For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 26, 2004
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:15 P.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I want to begin with a world
leader call today. The President spoke with President Kwasniewski, of
Poland, earlier today. The two leaders discussed the United Nations
Security Council resolution on Iraq and the way forward in Iraq. They
talked about the importance of the June 30th transfer of sovereignty to
the interim Iraqi government, and they also discussed the election
schedule heading forward in Iraq. The two leaders also discussed the
possible role NATO may play in Iraq's future. And they said that they
looked forward to seeing each other at the D-Day Celebration in
Normandy in the coming couple of weeks.
And then the President also met with President Bongo, of the
Gabonese Republic, earlier today. The two leaders discussed Gabonese
and African support for the war on terrorism. They talked about the
need to address the trafficking in persons, and they talked about the
possibility for economic growth and development in the Gabonese
Republic and the region.
Q Oil?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q Did they talk about -- was there any pledge of oil for the
United States?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, they talked about economic development,
things of that nature. I'll try to see if I can get you more
information. I actually didn't attend this meeting earlier today.
I also want to begin with some additional remarks:
We remain at war on terrorism. We know the terrorists want to
attack America and our interests abroad. The President knows the best
way to win the war on terrorism is to stay on the offensive and take
the fight to the terrorists before they can carry out their attacks.
We have received credible intelligence reporting over the last couple
of months indicating terrorists may attempt to attack us here at home,
or our interests abroad over the next few months, during this summer or
fall time period. Memorial Day represents the start of our summer
period here in America, and it is important for all Americans to be on
a heightened state of awareness and vigilance as we enter this serious
threat period.
We have to be right 100 percent of the time; terrorists only have
to be right once. That is why we will continue waging the war on
terrorism abroad while ramping up our efforts here at home. Our
homeland security and law enforcement officials continue to work 24-7
to make sure we are doing everything we can to prevent and disrupt
attacks here at home.
And the Attorney General, John Ashcroft, and FBI Director Robert
Mueller will be holding a news conference today at 2:00 p.m. at the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, to discuss the threat situation and
talk further about some individuals that we want all Americans and
others to be on the lookout for that could pose a danger to the United
States.
And with that, I will be glad to go to your questions.
Q Scott, I wonder if you could talk a little bit more about how
this warning was arrived at, and what level of participation the
President had, what intelligence was brought to his attention, how that
approval process --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President receives intelligence briefings
on a daily basis. He is constantly updated about the threat
situation. And these are -- obviously, all threats we take very
seriously, but the intelligence we've been receiving over the last
couple of months is something we view as credible and points to the
possibility of attacks during this summer or fall time period. And
that is why Secretary Ridge has been out there talking about the
high-profile events that are coming up over the next few months, and
how those events represent an attractive target, possibly, for
terrorists to carry out their attacks. And that is why we have been
ramping up our security Efforts at those events, and in other ways.
We've been working through the interagency process to make sure we're
coordinated at federal, state and local levels. So there are a number
of ways we've been acting to address these threats, and the President
is constantly updated about the threat situation.
Q Can I follow on a different topic? When the President has
conversations about a potential role for NATO in Iraq, there doesn't
seem to be a high level of confidence that NATO is able or prepared to
do something like that. Is there something that is more targeted that
the President has in mind that he'd like to see from NATO in terms of
the security role in Iraq? For instance, perhaps just providing
security for the elections, or other kind of more particularized role
for them?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, the discussions on NATO's role
in the future of Iraq have really just been getting underway, and we
will continue having those discussions leading up to the NATO summit in
Istanbul. And we expect that that topic will be discussed further
during the NATO summit in Turkey. And I would point out that NATO
already has -- there are some 15 NATO countries already in Iraq
providing support for the security situation and helping with our
efforts to build a free and peaceful Iraq for the Iraqi people. But
those are discussions we'll continue to have leading up to NATO, and at
NATO, as well.
Q Scott, back on terror for a second. Has the President been
advised that al Qaeda operatives are actually within the borders of the
United States plotting attacks?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we receive, as I pointed out, a constant
stream of intelligence reporting, and the recent intelligence reporting
has pointed to the possibility of attacks during the time period I
mentioned.
In terms of the possibility of terrorists being here in the United
States, we have to work under the assumption that there are terrorists
here. And the intelligence reporting we have seen from time to time
indicates that there may well be people in place ready to carry out
attacks. But we do not have specific information about the timing, or
target, or nature of those attacks.
Q Is there anything more concrete than an assumption or a
belief that they may actually be in this country?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are individuals that were al Qaeda
operatives that we've apprehended in the past. And certainly, before
the September 11th attacks, there was an al Qaeda cell in the United
States plotting to carry out that attack. And we know the terrorists
continue to want to harm America, or harm American citizens abroad, and
that is why we have to work under the assumption that there are
operatives here in the United States wanting to carry out attacks.
Q But you have nothing definitive that there actually is a cell
that you may have identified?
MR. McCLELLAN: That's why I said -- well, that's why I said that
we've received reporting from time to time that suggests that there are
operatives in the United States. And we have to work under that
assumption, and that's what we will continue to do as we remain very
vigilant in the way we approach these threats and try to stop these
threats from happening in the first place.
Q One more question on this. So if you believe that there are
al Qaeda operatives in the United States, does that point to a failure
of systems to keep them out of this country? Were they here prior to
the initiation of those systems designed to keep people out of this
country? And how does it change the calculus for how you --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, John, we are a free society. And we know
that there certainly are terrorists that would like to try to enter
America to carry out their evil acts. And that's why we have taken
unprecedented steps to strengthen our homeland and against possible
attacks. We have taken a number of steps to make sure that we are
prepared to respond to any attacks and to prevent attacks from
happening in the first place. And certainly we've improved our
intelligence-gathering and sharing. And that's why it's important to
remind the American people that if they have information that can be
helpful, they need to come forward with that information. That can
help us prevent attacks from happening in the first place.
Q Scott, since you're not raising the terror alert, should we
assume that the threat is not as serious as it has been in the past
when you have raised the alert?
MR. McCLELLAN: Terry, all threats we take very seriously. And
like I said, this is credible intelligence reporting that we have
continued to receive over the last couple of months. And just because
the threat level may not be raised doesn't mean we aren't taking
additional measures to try to prevent attacks from happening in the
first place. We are working through the interagency process at the
federal level and at the state and local level to make sure that we are
doing everything we can to prevent an attack from happening in the
first place. We are constantly working to improve our
intelligence-gathering and sharing information. We have -- which I
think the Attorney General will talk about here shortly -- put a task
force in place to look at this serious threat period and take steps to
make sure that we are coordinating our efforts to stop something from
happening in the first place.
Q I wonder, is this -- is the factual basis for your statement
here, for Secretary Ridge's appearance this morning, increased threat?
In other words, is the country in greater danger now than it was a
couple months ago? Or is it the fact that there are these big events
and you're concerned that that might be an opportunity? Is there more
information that the country is going to be attacked, or is it just the
calendar?
MR. McCLELLAN: There's a continuing stream of intelligence
reporting that we're receiving. That's what I would point to. There
are also a series of high-profile events coming up, and you have to
couple those together and look at the possibility of an attack being
carried out on the United States, or being carried out on interests
abroad. And we take those threats very seriously. There is multiple
sourcing that we have looked at to look at the credibility of this
information we have been receiving. And I think the Attorney General
and Director Mueller will talk about that here shortly.
Q Is there more of it? Is there more of it now than two months
ago?
MR. McCLELLAN: I would describe it as a continuing stream of
intelligence reporting that we deem to be credible and that it
indicates that they want to carry out an attack during this coming time
period.
Q It does? It does indicate that they want to attack during
this time period?
MR. McCLELLAN: It indicates that they may want to attack during
this time period, yes. And that's why it's important to keep the
American people informed as we head into this summer time period, and
as we head into these high-profile events that could be an attractive
target for terrorists.
Q What are you advising Americans to do, Scott? Not got to
some of these Memorial Day events, cancel plane flights? What
exactly?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, terrorists want to spread fear and chaos, and
they want to try to disrupt our lives. It's important that we go about
living our lives. We live in a post-September 11th world, and there is
a new way of thinking when it comes to looking at these threats.
That's why we are waging war abroad on terrorists, and that's why we
are ramping up efforts in the homeland to prevent attacks from
happening, and be fully prepared to respond if an attack does occur.
And the American people should always remain on a heightened state of
awareness, particularly when they're at high-profile, symbolic events
where there are large gatherings of people present.
Q And do what during this heightened --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, if they see suspicious activity or
information, then they should report that information to the
appropriate law enforcement or other officials.
Q You said the terrorists may want to attack in this period.
Of course, the view is the terrorists may want to attack in any
period. How is the intelligence now different from it was, say, last
summer, when we also had July 4th worries about terrorist attacks; from
Christmas, when we actually increased the terror alert and took people
off planes? How is this different from all of the other stuff --
MR. McCLELLAN: And when you point out the Christmas period,
remember we talked about how we had more specific information at that
time period. What we're receiving now is not necessarily specific in
nature, but it is credible intelligence reporting based on the sourcing
that we have looked at.
Q But you're simply saying that you've got a lot of things
coming up. You've got a summit; you've got July 4th; you've got the
election campaign. How important is the election campaign in this --
MR. McCLELLAN: And we are always looking at these threats, and
always working 24-7 to make sure that we are acting to prevent attacks
from happening in the first place. The President's number one priority
is the war on terrorism. And the best way to win that war is to go
after the terrorists where they are, and bring them to justice before
they can carry out their attacks. But we also have to be fully
prepared here at home. And that's why we are better prepared today
than we were yesterday, and we'll be better prepared tomorrow than we
are today. We are constantly looking at ways we can improve the
security here at home.
Q Some have suggested this is the highest threat level since
September 11th. Would you go that far?
MR. McCLELLAN: Jim, I don't know that I would characterize it that
way. I've seen these anonymous sources that some of that reporting is
based on, and I don't know who those anonymous sources are. I would
characterize it as a very serious period of threats that we are in.
Q One last thing for you. Is there information that there are
more al Qaeda operatives in the U.S. than were, say, at Christmas or
last summer, in previous periods when we were concerned --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, they're going to be talking about some
specific individuals that we believe pose a danger to the United
States, that may have information about possible plots to carry out
attacks, or may be involved in planning attacks.
Q But we've been looking at them for a long time, haven't we?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, it's not necessarily that they're in the
United States, but it's people that we should be aware of. And I think
Director Mueller will talk about how we're reissuing some of the
bulletins saying to be on the lookout for these individuals, that when
we go out there and talk about this information, more information can
come forward and help us be prepared to find these individuals.
Q Scott, you have the White House telling us about this
possible period of attacks; you have the Director of the FBI and the
Secretary of Justice coming out in a few minutes to talk about it;
Secretary Ridge talked about it. How come it's not worth raising the
color alert?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q Why isn't it worth raising the alert?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's something we evaluate on a daily
basis, and we're always looking at that and looking at the intelligence
we have and the intelligence that we receive going forward. We learn
more information as time goes by, as well, and we'll continue to
evaluate the threat level. The threat level is at an elevated level,
which suggests there is a significant risk of terrorist attack. But
just because we're not raising the threat level doesn't mean we aren't
acting in a number of different ways. And certainly, as I pointed out,
we are better prepared today than we were the other day, or than we
were a few months ago. And so we're better prepared to respond to
these attacks. And you have to take that into account, too -- are
better prepared to prevent these attacks from happening in the first
place.
Q Scott, I'd like to ask a question on a different subject.
The New York Times says that the prison abuses have been much more
widespread than acknowledged by this government -- 37 deaths of
inmates. I want to know why the President doesn't give a worldwide
order to all of our military prisons that we should abide by the Geneva
Accords. And I have a follow-up.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, the President made it very
clear that the Geneva Conventions do apply in Iraq --
Q To all prisons? Guantanamo?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- we made that very clear. And in terms of
Guantanamo Bay and the al Qaeda detainees there, we're talking about
the threats that we face right now --
Q You call it a war. They're prisoners of war. Why do you
make a distinction, which has led to so many abuses by not abiding by
the rule of law.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I don't know, when you say "so many," what
exactly you're referring to. General Taguba looked into the reports of
abuses at Abu Ghraib and he talked about how it indicated that there
were a small number of individuals involved in those incidents we saw
in these appalling photos. And at the same time, the military is
taking a comprehensive look at matters. They're looking to see if
there is a bigger problem there just to make sure, and they'll continue
to investigate this.
Q My follow-up is, how could he say Rumsfeld did a superb job,
Sanchez did a fabulous job? You mean only the MPs are to blame for
this horror?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, there are ongoing investigations right now,
Helen, and it's important that we show the world that when these kind
of abuses come to light, that we take them seriously, we act by
pursuing those responsible and bringing them to justice, and we act by
making sure we put steps in place to prevent something like this from
ever happening again. That's exactly what we are doing. And we want
anyone who was involved in these kind of abuses to be brought to
justice. And that's what the President expects.
Q Why don't you say the law applies to all the prisons run by
the military?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President has made it very clear that the
Geneva Conventions do apply in Iraq, and that when it comes to al Qaeda
and the Taliban, that they should be treated humanely and consistent
with the Geneva Accords.
Q Scott, if I can take you back briefly to the terror
warnings. The only PDB we've seen is, of course, the one that was
released from August 6, 2001. When you compare the kind of warnings
the President is being told about now to what we saw in that PDB, can
you tell us, first of all, whether the indication that an attack could
come in the United States is solely because we're hosting the G8
Summit, or are these separate and distinct from the summit, which are
always --
MR. McCLELLAN: Like I said, that's not pointing to a specific
target or a specific timing of an attack. What we're saying is there's
intelligence indicating that they would like to carry out their attacks
over the summer or fall time period, and that you have to keep in mind
that there are a number of high-profile events, they're symbolic
events, there are large gatherings of people at those events. The
terrorists would like nothing more than to try to carry out an attack
like that against a large gathering of people.
Q In that PDB in 2001, the President was specifically told that
all the targets were not in the United States. In this particular
case, is it a mix of threats that you're seeing, both domestic and
abroad? I know you, obviously, have a NATO summit meeting coming up in
Istanbul.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, the intelligence reporting that we're
receiving suggests it could be here at home, or it could be against our
interests abroad. And I think that the Director and Attorney General
will talk more about that later.
Q Scott, a few on the World War II memorial and terrorism.
There will be a number of World War II veterans at the memorial
dedication. They're in wheelchairs, they don't have very good
mobility. In light of this terrorist threat, do you suggest that they
not come to the dedication?
MR. McCLELLAN: No. We are taking a number of steps to ramp up
security around these type of events. And as I said, there's nothing
specifically pointing to these events, but those events certainly
represent attractive opportunities that terrorists might try to
attack. But you can see it here in D.C., the steps that are being
taken to make sure that that event is secure. And certainly, the
President of the United States is going to be attending that event, and
there are unprecedented measures being taken to make sure that the area
is secure.
Q Are you going to have special medical procedures, though, in
place, to help them out, and to help them --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that the Homeland Security Department and
others who are involved, the local officials who are involved in these
efforts can talk to you more about some of the specific measures and
steps that they have in place.
Go ahead, Ed. I'll come to you next.
Q I'd like to ask about the quality of the information coming
into Washington and into the White House, because we know from the last
few years some of that intelligence has not lived up to their billing.
To what extent -- how confident is the President in the current state
of the intelligence coming in on the terrorism threats? And to what
extent are we evaluating the credibility of these --
MR. McCLELLAN: You always have to evaluate that. That's why it's
also important to share that information. That's why it was important
to create the Terrorist Threat Integration Center and take other steps
to improve the sharing of intelligence information. We deem this
intelligence information that we're receiving to be credible, and it's
based on multiple sourcing.
Q Scott, in the past, the President, has criticized John Kerry
for saying that fighting terrorism was more of an
intelligence-gathering, law enforcement operation than a military one.
And now you're having this news conference with law enforcement
officials trying to get information to help fight the war on terror.
Isn't that hypocritical for the President to be criticizing John Kerry
for what he's doing --
MR. McCLELLAN: Not all it. I don't think you've maybe been
listening to what the President has been saying. He's saying that the
war on terror is fought on many fronts, but the best way to win the war
on terrorism is to take the fight to the enemy. And this is a war.
This is a broad war against terrorism. September 11th changed the
equation and taught us that we must confront threats before it is too
late. And that's exactly what this President is doing. But the war on
terrorism, the President has said from very early on, is fought on many
fronts. It's fought on the law enforcement front; it's fought on the
diplomatic front; it's fought on a number of different fronts -- the
terrorist financing front, for another example.
Q In March he said -- at a speech in California, he said --
quoting John Kerry, saying exactly that, "the war on terror is far less
of a military, far more of an intelligence-gathering, law enforcement
operation," the President said he disagreed with that, and pointed to
the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, as an example.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. And what's your question about that? That
statement stands. Those who suggest that we are not at war on
terrorism, that it is not a military operation --
Q Why do you not have Secretary Ridge at the news conference?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- don't have an understanding of what we're facing
in the 21st century.
Q But why is Secretary Ridge not at the news conference?
MR. McCLELLAN: Secretary Ridge has been out there talking about
these threats that we face prior to today even, and he was certainly on
the morning shows earlier today. But that's why I said the war on
terrorism is fought on multiple fronts. There's the law enforcement
front; there's the terrorist financing front; there's the diplomatic
front; and there's the military front. And certainly, from the
military standpoint, that's the way we go on the offensive and take the
fight to the enemy. That's the way you win the war on terrorism.
That's the way you stop attacks from happening in the first place.
Q Scott, my question is related to some of the other
questions. But with the FBI and Homeland Security warning of possible
new terrorists attacks, does the President still plan to attend high
visibility functions such as the dedication of the World War II
Memorial this Saturday? And what about the G8 and the NATO summit in
Turkey?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, he looks forward to attending those events.
There's been no change in his schedule. And as I pointed out, you need
to look at all the measures that we're taking to secure those events.
There are a number of steps that we've taken, working both at the
federal level, and state level, and local level.
Q Can you walk us a little bit through the timetable for when
the President sort of became aware of this, and what got him to the
threshold of putting this out now? I know he gets a daily briefing.
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Secretary Ridge has been talking about some
of these high-profile events previously. And in terms of now, you have
the Memorial Day weekend coming up. That kind of kicks off the summer
time period for us. And the intelligence we've been receiving
indicates that terrorists may want to attack us during this time
period. But the President receives his intelligence briefings every
morning. It's one of the first things he does when he starts his
morning. And he has continued to receive intelligence over the last
couple of months indicating what I said earlier.
Q Scott, could I ask about the Amnesty report, which we talked
about in the briefing earlier, and its contention that the U.S.-led war
on terror has resulted in the worst attack on human rights and the rule
of law in 50 years? Helen talked about Guantanamo and the decision not
to apply the Geneva Accords there, but let me just specifically quote
from the report. They blame this administration for "picking and
choosing which bits of international law it will apply and where."
What is your response to that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, my response is that the war on terrorism has
resulted in the liberation of 50 million people in Afghanistan and
Iraq, and the protection of their rights. People in those countries
did not have the kinds of protections that we're used to in the United
States. And now they do. So the war on terror has helped protect
human rights for some 50 million people.
Q So does that justify -- does that end, protecting those
people, and obviously the American people, as well, justify the means
of picking and choosing which bits of international law it will apply
and where?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President has been very clear in terms of
applying international law to detainees -- if that's what you're
referring to, which I suspect it is. He's made it very clear that
whether or not the Geneva Conventions apply, that those detainees
should be treated humanely. And you have to keep in mind that al Qaeda
is not -- does not represent a nation. It is not a party to the Geneva
Conventions. The United States is.
Q They're human beings, aren't they?
MR. McCLELLAN: And certainly Iraq was. And the Geneva Convention
applies in the Iraq. And in terms of the al Qaeda and Taliban
detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the President has made it very clear that
he expects our military to treat them humanely and consistent with the
Geneva Accords. But we also have to remember, as we're talking about
today, that we are at war on terrorism, and that it's important to talk
to these individuals and gather as much information as we can to try to
prevent attacks from happening in the first place. These are
individual at Guantanamo Bay who were involved, or want to help carry
out attacks against the American people.
Q So why don't you charge them and try them?
MR. McCLELLAN: And these are dangerous people. And despite that,
the President has made it clear that he expects our military to treat
them humanely and consistent with the Geneva Accords.
Q They also, by the way, accuse the administration of, in
effect, giving a green light to places like Uzbekistan and elsewhere to
basically shield under the war on terror for some pretty awful human
rights abuses.
MR. McCLELLAN: The United States of America is a leading advocate
of protecting human rights, and we will continue to be.
Q Scott, on the question of post-June 30th military operations
in Iraq, London is continuing to say that the final political control
would rest with the new Iraqi government, whereas we had Colin Powell
saying yesterday that, ultimately, if it came to it, U.S. commanders
would have the final say. Both Mr. Blair and Mr. Powell can't both be
right. Which one has got it right?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I think that we're saying the same thing. One,
the Iraqi government, come June 30th, will have full sovereignty.
We've made that very clear. And we've also talked about how we work in
partnership with the Iraqi interim government going forward. We will
work in partnership with that government. We will work in close
cooperation with the Iraqi security forces. We want to get to a point
where the Iraqis are able to provide for their own security. Right now
there are ongoing security threats that they face. And we will be
there to partner with those security forces as we train and equip them
to assume those responsibilities in the future.
There are certainly a number of examples elsewhere, where we have
worked out the security arrangements with the sovereign government that
is in place. We carry out this kind of cooperation in Afghanistan, on
a daily basis with the government in Afghanistan.
Q I'm aware of that. But let's say push came to shove, who
would
have the final say?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me make clear, the United Nations
Security Council resolution points out that the multinational force
under unified command will be in Iraq with the consent of the Iraqi
government, and it also talks about how we will be providing a letter
to the President of the United Nations Security Council outlining the
relationship between that interim government and the multinational
force.
Certainly, we have made it very clear that American troops will be
under American command. Iraqi forces will be under an Iraqi chain of
command. And we're going to work together to address these security
threats. If the United States forces are in a position where they need
to protect themselves, they will do so. But there are plenty of
examples of where we've worked in close cooperation with governments
that are sovereign to support their security efforts.
Q Would you clarify on the letter -- it's a letter the U.S.
will write to the Secretary General --
MR. McCLELLAN: It will be an agreement between the multinational
force and the interim Iraqi government. So that's the way you should
look at it, an agreement between those entities, talking about the
relationship. It will be provided to the Security Council.
Q Has the President given any consideration to delaying his
acceptance of the nomination until Columbus Day if Senator Kerry delays
his acceptance of the nomination until Labor Day?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, Les, and the campaign is the best place to
address these types of questions.
Q The Washington Post reported at length about the
superintendent of the Naval Academy ordering a revision in the
81-year-old song, "Navy Blue and Gold," that all references to men will
be eliminated. And my question: Does the Commander-in-Chief believe
it is fair to do this when the Academy continues to virtually shave the
heads of all incoming male plebes, but none of the female plebes?
MR. McCLELLAN: Les, the President has --
Q Does he think that's fair, as Commander-in-Chief?
MR. McCLELLAN: Les, the President has confidence that our military
leaders can address these issues appropriately.
Q It's my understanding that the U.S.-driven peace agreement
has been reached in the Sudan. This is a terrific event, considering
the nature of the conflict in Sudan, and the fact that they have quite
a bit of oil that could certainly help us out in this current crisis.
Is this -- is it true that a deal has been reached, and will there be
a signing ceremony here in the United States?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me just tell you what I know, in terms of
the latest situation in Sudan. There is progress being made, is my
understanding. Darfur is a serious human rights crisis and a
humanitarian disaster has been brewing. And we believe ultimately the
situation needs to be reversed, to allow those who have been displaced
to return to their homes safely.
And just yesterday, the Security Council adopted a statement on
this that strongly condemns those ongoing acts of violence and the
widespread human rights abuses. We're talking about human rights
issues earlier in this situation. But there is some progress being
made toward a comprehensive peace agreement, and that is where we're
working to get in the Sudan.
Q Senator Danforth has been working there for several years to
lead this drive for a peace agreement. And it's my understanding that
one has been reached.
MR. McCLELLAN: We've continued to work very closely on that. I
don't have the latest update on -- in terms of whether or not one has
been reached. But we've continued to work through the efforts of
Senator Danforth to get to a comprehensive peace agreement. We worked
very closely with the international community and the parties there on
those efforts.
Q Scott, two questions. One, can you please describe about
President's phone call with the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Singh,
this morning -- how long they talked and what they discussed and what
were the --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think it was a little more than five minutes. It
was a congratulatory phone call. I talked about it a little bit
earlier today. The President congratulated him on assuming the
position of Prime Minister, and the two leaders said they looked
forward to working with each other to continue to build upon our strong
relations. And the President also talked about the importance of
continuing dialogue with -- between India and Pakistan.
Q Second question, going back to the terrorists. So many
people have been blaming the law enforcement agencies that they're not
doing enough. The question here is that they have been working like
this for 24 hours a day and seven days a week. You think they have --
they may have been misled by the people, because some of -- if the al
Qaedas are in the United States, like during 9/11, that some people
were harboring them and helping them, because they were staying
somewhere in the U.S., with someone, and people knew. So you think we
should have a public -- where do they stay and how they can help the
law enforcement agencies?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I would point out that this President
certainly learned the lessons of September 11th. And that's why we
are, on the one hand, waging the war on terrorism on the offensive, but
we are also taking unprecedented measures to strengthen our security
hear at home. That is a reason we move forward on creating the
Department of Homeland Security and bringing those 22 agencies together
to make sure that their top priority was on combating terrorism and
preventing attacks from happening in the first place. You are going to
hear from two individuals here, very shortly, who have also made sure
that those departments and agencies focus their efforts, first and
foremost, on preventing attacks from happening in the first place.
And so we are working very closely at the federal, state and local
level, to address these threats. We have worked to ramp up our border
security and to improve our port security. We have strengthened our
aviation security in a number of different ways. So there are any
number of steps we are taking to protect the homeland, and we will
continue to build on those efforts, because we will not rest as long as
there are those out there who want to harm Americans.
Q Just very briefly. Do you have anything else on what the
President told President Bongo on the trafficking in persons? Human
rights groups says that President Bongo's government is actively
complicit in trafficking --
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me see what else I can get you on that. Let me
see what else I can get you.
Q Just on today's announcement. Would you consider the effort
to prevent terrorist attacks in this country part of the overall war on
terror?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, part of a war on terrorism, preventing attacks
from happening in the first place.
Q Is it not true that by federal statute that that effort,
within the borders of the continental United States, is primarily a law
enforcement operation?
MR. McCLELLAN: Protecting the homeland? We're working on a number
of different fronts. You learn information together, from your efforts
overseas. You learn information from cracking down on terrorist
financing.
Q Is it not true that within the United States that efforts to
prevent terrorism is, in fact, a law enforcement operation?
MR. McCLELLAN: John, the war on terrorism is fought on many
different fronts. And it's also part of that war on terrorism, is
making sure we're protecting the homeland. And that's the way I would
describe it.
Q Thank you.
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.
END 1:51 P.M. EDT
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