3:00 P.M. EDT
Real Audio of Briefing
MR. MACINNES:Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Foreign Press Center. We are delighted today to have with us Dan Bartlett to talk to us about the President's State of the Union speech. We don't have a lot of time, so we want to get started. Without much further ado, I just want to welcome Mr. Bartlett. Thank you.
MR. BARLETT: Well, thank you very much. As you heard last night, President Bush has a full plate when it comes to his foreign policy and the agenda for the next four years. He's optimistic about the next four years and opportunities that are presented not only to this country, but to many of our friends and allies throughout the world. And the speech, I believe, speaks for itself, but you may have some questions about it, so I'm happy to go straight to questions.
MR. MACINNES: Okay, let's start with Al Hurra, and please identify yourself.
QUESTION: Yeah, Chris Hamilton, Al Hurra TV.
First question, the President for a second time, although this time he actually mentioned Iran and the Iranian people, he said, if you stand for your own liberty, we'll stand with you. What kind of support would that be? Would it be military or diplomatic?
MR. BARLETT: Well, President Bush, last night, as he has stated many times before, believes it's important that the international community come together to help convince the Iranians that it is not in the best interest of theirs or the world for them to pursue a nuclear weapons program. He made it very clear last night that the European diplomatic effort, one of which the United States is keenly aware and involved in, is the best approach, and the approach and preference of foreign policy of this government to help convince the Iranians to not pursue these weapons. And he was very clear about that.
At the same time, President Bush believes very strongly that it's important as a leader in the international community in the position of the United States that he also speak to the peoples of Iran, that he make very clear that we hear them, we hear their aspirations. It's very important that the President be consistent throughout the world when he talks about the pursuit of liberty. He believes it's a universal right, not a right imposed by the United States Government, as he stated last night. So, I believe it's a consistent policy of the President, but he made it very clear last night that he believes the diplomatic approach underway is the appropriate way.
QUESTION: Can I could follow up on that on Egypt. Yes, sir, my name is Khaled Dawoud. I'm from Egypt's Al Ahram newspaper.
And, also, concerning mentioning Egypt and Saudi Arabia for the first time in the speech, I mean, it raised a lot of concern in our part of the world and what that practically would mean with the such close allies of the United States? Thank you, sir.
MR. BARTLETT: Well, you're right. They are close allies and countries we've worked with very cooperatively in the past. And President Bush, on this issue as well, has been very consistent -- and he believes this is important among friends -- that you're able to have a constructive dialogue about the issue of human rights and liberty and democracy. And he's been very clear both publicly and privately with the leaders in the Middle East; in fact, I would recall the National Endowment for Democracy speech President Bush delivered two years ago. President Bush -- and I actually have it here -- said, "The great and proud nation of Egypt has shown the way toward peace in the Middle East and now should show the way towards democracy in the Middle East." It's almost identical to what he said last night. So it's a very consistent policy. It's an important policy and one that he'll continue to work with President Mubarak and other leaders in the Middle East, such as the Crown Prince, to help recognize what they recognize; and they are making some progress in this area. The President will continue to talk about it.
Yes, sir.
QUESTION: Thank you. Shingo Ishida, TV Asahi, Japanese TV.
Dan, in the President's address last night, there was only one sentence that made reference to North Korea; and it didn't even sound critical at all of North Korea's nuclear ambitions. How effective do you think that was in getting North Korea back to the six-party talks?
MR. BARTLETT: Well, as you know, there's been a lot of activity when it comes to the six-party talks, and it's something that's very high on the President's priorities. It's something that he has worked closely with our friends, allies in the region -- not only Prime Minister Koizumi, but also other members of the six-party talks -- because it's very critical that the North Koreans hear a consistent message from the countries involved that they should not pursue, if they want to be entered into the community of nations, that they, themselves, should come back to the table and have a very honest dialogue with the six-party talks.
President Bush believes this is the best diplomatic approach, to have all the partners in the region speaking. He did include it in his State of the Union, and I think he has every year, to demonstrate the priority he places on this issue, and not only through the State Department but this President and other members of the Administration will continue to carry that message.
MR. MACINNES: Michael.
QUESTION: Michael Backfisch, Germany's business daily, Handelsblatt.
The President's remark that he doesn't exclude the military option toward Iran lately caused heavy reverberations in Europe. On the other hand, his speech yesterday night was received with great optimism. Obviously, the expectations are pretty high for his visit to Europe. What is his overall message for this trip, or his overall gesture to counter this expectation?
MR. BARTLETT: Well, let me take the first part of your question and then I'll talk about the trip and about why he is optimistic about the second term, about the transatlantic relationship, and particularly about this trip.
Any time a President of the United States is asked about military options, I can't remember a time when somebody has unilaterally or automatically ruled them out as Commander-in-Chief, because you can't rule out military options, in a sense, because you can't predict every scenario that may take place in the future.
But what can be stated and what is repeatedly stated by this President, and he did so, as you noted, in the State of the Union, is that there is a diplomatic approach underway. It's one that he strongly supports. It's one that includes working with our European allies to help convince the Iranian Government. And that will be a key -- I am sure, a key talking point and key discussion point for the trip to Europe.
President Bush views this trip as an opportunity for there to be high-level consultations and discussion about the issues of the day. We all recognize that there have been disagreements in the past. But more unites us than divides us on the issues that are critical to not only the United States and Europe but other countries throughout the world and other people who have a common agenda to bring peace and security throughout the world.
So he views this as an opportunity. He hopes to have an opportunity to speak directly to the European people so he can speak about not only his belief and his agenda, but also to listen and hear from leaders from Europe to talk to him about their views and about their items on their agendas. So he hopes it can be a good two-way street, so to speak, that they can both consult with, but also make sure that we can find common ground to pursue common interests in the next four years.
MR. MACINNES: Andrei?
QUESTION: Andrei Sitov from the Russian news agency, ITAR-TASS.
First of all, thank you, sir, for coming over to talk to us.
MR. BARTLETT: It's a pleasure.
QUESTION: It's a privilege. Obviously, a question on Russia in the same vein: The President did not mention Russia in his speech, but he's going over to Europe. How important a priority is it for him? And specifically, this year for the Russians is the year of the 60th Anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. Do you plan to use that event for highlighting some of the alliances that helped defeat previous challenges and may help to defeat future challenges?
MR. BARTLETT: Well, you're right. The President didn't specifically mention Russia. But as you know, it's always on his mind. He talked to President Putin this week; had a very good conversation with President Putin. He has made the relationship with Russia one of his top foreign policies of his first term. It will be a top foreign policy priority of his second term. He looks forward to the face-to-face meeting he will have with President Putin when he travels overseas. This gives them an opportunity to talk about a range of issues that not only include issues with regards to the war on terror, but just as importantly, the issues relating to our economic relationship in matters of trade.
There is a full agenda for the two gentlemen to talk about. The good thing is that the two have a very honest, strong relationship that allows for very candid conversations, in which they both feel very freely to talk about the things they agree on and the things they disagree on.
I'm doing a good job of keeping up with what's happening in the next months. I'll get back to you on the issue of when the 60th Anniversary comes up and what he can talk about that. But rest assured, this is a priority of the President's. He looks forward to meeting with President Putin. There is a lot to discuss, like I said, ranging from affairs in the Middle East to the broader relationship between the United States and Russia, and looks forward to the face-to-face meeting, as he always does. QUESTION: Giampiero Gramaglia, Italian news agency, ANSA.
Back to the trip that the President is doing in Europe: You told us what he's ready to tell to the Europeans. What does he expect from the Europeans to help in this new phase to rebuilding Iraq and to build the democracy in Iraq?
MR. BARTLETT: I appreciate the question. As the President discussed with the American people last night, we are entering the new phase in Iraq. And that's because of a transformational event that took place on Sunday with millions of Iraqis heading to the polls and demonstrating that they want to be in control of their own destiny. They want to take control of their own country, both when it comes to their political future, but also when it comes to the security of their country. This is something that's been high on President Bush's agenda, and I believe that it will be high on the international community's agenda.
As we know, NATO, for example, is participating in training officers for an Iraqi army. He looks forward to having conversations when he travels to Europe to demonstrate and listen to see if there is other areas of cooperation and participation by members of the European Community, and for that matter, throughout the world.
There is a strong coalition working in Iraq right now. We are in a process where the votes are literally still being counted; an elected government still must be formed over the course of what has been estimated to be the next couple of weeks; and in the meantime, we'll continue to work with Prime Minister Allawi. As the President said last night, the focus of the coalition forces is to do everything we can to build up the Iraqi security forces, not only in quantity but also in quality, to ensure that they have the capabilities.
And I would note that they demonstrated on Sunday that they are capable of performing quite well under very difficult circumstances in securing the election. They far exceeded expectations in that regard.
But the question really is, how do we go forward? How do we help the newly elected government build up its capabilities to handle their own affairs? And that's something that's going to be, I believe, top on the list when he travels overseas at the end of the month. And he has already had good conversations, whether it be with Berlusconi or President Chirac or Schroeder, all of them. They've all had good conversations about this with Kofi Annan. President Bush has spoken with him about this issue. So all of them have had very open conversations. I believe there is a renewed effort to find common ground. And that probably gives reason why not only President Bush, but I imagine other people participating in this conference at the end of the month feel that we enter into a very optimistic period.
MR. MACINNES: Yes, sir?
QUESTION: Xue Jun Li from China's Xinhua News Agency.
Two questions. Colin Powell has said that U.S.-China relations have been the best in decades. So I wonder what President Bush will do in his second term to keep up the momentum. Second question is, U.S. has repeatedly said that it wants to resume the six-party talks of the peninsular nuclear issue. Will the United States take an action, concrete action to restart the talks? Thank you.
MR. BARTLETT: Well, both issues are very important to this Administration -- the broader relationship with China, as well the diplomatic effort when it comes to North Korea. Secretary of State Rice will follow right behind where Secretary Powell left off with maintaining strong relations with China. It's very critical for our country to have an open and candid dialogue with China. There's a lot of areas of common interest and common issues that we need to work together, whether it be on issues of trade or on mutual security interests such as North Korea.
And I think President Bush will demonstrate in the second term that it will be a high priority, just like it was in his first term. This Administration, through the State Department and members of the White House, have made it very clear that we want the six-party talks to go forward. It's a high priority of President Bush. He will continue to make that known whether it be through Secretary Rice or other means, that we will do everything we can to help keep the diplomatic process moving forward.
MR. MACINNES: Syria? We'll get to both of you.
QUESTION: Malcolm Brown from Feature Story News.
I'm wondering what the President's reaction is to Paul Volcker's interim report into the Oil-for-Food as basic (inaudible) this morning, and specifically, what implications the President sees for Kofi Annan's continued residence as Secretary General.
MR. BARTLETT: Well, we haven't changed our opinion of Kofi Annan, and that's made very clear, that he's the appropriate person to lead that agency. And we've made that clear and I know nothing that changes that. The President had a very good conversation with Kofi Annan earlier this week in discussing in a post-election atmosphere about the situation in Iraq and how we can move forward.
I have not had a chance to specifically get the President's reaction to Mr. Volcker's comments in the paper this morning. The issue, in general, is one of obvious concern to not only the Administration but to members of Congress. And we look forward to seeing developments in this investigation and seeing the final status of the reports that will be issued.
Like I said, it's something that the United States Congress is particularly interested in as well. And he does believe, obviously, that if there was wrongdoing that there ought to be measures taken to make sure it doesn't happen again, that's for sure.
MR. MACINNES: The gentleman back in this row.
QUESTION: Yeah. Imadi from the Syrian News Agency and Syrian TV.
President Bush’s statement yesterday about Syria is igniting some concerns about the intentions and reminded some people in the Middle East today they're talking in the media about, is there a connection between the WMD of Iraq and the accusations that were, you know, cited at the time before the invasion of Iraq. And now, the talk about Syria is being said in the way that is seen unfair because Syria has tried to cooperate on all level and with all genuinity (sic) about Iraq, about terrorism, about seeking peace with Israel; President Assad has been all along the last year visiting with the President Putin not too long ago, and leadership of China, Europeans. I mean, he keeps repeating his commitment to stable Iraq and supporting peace and asking Israel to --
MR. MACINNES: Is that your question? Could you --
QUESTION: And Israel is rejecting peace. But what would you answer these people who are worried about these kind of accusations against Syria?
MR. BARTLETT: Well, this Administration has made very clear consistently that it's important that the Syrian Government take its responsibilities seriously when it comes to cooperating in the war on terror, when it comes to fostering an environment where the Middle East peace process can move forward. There have been long concerns over the course of the last two years that the government is not doing enough to prevent terrorists entering into Iraq. These are concerns that we have directly communicated to the Syrian Government through different means.
As the President stated last night, he was given the tools of the Syrian Accountability Act, which we are starting to use. But based on performance -- not on statements, but on performance -- it seems that Syria has entered into a strategic crossroads when it comes to making a decision strategically whether it's going to work with the international community on these most urgent issues of security when it comes to the war on terror, or whether they are going to find themselves more isolated from the international community because of steps that put roadblocks before the Middle East peace process, for example, or taking seriously the issue of known terrorists in their country, or maybe people that may be using the border to go into Iraq.
These are very serious concerns. It's one on which President Bush has had many conversations with some of his friends and allies in the region. And what President Bush wanted to state very clearly last night is that it's important for Syria to make the correct strategic choice by engaging the region in a way that is productive for peace not only in the Middle East, but just as importantly, for the Iraqi people as well. And it's something that he feels very strongly about and will continue to discuss.
And so he believes this is an important opportunity for the Syrian Government to make the right strategic choice.
MR. MACINNES: The gentleman in the back. Yeah.
QUESTION: Phillipe Gelie, Le Figaro, France.
On Iran, the sentence about inviting the Iranian people to stand for their own liberty -- I mean, is regime change the policy of this Administration now regarding Iran? And if I may follow up on the question of my Italian colleague, you must have a few concrete ideas of what the Europeans could do to help mend fences with the United States during the trip of the President. Thanks.
MR. BARTLETT: Right. The President very clearly in the speech discussed the need for and the support of the diplomatic efforts that are underway to help convince the Iranian Government to not pursue these weapons. And he states that seriously, because it is the foreign policy position of this government; but he also felt it was important, as he has in the past -- this is not the first time he has used language like that to speak directly to the Iranian people. There are indications that it is appreciated; that they themselves want to be heard and listened to. He feels like he has a responsibility as a leader in the international community to listen to their call. But as he has spoken in his Inaugural Address, as he has spoken in the State of the Union very carefully, diplomacy is an important tool when it comes to convincing the Iranian Government to choose a different path. And he will stay committed to that.
As far as the trip itself -- and I imagine we'll have more specifics when it comes to areas in which the agenda will afford a more specific type of subject matter -- the President is looking forward to having a wide-ranging conversation, whether it be on issues of national security, whether it be on issues of Middle East peace or the issues on common economic interests. There's a wider range of areas in where there is a common agreement than there is in very much more limited areas where there might be disagreement. And I think this gives an opportunity, once again, for the President to clearly articulate his views, but just as importantly, to listen to the views of his European allies.
And it's an opportunity. It's also an opportunity to speak directly to the people. And oftentimes, he doesn't get that opportunity. He's here in America and I'm sure it comes across in sound bytes and in quotes in papers; and this gives him an opportunity to directly speak to the European people. And hopefully, that will give them an opportunity to see, maybe, a part of his presence they haven't seen in the past.
MR. MACINNES: This lady here.
QUESTION: Hi, Tal Schneider from Maariv, Israel.
The President pledged yesterday for a large amount of aid to the Palestinian Authority. And my question is, how does he plan to distribute the money to -- you know, what purposes and also, it was published today in the New York Times that some of the money will be paid maybe directly to poor people or for militant people to retire.
And my next question, if it's okay, is that the plan to invite Abu Mazen and Sharon following -- you know, next week convention in Egypt to the United States to visit him?
MR. BARTLETT: Right.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MR. BARTLETT: He did announce last night a $350 million pledge to the Palestinian people. I think it demonstrates once again the President’s commitment to the Middle East peace process. I remind you that he was the first president to call for a Palestinian state to live in peace, side by side with Israel. He believes it's in Israel's interests and believes that Prime Minister Sharon believes that as well.
As far as the details of the funding, we are still finalizing the specific line items, but the President is keenly interested in making sure the funds go to help those who need the help the most in the Palestinian territories. And that's why he's looking forward to the London conference to find ways to help build the institutions of a Palestinian democracy, for as he is often quoted as saying, it's important that the institutions become bigger than the people who occupy them.
That's an important principle here in America and in other parts of the world that it's the institutions themselves of democracy that will endure. And as he said last night, he believes that peace is within reach. And he looks forward to hearing from Secretary Rice who is traveling there as we speak after she stops in Europe and then makes her way to the Middle East.
And he has told President Abbas that at the appropriate time, he would love to see him again. Obviously, as you know, he has seen and met President Abbas when they were in Aqaba, and he's met him in the Oval Office. And at the appropriate time, if it would help the process move forward; I'm sure he would meet with both of them. But I think it's a little early for that. They still haven't met, themselves, as they will Sharm el-Sheikh. And then they will also -- with the conference focused in London as a critical step forward in the process and one that will be highly represented by Secretary Rice.
And I think that's why the President is seeing such optimism. As he said, he believes that this now is in reach. He has been impressed by President Abbas and the actions he's taken since being elected and looks forward to seeing the process move forward.
MR. MACINNES: Okay, one last question. We can do it in the back. Yeah.
QUESTION: Thank you so much and also, thank you for coming, Mr. Bartlett.
MR. BARTLETT: You're welcome.
QUESTION: This is Masa Ota with Japanese Kyodo News.
I have a question about the nonproliferation issue. Looking back on the campaign trail, like during the Presidential debate, nonproliferation issue is a most crucial issue. Most states admitted, and the President emphasized his commitment to secure unstable nuclear materials or the closing the loophole of current nonproliferation regime.
But he didn't mention anything at all yesterday. So does that means -- you know, there is no clear or concrete strategy to strengthen the nonproliferation between them.
MR. BARTLETT: Well, actually, it's a very important part of this President's agenda, and it's something that -- whether you talk about Nunn-Lugar or other aspects of nonproliferation -- it has been a commitment of this President and this government.
I will say that he did mention in the State of the Union, the Proliferation Security Initiative, in which he remarked on the fact that the United States is working with 60 other countries to help detect and deter the shipment of dangerous materials between states. It had some very good successes in its infancy, in the early days, and it's something that I believe is a very productive coalition that continues to grow and can be a positive force when it comes to proliferation issues.
So it is an important priority of the President's. That's why he mentioned the Proliferation Security Initiative in his speech. There will be plenty of opportunities for this Administration to demonstrate its importance in the future in the coming months and years of his second term, and it is very high, very high on his priority list, particularly, when you talk about the unacceptable nexus between this type of material landing in the hands of terrorist organizations. It can be only of the highest national security importance of not only this country but free countries all over the world and will be a topic of conversation for many meetings to come.
MR. MACINNES: Thank you very much.
MR. BARTLETT: Thank you.
MR. MACINNES: There will be a transcript of this available later today. Please, if you don't get it, you can call in, but we will send it out.
MR. BARTLETT: Thank you.
MR. MACINNES: Thank you, Mr. Bartlett.
QUESTION: Thank you.
