MORE U.S. TROOPS WILL BE SENT TO THE PHILIPPINES

As part of the ongoing global fight against terror, the United States has agreed to send additional military troops to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. The decision to provide more support to the armed forces of the Philippines came in response to a request from the Philippine government, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters at a press briefing in Texas.

"The government of the Philippines has asked the United States to follow up on last year's deployment to Basilan Island, where the United States troops supported the armed forces of the Philippines, who are driving ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] terrorists from the island and restoring order," Fleischer told reporters. He referred them to the Department of Defense for the number of additional troops to be deployed.

"The Philippine people have been victims of terrorism from Abu Sayyaf, have been engaged in a very brave struggle, led by President Arroyo, against the terrorists of Abu Sayyaf," Fleischer said.

The State Department identified Abu Sayyef as a terrorist organization in 1997.

"Abu Sayyaf is not a small, disorganized band of terrorists. They are a very serious and deadly terrorist organization, which if they have their way, they intend to wreak havoc on the people of the Philippines," Fleischer said. "(T)he United States is proud to stand together with our friends, the Philippines, to counter the threat."

The Philippine secretary of Defense will be in Washington next week to meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to discuss details for military action, Fleischer reported.

BUSH PREPARES TO WELCOME SPAIN'S PRESIDENT

Spain's president of the Government, Jose Maria Aznar, was to arrive at President Bush's Texas ranch the evening of February 21. Cocktails and a social dinner to include "a very small group of people," will follow his arrival, Fleischer said.

The working meeting between Bush and Aznar will take place the morning of February 22, Fleischer said, and will be followed by a press availability and a luncheon before the President of Spain departs.

U.S. TO INTRODUCE NEW RESOLUTION ON IRAQ AT U.N.

The United States and allies will, during the week of February 23, introduce a resolution in the United Nations Security Council concerning Iraq, Fleischer said, noting that the language of the resolution continues to be discussed with allies.

"(Y)ou can anticipate that that'll be a topic of discussion with the president of Spain. And so it's too soon to say what the language will be," Fleischer said.

The Security Council, he said, "continues to be tested to determine what role they will play exactly, but their role is important."

"(T)he president has said what is important is that the word of the United Nations be honored, and the word of the United Nations is that Saddam Hussein be disarmed," Fleischer said.

"One way or another, hopefully with the United Nations Security Council, Saddam Hussein will be disarmed."

"This remains, at its heart and soul, a test of the Security Council. The president wants the Security Council to pass the test," Fleischer said.

BUSH PHONES EMIR AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF KUWAIT

The morning of February 21 President Bush phoned Kuwait Emir Jabir Al-Sabah and Kuwait Foreign Minister Sabah Al-Sabah and discussed with them "the importance of working together concerning the threat that Saddam Hussein poses to the region," Fleischer said.

"The President also congratulated the emir and the foreign minister on the conclusion of the Hajj and wished them both well," Fleischer said.

BUSH DISCUSSES CYPRUS, IRAQ WITH U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL

President Bush also phoned United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan the morning of February 21.

Bush talked to Annan "about the situation in Cyprus, number one, and reaffirmed his support for the secretary-general's mission in Cyprus and the importance of reaching a resolution on Cyprus; and two, the president expressed his continuing support for the United Nations Security Council and stressed the importance of working with the United Nations Security Council on the situation concerning Iraq," Fleischer said.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday -- No public events.

Tuesday -- Bush will meet with Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha of Bulgaria in the Oval Office. He will meet in the afternoon with his National Economic Council in the Cabinet Room.

Wednesday -- Bush will make remarks at a morning briefing for the Latino Coalition in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Later he will meet with the President Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan in the Oval Office. The president will make remarks at the American Enterprise Institute annual dinner that evening.

Thursday -- Bush will meet with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan in the Oval Office. Thursday evening he will participate in a ceremony for the National Humanities Medal 2002 winners in the Oval Office.

Friday -- Bush will head to Camp David, where he will spend the weekend.