For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 10, 2004
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
2:02 P.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I want to begin with a readout of
a world leader call, and then I've got a few announcements and we'll
get to questions.
This morning, the President called Panamanian
President-elect
Martin Torrijos to congratulate him on his election. The President
underscored the importance of our relationship with Panama, and said
that he looked forward to working with President Torrijos once he is
inaugurated on September 1st. They promised to stay in touch on
important initiatives as they move forward, including such issues as
expanding free trade in our hemisphere.
Now for a few announcements to the President's
schedule. The
President will welcome President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos of the
Republic of Angola to the White House on Wednesday, May 12th.
President Bush looks forward to discussing issues affecting the common
interest of the United States and the Republic of Angola, particularly
Angola's postwar reconstruction and transition to democracy, trade and
development, regional stability, HIV/AIDS and the global war on
terrorism.
The second announcement here: The President will arrive in Rome,
Italy, on June 4, 2004, for meetings with President Ciampi and Prime
Minister Berlusconi. June 4th marks the 60th anniversary of the World
War II liberation of Rome by American and Allied forces. Today, Italy
stands as a NATO ally and as a major contributor to international
efforts to strengthen security and democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan and
the Balkins.
The President will also go to the Vatican to meet with Pope John
Paul II. His Holiness has been a symbol of moral courage, and of human
freedom and dignity. This will be President Bush's third meeting with
the Pope during his term of office. The President will depart Rome on
June 5, 2004, en route to Paris and Normandy.
And, finally, the President will travel to County Clare, Ireland on
June 25th. He will participate in the U.S.-EU Summit on June 26th, and
then travel to Ankora, Turkey, for bilateral meetings on June 27th,
before departing for the NATO Summit in Istanbul, June 27th through
29th. The trip will underscore the importance of the relationship with
all of our European partners in an undivided transatlantic community.
And that's all the announcements I have. I'll be glad to take your
questions. Terry.
Q Scott, can you tell us about any pictures that the President
saw while he was at the Pentagon?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, yes. You heard from the President about his
briefing. The President did receive a briefing -- or participate in a
briefing to receive an update on our efforts in Iraq
and the global war
on terrorism.
Following that meeting, he participated in an interview with Armed
Forces Radio and Television. And then after that, he went to the
Secretary's office, where the President looked at more
than a dozen
photos and images. The President's reaction was one of deep disgust
and disbelief that anyone who wears our uniform would engage in such
shameful and appalling acts. It does not represent our United States
military, and it does not represent the United States of America.
Q Can you describe what was in the photographs?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I'm not going to get into that, John. There
are ongoing investigations. We need to let those investigations move
forward and I don't want to get into doing anything that could
compromise those investigations.
Q He also saw videos, right?
Q I was going to say, did he see the video?
MR. McCLELLAN: It included some still images from video. So it
was still photos, and then some still images of videotape.
Q So there's no actual moving video? He didn't see any
videotape?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, he saw some still images from video.
Q What about further releasing of these, Scott?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we remain in close contact with the Pentagon
on those issues. The Pentagon is looking at those issues. The
Pentagon recognizes the importance of congressional oversight, so
they're continuing to talk with members of Congress so that they will
be able to take a look at some of these appalling images. In terms of
releasing them publicly, the Pentagon has to take into account other
considerations. They have to take into account privacy concerns, and
they have to take into account concerns related to ongoing criminal
investigations. I don't think they want to do anything that would
compromise ongoing criminal investigations.
And I think the President has made his views very clear, in terms
of the overall investigations. There are several investigations going
on. The President believes that that process should be open and
transparent. And it's important for the world to see, by our actions,
that the United States takes these matters very seriously, and that we
work to hold people responsible, and that we work to make sure that
this doesn't happen ever again.
Q So the President has left the decision about whether these
photographs should be released to the Pentagon entirely? He's not
going to weigh-in on that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Terry, I said we remain in close contact. In fact,
they talked about some of these issues during the briefing. We remain
in close contact with the Pentagon on these matters. But the Pentagon
is looking at these issues, taking into account the concerns that I
mentioned. They have to take into account privacy issues. They have
to take into account issues relating to ongoing criminal
investigations. They also -- believes it's very important to keep
Congress informed about these matters. Congress has an important
oversight role to play. And so they'll be talking with members of
Congress today -- I should say, continuing to talk with members of
Congress today.
Q Is it easier then for -- for them to be released through the
oversight process, rather than through the command structure, as it
were?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's what I'm saying, in terms of releasing
these images publicly, they don't want to do anything that would
compromise ongoing criminal investigations because we want to make sure
that the people who committed these despicable acts are held
accountable. We don't want to do anything that would interfere with
bringing them to justice, as you can appreciate.
Q One more, I have one more. The Red Cross says, in its report
of February, 2004, now public, "Since the beginning of the conflict,
the International Committee of the Red Cross has regularly brought its
concerns about the abuse of prisoners to the attention of coalition
forces." The observations in this report are consistent with those made
out earlier, several occasions orally and in writing to coalition
forces. When did the President, or anyone in the White House, first
learn that the Red Cross, for more than a year, was documenting abuse
of prisoners in Iraq?
MR. McCLELLAN: We're aware of these issues, because the coalition
and our military works very closely with the International Red Cross on
these issues. And I would point out that you might want to talk to the
Pentagon about some of these matters, because we believe in cooperating
closely with the Red Cross. And the military has worked to address
some of the issues that they raised. And they can probably brief you
on some of those issues that they have worked to address.
Q They raised this from March through November of 2003, they
said, regularly.
MR. McCLELLAN: Understood.
Q Did their warnings, did their documentation of the abuse of
Iraqi prisoners reach this building, reach the White House?
MR. McCLELLAN: It's important that we work to address concerns
like that. And I think the Pentagon can brief you about specifics
about how we've worked to address some of those issues. We believe in
working closely with the Red Cross on these matters. Detainee
treatment is something that we always are looking at and talking
about. It's important that we make sure we adhere to high standards of
conduct; that we are the United States of America and we stand for rule
of law and we stand for justice and we stand for treating everyone with
dignity and respect. And we believe in treating prisoners humanely.
And so those issues are things that are constantly discussed, Terry.
Q So the White House was aware that Iraqi prisoners were being
abused before January of 2004?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, now, I didn't use those terms. I said we're
aware of some of the issues that the Red Cross raised, and we've been
working to address those issues. You can talk to the Pentagon about
some of the ways they've worked to address those issues.
Go ahead, Dana.
Q Just based on what you said this morning, it sounds like,
aside from what has been in the media, this is the first time the
President has seen the photographs that Don Rumsfeld was talking about
on Friday, correct?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. I mean, he's seen the ones that have been in
the media.
Q Secondly, after he saw them --
MR. McCLELLAN: And he's been briefed on them previously,
obviously.
Q Right. After he saw them, in talking to him, does he seem
more or less likely to want to get them out, get out ahead of it, and
release them to the public?
MR. McCLELLAN: Look, again, Dana, those are issues that the
Pentagon is working to address. And we're going to stay in close
contact with them.
Q But he's the President. He has to have an opinion on this,
particularly since you've described them as disturbing and disgusting.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he appreciates the issues that the Pentagon
has to address, and the Pentagon is working to address those issues.
Q You said, quite clear, that there are issues of compromising
criminal investigation. If those issues can be addressed, is the
President's position that he wants these photographs released?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to try to speculate on that. You
also --
Q It's not speculation.
MR. McCLELLAN: You also --
Q Is his basic --
MR. McCLELLAN: You also --
Q Is his basic position that they should be released if these
other concerns can be addressed?
MR. McCLELLAN: You have privacy issues. You have ongoing criminal
investigations. And they have to look to address those issues. They
are working to look at those issues. And working with Congress to make
sure that Congress can play their proper oversight role in these
matters. And we will continue to stay in close contact with the
Pentagon on these matters.
Q But he hasn't yet decided whether in principle he thinks that
they ought to be recessed?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President believes that the process on the
investigation is moving forward, as they have been, should be an open
and transparent process. He's made his views very clear on that. But
he recognizes the importance of making sure that those individuals who
committed these shameful and appalling acts are held accountable. And
we don't want to do anything that would interfere with that.
Q But what concerns us, though, is as a general principle,
should pictures like this be released to the public so that people have
a right to make up their own mind about it? Understanding that there
are side issues that need to be resolved, if those issues are resolved,
is it the White House's opinion --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to play --
Q -- is it the President's opinion, that in principle, these
ought to be released?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to play the "what if." We have to
look at the reality of this, and look at these issues in the context of
ongoing criminal investigations. That's what the Pentagon is working
to do, and they're working to address those matters.
Q You seem to indicate that you want the pictures to go to
Congress first because of the oversight responsibility. And if there
is some decision later on to share them, it would be after Congress has
seen them?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the Pentagon is working with members
to try to address this in a way that would provide them with the
information they need to carry out their oversight responsibility.
Q The other thing is you mentioned the privacy concerns. What
are the privacy concerns?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think there are always privacy issues
involved here. I'm not a legal expert, but they would be looking at
issues that could involve lawsuits and things of that nature if they
got into releasing these pictures. I think you can address those
questions to some of the legal authorities over at the Pentagon.
Q One other thing. You mentioned the Red Cross, and a Red
Cross representative had said a few days ago that the administration
actually was somewhat responsive to their concerns and had taken some
actions. Can you shed any light on what actions were taken, and in
what ways the administration might have been responsive?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the military and the Pentagon would be glad
to share some of that information with you.
Q Scott?
MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead, Mike.
Q I have two questions. And I start with Terry's question,
which was, when did the White House become aware of these Red Cross
reports?
MR. McCLELLAN: Mike, I'd have to go back and check the exact time
period. But as Terry pointed out, these issues have been -- they go
back a while, so I'd have to check that.
Q But did you know about them before the "60 Minutes" story?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, we were aware of them, because we work very
closely with the International Red Cross. We believe it's important to
cooperate closely with the Red Cross on these issues. These are
important matters and, as I said, the actions that a few individuals
committed do not represent the United States military.
There have been more than 200,000 people in our military who have
served in Iraq. They have done so in an honorable way, and they have
done so in a way that upholds the high standards our military is
committed to adhering to. As the President has pointed out, there are
thousands of acts of kindness and decency and compassion carried out by
our soldiers on a daily basis. Our soldiers work to help orphans in
Iraq; they work to help build schools in Iraq; they work to help
provide medical care for the Iraqi people; and they work to help the
Iraqi people reconstruct their country and move forward to a free and
prosperous future. And we should always remember that the acts
committed by a small number of individuals do not represent the United
States military.
Q Scott, you said, before the "60 Minutes II" story. Did you
know about them -- did the White House know about these reports before
this investigation began in mid-January?
MR. McCLELLAN: Mike, I haven't gone and, like, done a time line on
this, but as Terry pointed out, these concerns have been brought to our
attention previously. And like I said, we are always in close contact
with the principals on these issues of detainees.
Q And my last question is, you just made a reference to a few
individuals, a small number of individuals. What is your basis for
thinking that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are criminal charges being pursued
against, I believe, seven individuals already. There are additional
criminal charges that the military is looking at. And if you look at
the images, there are a small number of individuals in those images who
are carrying out these appalling acts. And I would also point out that
the reason I say that is because I know that those individuals do not
represent our United States military. Our men and women in uniform are
serving and sacrificing with dignity and honor, and representing the
best of the United States.
Q What does the President view today -- the information you
have -- you don't have any information that would indicate to you that
there's any other individuals, any other prisons that are involved in
--
MR. McCLELLAN: Actually, Mike, there are several investigations
ongoing right now. It's important that we let those investigations
proceed, including an investigation looking at whether or not there was
a systemic problem. So it's important to take a comprehensive look at
the entire prison system in Iraq.
I would also point out that Secretary Rumsfeld announced on Friday
the appointment of former senior officials to an independent review
team to go in and look at these matters, as well, and make sure that
it's being pursued to the fullest. The President believes there must
be a full accounting for what occurred.
Q Scott, can I pick up on the second-to-last thing you said?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll come back to you later.
Q At the Pentagon this morning, the President said that
Secretary Rumsfeld is courageously leading the nation in the war on
terror, that he's doing a superb job, that he's a strong Secretary of
Defense, that the nation owes him a debt of gratitude. Beyond the
signal that this sends as far as whether or not he wants Secretary
Rumsfeld to resign, does this indicate that the President thinks he has
no -- should share none of the blame for whatever breakdown of
leadership or command there was on all of this? And does the President
believe --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think Secretary Rumsfeld addressed that issue on
Friday, before members of Congress.
Q Well, I'm asking what the President thinks, and if Rumsfeld
--
MR. McCLELLAN: The President thinks it's important to get to the
bottom of this. He also thinks that it's important to make sure we
stay focused on the mission at hand. We have a difficult and important
task that we are working to accomplish, and it's important that we stay
focused on that mission, because a free and peaceful Iraq is vital to
our nation's interest.
Q Does the President believe that anybody other than the
individuals who were directly involved in these acts is culpable, not
just in a direct sense for the acts, but for whatever breakdown of
leadership --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to prejudge investigations that are
ongoing at this point. There are investigations that are ongoing to
look into all these matters.
Q The President seems to have prejudged Secretary Rumsfeld's
role by giving him a very fulsome endorsement.
MR. McCLELLAN: The President has made his views very clear about
Secretary Rumsfeld, and he stands firmly behind him.
Q May I follow that, please?
Q Scott, what was the President's reaction to WorldNet Daily's
report that photographs circulating all over the Middle East that
depict American soldiers raping Iraqi women are false and originated on
porn sites, so that our embassy in Cairo issued this statement: "We
have done a thorough investigation of the origin of these photos and
have conclusive evidence that they originated on a pornographic
website. They are clearly staged photos done by actors, as the site
itself states"? And I have a follow-up.
MR. McCLELLAN: Les, I don't know what's being sent around the
Internet in terms of pictures that may be real or may not be real. The
President has made it very clear that there are people who are opposed
to freedom who will seek to take advantage of this situation. And what
we've got to do is show the world that we take this matter very
seriously, that we act on it, and that we bring people to justice, and
we work to make sure that nothing like this happens again.
Q The Federal Bureau of Prisons public relations office this
morning was unable to say how many of our 104 federal prisons have male
wardens of female prisons, or female wardens of male prisons. But
presuming the number of female wardens of male prisons is small, my
question: Why, in a Muslim country, was a female general assigned to
head all 12 of our military prisons and detention camps with such
disastrous results?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Les, that may be one you want to address to
the military.
Go ahead, Sarah.
Q Thank you. Scott, does the President consider the abuse of
Iraqi prisoners damaging to his reelection bid, or does he feel the
scandal will be a non-issue by November?
MR. McCLELLAN: He's not looking at it in that context. He's
looking in the context of making sure that we're getting to the bottom
of this, and making sure that we remain focused on the important
mission at hand. And that is to help the Iraqi people build a free and
prosperous and democratic future, and peaceful future. And that's
where our focus remains.
We will hold people accountable who committed these acts, and we
will work to make sure that we put in procedures and policies to make
sure that this kind of activity does not happen again. But we must not
lose sight of the mission at hand. This mission at hand is vital to
our nation's interest. A free and peaceful Iraq will transform the
Middle East for the better.
Q Scott, Senator Hagel, yesterday, who is a member of the
Senate Intelligence Committee, said that he's aware of as many as 30
different investigations going on into allegations of abuse against
detainees or prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that some of these
involve deaths -- not all of them, but some of them. In light of that
number, how can you say that this involves only a handful of soldiers?
That sounds like -- that sounds like more than a handful.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Ken, there are more than 200,000 men and
women in our military who have served in Iraq. And our military
adheres to high standards of conduct. The President has great
confidence in the work of our troops. They are serving and sacrificing
for a very important cause, and they're doing so in a way that upholds
what America stands for. And we stand for compassion and freedom and
justice and rule of law.
And, you know, the images that we have seen, we have seen that
there are a small number of individuals who are committing these acts.
But it's also important that we take a comprehensive look; we look to
see whether or not there are systemic problems. And that's what the
military is doing, as part of their multiple investigations. And
that's what the independent -- the independent review board is also
looking at these matters.
Q In view of the fact that the investigation is looking at the
possibility of systemic abuses, how can you say with such confidence
that it only involves a handful of --
MR. McCLELLAN: For the reasons I stated earlier, and for the
reasons I stated just a second ago.
Richard, go ahead.
Q Can I follow on that, please?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'll get to you in a second. Unless -- do you want
to yield? Okay, you won't get your question today -- go ahead.
Q -- the Red Cross report did say that -- the allegations of
systemic abuses. So the question is, if you're saying it's a small,
isolated group of individuals, is it only at the one prison we know
about it? Was the Red Cross wrong? Did you -- has the government
reached that conclusion?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, the military can talk to you about how
they've worked to address some of those issues, and I think they would
be glad to share that information with you. In terms of investigations
that are ongoing, I'm not going to try to prejudge those investigations
at this point. It's important that we take a thorough look at the
entire prison system in Iraq. The President has been very clear, and
it's important that there be a full accounting for those who are
responsible.
Q Your talking point on this is that it's an isolated group of
individuals -- it seems that you guys have come to a conclusion on
this.
MR. McCLELLAN: They don't represent the vast majority of our men
and women in the military who are serving with honor and distinction,
Dick. Our United States military adheres to high standards of
conduct. And they are serving courageously and bravely, and they are
also showing the compassion of America.
Q Well, can you --
MR. McCLELLAN: And we must -- and we must show America's
commitment to the rule of law, and to following through on holding
those responsible who committed these shameful acts.
Q You mean to say for certain that we won't learn about other
abuses in other prisons?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I mean to say what I've said previously. There
are several investigations going on, and they're looking at all these
issues.
Go ahead, Richard.
Q Has the White House -- has the White House developed --
MR. McCLELLAN: Do you have something more? I'll come to you
next?
Q -- or is it in the process of developing any kind of a public
relations plan to try to get the President to repair some of the damage
that's been done by this?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the way we do that is through our actions --
and the President has talked about that -- through our actions, to help
the Iraqi people realize a free and peaceful future, and through our
actions to get to the bottom of this, hold people accountable, and take
steps to make sure it doesn't happen again. So we will show the world
through our actions what America really stands for. And our men and
women in the military who are serving and sacrificing in Iraq right now
will show the world, through their actions, what we represent.
Q Scott, two quick questions. One, we have spoken to some of
the people -- civilians and the military people who served in Iraq, and
what they are saying, one, they are supporting the Secretary of Defense
to stay on the job. And, two, what they are saying is that these
egregious acts have taken place, as you said, that few individuals were
involved, because what they had seen before that how the Iraqis treated
American soldiers, burned alive, killed and murdered and -- on the
streets. You think that had maybe contributed to this?
MR. McCLELLAN: That what may have contributed to it?
Q How Americans were killed and abused and burned alive in
Iraq?
MR. McCLELLAN: There are certainly terrorists and thugs and Saddam
loyalists who do not want a free and peaceful Iraq to emerge, and
they're going to use any excuse to try to take advantage of the current
situation. But we will show the world, through our actions, that the
actions of a few do not represent the good work of the many, of our men
and women in the military.
And I would point out that the United States is committed to
treating people humanely and treating people -- and meeting all our
international obligations, including those under the Geneva
Conventions.
Q Can you address some of the concerns that were being
addressed between the White House and the Pentagon, about releasing
additional photos, including privacy and the ongoing criminal
investigations? Is one of the concerns about our troops' security and
safety in the region if there were more photos released? And was that
one of the things that was discussed with the commanders on the ground
today in this meeting?
MR. McCLELLAN: The safety and security of our troops is always a
high priority. You heard the President talk about that in his
remarks. You heard the President talk about how that is one of our
foremost commitments when it comes to Iraq, and that he is committed to
making sure that our troops have all the resources they need to protect
themselves and carry out their mission -- that includes the best
equipment, the most modern technology and the best training.
Q Do you know, is that something that's been discussed? Is
that something that the President is --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think I would characterize it the way I did, in
terms of focusing on issues like privacy and ongoing criminal
investigations. But the safety and security of our troops is always at
the top of our list.
Q Along the lines of fixing some of the damage, will the
President give the order for Abu Ghraib prison to be destroyed?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that that's a matter that was addressed by
Secretary Rumsfeld the other day. And I think that the Coalition
Provisional Authority addressed it -- it was either earlier today or
yesterday -- and talked about how moving forward --I mean, obviously,
that's issues to be discussed with Iraqi leaders.
Q But this is something that -- I mean, we are currently in
control of the country. This is something, we could take the step and
say, let's do it.
MR. McCLELLAN: And we're about to transfer sovereignty. I think
that those issues will be discussed with Iraqi leaders going forward.
Q Scott, the President is known to be very loyal when it comes
to his staff, especially his Cabinet and those working in the White
House.
MR. McCLELLAN: Hopefully his press secretary, too. (Laughter.)
Q He draws the line. (Laughter.)
Q Scott, you know, as he's standing by Secretary
Rumsfeld,
there are calls still for Secretary Rumsfeld to step down or to be
fired. And there are questions of his effectiveness, still. Where is
the line drawn with the President between loyalty and effectiveness in
doing a job, in the midst of this controversy?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the President has made it very clear
that he's serving very effectively during times of war.
Q Wait a minute, is this about loyalty, or is it about his
job?
MR. McCLELLAN: This is about someone who is doing an outstanding
job serving the American people and serving during a time of war.
Q Scott, despite all the good things that have been said about
Secretary Rumsfeld, it's never been answered: Would President Bush
accept his resignation if he offered it? And does President Bush --
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think that's something being contemplated.
Q Well, would he accept it though, if it happened?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think that's something being contemplated.
Q And what about any other senior leaders or any other senior
officials? Does the President think somebody has to lose his job --
MR. McCLELLAN: I wouldn't even try to speculate on those matters.
Q In your denunciations of the Abu Ghraib photos, you've used
words like "sickening," "disgusting" and "reprehensible." Will you
have any adjectives left to adequately describe the pictures from
Saddam's rape rooms and torture chambers? And will Americans ever see
those images?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm glad you brought that up, Jeff, because the
President talks about that often. We did remove a brutal regime from
power that was responsible for mass graves and torture chambers and
rape rooms. And this was a regime that encouraged and tolerated that
kind of activity. It stands in stark contrast to the way we're
addressing this issue of prisoner abuse. When something like this
comes to light, the United States acts quickly and swiftly to bring
people to justice and to take steps to make sure it doesn't happen
again.
Q This is a matter of degree. Those prisoners will survive
being photographed naked, but many of Saddam's victims will never be
seen again, and did not survive the torture chambers. Will Americans
ever see the photographic evidence of that? I think if you contrast
the two, you're going to get a much different perspective on this.
MR. McCLELLAN: We should never forget the atrocities carried out
by the former regime. You are having the head of that regime come to
trial before long, and he will be held accountable for those
atrocities.
Q Will the pictures emerge at that time?
MR. McCLELLAN: He will be accountable for those atrocities.
Q You referred to multiple investigations of the unfortunate
incidents that have been going on, and how the perpetrators would be
investigated, one by a review panel and the others, as I understand it,
under the uniform code of military justice -- that people who are in
uniform are subject only to prosecution under court martial, for
example. And will the investigation be in the hands of military
personnel, rather than civilian?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, in terms of the individuals, the military is
pursuing criminal charges. In terms of contractors and other people
like that, there are laws that they have to adhere to, as well, and
other people -- and there are other people who look into matters like
that.
Q Scott, did the President and Secretary Rumsfeld today agree
in principle that these photos should be shared with Congress? Is that
what happened?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think I'll leave it to the Pentagon to
describe some of their conversations with members of Congress. But I
believe they're working to make sure that Congress has the information
they need to carry out their oversight role. They recognize the
importance of congressional oversight and keeping Congress informed.
The President believes Congress ought to be kept informed of these
matters.
Q And you're envisioning the oversight panels, themselves,
Armed Services --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think they're continuing to talk with
members of Congress today. So you might want to direct some of those
questions to the Pentagon.
Wayne, did you have something?
Q Yes, I did. Secretary Rumsfeld, during his testimony last
week, seemed open to the idea that him stepping aside might well be the
big statement that the country needs to make to convince the Muslim
world that these abuses really aren't what we're all about. Has
Secretary Rumsfeld offered to resign at this point? Has he said --
MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't heard anything like that, Wayne. I
haven't heard anything like that.
Q But he said to the Senate on Friday that he had given it a
lot of thought himself.
MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't heard any discussion of that here.
Q Just to come back to this idea about a few individuals versus
a more systemic problem. In the ICRC report, investigators found that
these incidences of humiliation, of physical and mental coercion --
some of which they said were tantamount to torture -- were standard
procedure that were employed by military intelligence to try to extract
information from some of these prisoners, particularly high-value
prisoners. And that's something that sounds to me like it goes up the
command chain, and that would be known about by more than just a few
people.
Q First, I would repeat to you what I said, that we work
closely with the Red Cross on these matters, and that the Pentagon has
worked to address some of those issues. So you ought to talk to the
Pentagon about some of those specific issues.
Secondly, the United States is committed to treating prisoners
humanely and to treating these individuals in accordance with the
Geneva Convention. And we've made that very clear.
Q One other question. The President has talked with President
Mubarak, King Abdullah in the last few days. Has he done any other
outreach to other world leaders to let them know, with personal phone
calls, that he plans to get to the bottom of this, or has he just
spoken publicly?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he's spoken very clearly publicly, and in a
number of interviews as well, I would remind you. We keep you posted
on his phone calls, and I'll continue to do that.
Q Do you have anything on the United States imposing sanctions
on Syria, or about to?
MR. McCLELLAN: We are moving forward with implementing the Syria
Accountability Act. We do have serious concerns when it comes to
Syria's behavior. We want to see Syria change their behavior. We have
talked previously about our concerns when it comes to Syria's continued
development of weapons of mass destruction, when it comes to their
support for terrorism, and when it comes to their failure to adequately
police its border with Iraq. We've also expressed our concerns when it
comes to Lebanon. And these are serious matters. We want to see Syria
make more progress on these areas. And I don't have anything to
announce at this time, but we are moving forward on implementing the
Syria Accountability Act.
Q Thank you.
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.
END 2:33 P.M. EDT
|