For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 6, 2003
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Briefing Room
1:15 P.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I have no opening statements or
remarks, so I'll jump right into questions.
Q Scott, the Israeli raid into Syria, does that -- is that
consistent with the U.S. doctrine of preemptive strikes to attack
terrorists in countries that harbor them? And will the U.S. veto the
U.N.'s resolution that Syria is seeking?
MR. McCLELLAN: On the first part of your question, one, the
President talked a little bit about this earlier today, but we've
always said that Israel has the right to defend herself, but that
Israel should also take into account the consequences of any actions
they may take. We've also made it clear to Syria and Israel that they
should avoid doing anything that would escalate the situation or
heighten tensions in the region.
The terrorist attack that took place over the weekend is just
another reminder of the need for a Palestinian Authority that will work
to dismantle terrorist organizations. That is the way forward on the
President's two state vision that he outlined on June 24th.
Q On the U.N. resolution, will the U.S. veto that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that it's important that if you're
talking about anything at the U.N. -- one, those discussions are
ongoing. So I'll let those discussions take place there. But it's
important for the international community to stand together in
condemning terrorist attacks that are carried out against innocent men,
women and children. And that's exactly what took place in Haifa over
the weekend. This vicious attack let to the death of innocent men,
women, and even children. And it was a horrific attack, and those
attacks must be stopped. And everybody has a responsibility to fight
terrorism. And I think it's important that the international community
speak out against such attacks, as well.
Q Does the United States think that these attacks stem from an
occupation that is intolerable, unbearable for the Palestinians, the
building of a wall, the settlements and so forth, that they reached a
point to lead to this horrible violence?
MR. McCLELLAN: Actually, the President has made his views known,
that all parties --
Q No. Scott, he never says it enough.
MR. McCLELLAN: All parties have responsibilities to move forward
on the two-state vision --
Q Does the think that the Israeli should --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- to move forward on the road map.
Q -- end its occupation? Does he think --
MR. McCLELLAN: The President has made it clear that as we move
forward on the road map, that the settlement activity needs to end.
He's spoken out on that.
Q How about the total occupation of Palestinian land?
MR. McCLELLAN: But let me remind you that all parties have
responsibilities when it comes to implementing the road map. We have
certainly gone through a difficult period here. And the way to move
forward toward this two-state vision is for all parties to crack down
on terrorism, for the Palestinian Authority to be empowered -- a
Cabinet and a prime minister that is empowered to crack down on
terrorism, to dismantle terrorist organizations.
Q Scott, does the United States share the assessment that the
target in Syria was a terrorist camp?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's our understanding from the Israeli
government. They've said that publicly, that this was a terrorist camp
that they struck in Syria. And that's what we know.
Q So we agree with that, then? I mean, we accept that as --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I think the point we're at now it's
important to urge Israel to urge Syria not to do anything that would
escalate the situation, not to do anything that would heighten tensions
in the region. And that's what we're doing. That's where we are.
Q Turning to the domestic front, and something in the news
here, you and the President both said before the President left for
Texas that the decision in California was up to the voters --
MR. McCLELLAN: I knew you were going to ask about California.
(Laughter.)
Q Given the fact that the official Republican State Committee
has endorsed Mr. Schwarzenegger, has that position changed? And does
the White House have any opinion on the charges leveled against Mr.
Schwarzenegger in the past week?
MR. McCLELLAN: We recognize there is an election going on in
California. We continue to believe that that is a matter for the
people of California to decide. And we have confidence in their
judgment.
Q How about the second part of my question?
MR. McCLELLAN: We recognize there is a campaign going on, and
those are issues being discussed in the campaign and that's in the
context of the campaign. It's a nice way to try to draw us into an
election that's going on right now, but we believe it's a matter for
the people of California to decide.
Q Back on Syria. The White House has said that they harbor
terrorists and Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Hamas, and that they allow
terrorists or militants to cross the border into Iraq. What is the
administration doing about that? I mean, they've said they're
problems, but does the White House have any follow through?
MR. McCLELLAN: Syria knows our concerns. We've made it very
clear, and we've made it very clear that they will be held accountable
for those actions. We continue to urge Syria to change course and stop
harboring terrorists, stop pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and
a number of other areas, as well, that we have concerns with Syria
about. But we've made those views very well known.
Q Is there any plans for the administration to follow up and
talk to Syrian officials or even the leadership about what has
occurred?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, we continue to make our views known. And
they know that we take these issues very seriously, and they know what
they need to do.
Q Scott, the President just expressed his desire to get to the
bottom of this CIA leak issue. And he said he wanted to hold
accountable whoever was responsible --
MR. McCLELLAN: Absolutely.
Q -- responsible for this. But can you confirm that the
President would fire anyone on his staff found to have leaked
classified information?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think I made that very clear last week. The
topic came up, and I said that if anyone in this administration was
responsible for the leaking of classified information, they would no
longer work in this administration. This is a very serious matter.
The President made it very clear just a short time ago in the East
Room, and he has always said that leaking of classified information is
a serious matter. And that's why he wants to get to the bottom of
this. And the sooner we get to the bottom of it, the better.
Q Scott, can I ask you a separate question?
MR. McCLELLAN: You may ask me a separate question.
Q On Kibaki. Did he specifically ask the President for help in
resuming IMF loans, and what was the President's response?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, I think that I will leave it with the -- they
addressed that in the press availability. The two leaders both
addressed that very issue there. But they talked about a number of
issues, from fighting terrorism to expanding trade opportunities to
fighting the scourge of AIDS. There are a number of important areas
they covered. And the two leaders discussed that very issue out
there. I don't have anything to add to what the President said.
Q Scott, two quick questions. One, HB1 visa is under attack in
the U.S. Congress. Where does the President stand on this issue,
because many countries have concerns.
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, what was the --
Q H-1B visas.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes.
Q They are under attack in the U.S. Congress. They want to
limit or eliminate the visa. So where does the President stand on the
visas?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President continues to believe what he said
previously, that we should be a welcoming society. Obviously,
September 11th came, and there is need to strengthen our border
security and take some additional steps there. But we also -- as we do
that, we want to continue to be a welcoming society. We are a nation
of immigrants, and the President's position remains the same on that
issue.
Q I'd like to go back to Randy's original question about the
applicability of the Bush doctrine to Israel and the Middle East.
Could you elaborate a little bit on what the President's thinking is
about whether Israel should feel that it is getting an okay from the
United States to conduct raids into other countries in the pursuit of
terrorists?
MR. McCLELLAN: They don't ask for it and we don't give those --
that we've made it clear that Israel -- the President made very clear
in the East Room that Israel has the right to defend herself. But as
they do, they should take into account the consequences of the actions
that they may take. And we've made that very clear.
Q But, obviously, they've taken a step beyond what they have
done before in doing that here. Do you have any sense of whether they
are now stepping over a line that you are comfortable with, or is this
okay?
MR. McCLELLAN: You heard the remarks from the President. We
continue to urge parties not to take steps that would heighten tensions
in the region. That's what we will continue to emphasize, particularly
at this point in time. But, again, let's not lose sight of what
happened over the weekend in Haifa. That was a horrific attack on
innocent men, women and children, and terrorism must not be allowed to
stand. There needs to be action taken to dismantle terrorist
organizations so that we can move forward on the road map, so that we
can get back to the road map and move forward to the two-state vision
that will be beneficial to both Israelis and the Palestinian people,
there will be a brighter future for everyone.
Q Scott, did the United States have any advance knowledge of
the attack --
MR. McCLELLAN: No.
Q -- either in specifics or in a broader sense of, Israel is
prepared to go outside its borders?
MR. McCLELLAN: No.
Q Scott, you said at the beginning of this that Israel says
that it was a terrorist camp that they hit. Do you have any
independent confirmation of that from U.S. intelligence, or are you
just taking their word for it?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't have -- no, I don't have anything to share
with you at this point.
Q The other question I had was, California is going to be a
very important state for the President next year. Is Arnold
Schwarzenegger the type of person that the President would like to have
campaign for him in that state?
MR. McCLELLAN: There we go again, trying to draw me back into
California. (Laughter.) We have great confidence in the people of
California to decide this matter. And they will do that tomorrow.
Q But, Scott, hang on, let me -- the question I asked was, is
Schwarzenegger the type of person that the President would like --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, John, this is a nice end around -- this is
an end around to try to draw us into an election that is ongoing right
now. You know that as well as I do -- by the smile on your face, I can
tell. (Laughter.)
Go ahead, Jim.
Q On the U.N. resolution, I couldn't quite tell what you meant
by your remark. Do you mean that it depends on what the language is
whether or not the U.S. vetoes?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there is discussion going on at the United
Nations. I would like to let those discussions continue. What I said
was that it's important for the international community to speak out
against terrorist attacks like the one that occurred in Haifa over the
weekend. It's important to condemn those attacks in an unequivocal
way, just as the President did on Saturday, after the attack occurred.
Q Scott, if I could, on a slightly different thing. On this --
on the support group that the President is talking about, from the NSC,
for Mr. Rumsfeld and Bremer, I'm still a little fuzzy on this.
(Laughter.) Could you explain in a little more detail what it is that
they're doing and why, if there is a support group needed now, it
wasn't needed before? I'm a little fuzzy.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, this will help us focus efforts here in
Washington, D.C. better. This is just an inter-agency coordinating
group. It is common practice, the President noted, for the NSC to
coordinate efforts of the Cabinet, and that's what this is about. This
is set up to strengthen our assistance from Washington for the
Coalition Provisional Authority's efforts in Iraq, and the Department
of Defense's efforts in Iraq. This group can work to help cut through
some of the bureaucracy and red tape here in Washington, D.C., so that
we can make sure as our efforts accelerate in Iraq, that they're
getting the full assistance from Washington, D.C.
Q So there was a sense that there had been a problem with
cutting through the bureaucracy --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I think, Jim, what you see happening now is
we're entering a new phase. The Congress is considering the wartime
supplemental now, this is a package that will provide a tremendous
amount of resources to help us achieve our objectives in Iraq, and help
to better secure the country and help the country become a functioning
society, so that Iraqis can assume full responsibility for their
future.
And we're going to have a lot more resources going to that effort
and we want to make sure that we're doing everything we can to support
those efforts. You have four different areas that will be under this
group. And keep in mind that this is at the under secretary level.
There are often inter-agency groups that work on specific areas. And
it will have a National Security Council member kind of overseeing each
of the different subgroups within it. There's the counterterrorism,
there's the economic issues, there's the political institutions, and
then there's the communications side.
And within those, you're going to have some -- at the under
secretary level -- Cabinet representatives. And they'll be looking at
matters back here in Washington, D.C., looking at how can we cut
through some of the bureaucratic red tape that goes on here in
Washington, D.C. and make sure that the assistance is getting to the
Coalition Provisional Authority. Nothing changes in terms of the
Coalition Provisional Authority and the Department of Defense.
This is still being led by the Pentagon, and the Coalition
Provisional Authority is carrying out their exact same duties they have
been to help transfer responsibility to the Iraqi people as quickly as
possible. There are often interagency groups that are formed for
different matters like this.
Q Scott, on the same subject. Assuming that -- I would assume
the President signed off on this and asked Dr. Rice to take charge and
create this new group. Can you just illuminate what his thinking was?
Why would the President want this group to form now? There was a
group, but at a lower level, I understand, within NSC.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are various levels. You have
principals committee. You have the deputies committee. You have the
policy coordinating committees. So that's all within this same kind of
--
Q So why does the President now say --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- within this same kind of structure.
Q -- we need this group?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, for the very reasons I said, because we've
got this wartime supplemental that's being considered by Congress.
There will be additional resources provided to our accelerated efforts
in Iraq. And this will just help us focus in on those areas here in
Washington, D.C. Again, this is what's happening here in Washington,
D.C. to support the efforts over in Iraq, the efforts of the Coalition
Provisional Authority.
Q There was a report, though, in the New York Times this
morning that this decision emerged out of a meeting back in August, at
the ranch. And I believe the supplemental wasn't even introduced at
that point. So was there some other reason, too?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, there was -- we always have been looking at
what the cost would be for moving forward in Iraq and transferring
responsibility to the Iraqi people. When we came up with the exact
cost, that's when we put those costs forward for the Congress to
consider. But those discussions have been going on for some time.
Q If I can follow up, too. You just said, "this is still being
led by the Pentagon." Could you just be a little bit more specific for
what you mean by --
MR. McCLELLAN: Our efforts in Iraq. Our efforts in the
reconstruction, the security system -- that's all being led -- and the
Coalition Provisional Authority reports to Secretary Rumsfeld under
that structure. That structure hasn't changed. This is just -- this
is just back here in Washington, D.C., ways we can strengthen our
assistance to what is going on in Iraq. There are often -- keep in
mind, this is a common practice, there are often inter-agency groups
formed for various issues, and this is one of them.
Q So how does the State Department have its input into this
process now, under this structure? How does the State Department make
its views known?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, they make their views known through a variety
of ways, through the principals committee, through the deputies
committee. Again, this is an under secretary level that we're talking
about on the Iraq stabilization group. And you need to keep in mind
that various Cabinet departments will be part of that -- as you
mentioned, State, Treasury, Transportation. There are going to be all
sorts of Cabinet departments that will be part of this effort to help
assist matters in Iraq. That's all it is.
Q So what you're actually saying is, there really is no
change.
MR. McCLELLAN: In terms of the Pentagon and Coalition Provisional
Authority, you're absolutely right.
Q So why are you having this group?
MR. McCLELLAN: They'll continue to do what they're doing. But
this helps us focus in on those areas as we get more resources from the
wartime supplemental.
Q Scott, the problem we're having, though, I think is, if this
is the answer to a problem, then what was the problem?
MR. McCLELLAN: I didn't say it was.
Q But you wouldn't do it unless you needed it for some reason.
MR. McCLELLAN: Our efforts are accelerating in Iraq, and this is a
way to focus in on those areas here in Washington, D.C., as more
resources come in, so that we can do everything from Washington to
support the efforts in Iraq.
Q So the problem was disorganization in Washington?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I didn't say that. You're putting words in my
mouth.
Q I'm trying to understand what you're saying.
MR. McCLELLAN: There are often inter-agency coordinating groups.
I mean, I've walked through this; I think I've spelled it out pretty
clearly. There will be four different areas involved in this group,
and this is just a way to kind of strengthen our assistance to what's
going on in Iraq.
Q Some analysts are reading this as a -- this new structuring
as some kind of suggestion that the situation as it is was not being
performed properly, or is some rebuke at the Pentagon --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think we're making great progress in Iraq.
There's a lot of progress we're making on all fronts: the security
front, the economic front, the democratic front; we're making a lot of
progress in terms of opening schools, in terms of Iraqis graduating to
form the first battalion of the their army over the weekend. So
there's a lot of progress being made. But, again, there are a lot more
resources coming in. And these are inter-agency working groups that
are formed on a variety of issues. This is just another example of an
inter-agency group to help with -- coordinate efforts here and provide
some assistance and advice to the efforts in Iraq.
Q Is this also an effort to get some control on the
communication of the information?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, we'll provide assistance from this end
to what is going on in Iraq. But those efforts are led by the
Coalition Provisional Authority.
Q Did anyone in Congress say to the White House, we won't
approve the $20 billion until you've got better control on it here?
MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't heard that specifically.
Q And very narrowly on Syria, did Israel inform the Bush
administration that it was going to hit --
MR. McCLELLAN: I already answered that. Randy asked that, and I
said, no.
Q But just to be clear, if you can say declaratively --
MR. McCLELLAN: I can say it declaratively: no.
Q That?
MR. McCLELLAN: They did not.
Q Scott, when did Secretary Rumsfeld ask for this assistance
from the National Security Council?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry? Well, this is something that's been
discussed. I mean, as Kay pointed out, it was discussed back in
August. Secretary Rumsfeld and Ambassador Bremer have been very
involved in this process as we've moved forward. And, again, it's
still in the early stages; the first meetings will begin soon.
But keep it all in perspective. This is an inter-agency working
group, coordinating group. That's what it is.
Q So this is something that Secretary Rumsfeld asked for this
kind of assistance and the White House responded?
MR. McCLELLAN: Secretary Rumsfeld and Ambassador Bremer were part
of the process of forming this group. That's the way I would describe
it.
Q And can I just go back to --
Q (Inaudible.)
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, it's often discussed throughout the Cabinet
departments and throughout --
Q Was it one person's idea just to begin with?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- throughout the others. But there are a number
of people that have input into it. Go ahead.
Q Getting back to the Middle East, the President reiterated
today, as you have, the commitment to the road map. And, yet, across
the Arab world there is great question about what that commitment
actually means -- when Israel can continue with the settlement
activity, can continue with the security fence and pay no price for
it. Can you say what price Israel is paying for those activities?
MR. McCLELLAN: I've made it clear that we've made our views known
on all those issues, on settlement activity, on the fence. We've made
our concerns known. We continue to discuss those issues with the
government of Israel as we move forward and remind everybody that they
all have responsibilities.
But, again, let's not lose sight of what needs to happen. What
needs to happen so that we can move forward on the two-state vision is
for the Palestinian Authority to empower its cabinet to crack down on
terrorism, to have a unified security force under its command, and then
to go after the terrorist organizations and dismantle them. It's those
terrorists that the enemies of a two-state vision, that are enemies of
two states living side-by-side in peace. That's why we continue
emphasize the need to dismantle those terrorist organizations.
Q I want to kind of follow up on Bob's question now on the
Middle East. You've said several times now that Israel has the right
to protect itself as long as it understands what the consequences are.
If it feels it has a green light from the United States to move forward
--
MR. McCLELLAN: We're not a traffic light.
Q Or that it's a --
MR. McCLELLAN: We're not a traffic light.
Q Well, whatever. You understand what I mean If they feel
that they're -- what are the consequences of what their actions are, if
they think they have the okay from the United States to do things like
this? And they think they have the protection at the Security Council
--
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I just answered that, first part of that
question. We've made it clear that to move forward on the road map,
all parties have to accept their responsibilities and work to implement
those responsibilities and keep in mind, the need not to escalate or
heighten tensions in the region.
Q So the consequences, then, are that the road map will not
proceed?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the consequences to what?
Q To Israel protecting itself.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, when you take actions like this, you should
keep in mind the consequences of what it means for the two-state
vision, of what it means for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and
you have to keep in mind the consequences of the actions. Everybody
needs to do that as they move forward.
Q That's what I was trying to find out -- what are those
consequences?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think they know very well what the consequences
are. And we are trying to work with all the parties to get back to the
road map. We're in a difficult phase now, but the way to get back to
that is for the Palestinian cabinet to crack down on terrorism, and
that's the way forward.
Q How do you not heighten tensions and how do you move forward
when attitudes are so hardened, so bitter, so stratified? And is it
wise to push for a peace process at this time? Also, is the U.S. still
concerned about --
MR. McCLELLAN: What we're pushing for at this time is an end to
terrorism. What we're pushing for is for all parties to remember their
responsibilities. And the first and foremost responsibility is the end
to terrorism. Terrorists do not want to see two states living
side-by-side in peace and security. They are trying to stop this
process from moving forward. And we need to go after those terrorists
and dismantle their infrastructure so that they can't continue to do
that.
Q But what about a change in attitude, which takes years?
Q Are there any decisions or authority that will not -- that
the working group will assume that -- from the State Department or the
Defense Department? Are there any things that they once had the
authority for, decision-making authority for, that will now --
MR. McCLELLAN: It's not -- it shouldn't be viewed as a
decision-making body. It should be viewed as more of a coordinating
and advisory body. That's what it should be viewed as.
Q So State and Defense will do exactly what they've been doing
before? I'm just not clear on what --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, the roles haven't changed. It's exactly what I
said. Let me try to be even more clear. As I said, we're going to
have more resources from the wartime supplemental to help with our
accelerated efforts that are going on now in Iraq, and we always want
to make sure that here in Washington, D.C., that we're providing the
best possible support for what is going on in Iraq. And that means
when we have these resources, all these resources, that we want to cut
through the bureaucracy, we want to cut through the red tape and make
sure that we're getting the assistance there quickly so that they can
carry out their priorities.
Q So it's the second supplemental that triggered -- that made
this --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's part of the new phase we're in,
because we're accelerating our efforts, and part of accelerating our
efforts is moving forward on the wartime supplemental so that we can
prevail in the central front in the war on terrorism.
Q Scott, does the President believe that Ariel Sharon is still
committed to moving the road map, the peace process forward?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, he does. But, again, there is terrorist --
Q -- conversation --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the purpose of the President's call was to
express his condolences. They also talked about the need to avoid
heightening tensions, the need to avoid escalation. And so that was
discussed, as well. And we continue to urge all parties to avoid
heightening tensions in the region -- that includes Israel, that
includes Syria, that includes everyone.
Q Scott, on the energy deliberations. Over the weekend, as you
know, the Washington Post published an account that one of the
provisions under consideration would ease restrictions on the exports
of bomb-grade uranium to several countries. And there's a possibility
of this being subject to a Senate filibuster. Is the administration
seeking the removal of this provision for national security --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think it's something that we're reviewing
at this point. It's not something that was part of our plan. The
administration has had a long history of reducing the use of highly
enriched uranium worldwide because of our concerns about
nonproliferation. The President is strongly committed to fighting the
spread of weapons of mass destruction. And so we have a long history
there. But this is a provision that we're reviewing. We'll be working
with members of Congress. That's where it stands at this point.
Q Will the President sign a bill that has that provision in
it?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, we're reviewing the provision. We haven't
had an opportunity to fully review the provision. And we'll continue
working with Congress, but I wanted to make our views very well known.
Q On the war supplemental, one issue under discussion is the
possibility of attaching a child credit to that bill, because there are
several military families that would benefit from a credit for that
income that is not receiving a credit at this point. Would the
administration support --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President has made his views known on
that
child credit -- tax provision, that Congress should pass it. But
our view, when it comes to a wartime supplemental like this has always
been that it should be clean and that it should be passed as quickly as
possible, because the assistance is needed.
Q Turkey announced that it would contribute troops to Iraq.
How many --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, actually they -- I think their cabinet passed
something, but their parliament still has to consider that action.
Q Okay. How many, what for --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again --
Q -- how significant is this?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think you need to let their parliament take its
proper action. Their parliament has not acted on that. It's something
that the cabinet did at this point. So it's continuing to move through
the process there.
Q Scott, the Iraq survey group has spent something like $300
million since the end of the war, attempting to verify and find caches
of weapons of mass destruction, which they have not found yet -- so
far, in terms of weapons caches. The supplemental is now --
MR. McCLELLAN: Let's point out what they have found, as well.
Q Let me finish my question.
MR. McCLELLAN: Okay.
Q The administration is now asking for an additional $600
million. What exactly is the $600 million for? And what will you say
to the arguing from some that --
MR. McCLELLAN: We went through this --
Q -- you're throwing good money after bad?
MR. McCLELLAN: We went through this last week. In the wartime
supplement, there is a classified section, just like there is any
budget appropriation. And I'm not in a position to confirm or deny
what's in there, or to get into a position of discussing what's in that
classified section. And I'm sure no one in this room wants me to
discuss classified information.
Q What about the argument, though, that it would appear to be
throwing good money after bad?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me mention that the Iraq survey group
does continue to do its work. Dr. Kay pointed out over the weekend a
lot of what they have found was not the focus of the initial coverage,
and now I think it's important to look at what they have found, as
well. Dr. Kay summarized in his report that was made public that --
and I quote that the report discovered what the report calls: dozens
of WMD-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment
that Iraq concealed from the United Nations during the inspections that
began in late 2002.
He talked about the strain of botulinum toxin that were found. He
talked about -- yesterday, about how a scientist was asked to keep a
large amount of anthrax and turned that down. So there's a lot of work
that continues. And it's important that the Iraq survey group continue
to move forward on its work so that we can uncover the full extent of
Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction programs.
He also talked a lot about their advanced design work on missiles,
that there was a lot of activity in that report that was in clear
violation of Security Council Resolution 1441. And it's important that
they continue to do their work, and that's exactly what they're doing.
Q Could you say, then, that the attitude that you're looking
for something to justify or back up the claims were -- the reasons for
going to war is the wrong way of looking at the survey group?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think if you look at the report and read
the report, the summary of his report in full, you'll see justification
for what we did. As Secretary Powell said, it made us even more
convinced that what we did was the right thing. It shows that Saddam
Hussein is a dangerous -- was a dangerous dictator. He is no longer in
power. He has been removed from power. The world is better, and the
world is safer, and America is more secure before of that action that
we took in Iraq.
Q Scott, you mentioned earlier the White House doesn't want to
get with a matter for the people of California in the recall election.
Yet, on Thursday, the President travels to Kentucky and will lend his
support for the Republican candidate in that state. Why the --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, this -- remember, this is an unusual
situation that we're talking about in California. And you have -- I
don't know how many candidates, but a lot -- and there is no -- there
is not a primary -- a Democrat and Republican primary, per se, it's
everybody running together at the same time. And the President has
said from the beginning that this would be a matter for the people of
California to decide and our position has not changed. But they are
different circumstances.
Q Is it because there are two fairly prominent Republicans that
are still in the race that the White House doesn't want to --
MR. McCLELLAN: It's for the unique situation that exists in
California right now. First you have a recall that was initiated by
the people of California, and a decision has to be made on that. And
then there -- if they make a certain decision on that, then they
proceed forward on the second ballot vote. But it's just a unique
situation, and we are not involved in it.
Q Two things, Scott. One, House Republicans, led by Duncan
Hunter, believe that the Defense Department has become too dependent on
foreign suppliers who cut off needed material in a crisis. Hunter has
introduced a buy American provision to the Defense Authorization Bill.
The President opposes this. Why?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that you need to refer that question
to Department of Defense. Those are decisions that the Department of
Defense makes.
Q No, the President --
MR. McCLELLAN: We look to our military leaders to make those
decisions.
Q The President has --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll have to look at the specific provision you're
talking about. But if it's in our statement of administration policy,
then there you have it. But on matters like that, we will talk to the
Department of Defense about it.
Q Second thing. Newsweek is reporting this week that Karl Rove
told "Hardball" host Chris Matthews that Wilson's wife was, "fair
game."
MR. McCLELLAN: I think there is a different response in that
article, as well. But, look, the subject of this investigation --
Q Did he say that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Let's talk about this. The subject of this
investigation is whether someone leaked classified information. That's
what this is about. And there are some that are trying -- some that
see this as a political opportunity to attack the White House, and so
they're talking about all sorts of other issues. The issue here is a
very serious matter, and it needs to be pursued to the fullest, and we
want to get to the bottom of it. The President expects everyone in his
administration to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. That is
the tone he has set in his administration. That is the tone he has set
here in Washington, D.C. And if someone leaked classified information,
we want to know, and appropriate action should be taken against that
person.
Q Okay, but did Karl Rove tell Chris Matthews --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, no --
Q -- it was fair game?
MR. McCLELLAN: Now we're trying to talk about other issues. The
subject of this investigation --
Q Why can't we talk about --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- the subject of this investigation is, did
someone leak classified information? And I addressed this very issue,
it came up. If people differ with our views, that's fine, let's have a
debate about that, let's have a good, honest debate about it. But the
subject of this investigation -- no one wants to get to the bottom of
it more than the President of the United States. And that's why we're
pushing -- that's why we're making it very clear to the White House
that we want to cooperate fully in this investigation. And the
President --
Q On that subject, are investigators from the Department of
Justice coming here to interview White House aides today, tomorrow?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that -- I want to do everything I can to
provide you with the information you need to do your job. But at the
same time, let's recognize that this is an ongoing investigation. And
I don't want to conduct that investigation from this podium. There are
career prosecutors and investigators that are moving forward on this
matter. And I want to make sure that we preserve the integrity of this
--
Q But are --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- let me finish -- preserve the integrity of this
investigation. I don't want to do anything that would hinder, slow
down or harm their work. And if those investigators want information
known, I'm sure that you can talk to them and they will provide you
that information. But we may not know everything that they're doing.
Obviously, they are pursuing the investigation, and they're doing it
independently, as they should.
Q I'm not asking about the content of those conversations, by
any means. I'm asking, do you know whether investigators are here this
afternoon or tomorrow?
MR. McCLELLAN: But sometimes there are situations where
investigators may want certain information to remain private as they
move forward on the investigation. I'm not suggesting anything one way
or the other, I'm just saying that I will provide you -- and I don't
have anything to update you on with right now -- but if I can provide
you that information in way that will help the investigation move
forward, I will do so. But I think that those questions are properly
directed to the career investigators at the Department of Justice. And
if they want information known, I'm sure that they will share that
information with you.
Q Scott, has the President asked his advisors how much or
whether there was damage done to national security by this leak?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that, one, there are certain things assumed
in that question. The investigation is ongoing at this point. And I
think that the CIA is the one that will look at those matters. Where
we are right now is, we want to move forward on this investigation and
get to the bottom of this, and we want to do everything we can to
cooperate in that investigation. If anyone has information, either
inside or outside the administration, they should report it to the
Department of Justice. But I think that, again, you should talk to the
CIA about more specifics about that issue.
Q Did it first come to his attention in July?
Q You said a moment ago that the President expects all members
of his staff to be held to the highest standards. Well, Ambassador
Wilson yesterday, on "Meet the Press," said that even if Karl Rove did
not actually originate this information, he condoned it by depicting
Virginia Plame as "fair game."
MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, let's --
Q Do you believe that Karl Rove is upholding the highest
ethical standards in doing that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Let's get something clear here about this
investigation. Again, the subject of this investigation is whether
someone leaked classified information. As I pointed out --
Q (Inaudible.)
MR. McCLELLAN: Can I finish, please? As I pointed out, there are
some that are seeing this as a political opportunity to attack the
White House, to try and bring down the White House. That's
unfortunate. There is a difference between setting the record straight
and doing something to punish someone for speaking out. We welcome a
good, honest, straightforward debate. We welcome those who differ with
our views. We welcome their views, those who differ with us. Freedom
of speech is certainly a cornerstone of our democracy.
But there is a difference between setting the record straight when
someone with differing views says something that is not backed up by
the facts, as opposed to what some have suggested, that there was an
effort to punish someone for speaking out against the administration.
I think that's absurd.
Again, the subject of the investigation is whether or not someone
leaked classified information. But if someone is talking about someone
pointing out that a statement they made was not based on the facts and
that it was wrong, that's simply setting the record state. And I think
we should understand the differences there. But what you have now is
some in this town -- and it all too often happens during an
investigation like this -- some are now using this a political
opportunity to seek partisan political gain.
Q Again, I'm sorry, I'm just following up on what the
ambassador, himself, said, which was, there were two waves. The first
wave was the original leak. The second wave was contacting six
journalists and basically inviting them to go after --
MR. McCLELLAN: These are unsubstantiated accusations, let me
remind you. But let me go back to the time period that we talked
about. There were some statements made, and those statements were not
based on facts. And we pointed out that it was not the Vice
President's Office that sent Mr. Wilson to Niger. Director Tenet made
it very clear in his statement that it was people in the
counterproliferation area that made that decision on their own
initiative.
There were also statements made that were portrayed as
contradicting what the President said in the State of the Union
address, when, in fact, Director Tenet also in that statement made it
very clear that those findings were inconclusive. So that's what I'm
talking about here. You have some people that are trying to move the
goal post. Because there is a very serious investigation going on,
some people are now seeing that as a political opportunity to attack
the White House. And they're moving the goal post and talking about
issues that are not the subject of this investigation.
Randy, did you have something?
Q Yes. Does the President believe that -- excuse me -- that
the Israeli strike in Syria escalated tensions in the Middle East? You
said they shouldn't do that. Did that strike escalate tensions?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I think I addressed that when I said that
Israel has a right to defend herself, but should always keep in mind
the consequences of their actions. The President answered it, as well,
earlier today. And where we are at this point in time is the President
has urged everyone not to take steps that would escalate the situation,
to avoid heightening tensions in the region. And that remains what we
are going to continue to urge people to do.
Thank you.
END 1:54 P.M. EDT
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