells of the time in 1980 when her husband complained about campaign events being scheduled way too early in the day. A member of the staff said, "You'd better get used to it, Governor. If you become President, that fellow from the NSC is going to come in to brief you at 7:30 a.m. each morning." Reagan said, "Yeah, then he's going to have a hell of a long wait." (Laughter.)

As the Reagan presidency unfolded, our leader and his wife faced many challenges -- among them, of course, the shooting of the President and serious illnesses for both of them. Yet, perhaps because of the great strength they gained from each other, neither the President nor Nancy seemed to get older. Once somebody asked Ronald Reagan, "How come when I keep seeing new pictures of you on horseback, you always look younger?" The President replied, "That's easy, I just keep riding older horses." (Laughter.)

To think back on the Reagan years is to recall a time of rising prosperity in our country, and rising hopes for freedom in our world. In that era our national confidence was revived, our faith in the presidency was renewed, and the White House itself never looked better.

For eight years as First Lady of our land, Nancy Reagan was the very ideal of grace, and loyalty, and compassion. It wasn't just Ronald Reagan that she helped. She is the First Lady who gave new life to the Foster Grandparents Program, which has meant so much to older Americans and to children in need. She is the First Lady who enlisted herself in the fight against drugs and kept at it year after year, and without a doubt deserves a lot of the credit for a serious decline in drug use among teenagers. She now brings that same spirit to the cause of defeating Alzheimer's Disease -- not for any gain that could come to her, but because she is a woman of deep understanding and feeling.

I am very fortunate to know Mrs. Reagan, and to have known her husband. It has always seemed to me that no photograph could ever capture the true closeness of the Reagans. But if you spent any amount of time in their company, you could sense just how much Nancy meant to him, and how proud she made him every day. She once wrote, "I have never doubted for one single instant that Ronnie and I belong together." Our whole nation has always felt the same way. When we think of President Reagan, we always see Nancy beside him, and our respect for their service to America only grows with time.

Nearly a quarter century has passed since this remarkable woman stepped into American history as First Lady. Yet Nancy Reagan is still giving to our country, and still bringing happiness into the lives of others. She is a warm and familiar presence in American life. She remains one of the most admired women of our time. And we are joyful to be in her presence this evening.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

END 8:18 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Vice President May 11, 2005

Pamela E. Bridgewater, William Alan Eaton, Henrietta Holsman Fore, Mark AL Limbaugh

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Pamela E. Bridgewater, of Virginia, a Career Member of The Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America To the Republic of Ghana.

William Alan Eaton, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America To the Republic of Panama.

Henrietta Holsman Fore, of Nevada, to be An Under Secretary Of State , Vice Grant S. Green, Jr., Resigned.

Mark AL Limbaugh, of Idaho, to be An Assistant Secretary of The Interior, Vice Bennett William Raley, Resigned.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 11, 2005

Pamela E. Bridgewater, Tamala Lynne Longaberger

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

The President intends to nominate Pamela E. Bridgewater, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Ghana. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Bridgewater currently serves as Diplomat in Residence at Howard University. Most recently, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of African Affairs. She previously served as Chief of Mission in Cotonou, Benin. Earlier in her career, Ambassador Bridgewater served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Nassau, Principal Officer in Durban, and Political Officer in Pretoria. She earned her bachelor's degree from Virginia State University and her master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.

The President intends to appoint Tamala Lynne Longaberger, of Ohio, to be Chairperson of the National Women's Business Council. Ms. Longaberger currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Longaberger Company in Newark, Ohio. She began her career at The Longaberger Company over twenty years ago, and was President for ten years. Ms. Longaberger earned her bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University.

# # # Personnel Announcement For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 11, 2005

US-EU Joint Statement on Somalia

US-EU Joint Statement on Somalia

"The United States and the European Union welcome Somali efforts to conclude an agreement on the relocation of the Somali Transitional Federal Institutions to Somalia, including the efforts of the Somali parties to facilitate demilitarization in Mogadishu, which should be incorporated into a national plan as soon as possible.

"The Somali reconciliation process is at a critical stage. There is an urgent need for a viable agreement on relocation and security endorsed by the Transitional Federal Institutions. In order for this process to succeed, the Somali people, through the Transitional Federal Institutions, must make their own decisions regarding how best to relocate to Somalia and begin the gradual process of establishing governance.

"The European Union and United States urge all Somali parties to continue their efforts towards reconciliation and dialogue and quickly come to an agreement that will facilitate the relocation of the Transitional Federal Institutions to Somalia.

"The European Union and the United States also welcome the visit of Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi to Mogadishu. This visit represents a positive step forward in the reconciliation process. We deeply regret, however, the incident of May 3rd at Mogadishu Stadium during the Prime Minister’s visit and we extend our condolences to the families and relatives of the victims."

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/504 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 11, 2005

Venezuelan Oil Company Tax Proposal

Venezuelan Oil Company Tax Proposal (Taken Question)

Venezuelan Oil Company Tax Proposal Question: What does the United States think about the Venezuelan Government’s proposal to apply retroactive taxes to U.S. oil companies, for revenues they owed to that country, but allegedly failed to pay?

Answer: We have not seen the proposal, but as a general principle we would have serious concerns about any tax that is applied in a discriminatory manner against U.S. companies.

2005/504 Released on May 11, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 11, 2005 Question Taken at the May 11, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Ethiopia: Human Rights Watch report on Oromia Region and Elections

Ethiopia: Human Rights Watch report on Oromia Region and Elections

Question: Does the United States have any reaction to the Human Rights Watch report on Ethiopia?

Answer: We have seen the Human Rights Watch report on the Oromia region of Ethiopia that was released today and are reviewing it. We regularly raise human rights concerns with the Ethiopian Government and discuss related issues with grass roots organizations, including the Ethiopian Human Right Council in Addis Ababa. We will continue to stress the importance of respect and promotion of human rights in our conversations with all Ethiopians. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa will be following the May 15 Ethiopian national and local elections carefully. The Carter Center will be observing the elections as well.

2005/500 Released on May 10, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 10, 2005 Question Taken from the May 10, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Clearing Landmines and Aiding Disabled Orphans in Cambodia

Grapes for Humanity Raises Money for Clearing Landmines and Aiding Disabled Orphans in Cambodia

The U.S. Department of State salutes Grapes for Humanity U.S., Inc., a not-for-profit charitable foundation that works in partnership with the Department’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, for raising $75,000 to help clear persistent landmines and assist disabled orphans, some injured by landmines, in Cambodia.

$50,000 will be directed to The HALO Trust, a non-governmental organization that specializes in landmine clearance, to help clear three minefields in Cambodia. $25,000 will be directed to the Lavalla School orphanage on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

The money was raised at a charity dinner in New York City honoring Mr. Jean-Guillaume Prats, Chief Executive Officer of the Cos d’Estournel vineyards in France, featuring five of his best vintages generously contributed at no cost for this event. G.H. Mumm and Inniskillin also contributed some champagne and wine.

Grapes for Humanity U.S., Inc. is one of the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement’s over fifty public-private partners that support humanitarian mine action (landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance, mine risk education, mine survivors assistance).

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs currently manages humanitarian mine action programs in 22 countries around the world including Cambodia, encourages public-private partnerships to support mine action, and oversees efforts to reduce illegal trafficking in and increase international safeguarding of small arms, light weapons and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). To learn more, visit state.gov/t/pm/wra.

Grapes for Humanity U.S., Inc., based in Toronto, Canada, seeks to improve the lives of survivors of landmines and other accidents and disasters. Through fundraising events centered on the tasting of fine wines, Grapes for Humanity has helped to support the rehabilitation of mine survivors in Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Honduras and Nicaragua. To learn more, visit grapesforhumanity.com/. 2005/494 Released on May 10, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 10, 2005

Pakistan Concerns About Guantanamo Allegations

Pakistan Concerns About Guantanamo Allegations

Question: Has the government of Pakistan protested to the United States about the report in this week’s Newsweek magazine alleging that U.S. interrogators in Guantanamo Bay desecrated the Quran during an interrogation?

Answer: The Government of Pakistan has expressed its serious concern to senior officials at our Embassy in Pakistan about these allegations.

All credible allegations of maltreatment or abuse of detainees at Guantanamo are reported and investigated. If these allegations prove to be substantiated, the perpetrators of abuses will be held accountable.

The alleged desecration, if it occurred, would be deplorable and completely out of keeping with our deeply-held values of religious freedom and tolerance. Desecration of the Holy Quran is a reprehensible act that would not be sanctioned by the United States for any purpose.

2005/499 Released on May 10, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 10, 2005 Question Taken at the May 10, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Humanitarian Impact of Landmines

Public Access to Information about the Humanitarian Impact of Landmines

The Survey Action Center, a non-governmental organization, today unveiled a first-of-its kind web-based research tool, the “LIS Explorer,” funded by a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, that enables decision makers and the general public to easily examine the results of Landmine Impact Surveys (LIS) in selected countries to better understand the scope of the problem and make more informed decisions.

The LIS Explorer contains extensive data on landmine and unexploded ordnance infestation and casualties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chad, northwestern Somalia (“Somaliland”), Thailand and Yemen. Data on Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Lebanon and northeastern Somalia will be added to it shortly.

Until the advent of the LIS Explorer, the locations of suspected mined areas, their relative impact on men, women, children and other demographic information, and degree to which the mines infested vital natural resources and infrastructure, were not accessible to the general public, nor readily available to government officials. Now, anyone with access to the Internet can use the LIS Explorer at sac-na.org/lisexplorer/ to review the findings of comprehensive nationwide landmine impact surveys. These surveys have already revealed that over 80 per cent of landmines’ social and economic harm is caused by less than 20 per cent of the world’s minefields. With the help of the LIS Explorer, officials in the surveyed countries and foreign donors will be able to more effectively prioritize landmine clearance, refine mine risk education campaigns, and better direct health care and psycho-social assistance to landmine survivors.

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs currently manages humanitarian mine action programs in 22 countries around the world, encourages public-private partnerships to support mine action, and oversees efforts to reduce illegal trafficking and increase international safeguarding of small arms, light weapons and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). To learn more, visit state.gov/t/pm/wra.

To learn more about the Survey Action Center, based in Takoma Park, Maryland, and its years of experience in conducting landmine and unexploded ordnance surveys worldwide, visit sac-na.org.
2005/496 Released on May 10, 2005

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 10, 2005

U.S. Participation in the Arab-South American Summit in Brazil

U.S. Participation in the Arab-South American Summit in Brazil

Question: Did the United States ask the Brazilian government for permission to be an observer at the Summit of South America-Arab Countries?

Answer: During the early stages of planning for this summit, we asked the host, Brazil, if they intended to invite observers. We were informed that the organizers would not invite observers, since the summit was expected to be covered widely by the media. They also noted that the only Western Hemisphere countries being invited to participate in this summit were South American states.

2005/498 Released on May 10, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 10, 2005 Question Taken at the May 10, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Doors to Diplomacy Award Winners Announced

Doors to Diplomacy Award Winners Announced

The Department of State is pleased to announce the selection of two winning websites for its 2005 Doors to Diplomacy Award. The awards recognize the websites that best teach about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. A total of 293 student teams from 39 countries, ranging in age from 15-18, participated in the contest, which was co-sponsored by the Department of State and Global SchoolNet.

The winning sites are: All the World Is One: This site, built by a team of students from Gurgaon, Haryana, India, explores international security by considering global realities and threats while celebrating the mutual cooperation and celebration that support diplomacy.

Vaccinations for Nations: This site was built by a team of students from Toledo, Ohio, USA. Their site aims to educate young people about the diseases that ravage innocent children, and also provides ways students can help.

Each student member of the winning Doors to Diplomacy Award teams will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, DC this spring, where they will receive a private tour of the State Department facilities, meet with key officials, and participate in a special award presentation ceremony. In addition, the winning coaches and schools will each receive a $500 cash award.

Judging was performed by peers and educational professionals, with the final selections made by a team of State Department judges from the Bureaus of Public Affairs and Educational and Cultural Affairs. The winning sites will be linked from the State Department's youth site at future.state.gov/ later this month.

Global SchoolNet is a non-profit, Internet-based education program. The Doors to Diplomacy Award was specially created for Cyberfair, a contest that encourages students and educators to join together to build high-quality, educational websites on a variety of topics. These website entries will be available on the web as learning tools to millions of people around the globe.

To learn more about Doors to Diplomacy projects visit: globalschoolhouse.org/doors/

For more information, contact: Yvonne Marie Andres Global SchoolNet Telephone: 760-635-0001 E-mail: diplomacy@globalschoolnet.org or Janice Clark U.S. Department of State Telephone: 703-875-5086E-mail: clarkje4@state.gov 2005/490 Released on May 9, 2005 Media Note, Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC, May 9, 2005

Quartet Statement

Quartet Statement, Following is the text of the Quartet Statement: BEGIN TEXT:

The Quartet met today in Moscow. The Quartet emphasizes that this is a hopeful and promising moment for both Palestinians and Israelis, and that they deserve the full support of the international community in helping them with the hard work and difficult decisions required in order to make positive use of this opportunity. The Quartet welcomed the commitments of the parties at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit of February 8 and urged them to renew their efforts to fulfill the commitments they agreed to at that time, in order to maintain momentum at this fragile moment of opportunity. The Quartet, underscoring the urgency of the matter, affirms its commitment to fully support the efforts of both parties to ensure successful Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.

The Quartet strongly reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, and to Israeli withdrawal as a way to re-energize the Roadmap. The Quartet stresses the importance of full and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in a manner consistent with the Roadmap as an important step paving the way toward realizing the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The Quartet affirms that a new Palestinian state must be truly viable, with contiguity in the West Bank; reminds all concerned that a state of scattered territories will not work; and emphasizes that no party should take unilateral actions that prejudge final status issues. The Quartet also affirms that the two-state vision and the Roadmap are the best means of achieving a settlement negotiated between the two parties, leading to a permanent peace and an end to the occupation that began in 1967. With respect to this, the Quartet observes that the Roadmap has been endorsed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority and remains the objective of the international community; and urges both parties to take steps to fulfill all their obligations under the Roadmap.

The Quartet expresses its full support for its Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, James Wolfensohn. His mandate is to focus on the non-security aspects of withdrawal, particularly disposition of assets; passages, access and trade; and revival of the Palestinian economy during and after Israeli withdrawal. This will require close coordination with both Israel and the Palestinians to identify and implement those actions and policies that will ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the Israeli initiative. On the Palestinian side, this includes above all a strong commitment to security reform and performance; and the building of transparent, accountable government institutions and an investor-friendly climate, with a view to restoring growth. On the Israeli side, this involves relieving the economic hardships faced by the Palestinian people and facilitating rehabilitation and reconstruction by easing the system of restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people and goods and taking further steps to respect the dignity of the Palestinian people and improve their quality of life -without endangering Israeli security -and taking into consideration the World Bank report of December 2004. At the London meeting on March 1, the international community underscored its readiness to play a vital role by providing financial support to the Palestinians at this critical moment. Creating the environment conducive for a long-term, sustainable and viable economic development of all the Palestinian territories would constitute a suitable basis for additional assistance efforts by the international community.

The Quartet emphasizes Mr. Wolfensohn's mandate to promote direct dialogue and cooperation between Palestinians and Israelis on these economic issues, to ensure a smooth transition in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. In this context, the Quartet stresses the urgent need for Israelis and Palestinians to coordinate directly and fully on withdrawal preparations.

The Quartet recognizes that economic development and progress on security go hand in hand as security reforms and the reestablishment of the rule of law are necessary to create an enabling environment for economic growth and political progress. The Quartet also recognizes the need for continued efforts by the international community to assist the PA in accomplishing these tasks, including rebuilding the capabilities of the Palestinian security services. Ongoing assistance by the international community, in particular members of the Quartet and countries of the region, constitutes a significant contribution to these efforts. The Quartet calls upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate these efforts.

In that regard, the Quartet expresses its full support for General William Ward, U.S. Security Coordinator, to assist the Palestinians in reforming and restructuring their security forces, and to coordinate international assistance towards those efforts. The Quartet welcomes the recent concrete steps that President M. Abbas has taken towards reform of the Palestinian security services, and stresses the need to continue implementation of these reforms in order to permanently reinstate law and order in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Quartet commends the Palestinian people's and leadership's commitment to democracy and attaches great importance to a successful continuation of the democratic process. The latest round of municipal elections has just been conducted. The Quartet commends the Government of Israel for facilitating the operations. The holding of free, fair, and transparent multi-party legislative elections in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, under the scrutiny of international observers, will be another vital step forward on the path towards building a reformed and accountable Palestinian Authority. As additional voter registration for these elections has just begun, the Quartet calls on both the PA and Israel to urgently take all necessary steps, including freedom of movement for candidates and voters, to achieve this goal and renews its offers of technical support and providing election observation services.

The Quartet deems it necessary to ensure continued efforts aimed at full implementation of the Roadmap following Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.

The Quartet reiterates its commitment to the principles outlined in its previous statements, including those of March 1, 2005 and May 4, 2004; and reaffirms its commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict based upon resolutions 242 and 338, and will remain engaged with all parties to help ensure that progress towards this goal is achieved.

SOURCE: state.gov END TEXT. 2005/487 Released on May 9, 2005 Press Statement Tom Casey, Acting Spokesperson Moscow, Russia May 9, 2005

Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement

U.S. Department of State Awards Multiple Contracts to Clean Up Battlefields and Control Conventional Weapons

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has competitively awarded performance-based service contracts to ArmorGroup North America, DynCorp International LLC, and RONCO Consulting Corporation. They are to provide a full range of peace-enhancing services around the world ranging from landmine clearance to the construction of facilities to secure a variety of small arms and light weapons.

The three indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts have a total, maximum potential value of up to $500 million over a term of one base year and four option years. No funds are being obligated at this time. Funds will be obligated on task orders to be competed among the three awardees.

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement manages the State Department’s portion of the multi-agency U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program, the world’s largest such program and one of its oldest. The office also conducts humanitarian mine action (landmine clearance, mine risk education and mine survivors assistance) in 22 countries at present and operates the world’s only Quick Reaction Demining Force that can be deployed globally on short notice. It will also continue to help countries destroy or better secure their excess munitions and light conventional weapons.

The services provided by these three prime contractors will enable the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement to continue to undertake these vital functions. To learn more about the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, visit state.gov/wra.

Visit the ArmorGroup North America (armorgroup.com/servicesMineAction), DynCorp International LLC (dyncorpinternational.com/dyncorp) and and RONCO Consulting Corporation (roncoconsulting.com/hmc) websites to learn about their expertise in removing explosive remnants of war, training local personnel to safely clear landmines, developing host-nation humanitarian mine action capacity building, providing logistics, supply, physical security, and other related services.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/489 Released on May 9, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 9, 2005

President Discusses Foreign Trip with Members of Congress

President Discusses Foreign Trip with Members of Congress, FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Cabinet Room President's Remarks, 3:05 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: I thank the members of Congress for coming down to give me and the Secretary of State a chance to talk about our recent trip to Europe. It was a great trip, and it's such an honor to represent the United States.

Sitting in Red Square honoring the veterans of World War II was an amazing event. I remember as a kid watching the missiles parade through Red Square -- and here I sat as the President of the United States in Red Square, paying homage to people who died to defeat Nazism. And I was sitting beside a friend. Russia is not an enemy; Russia is our friend. And it's important that we work together to achieve peace. Obviously, we have a difference of opinion on certain issues, but we don't have a difference of opinion on working together for peace.

I went to the Baltics, had a great trip to Latvia. It's such an inspiring experience to be in countries that are newly-minted democracies that love freedom. And I met with civil society advocates. I look forward to briefing you on the situation that this young democracy faces in making sure that all people are participating in the democracy.

Went to The Netherlands. Her Majesty kindly came and visited, paid a visit with us. I laid a wreath with Her Majesty, honoring the U.S. soldiers who died at the end of World War II. Interestingly enough, some of my father-in-law's unit were there, and it was neat for Laura to be able to hug them and to remember her dad, as she paid tribute to the veterans.

Then I went to Georgia. It was -- standing in front of 150,000 people that love freedom was a fantastic experience.

The lessons of World War II is to honor the sacrifice of those who helped us keep the peace, and to remember that the United States is always the beacon of freedom, and that when we find people living under tyranny we've got to work to free them in order to make the world more peaceful.

And so I want to thank you all for coming. I look forward to briefing you in specific on some of the conversations I had and I'm looking forward to your comments, as well.

END 3:08 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 11, 2005

NOAA and National Hurricane Preparedness Week

NOAA OFFICIALS TO ANNOUNCE 2005 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON OUTLOOK, Event Kicks Off National Hurricane Preparedness Week

WHAT: Representatives from NOAA and hurricane preparedness partner organizations will kick off National Hurricane Preparedness Week with the release of the 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.

WHAT: News conference opens the 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season by:

• Issuing NOAA's 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
• Announcing Presidential Proclamation for National Hurricane Preparedness Week

NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft—the WP-3 Orion and Gulfstream IV—will be on site.

WHEN: Monday, May 16, 2005, 11:30 a.m. CDT, Coordinates for live satellite broadcast will follow in a second advisory.

WHERE: Stennis International Airport, Bay St. Louis, Miss. The airport is one mile north of the Interstate 10 interchange with Mississippi highway 603.

WHO: Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administratorMichael D. Brown, undersecretary of homeland security for emergency preparedness and response and director, FEMABrigadier General David L. Johnson, USAF (Ret.), assistant administrator for Weather Services and director, NOAA National Weather ServiceMax Mayfield, director, NOAA National Hurricane Center

Relevant Web Sites: NOAA Hurricane Center, NOAA Hurricanes Page

Media Contact: Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2005 MEDIA ADVISORY

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2005

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Each year from June through November, Americans living on the Eastern seaboard and along the Gulf of Mexico face an increased threat of hurricanes. These powerful storms can create severe flooding, cause power outages, and damage homes and businesses with their high winds, tornadoes, storm surges, and heavy rainfall. The effects of these storms can be devastating to families and cause lasting economic distress. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we call attention to the importance of planning ahead and securing our homes and property in advance of storms.

Last year, six hurricanes and three tropical storms hit the United States, causing the loss of dozens of lives and billions of dollars in damage. Across the United States, Americans responded to these natural disasters with extraordinary strength, compassion, and generosity. Many volunteers donated their time and talents to help with the cleanup, recovery, and rebuilding of communities devastated by the hurricanes and tropical storms.

To prepare for the 2005 hurricane season, I urge all our citizens to become aware of the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms and to learn how to minimize their destructive effects. Our Nation's weather researchers and forecasters continue to improve the accuracy of hurricane warnings, enabling residents and visitors to prepare for storms. By working together, Federal, State, and local agencies, first responders, the news media, and private citizens can help save lives and diminish the damage caused by these natural disasters.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 15 through May 21, 2005, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, and the news media to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and prevent property damage. I also call upon Americans living in hurricane-prone areas of our Nation to use this opportunity to learn more about protecting themselves against the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 10, 2005

Nominations Sent to the Senate 05/10/05

Nominations Sent to the Senate

James M. Derham, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala.

Robert Johann Dieter, of Colorado, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belize.

Rodney E. Hood, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring April 10, 2009, vice Dennis Dollar, resigned.

Zalmay Khalilzad, of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Iraq.

Jill L. Sigal, of Wyoming, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs), vice Rick A. Dearborn.

John J. Sullivan, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Department of Commerce, vice Theodore William Kassinger, resigned.

James Philip Terry, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals for a term of six years, vice Eligah Dane Clark, term expired.

Rodolphe M. Vallee, of Vermont, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic.

R. Thomas Weimer, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, vice Patricia Lynn Scarlett.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 10, 2005

50th Anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty

President George W. Bush today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Austria to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty on May 15, 2005.

The Honorable Rudolph E. Boschwitz, Ambassador and Representative of the United States of America on the Human Rights Commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation are:

The Honorable W.L. Lyons Brown, Ambassador of the United States to Austria

The Honorable Vincent Obsitnik, Member, U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad

Mr. Alfred Hoffman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, WCI Communities, Inc.

Mr. Davis Phillips, Chairman and CEO, Phillips Industries, Inc.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 10, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Mark A. Limbaugh, Henrietta Holsman Fore, William Alan Eaton

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

The President intends to nominate Mark A. Limbaugh, of Idaho, to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Water and Science). Mr. Limbaugh currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation at the Department of the Interior. He previously served as Payette River Watermaster for Water District 65 in Payette, Idaho. Earlier in his career, Mr. Limbaugh served as Executive Director for the Payette River Water Users Association. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho.

The President intends to nominate Henrietta Holsman Fore, of Nevada, to be Under Secretary of State for Management. She currently serves as the 37th Director of the United States Mint. Director Fore previously served as Chairman and President of Stockton Products. Earlier in her career, she worked at the United States Agency for International Development as Assistant Administrator for Asia and as Assistant Administrator for Private Enterprise. Director Fore earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

The President intends to nominate William Alan Eaton, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Panama. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Eaton currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Administration at the Department of State. He previously served as Executive Director of the Bureau of European Affairs at the Department of State. Earlier in his career, Mr. Eaton worked in various offices in the State Department, including the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Management and the Assistant Secretaries for Administration and Diplomatic Security. He has also served in various positions at U.S. Missions in Guyana, the Soviet Union, Italy, and Turkey. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 10, 2005 Personnel Announcement

President's Statement on Judicial Nominations

President's Statement on Judicial Nominations

Four years ago today, I nominated Justice Priscilla Owen and Judge Terry Boyle to serve on the Federal courts of appeals. Four years later, neither has received an up-or-down vote in the Senate. Both have been rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association, the highest ABA rating a judicial nominee can receive. Both have been waiting to fill vacancies that have been designated judicial emergencies by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Much more than enough time has passed for the Senate to consider these nominations. The Senate should give these extraordinarily qualified nominees the up-or-down votes they deserve without further delay.

It is only fair that the Senate promptly consider judicial nominees on the floor, discuss and debate their qualifications, and then vote to confirm or not to confirm them. Nominees who have the support of a majority of the Senate should be confirmed. Unfortunately, a minority of Senators is blocking the will of the Senate.

Over the course of the past four years, the blocking of judicial nominees in the Senate has escalated to an unprecedented level. Last Congress, ten of my appeals court nominees were filibustered. Each of these highly qualified nominees enjoyed the bipartisan support of a majority of Senators. Each would have been confirmed if given a simple up-or-down vote. Each deserved a simple up-or-down vote by the entire Senate.

I urge the Senate to put aside the partisan practices of the past and work together to ensure that all nominees are treated fairly and that all Americans receive timely justice in our Federal courts.

### For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 9, 2005

President Addresses and Thanks Citizens in Tbilisi, Georgia

President Addresses and Thanks Citizens in Tbilisi, Georgia, FULL STREAMING VIDEO Freedom Square, Tbilisi, Georgia, 1:27 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thank you for that introduction. Citizens of a free Georgia, Laura and I were in the neighborhood -- we thought we'd swing by and say gamarjoba. (Applause.)

I am proud to stand beside a President who has shown such spirit, determination, and leadership in the cause of freedom. (Applause.) And Laura and I are proud to stand with the courageous people of Georgia, in this place that has earned a proud name -- Freedom Square. (Applause.)

When Georgians gathered here 16 years ago, this square had a different name. Under Lenin's steely gaze, thousands of Georgians prayed and sang, and demanded their independence. The Soviet army crushed that day of protest, but they could not crush the spirit of the Georgian people. (Applause.)

The following year, Georgians returned to this square and pulled down the statue of Lenin. And on April 9th, 1991, you declared to the world that Soviet Georgia was no more, and that the independent nation of Georgia was born. (Applause.) On that historic day, you reclaimed your sovereignty, but the hopeful start you made was not fulfilled. So 18 months ago, Georgians returned to this square to complete the task you began in 1989. You gathered here armed with nothing but roses and the power of your convictions, and you claimed your liberty. And because you acted, Georgia is today both sovereign and free, and a beacon of liberty for this region and the world. (Applause.)

The path of freedom you have chosen is not easy, but you will not travel it alone. Americans respect your courageous choice for liberty. And as you build a free and democratic Georgia, the American people will stand with you. (Applause.)

You are building a free future for your children and grandchildren, and you are helping other nations to do the same. When the Afghan people defied terrorists to vote in that nation's first free presidential elections, Georgian soldiers were there to provide security. (Applause.) And last year -- and last year, when terrorist violence in Iraq was escalating, Georgia showed her courage. You increased your troop commitment in Iraq fivefold. The Iraqi people are grateful, and so are your American and coalition allies. (Applause.)

You are making many important contributions to freedom's cause, but your most important contribution is your example. In recent months, the world has marveled at the hopeful changes taking place from Baghdad to Beirut to Bishkek. But before there was a Purple Revolution in Iraq, or an Orange Revolution in Ukraine, or a Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, there was the Rose Revolution in Georgia. (Applause.) Your courage is inspiring democratic reformers and sending a message that echos across the world: Freedom will be the future of every nation and every people on Earth. (Applause.)

Building a free society is the work of generations. It took nearly 15 years of struggle before liberty and justice fully took root in this country. Many of the students and workers who gathered here on this square 18 months ago were too young to remember the protests of 1989, but they took up freedom's cause and finished the work that their parents had begun. (Applause.)

Now, across the Caucasus, in Central Asia and the broader Middle East, we see the same desire for liberty burning in the hearts of young people. They are demanding their freedom -- and they will have it. (Applause.)

As free nations, the United States and Georgia have great responsibilities, and together, we will do our duty. Free societies are peaceful societies. And by extending liberty to millions who have not known it, we will advance the cause of freedom, and we will advance the cause of peace. (Applause.)

In this global struggle for liberty, our duties begin at home. While peaceful revolutions can bring down repressive regimes, the real changes and the real challenge is to build up free institutions in their place. This is difficult work, and you are undertaking it with dignity and determination. (Applause.) You have taken tough steps to reform your economy and to crack down on corruption. You are building a democratic society where the rights of minorities are respected, where a free press flourishes, a vigorous opposition is welcome, and unity is achieved through peace. In this new Georgia, the rule of law will prevail, and freedom will be the birthright of every citizen. (Applause.)

This was a dream of your late Prime Minister Zhvania who once said, "It is not by mere chance that we have adopted two very important ideas as our watch words: freedom and responsibility." Today, we pay tribute to this Georgian patriot who became a great leader of the global democratic revolution. In building a free and responsible society, you honor his memory and you carry on his legacy. (Applause.

As you build free institutions at home, the ties that bind our nations will grow deeper, as well. We respect Georgia's desire to join the institutions of Europe. We encourage your closer cooperation with NATO. Georgia's leaders know that the peaceful resolution of conflict is essential to your integration into the transatlantic community. At the same time, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia must be respected -- the territorial [sic] and sovereignty of Georgia must be respected by all nations. (Applause.)

We are living in historic times when freedom is advancing, from the Black Sea to the Caspian, and to the Persian Gulf and beyond. As you watch free people gathering in squares like this across the world, waving their nations' flags and demanding their God-given rights, you can take pride in this fact: They have been inspired by your example and they take hope in your success. (Applause.)

As you build freedom in this country, you must know that the seeds of liberty you are planting in Georgian soil are flowering across the globe. (Applause.) I have come here to thank you for your courage. The American people value your friendship, and admire your determination. On behalf of all Americans, thank you, God bless you. Sakartvelos gaumarjos. (Applause.)

END 1:45 P.M. (Local) For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, May 10, 2005