For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 18, 2003
Interview of the President by Malcolm Brown, Channel News Asia
The Library
October 14, 2003
3:30 P.M. EDT
Q Talking about your trip specifically to Singapore, how happy
are you with the measures that Singapore has taken, specifically
regarding terrorism? And what are your concerns about the residual
threat in the region?
THE PRESIDENT: First, I'm very happy with the government of
Singapore's response to terrorism. They are strong and they are
resolute. They understand the task at hand. And they understand the
dangers. Prime Minister Goh and I have had some great conversations
about the region. He is a very knowledgeable man. He keeps me abreast
of his views of different players in the region and what's going on.
Of course we're concerned about terrorism in the region, because,
after all, there's been attacks in the region. I remind our own
citizens here that we're still focused on September the 11th as kind of
the defining terrorist moment, but there have been a lot of attacks.
And the Bali bombing is a classic example of the terrorist activities,
and that happens to come in Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister and the
government are concerned, obviously, about those kind of attacks.
We'll have a good discussion about it. He's got a lot to offer, a lot
of advice to offer, a lot of wisdom. And I listen to it.
Q Mr. President, have your APEC partners done enough to help
the United States in Iraq?
THE PRESIDENT: In Iraq? Well, we can always use more. And as a
matter of fact, the Japanese are going to make an announcement. We're
out there working hard to convince others to participate in the
reconstruction effort in Iraq. It's in their interests that Iraq be
free and peaceful. And the reason it is is because the region needs
democracy. The region needs an example of what can happen in a
peaceful society. The region needs something alternative to a type of
society which breeds terrorism. I firmly believe that Iraq will emerge
to be that example and that leader.
Q Clearly, the region is also concerned about North Korea.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q You've described Saddam Hussein as a madman and a danger, and
he was deposed by force. You've also said that you loathe Kim Jong-Il,
and he has a known nuclear program. Why this disparity?
THE PRESIDENT: Because, first of all, remember in Iraq, we spent
11 years or so worth of resolutions and discussions and diplomacy
trying to convince Saddam Hussein to disarm. He chose not to. I
believe we can solve the issue on the North Korean -- with the North
Korean issue on the Korean Peninsula peacefully.
As a matter of fact, we're making great strides toward that. You
might remember, up until recent history, the whole issue is, the United
States and North Korea. And the government signed an agreement with
North Korea and they didn't tell the truth. So I've decided to come
with a new strategy, and that is, rather than just the United States
being the interlocutor with North Korea, we convince others in the
neighborhood, like the Chinese and the Russians and the Japanese and
the South Koreans. And we're moving along. This will be a major part
of our discussions in APEC, to keep this group together, to speak with
one voice, and that is, to Kim Jong-Il, get rid of your nuclear
ambitions, no nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula. It's in all our
interests we do so.
And we're making progress. Now he's hearing at least five voices,
not just one. And I believe this can be solved peacefully. Force is
the last resort for the United States, not the first resort. It's the
last option. And I'm very hopeful that we can make good progress on
this issue.
Q On China, how do you see their space program? Is it a threat
to the U.S.?
THE PRESIDENT: No, it's an interesting development. I don't
necessarily see it as a threat. I think it's a country that's now
beginning to emerge as a sophisticated country. And it's got great
potential. And I think it's interesting. I hope that they are able to
make discoveries in space, like we did, that will -- the technology
that will come out of that will help mankind. No, I don't view it as a
threat.
Q Finally, on a regional trade issue. With New Zealand, you'll
meet Prime Minister Helen Clark on the sidelines, I understand, at
APEC. Why does Australia have negotiations on a FTA, and New Zealand
doesn't? Is it to do with their nuclear policy?
THE PRESIDENT: No, not really. I mean, we haven't gotten started
with New Zealand. The nuclear policy, obviously, makes it difficult
for us to have a military alliance. But we're friends with the New
Zealands. We respect the New Zealand people. But Australia is farther
along the road, when it comes to trade discussions. Prime Minister
Howard and I discussed trade at my ranch in Crawford. We hope to get
it done by the end of this year. The people of New Zealand shouldn't
read anything into it other than, we just haven't gotten started. And
I respect the people of New Zealand. I respect that great country.
Q I'm going to have to call it a day. That's all.
THE PRESIDENT: I think you did a fine job.
END 3:35 P.M. EDT
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