statement by Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London

Text of statement delivered by Ken Livingstone

“This was a cowardly attack, which has resulted in injury and loss of life. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been injured, or lost loved ones. I want to thank the emergency services for the way they have responded.

Following the al-Qaeda attacks on September 11 in America we conducted a series of exercises in London in order to be prepared for just such an attack. One of the exercises undertaken by the government, my office and the emergency and security services was based on the possibility of multiple explosions on the transport system during the Friday rush hour. The plan that came out of that exercise is being executed today, with remarkable efficiency and courage, and I praise those staff who are involved.

I’d like to thank Londoners for the calm way in which they have responded to this cowardly attack and echo the advice of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair - do everything possible to assist the police and take the advice of the police about getting home today.

I have no doubt whatsoever that this is a terrorist attack. We did hope in the first few minutes after hearing about the events on the Underground that it might simply be a maintenance tragedy. That was not the case. I have been able to stay in touch through the very excellent communications that were established for the eventuality that I might be out of the city at the time of a terrorist attack and they have worked with remarkable effectiveness. I will be in continual contact until I am back in London.

I want to say one thing specifically to the world today. This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful. It was not aimed at Presidents or Prime Ministers. It was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. It was an indiscriminate attempt to slaughter, irrespective of any considerations for age, for class, for religion, or whatever.

That isn’t an ideology, it isn’t even a perverted faith - it is just an indiscriminate attempt at mass murder and we know what the objective is. They seek to divide Londoners. They seek to turn Londoners against each other. I said yesterday to the International Olympic Committee, that the city of London is the greatest in the world, because everybody lives side by side in harmony. Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack. They will stand together in solidarity alongside those who have been injured and those who have been bereaved and that is why I’m proud to be the mayor of that city.

Finally, I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life.

I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others - that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail.

In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfil their dreams and achieve their potential.

They choose to come to London, as so many have come before because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don’t want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.”

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President to Welcome President Saca of El Salvador

President to Welcome President Saca of El Salvador to the White House

President Bush will welcome President Antonio Saca of El Salvador to the White House on July 15, 2005. The President looks forward to continuing his dialogue with President Saca on issues of shared interest like free trade, democracy, and security. El Salvador is an important partner as we seek to secure the benefits of CAFTA-DR for the people of the Americas, to address security threats, and to advance the cause of freedom in the Western Hemisphere and beyond. # # #

For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 8, 2005

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Rudolph Giuliani praises emergency services

Rudolph Giuliani, Mayor of New York during the 9/11 terrorist attack, has said the emergency services could not have coped better with the terrorist attacks yesterday.

"People in London have always been remarkable. They were our inspiration on September 11 when we thought about how they reacted to the blitz in 1940, and how they went through something far worse than we would ever have to go through.

“My heart goes out to the people who were affected by this, it reminds me so much of 11 September.

“I feel very sorry for them and I offer all the support and help and assistance that we can give. I was right near Liverpool [Street] Station when the first bomb went off and was notified of it and it was just to me very eerie to be right there again when one of these attacks takes place.

“These are dastardly cowardly acts and the best way to react to them is to stand up to them and do everything we can to support the people that were affected by it, but not to let these terrorists affect our way of life.

“From everything I could see your emergency services responded very, very well, very effectively and very quickly; minimising damage as a result of their reaction.

“They seemed to have the proper training and anticipation for an event like this.

“It seemed to me that they reacted in exactly the way you would expect them to react and by doing that I believe your emergency services helped to minimise some of the damage and certainly to reduce some of the emotional reaction.

“Because people felt that this was being contained, it was handled in the best way possible.”

Bulletin 0000000209 08 July 2005 Source: London Metropolitan Police more at London or London Explosion and London bombing or Rudy Giuliani

Tropical Depression CINDY Public Advisory

000, WTNT33 KWNH 072041, TCPAT3 , PUBLIC ADVISORY NUMBER 17 FOR REMNANTS OF CINDY

NWS...HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PREDICTION CENTER...CAMP SPRINGS MD, 5 PM EDT THU JUL 07 2005

...FRONTAL WAVE THAT REMAINS OF CINDY MOVES EAST-NORTHEAST THROUGH NORTH CAROLINA...

FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS ARE CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD WATCHES ARE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA...NORTH CAROLINA...TENNESSEE...VIRGINIA... MARYLAND...DELAWARE...WEST VIRGINIA...PENNSYLVANIA...NEW JERSEY...NEW YORK...CONNECTICUT...MASSACHUSETTS...AND VERMONT.

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH PORTIONS OF SOUTH CARLONIA...NORTH CAROLINA...AND VIRGINIA UNTIL 10 PM EDT.

AT 5 PM EDT...21Z...THE REMNANTS OF FORMER TROPICAL DEPRESSION CINDY WERE LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 35.8 NORTH...AND LONGITUDE 81.0 WEST...OR ABOUT 80 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA.

THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE HAS AGAIN INCREASED ITS FORWARD SPEED AND IS NOW MOVING EAST-NORTHEASTWARD NEAR 20 MPH.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS INCREASED TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO NEAR 30 MPH. THE MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSUE WAS 1010 MB...OR 29.83 INCHES.

SELECTED STORM TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS IN INCHES THROUGH 2 PM EDT

...KENTUCKY...

MIDDLESBORO 1.61
META 1.44
VIRGIE 1.42
PRICE 1.42

...NORTH CAROLINA...

PLEASANT GARDENS 3.20
ASHEVILLE 2.52
NEEDMORE 2.15
CANTON 1.91

...SOUTH CAROLINA...

GREENVILLE/REEDY RIVER 4.64
GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG APT 4.61
LYMAN 3.93
LIBERTY 3.57
OCONEE COUNTY APT 3.45

...TENNESSEE...

KNOXVILLE 2.55
NEWFOUND GAP ARK 2.35 THROUGH 8 AM EDT
DOUGLAS DAM 1.79 THROUGH 8 AM EDT
CHATTANOOGA-LOVELL FIELD 1.59

...GEORGIA...

LITHONIA 6.38
NEWNAN 5.75
JEFFERSON 5.63
ATLANTA INTL ARPT 5.24
PEACHTREE CITY 5.20

...ALABAMA...

MOBILE 6.20
CAMDEN 4.86
THEODORE 3.54
SHELBY 2.23
MONTGOMERY/CATOMA CREEK 2.20

...MISSISSIPPI...

PASCAGOULA-LOTT 7.12
PASCAGOULA 6.61
GULFPORT 6.46
BILOXI/KEESLER AFB 4.53

...LOUISIANA...

GALLIANO 7.56
GRAND ISLE 6.37
SLIDELL 6.29
NEW ORLEANS/ALGIERS 4.99

CINDY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES OVER THE CENTRAL APPALACHIANS...MIDDLE ATLANTIC...AND SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 6 INCHES POSSIBLE OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

REPEATING THE 5 PM EDT POSITION...35.8 NORTH...81.0 WEST... MOVEMENT TO THE EAST-NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH...MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH...MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 1010 MB OR 29.83 INCHES.

THE NEXT ADVISORY ON THE REMNANTS OF CINDY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PREDICTION CENTER AT 11 PM EDT.

FRIES $$ Source: National Hurricane Center more at Hurricane DENNIS or noaa and Tropical Depression CINDY

London Metropolitan Police Casualty Bureau

Latest news on London critical incident

Due to exceptionally high volumes of traffic, the Metropolitan Police website is currently displaying essential information only.

The Metropolitan Police Casualty Bureau is open and operating on 0870 1566344. 19.15

If you are concerned about relatives or friends who may have been affected by today’s incidents in London, please try and contact them directly before you call this number.

If you are unsuccessful and still have concerns that your friends or relatives may have been injured in the events, contact Casualty Bureau on 0870 1566344.

The Metropolitan Police would also like to hear from people who were injured or involved in the events so that we know they are safe.

We are experiencing a very high volume of calls to this line – at present we are receiving 42,000 calls per hour. We would therefore urge anyone calling it to please be patient whilst we continue answering as many calls as possible.

The Casualty Bureau number should be used for this purpose only and NOT for general enquiries. Anyone with enquiries about travel information should contact Transport for London on 020 7222 1234 or www.tfl.gov.uk.

We would like to reassure people that we are working hard to gain an accurate picture of the whereabouts of people believed to have been involved in the incidents.

If you have reached home, please contact people who will be worried about you. This will help relieve the pressure on the Casualty Bureau.

All emergency calls should be made through the 999 system. Non-emergency calls should be made to your local police station.

We now know the total number of fatalities to be 37:

- there were 21 fatalities at King's Cross / Russell Square
- there were 7 fatalities at Edgware Road
- there were 7 fatalities at Liverpool Street
- there were 2 fatalities on the bus at Upper Woburn Place.

The total number of casualties is known to be approximately 700. Of those, 300 were taken to hospital by ambulance and the remainder presented themselves at hospital.

There follows an outline of this morning's events:

At 08.51 on 7 July at Liverpool Street Station there was an explosion in a train carriage 100 yards into the (Liverpool Street-bound station) tunnel.

At 08.56 there was another incident at King's Cross / Russell Square. Both stations were used to bring out casualties.

There are two mortuaries for this incident - these are at the Royal National Hotel and the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury.

At 09.17 there was an explosion on a train coming into Edgware Road underground station approximately 100 yards into the tunnel. This explosion blew through a wall onto another train on an adjoining platform.

Three trains are believed to have been involved.

At 09.47 there was an explosion on a bus at Upper Woburn Square junction with Tavistock Place.

There were four devices in total and there are 37 confirmed fatalities. There was no warning to police and we have not received any claims of responsibility.

These were callous attacks on innocent members of the public deliberately designed to kill and inflict maximum injury.

Please remain vigilant.

Latest news on London critical incident - (16.30 - 07/07/05)
Latest news on London critical incident - (12.30 - 07/07/05)

Source: London Metropolitan Police more at more at London or London Explosion and London Metropolitan Police or London Explosions

Hurricane DENNIS Public Advisory

000, WTNT34 KNHC 071438, TCPAT4, BULLETIN,HURRICANE DENNIS ADVISORY NUMBER 12, NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL, 11 AM EDT THU JUL 07 2005

...HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS...TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA...

AT 11 AM EDT...1500Z...THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS EXTENDED THE HURRICANE WATCHES AND WARNINGS WESTWARD. A HURRICANE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE PROVINCES OF MATANZAS...VILLA CLARA... CIENFUEGOS...SANCTI SPIRITUS...CIEGO DE AVILA...CAMAGUEY...LAS TUNAS...GRANMA...SANTIAGO DE CUBA...AND GUANTANAMO. A HURRICANE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE REMAINING PROVINCES OF CUBA INCLUDING THE ISLE OF YOUTH...PINAR DEL RIO...LA HABANA...CIUDAD DE LA HABANA...AND HOLGUIN.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

AT 11 AM EDT...A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED FOR ALL OF THE FLORIDA KEYS AND FLORIDA BAY. ALSO AT 11 AM EDT...A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS ISSUED FOR ALL OF THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA FROM GOLDEN BEACH SOUTHWARD ON THE EAST COAST AND SOUTH OF BONITA BEACH ON THE WEST COAST.

A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS...RESPECTIVELY...ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN PENINSULA OF HAITI FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER WESTWARD...ALL OF JAMAICA...AND ALL OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

INTERESTS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 11 AM EDT...1500Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DENNIS WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.0 NORTH... LONGITUDE 75.6 WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES... 125 KM... EAST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA AND ABOUT 155 MILES... 250 KM...SOUTH OF GUANTANAMO CUBA.

DENNIS IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH...20 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THIS TRACK THE CENTER WILL BE PASSING VERY NEAR JAMAICA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 105 MPH...165 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. DENNIS IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST...AND DENNIS COULD BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 45 MILES... 75 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES...220 KM.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 968 MB...28.59 INCHES.

DENNIS IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES OVER SOUTHERN HISPANIOLA...JAMAICA...CUBA...AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF JAMAICA. THESE RAINS COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES.

STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 5 TO 7 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...ARE LIKELY IN AREAS OF ONSHORE WINDS NEAR THE CENTER. A MUCH LARGER STORM SURGE OF 12 TO 14 FEET IS POSSIBLE ALONG THE SOUTHERN COAST OF CUBA FROM CAMAGUEY WESTWARD.

REPEATING THE 11 AM EDT POSITION...18.0 N... 75.6 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 968 MB.

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT 2 PM EDT FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY

Source: National Hurricane Center more at Hurricane DENNIS or noaa

Tony Blair on London, London explosion

PM's statement on London explosions FULL STREAMING VIDEO

I am just going to make a short statement to you on the terrible events that have happened in London earlier today, and I hope you understand that at the present time we are still trying to establish exactly what has happened, and there is a limit to what information I can give you, and I will simply try and tell you the information as best I can at the moment.

It is reasonably clear that there have been a series of terrorist attacks in London. There are obviously casualties, both people that have died and people seriously injured, and our thoughts and prayers of course are with the victims and their families.

It is my intention to leave the G8 within the next couple of hours and go down to London and get a report, face-to-face, with the police, and the emergency services and the Ministers that have been dealing with this, and then to return later this evening.

It is the will of all the leaders at the G8 however that the meeting should continue in my absence, that we should continue to discuss the issues that we were going to discuss, and reach the conclusions which we were going to reach. Each of the countries round that table have some experience of the effects of terrorism and all the leaders, as they will indicate a little bit later, share our complete resolution to defeat this terrorism.

It is particularly barbaric that this has happened on a day when people are meeting to try to help the problems of poverty in Africa, and the long term problems of climate change and the environment. Just as it is reasonably clear that this is a terrorist attack, or a series of terrorist attacks, it is also reasonably clear that it is designed and aimed to coincide with the opening of the G8. There will be time to talk later about this.

It is important however that those engaged in terrorism realise that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world. Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilised nations throughout the world. Source: 10 Downing Street

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London, London Explosion, Information Line (update)

For information about American citizens who may have been affected by the July 7 bombings in London, please call 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the U.S.) or 1-202-501-4444 (regular toll line from outside the U.S. and Canada). Source: state.gov

more at London or London Explosion

Threat Level Change Targeted to Mass Transit Sector

Threat Level Change Targeted to Mass Transit Sector

July 7, 2005 (11:45 a.m. EDT) -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a targeted raise in the threat level. "The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the victims of this tragedy and our friends in Britain.

In light of today’s attacks in London, the United States Government is raising the threat level from Code Yellow – or Elevated – to Code Orange – or High – targeted only to the mass transit portion of the transportation sector. This only includes regional and inter-city passenger rail, subways and metropolitan bus systems. We are also asking for increased vigilance in other transportation systems.

Currently, the United States has no specific, credible information suggesting an imminent attack in the United States. However, we know the tactics and methods of terrorists, as demonstrated by the horrific rail bombings in Madrid last year. The intent of al Qaeda and affiliated organizations to attack in Europe and the United States has been well documented and continues to be reflected in intelligence reporting."

Source: Homeland Security For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, Contact: 202-282-8010, July 7, 2005

more at London or London Explosion and London bomb or Michael Chertoff and Homeland Security

London, London Explosion, London bomb, Information Line

For information about American citizens who may have been affected by the July 7 bombings in London, please call 1-888-407-4747. Source: state.gov

more at London or London Explosion and London bomb

Homeland Security Michael Chertoff on the Bombings in London

Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff on the Bombings in London

We have been closely monitoring the bombings in London. Our sympathies and condolences go to the victims of this incident and the people of London.

We have been in direct communication with officials at the state and local level and with public and private sector transportation officials. We have asked them for increased vigilance and additional security measures for major transit systems.

The Department of Homeland Security has stood up the Interagency Incident Management Group to ensure full situational awareness around this incident and in the United States. We do not have any specific intelligence indicating this type of attack is planned in the United States, but we are constantly evaluating both intelligence and our protective measures and will take whatever actions are necessary.

We will continue to work closely with British officials as they investigate this incident.

Source: Homeland Security ### For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, Contact: 202-282-8010, July 7, 2005

more at London or London Explosion and London bomb or Michael Chertoff and Homeland Security

President Offers Condolences to People of London

President George W. Bush delivers a brief statement to the media outside the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland Thursday, July 7, 2005, regarding the terrorist attacks in London that occured earlier in the day. White House photo by Eric Draper

President Offers Condolences to People of London, Will Not Yield to Terrorists
Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Scotland, 1:30 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BUSH: I spent some time recently with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and had an opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the people of London, people who lost lives. I appreciate Prime Minister Blair's steadfast determination and his strength. He's on his way now to London here from the G8 to speak directly to the people of London. He'll carry a message of solidarity with him.

This morning I have been in contact with our Homeland Security folks. I instructed them to be in touch with local and state officials about the facts of what took place here and in London, and to be extra vigilant, as our folks start heading to work.

The contrast between what we've seen on the TV screens here, what's taken place in London and what's taking place here is incredibly vivid to me. On the one hand, we have people here who are working to alleviate poverty, to help rid the world of the pandemic of AIDS, working on ways to have a clean environment. And on the other hand, you've got people killing innocent people. And the contrast couldn't be clearer between the intentions and the hearts of those of us who care deeply about human rights and human liberty, and those who kill -- those who have got such evil in their heart that they will take the lives of innocent folks.

The war on terror goes on. I was most impressed by the resolve of all the leaders in the room. Their resolve is as strong as my resolve. And that is we will not yield to these people, will not yield to the terrorists. We will find them, we will bring them to justice, and at the same time, we will spread an ideology of hope and compassion that will overwhelm their ideology of hate.

Thank you very much. END 1:32 P.M. (Local)

For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 7, 2005

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President George W. Bush 59, Happy Birthday

President George W. Bush 59, Happy Birthday En Español

President Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University

in 1968, and then served as an F-102 fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. Following graduation, he moved back to Midland and began a career in the energy business. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, President Bush assembled the group of partners who purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989. On November 8, 1994, President Bush was elected Governor of Texas. He became the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms when he was re-elected on November 3, 1998.

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States. He was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, re-elected on November 2, 2004, and sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2005. Prior to his Presidency, President Bush served for 6 years as the 46th Governor of the State of Texas, where he earned a reputation for bipartisanship and as a compassionate conservative who shaped public policy based on the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, strong families, and local control.

Since becoming President of the United States in 2001, President Bush has worked with the Congress to create an ownership society and build a future of security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans. He signed into law tax relief that helps workers keep more of their hard-earned money, as well as the most comprehensive education reforms in a generation, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation is ushering in a new era of accountability, flexibility, local control, and more choices for parents, affirming our Nation’s fundamental belief in the promise of every child. President Bush has also worked to improve healthcare and modernize Medicare, providing the first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors; increase homeownership, especially among minorities; conserve our environment; and increase military strength, pay, and benefits. Because President Bush believes the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, he has supported programs that encourage individuals to help their neighbors in need.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked our Nation. Since then, President Bush has taken unprecedented steps to protect our homeland and create a world free from terror. He is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. The President is confident that by helping build free and prosperous societies, our Nation and our friends and allies will succeed in making America more secure and the world more peaceful.

President Bush is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. The Bush family also includes two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley, and a cat, Willie.

Happy Birth Day Mr. President! more at President Bush or birthday

ATTORNEY GENERAL GONZALES TRAVELS TO BAGHDAD

ATTORNEY GENERAL GONZALES TRAVELS TO BAGHDAD, TO VISIT DOJ PERSONNEL, MILITARY TROOPS, AND IRAQI OFFICIALS

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales arrived in Baghdad on Sunday morning to meet with and thank Justice Department officials working in Iraq, including personnel from the Department’s Criminal Division, the FBI, the Regime Crimes Liaison Office, and other Department components. Gonzales also planned to meet with U.S. military personnel in Baghdad and with several high-level Iraqi officials.

“On this weekend when Americans celebrate our independence, it is important – as President Bush urged earlier this week – that we recognize and thank the brave American men and women who are sacrificing to promote democracy in Iraq and to defend our freedom,” said Attorney General Gonzales. “I am proud of the people of the Department of Justice who are contributing to this effort by helping Iraqis advance the rule of law.”

Among those traveling with the Attorney General today is Max Wood, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, who will begin service shortly as Justice Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The Attorney General is also accompanied by FBI Assistant Director Willie Hulon, who heads the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.

FACT SHEET: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EFFORTS IN IRAQ

During the first weeks of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Department of Justice deployed 24 experts into Baghdad to support the Department of Defense’s plan to assess and reconstitute the justice and law enforcement systems in Iraq. Today, the Department of Justice has more than 400 employee and contractor personnel in-country as it assists Iraqi efforts to promote freedom and security in a variety of areas, including advice and training that will help to re-establish essential law enforcement and security functions.

Max Wood, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, will begin serving as the Justice Attaché to the U.S. Embassy later this month, coordinating all Department activities in Iraq. He will succeed Chuck Larson, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, who served as the Justice Attaché from July 2004 until May of this year.

Through the transition of authority to the Interim Iraqi Government in June 2004, the Iraqi Transitional Government in April 2005, and the present, Justice Department components have continued to support the emerging Iraqi justice sector in the following ways:

TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:

·The Criminal Division’s International Criminal Investigative Training and Assistance Program (ICITAP) deployed senior managers to oversee teams of trainers for the Iraqi Police Service (273 in Iraq and 64 in Jordan) and the Iraqi Correctional System (67 trainers).

·ICITAP police trainers, as well as other law enforcement trainers, work under the direction of the Multinational Security Transition Command in Iraq, a subordinate element of the Multinational Force in Iraq. This unit has responsibility for training all security forces: military, police, border protection, and site security personnel.

·The police trainers work in academies throughout Iraq and at the Jordan International Police Training Center outside Amman, Jordan.

·ICITAP corrections personnel, under Chief of Mission authority, are managing and mentoring Iraqi Corrections Service personnel in seven Coalition correctional facilities in and around Baghdad.

·ICITAP has also deployed six contractor personnel to assist in the establishment of the Commission on Public Integrity, which is charged with investigating corruption in Iraqi government institutions.

·The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) has deployed federal prosecutors as resident legal advisors to assist the Iraqi Higher Juridical Council, Iraqi prosecutors, and the Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) with the development and implementation of justice sector initiatives and to provide professional training.

-The resident legal advisors support and advise the chief judges within the two judicial districts of Baghdad on a weekly basis. There are over 100 judges assigned to these districts.

- OPDAT resident legal advisors coordinate training programs for Iraqi jurists, investigative judges, and judicial investigators.

- A combined OPDAT and ICITAP team performed a comprehensive assessment of the Iraqi security and justice sector and the court administration system.

-Resident legal advisors assisted the Interim Iraqi Government in vetting 830 Iraqi jurists.

-In conjunction with ICITAP personnel, OPDAT resident legal advisors train Iraqi judicial investigators in basic investigative practices, procedures, human rights, and ethics.

·The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) provides specialized investigative support and specialized explosives-related training to the Iraqi police.

·The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is helping to establish court and witness security programs for the Iraqi court system.

·The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delivered courses in intelligence and intelligence analysis to the Iraqi police.

INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANCE:

·The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened a Legal Attaché Office in Iraq to provide law enforcement liaison and international assistance. The FBI also has a counterterrorism unit in Iraq. In addition, the FBI deploys rotating teams of specialists to provide counterterrorism training to the Iraqi police.

·The Justice Department also organized and supports the Regime Crimes Liaison Office (RCLO), an independent office of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. In May 2004, the President established the RCLO as the lead U.S. government agency for support to the Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST). The IST has jurisdiction to investigate charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and violations of certain Iraqi laws, and has investigations underway against Saddam Hussein and other former Iraqi officials.

-The Attorney General appointed Gregg Nivala as the Regime Crimes Liaison in March 2005. He manages the RCLO, leads the U.S. investigative efforts in support of the IST, and is the U.S. Liaison to the IST and to the Iraqi government in IST-related matters.

-The RCLO consists of approximately 68 personnel, including 53 in Baghdad (investigative agents from FBI, ATF, DEA, and USMS; prosecutors; military officers; and foreign nationals); 10 in Washington, D.C.; and five in Doha, Qatar.

-Approximately 50 Iraqis are employed at the RCLO’s Secure Evidence Unit in Baghdad and 20 linguists work as translators in Doha.

-At any given time, the RCLO may also employ as many as 100 contractors in the field. These include anthropologists, archaeologists, pathologists, and other forensic scientists working on the exhumations of mass graves and the preservation of evidence, as well as investigative consultants and international humanitarian law experts.

Source: USDOJ ### 05-360 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2005, WWW.USDOJ.GOV, AG,(202) 514-2008, TDD (202) 514-1888

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Washington Nationals Join America Supports You

Division-Leading Nationals Join America Supports You, By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2005 – America's men and women in uniform have another powerful friend working to support them.

Washington Nationals manager and baseball hall-of-famer Frank Robinson chats with Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense, during ceremonies marking the Nationals' partnership with the Defense Department's "America Supports You"

program at RFK Stadium in Washington, July 4. The Nationals became the first major league baseball team to join the troop-support program. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA ; high-resolution image available.

The Washington Nationals, currently in first place in the National League's East Division, became the first major league baseball team to join the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program July 4 at their game against the New York Mets at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium here.

America Supports You is a nationwide program launched by DoD to recognize citizen support for the nation's military men and women and to communicate that support to members of the armed forces at home and abroad. The Nationals join many major corporations, organizations and individuals as part of America Supports You.

Having a large, highly visible organization like the Nationals join America Supports You helps to get word out about the program and to raise more support for the troops, said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and community outreach.

"This is really about a way to connect all of the people here today in the baseball stadium to our troops through the America Supports You campaign," she said. "We're proud of the Nationals for taking the first step and being the (first major league baseball) team to join."

Several Nationals players said it's important to be involved in a program like America Supports You, because it gives them a way to show support for the troops.

It's important to remember the sacrifices servicemembers make for all Americans, said Jamey Carroll, Nationals third baseman. "They provide the freedom for us to come out and play baseball, so the least we can do is let them know how much support is here and how much we care," he noted.

Nationals right fielder Ryan Church agreed with Carroll's message of support. "Here we are playing a game - a little kid's game - and they're fighting for our freedom," he said. "We tip our caps to them, and we're thinking about them every day and just appreciate everything they do for us."

Church said after he visited wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here recently, he gained a new appreciation for what they go through in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's just jaw dropping what they've been through," he said. "I can't honestly think about what I would do if I was in their shoes."

In addition to the Nationals' America Supports You partnership, pre-game activities included a video salute to the armed forces and a performance of the national anthem by the Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the U.S. Air Force. Right before the game, fans were treated to a flyover by Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, a Marine Corps unit that provides all helicopter transportation for the president and is responsible for testing assault helicopters and related equipment.

Related Site: America Supports You

GALLERY:

The crowd reacts to a Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 flyover before the Washington Nationals' July 4 game with the New York Mets. The Nationals joined the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program in pre-game ceremonies. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA Download screen-resolution or Download high-resolution

A joint service color guard presents the colors before the Washington Nationals' July 4 game with the New York Mets. The Nationals joined the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program in pre-game ceremonies. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA Download screen-resolution or Download high-resolution

The Air Force's Singing Sergeants perform the national anthem before the Washington Nationals' July 4 game with the New York Mets. The Nationals joined the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program in pre-game ceremonies. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA Download screen-resolution or Download high-resolution

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Zoellick To Travel to the Sudan, Jordan and Egypt

Deputy Secretary Zoellick To Travel to the Sudan, Jordan and Egypt

Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick will travel this week to Sudan, Jordan and Egypt. In his third trip to the region in twelve weeks, Deputy Secretary Zoellick will continue to articulate key aspects of President Bush’s agenda, including a peaceful transition of government and end to conflict in Sudan, reconstruction and democratic development in Iraq, and promotion of free and fair elections in Egypt.

While in Sudan, the Deputy Secretary will join Sudanese and other African leaders and dignitaries in marking the historic establishment of Sudan’s Government of National Unity and interim constitution under the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) that came into force on January 9, 2005. The CPA, which was negotiated with the assistance of the United States through the leadership of Ambassador Jack Danforth, ended the 21 year long civil war between North and South Sudan. In Khartoum, Zoellick will meet with Sudanese leaders from the North and South, African leaders, and UN officials. In addition, the Deputy Secretary will make his third trip to Darfur to assess the humanitarian and security situation by meeting with local leaders, representatives of the NGO community and aid workers, and the African Union’s security forces. He will also meet with some of the internally displaced persons.

In Jordan, Deputy Secretary Zoellick will head a U.S. government delegation to the United States - Iraq Joint Commission on Reconstruction and Economic Development. The Deputy Secretary will discuss strategy and next steps with his Iraqi counterparts on a number of issues ranging from economic and agriculture reform to the continued development of the oil and electricity sectors in Iraq. The Deputy Secretary will also hold bilateral meetings with Jordanian officials to discuss their reform efforts.

In Egypt, the Deputy Secretary will have a series of meetings with President Mubarak and Egyptian leadership, as well as political opposition leaders, to discuss political and economic reforms, transparency in governance, and progress on the Middle East peace process.

Source: state.gov 2005/675, Released on July 5, 2005 Press Statement Sean McCormack, Washington, DC, July 5, 2005

more at Robert B. Zoellick or Sudan and Jordan or Egypt

Foreign Relations Authorization Act

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, Presidential Determination, No. 2005-27

SUBJECT: Implementation of Sections 603 and 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107 228)

Consistent with the authority contained in section 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107 228) (the "Act"), and with reference to the determinations set out in the report to Congress transmitted on the date hereof, pursuant to section 603 of that Act, regarding noncompliance by the PLO and the Palestinian Authority with certain commitments, I hereby impose the sanction set out in section 604(a)(2), "Downgrade in Status of the PLO Office in the United States." This sanction is imposed for a period of 180 days from the date hereof or until such time as the next report required by section 603 of the Act is transmitted to the Congress, whichever is later. You are authorized and directed to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the report described in section 603 of the Act.

Furthermore, I hereby determine that it is in the national security interest of the United States to waive that sanction, pursuant to section 604(c) of the Act. This waiver shall be effective for a period of 180 days from the date hereof or until such time as the next report required by section 603 of the Act is transmitted to the Congress, whichever is later.

You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress and to publish it in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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

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American Servicemembers' Protection Act

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, Presidential Determination, No. 2005-26

SUBJECT: Waiving Prohibition on United States Military

Assistance with Respect to the Dominican Republic

Consistent with the authority vested in me by section 2007 of the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002 (the "Act"), title II of Public Law 107-206 (22 U.S.C. 7421 et seq.), I hereby:

Determine that the Dominican Republic has entered into an agreement with the United States pursuant to Article 98 of the Rome Statute preventing the International Criminal Court from proceeding against U.S. personnel present in such country; and

Waive the prohibition of section 2007(a) of the Act with respect to this country for as long as such agreement remains in force.

You are authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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

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President to Welcome Prime Minister of Pakistan

President to Welcome Prime Minister of Pakistan to the White House

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to the White House on July 29. The visit follows on the successful trip of Secretary Rice to Pakistan in March. The President looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to build on our shared long-term vision for U.S.-Pakistan relations.

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

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Cape Verde Signing Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact

Statement on Cape Verde Signing Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact

Yesterday afternoon, on the eve of the thirtieth anniversary of its independence, Cape Verde became the second African country to sign a Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The United States congratulates the Government of Cape Verde for its hard work with the Millennium Challenge Corporation to develop this $110 million program to improve transportation, agricultural productivity, and private sector development, and for its commitment to ruling justly, investing in its people, and promoting economic freedom.

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

more at Millennium Challenge Corporation or Millennium Challenge account and Cape Verde or africa

Bush Proposes New African Anti-Poverty Initiatives for G8,

Bush Proposes New African Anti-Poverty Initiatives for G8, Focus on education, justice for women, combating malaria Official G-8 Summit Website

By Aviva Altmann, Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- On the eve of the Group of Eight (G8) Summit, where Africa is slated to be a major focus, President Bush has reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to partner with African countries to respond to their economic, political and health challenges.

He also announced three new initiatives to be presented at the summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, that are designed to help eradicate poverty in Africa through broader education, enhanced justice for women and a more robust fight against the continent’s leading killer, malaria.

In a June 30 speech in Washington attended by many African ambassadors and senior officials in his administration, Bush reviewed the breadth and scope of the U.S. involvement in Africa.

From humanitarian assistance to aid and trade, from international peacekeeping in Darfur to security and conflict resolution, from HIV/AIDS programs to environmental protection, Bush outlined U.S. plans to work with African nations and institutions to improve life across the continent.

Specifically, Bush proposed to double the current funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) African Education Initiative, which would provide $400 million to train half a million teachers and grant scholarships for 300,000 young people, mostly girls, within the next four years. He stressed the importance of education for women, which enables them to become more productive and responsible citizens in politics and the economy and on all social levels.

An important aspect of empowerment and the fight against AIDS "is the legal protection of women and girls against sexual violence and abuse,” Bush said. To promote protection and justice for African women, the president proposed a grant of $55 million to four African nations that have shown exemplary legal treatment of women and said he would encourage the other members of the G8 to provide similar support.

The president also said he would be urging the countries of the G8, as well as private organizations, to begin an aggressive campaign to halve the mortality rate for malaria, which, he noted, took approximately 1 million lives in Africa last year alone, a majority of which were among children 5 years old or younger.

To cut the malaria death rates, Bush proposed an initiative that would provide indoor spraying; long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets; and effective new combination drugs to treat malaria in three countries in 2006: Tanzania, Uganda and Angola. The program would add four countries in 2007, and an additional five countries in 2008, with projected spending reaching $1.2 billion over the next five years.

The president will try to gain the support of G8 members for this proposal in order to extend treatment and prevention methods to an additional 15 countries, with the hope of saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of Africans.

These proposals will be brought to the G8 summit as a follow-up to an earlier finance ministers’ decision to forgive $40 billion of debt owed by 18 of the world’s poorest countries, 14 of which are African. (See related article.)

“We're determined not only to relieve debt, but to erase it, so nations in need can face the future with a clean slate,” Bush said.

“The whole world will benefit from prosperity and stability on the African continent. And the peoples of Africa deserve the peace and freedom and opportunity that are the natural rights of all mankind,” the president said.

He said the United States has “tripled overseas development aid to Africa" during his presidency, and he proposes to double the current amount of aid to Africa by 2010.

But sending new financial resources to Africa is not enough, Bush said. “Our greatest challenge is to get beyond empty symbolism and discredited policies, and match our good intentions with good results,” he said, and he outlined specific areas he wishes to focus on.

First, he emphasized the importance of economic aid. “Economic aid that expects little will achieve little. Economic aid that expects much can help to change the world,” he stressed.

He lauded the Millennium Challenge Corporation, established a year and a half ago, as a new approach to assistance that rewards governments of developing countries “that fight corruption, embrace democratic government, encourage free markets, and invest in the health and education of their people” with a long-term aid package.

The president also underscored the importance of economic aid going hand-in-hand with free trade. “While aid and debt relief can create better conditions for development, it is trade that provides the engine for development,” he said.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has reduced trade barriers between the United States and Africa, has already led to an increase in trade between the two.

Referring to the achievements of his Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, which he called the “largest health initiative in history,” the president noted expansion of AIDS testing facilities, training of doctors and nurses, upgrading of hospitals, care for orphans, AIDS prevention programs, and anti-retroviral treatment that has already reached more than 230,000 adults and children in Africa.

President Bush concluded by stating, “When we work with Africans to bring food to starving regions, and malaria treatments to remote villages, and miracle drugs that restore the dying to strength, this is part of our calling in the world. And as we answer that call, it makes us proud to be Americans.”

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U.S. LIVE 8 Attendees Show Support for Africa

U.S. LIVE 8 Attendees Show Support for Africa, Philadelphia crowd enjoys music, talks activism

By Mercedes L. Suarez, Washington File Staff Writer

Philadelphia -- A free concert featuring some of the world’s most popular musical acts drew an enormous crowd to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on July 2, but for many in the crowd the attraction went beyond the music.

Several attendees told the Washington File that the chance to gain the attention of world leaders in support of Africa brought them to the LIVE 8 concert in Philadelphia. One of nine concerts held worldwide to promote aid for Africa, the Philadelphia venue was one of the largest, with organizers estimating the crowd reached 1 million people.

The diversity of the crowd in Philadelphia reflected the broad reach of LIVE 8's message. People from the inner city joined those from the suburbs. A middle-aged American woman who described herself as a Christian activist stood near a young man wearing traditional Muslim garb who said he was from Algeria. "I feel it's great that people are getting together for a cause like this," said Philadelphia native Brian, who had come to the concert with two of his college buddies.

Many spectators talked specifically about the need for debt relief, medicine, food and development in Africa. "We feel really excited about the cause," said Jesse, a stylish-looking young man who had come from the Philadelphia suburbs. "I'm glad that we're doing something like this that is getting people's attention. It's not something that is in the public discourse usually, it's not something that we talk about or think about, but it is obviously always an issue."

At Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, attendees from surrounding states poured out of trains on their way to the concert. With the streets blocked off all around the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the site of the concert, attendees walked long distances to reach the venue, passing young entrepreneurs hawking water, T-shirts and hot dogs.

Two women arriving from Washington felt strongly about the cause and remembered the Live Aid concerts of 20 years ago. “I really believe in what they’re doing,” said Martha, adding that she had traveled to South Africa and seen the effects of poverty and disease firsthand. Noting she was “a supporter of the One campaign” and proudly sporting one of their white rubber wristbands, Martha said she had forwarded the campaign’s e-mails to everyone she knew.

Technology played a large role in getting the message out about the concert and the relevant campaigns. Supporters of the campaign were asked to send text messages spelling the word “unite.” The number of text messages was over 26.4 million, a figure that would go into the Guinness Book of World Records, according to LIVE 8. The number of live streaming-video transmissions of the concerts around the globe also set a world record, organizers and AOL officials said.

Many participants in Philadelphia said they felt connected to the world as LIVE 8 events overlapped in London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Moscow, Toronto, Tokyo and Johannesburg.

U.S. PERFORMERS SPEAK OUT FOR AFRICA

In Philadelphia, as at the other concert venues throughout the world, U.S. performers lent their talents to the LIVE 8 cause, citing personal experiences and involvements with charitable organizations as they urged greater outreach to Africa.

“Our generation is interested in getting more involved,” said actress Natalie Portman. “I hope the leaders are watching because this is showing that this [debt relief for Africa] is what people want,” she said. Portman later told the crowd about her work with FINCA International, a charitable organization that provides financial services to the world’s poorest families, including those in African communities, by providing “small loans to people who are underprivileged … and don’t have access to capital.”

“I think it is important to represent America,” said singer Alicia Keys. She stressed that the United States is only one part of a global community and urged Americans to broaden their worldview. “It’s about all of us coming together,” she said. Keys talked about her work with Keep a Child Alive, an organization dedicated to providing medication to children and families with HIV/AIDS in Africa and other impoverished countries.

Actor Don Cheadle talked about his work as a youth ambassador, which began with the success of his film Hotel Rwanda, while singer Sarah McLachlan talked about Heifer International, which promotes sustainable development by providing livestock to poor families around the world.

Even though many of the performers urged Americans -- among the world’s most generous when it comes to charitable giving – to greater philanthropy, political activism was in the spotlight on July 2. “Call your congressman, call your senators,” actress Jennifer Connelly said.

Organizer Bob Geldof stressed that LIVE 8 “is not Live Aid 2.” The original Live Aid concerts sought to raise money for Africa, but LIVE 8 focused on lobbying global leaders to use their power to aid Africa.

Although activism was clearly the day’s watchword, it was unclear what form that activism would take or how it would continue after the concerts. None of the campaigns sponsoring the LIVE 8 events put forward specific plans or steps for people to take to maintain the momentum of the July 2 concerts. No one who spoke with the Washington File had specific ideas of what to do next to accomplish the goals of the event, but many said that simply raising awareness of the need for more assistance for Africa would put pressure on the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia (the Group of Eight nations or G8).

Others, however, expressed skepticism that LIVE 8 would have an effect, either on the upcoming G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, or on the future of Africa. A cab driver from Sierra Leone said “the sentiment is nice,” but he doubted it would lead to changes for people in Africa.

Whether LIVE 8 will have an impact remains to be seen as the world’s attention turns to the G8 summit, July 6-8 in Gleneagles, Scotland.

For information on the United States’ effort to help the continent, see U.S. Aid to Africa.

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U2's Bono Praises President and Calls for Action!

UPDATE: Thursday, February 02, 2006 Bush, Bono, National Prayer Breakfast - FULL STREAMING VIDEO, President Attends 54th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, Hilton Washington Hotel, Washington, D.C., 9:09 A.M. EST.

more at more at live8 or live 8 and Millennium Challenge Account or President Bush

Days before the G8 Summit, pop, rock and hip-hop royalty perform around the world in the Live 8 concert to raise money and awareness to end poverty in Africa. FNC's Shepard Smith talks to one of the loudest voices in the campaign

U2's Bono Praises President and Calls for Action! FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Rock Star Bono Applauds Bush Efforts to Aid Africa, Cites AIDS funding, anti-corruption element of Millennium Challenge Account

By Susan Ellis, Washington File Staff Writer

Washington – Bono, lead singer of the rock group U2 and co-founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), appeared on American television June 26 to express the hope of those who have been working on development issues in Africa that the meeting of "the eight most powerful men in the world" -- the Group of Eight (or G8, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, July 6-8 -- will bring about a "historic breakthrough … on issues facing the poorest of the poor."

Interviewed on NBC’s Meet the Press via video link from Dublin, Ireland, Bono had high praise for President Bush: "I think he's done an incredible job, his administration, on AIDS. And 250,000 Africans are on anti-viral drugs. They literally owe their lives to America. In one year that's been done."

The push to bring good health to Africans cannot address only AIDS treatment, he added, but must also deal with the "environment in which viruses like AIDS thrive -- or malaria. Three thousand Africans die every day of a mosquito bite. That's not acceptable in the 21st century and we can stop it. And waterborne illnesses -- dirty water takes another 3,000 lives -- children, mothers, sisters."

Acknowledging that the U.S president is under great pressure in dealing with international terrorism and domestic finances, Bono said that if Bush in his second term is "as bold in his commitments to Africa as he was in the first term, he indeed deserves a place in history in turning the fate of that continent around."

Having worked on Bush's AIDS initiative and the Millenium Challenge Account, the rock star thinks Bush "deserves his place in history. He has the heart for it," he added, "but his advisers are going … to have to let him sign … a proper check.

"One billion dollars is all it would take to save a million lives from malaria with bed nets, etc. -- $1 billion. Four billion dollars, you could change the world. From the United States, an extra commitment of $4 billion" would go a long way, he said.

The Millennium Challenge Account is a U.S. supplementary aid program launched by President Bush to reward poor nations that invest in the education and health care of their citizens, fight corruption and promote good governance.

Bono said he loves and believes in America and it upsets him when others say America is not doing enough. "The president is right to say they're doing a quarter of all aid to Africa. He has doubled, even tripled -- if he follows through -- aid to Africa."

Speaking of another threat to Africa, that of the corruption of some leaders, Bono said: "This is the number one issue, and there's no way around it. That's what's so clever about President Bush's Millennium Challenge. It was start-up money for new democracies. It was giving increases of aid flows only to countries that are tackling corruption."

Although the implementation of Bush's Millennium Challenge has not been easy, he said, "they're trying to put it right." Aid in the old sense, "the money-down-a-rat-hole thing," is no more, Bono said. "It makes matters worse, not better. This is new, targeted aid."

He added that some countries will need mercy, and aid must go there regardless. "But in those instances," he said, "you just route the aid away from the governments and through the NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] on the ground. That's the modern way."

Bono is also an impetus behind the July 2 “LIVE 8” concerts which aim to spur the world's richest nations to take action to combat poverty in Africa at the July 6-8 Group of Eight summit in Scotland. The concerts -- scheduled for London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Philadelphia, Tokyo, Barrie [Canada], Johannesburg [South Africa] and Moscow -- bring together leading musicians and millions of fans in a call for debt cancellation, increased aid and “trade justice” for the world’s poorest people, according to LIVE 8 organizers.

“There could be a million spectators, 2 billion viewers, but there is only 1 message ... to get the 8 most powerful politicians in the world, meeting at the G8 Summit … ‘to stop 30,000 children dying every single day of extreme poverty,’” according to U2’s Web site. Bono and U2 will perform at the LIVE 8 concert in London.

For additional information on U.S. assistance to the continent, see Aid to Africa.
The transcript of Bono’s remarks on Meet the Press is available at the MSNBC Web site.

Service Member Located, Rescued in Afghanistan

Service Member Located, Rescued in Afghanistan

020124-N-6550T-003 Eastern Afghanistan (Jan. 26, 2002) -- U.S. Navy SEALs conduct special reconnaissance on a suspected location of al Qaida and Taliban forces. Navy special operations forces are conducting missions in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Tim Turner. (RELEASED)Download Full High Resolution Image

WASINGTON (NNS) -- Coalition forces located a U.S. service member whose whereabouts had been unknown since June 28, military officials in Afghanistan reported July 4.

He was taken to Bagram Air Base for medical treatment, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said, reporting his condition as "stable."

He was part of a force conducting counterterrorism operations in Kunar province. An MH-47 helicopter carrying troops to support the force crashed June 28, killing all 16 service members aboard.

Operations to recover remaining service members whose whereabouts are unknown since that time are continuing, officials said. Coalition forces remain actively engaged in Operation Red Wing, a counterterrorism operation to defeat terrorists and deny them sanctuary in Kunar province.

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

For more Department of Defense News, visit defenselink.mil. For more news from around the fleet, visit navy.mil.

Story Number: NNS050705-02, Release Date: 7/5/2005 8:20:00 AM, From American Forces Press Service more at Afghanistan or Operation Red Wing and Navy SEALs

Travel by Secretary Rice to East Asia

Travel by Secretary Rice to East Asia

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to China, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, and Japan from July 8 – July 13.

During her stops in each country Secretary Rice will meet with senior government officials for discussions of political and economic issues of bilateral concern, as well as global and regional matters of mutual interest such as the North Korean nuclear issue, cooperation on fighting terrorism and transnational crimes, and tsunami recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Source: state.gov 2005/263 Released on July 5, 2005, Press Statement, Sean McCormack, Spokesman, Washington, DC Condoleezza Rice or China and Thailand or Korea

Karl Rove discusses Klamath water crisis

Top Presidential Advisor Meets with Walden, Smith and Klamath Basin Leaders, Senior Advisor to the President Karl Rove discusses Klamath water crisis, Administration response

WASHINGTON, DC – Karl Rove, Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, met with Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR), Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), Klamath County Commissioner Steve West, and a number of agriculture leaders from the Klamath Basin to discuss the latest developments surrounding the ongoing water crisis. Congressman Walden and Senator Smith requested the meeting with Rove to discuss President Bush's efforts to resolve the situation that exists in the Klamath Basin.

“I’m deeply appreciative that Karl Rove took the time to join us and focus on the problems confronting the Basin,” said Walden. “Karl’s trip to Oregon and his familiarity with many of the complex details of the water crisis reflect the strong commitment the White House has made to addressing this situation. Moreover, President Bush’s executive order establishing the Klamath Basin Working Group speaks volumes about the President’s personal interest in the fate of the agriculture community of the Basin. We had key, knowledgeable leaders from the Basin that have worked well together to represent the Klamath Basin community, and they were able to convey very effectively the needs of the Basin to Mr. Rove.”

Among the items of discussion during the meeting was the announcement Friday, March 1, of President Bush’s executive order establishing the Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group. The working group will advise the President on both short- and long-term actions that can be taken by the federal government to reconcile the conflict between competing water interests in the Basin. To read the text of the executive order, as well as President Bush’s statement accompanying the announcement of the working group, click on the following link: walden.house.gov/klamath/.

The group met for 30 minutes and had an in-depth roundtable discussion about the needs of the agriculture economy in the Basin. The meeting focused on how the Bush Administration can best facilitate a resolution to the water crisis that will serve the needs of both farmers and ranchers and endangered fish and wildlife. Rove displayed significant knowledge of the situation in the Basin and reiterated President Bush's determination to find a lasting solution to the water crisis that has existed since April of 2001. On January 5 during a visit to Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon, the president expressed his sensitivity to the plight of the farmers and ranchers of the Basin and his desire to find a solution to the crisis.

Attending the meeting were Dan Keppen, Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association; Bob Gasser, owner of Basin Fertilizer and Chemical in Klamath Falls; Mike Byrne, a rancher from Tulelake, California; Steve West, Klamath County Commissioner; Donnie Boyd, owner of Floyd A. Boyd Company in Klamath Falls; Dave Solem, President of the Klamath Water Users Association; Chris West of Smith West Company; and Glenn Barrett and Roger Nicholson, both Upper Basin ranchers.

Walden continued, “We had a thorough meeting and Karl showed the same knowledge and commitment that President Bush displayed on Air Force One when Sen. Smith and I discussed the Klamath Basin water crisis with him. The president’s new working group has the full weight of the Administration behind it, and I'm confident the White House has made this a top priority. There are a number of projects that have been on the table for years that the government has identified as positive for farmers, fish and fowl alike, and this task force will weigh those interests collectively as it works to find a solution. I'm delighted that the Administration is giving the Basin's needs the serious attention they deserve.”

"Karl is the president's right hand man," said Smith. "His involvement is a clear indication that events in Klamath will not go unnoticed at the highest levels. I expect that the administration will be extremely responsive to Klamath farmers this year."

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes the 20 counties of southern, central and eastern Oregon. Rep. Walden is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the the House Committee on Resources.

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