PRESIDENT BUSH: Good morning. It's my honor
to welcome President Musharraf to the White House. President
Musharraf is a leader with great courage, and his nation is a key
partner in the global coalition against terror. Pakistan's
continuing support of Operation Enduring Freedom has been critical to
our success so far in toppling the Taliban and routing out the al Qaeda
network.
Yet President Musharraf has made an even broader
commitment. He has declared that Pakistan will be an enemy
of terrorism and extremism, wherever it exists, including inside his
own border. He understands that terrorism is wrong and
destructive in any cause. He knows that his nation cannot
grow peacefully if terrorists are tolerated or ignored in his country,
in his region, or in the world. He is committed to banning
the groups that practice terror, closing their offices and arresting
the terrorists themselves.
Terrorists operating in Pakistan recently kidnapped American
reporter, Daniel Pearl. We spent a time today in the Oval
Office talking about our mutual desire to see that Mr. Pearl is
returned home safely. I want to thank the President for his
assistance and work on securing Mr. Pearl's release.
I also applaud President Musharraf's clearly stated intention to
work for peace in Kashmir, and lower tensions with
India. I'm particularly pleased to note that he is going to
be holding elections later on this fall.
The President has articulated a vision of a Pakistan as a
progressive, modern, and democratic Islamic society, determined and
serious about seeking greater learning and greater prosperity for its
citizens. The United States is committed to working in
partnership with Pakistan to pursue these objectives.
Together, our nations will continue to cooperate against terror and
trafficking in drugs. We will strengthen ties of trade and
investment between our nations. We'll work to improve
educational and economic opportunities for all Pakistanis, especially
women and children. And my government stands ready to work
with all parties on the Subcontinent to foster dialogue to lower
tensions and resolve outstanding issues.
The forces of history have accelerated the growth of friendship
between the United States and Pakistan. I believe the pages
of history will record that this friendship was hopeful and positive
and will lead to peace.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: Thank you very much, Mr. President,
for your welcome and your kind words and sentiments expressed for me
and for Pakistan and for my government.
I recall with great pleasure our very productive meeting last
November in New York. We have also spoken quite frequently
on the telephone since then. I value most highly this
opportunity to exchange views with you in person.
Our discussions this morning have been fruitful and constructive,
and will continue over the lunch. Our meetings and
discussions with senior members of your administration continue as part
of the ongoing dialogue which characterizes our close and cooperative
relations.
For more than half a century, the relations between Pakistan and
the United States have been friendly, multifaceted and
enduring. They represent an important element of stability
in our region and beyond. The criminal terrorist attacks of
September 11th and the momentous events since then have demonstrated
the depth and strength of this relationship between the United States
and Pakistan.
Pakistan has a firm position of principle in the international
battle against terrorism. We reject terrorism in all its
forms and manifestations anywhere in the world. We will
continue to fulfill our responsibilities flowing from our commitment.
I am gratified that my vision of Pakistan as a dynamic, liberal,
progressive, peaceful and genuinely democratic Muslim country, and the
decision I announced on 12 January have evoked a supportive response in
the United States. I believe that Pakistan-United States
relationship must draw strength from our past relationship as we move
to a new century, a changed world and meet the challenges faced ahead.
I apprised the President of the massive and aggressive deployment
of Indian forces on our borders and the serious security situation that
it has created. The immediate return of Indian forces to
peacetime locations and the early resumption of dialogue between
Pakistan and India is the way forward. We welcome the
constructive role played by President Bush and Secretary Powell in
urging restraint and defusing military tensions.
I am committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in
accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. All other
differences existing between Pakistan and India should also be settled
through peaceful means. We believe the United States can
facilitate such a solution and help South Asia turn a new leaf.
The faithful implementation of the Bonn Accord provides the best
guarantee for the future of Afghanistan. The interim
administration must be strengthened and its writ established over the
entire country. Rehabilitation and reconstruction must begin in
Afghanistan. The Tokyo Donors Conference has provided a
forceful and timely input to this process, which will also accelerate
the return of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan to their
homeland.
Together, the United States and Pakistan can accomplish great
things. We have embarked on a long-term partnership. We
look forward to an era of robust collaboration. I look
forward, Mr. President, to your visit to Pakistan, where a warm and
cordial welcome awaits you from the people of Pakistan, who hold you in
the highest of esteem.
I thank you, sir.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, Mr. President; good job.
PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: Thank you.
Q Mr. President, your advisors have long
said that there needs to be regime change in Iraq. Are you
looking at military action to achieve that goal? How could
Saddam be toppled?
And to President Musharraf, are you confident that Mr. Pearl is
alive and will be released soon?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Ron, I meant what I said the other
night, that there are some nations in the world which develop weapons
of mass destruction with one intention, and that is to hold America
hostage and/or harm Americans and/or our friends and
allies. And I also meant what I said, that I look forward to
working with the world to bring pressure on those nations to change
their behavior. But make no mistake about it, if we need to,
we will take necessary action to defend the American people.
And I think that statement was clear enough for Iraq to hear
me. And I will reserve whatever options I have, I'll keep
them close to my vest. President -- or Saddam Hussein needs to
understand I'm serious about defending our country.
I think one of the worst things that can happen in the world is
terrorist organizations mating up with nations which have had a bad
history, and nations which develop weapons of mass
destruction. It would be devastating for those of us who
fight for freedom. And, therefore, we, the free world, are
going to -- must make it clear to these nations they've got a choice to
make. And I'll keep all options available if they don't make
the choice.
Q Mr. President, Mr. President --
PRESIDENT BUSH: Here's what's going to
happen. Hold on for a second, please. Hold on for
a second. These two press people are going to actually bring
some order to this by calling upon individuals, and the President is
going to speak about Daniel Pearl.
PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: Your first part of the question,
whether Mr. Pearl is alive or dead -- I am reasonably sure he's alive
and I really very much hope, we all hope that he's alive.
About getting him released, well, let me say we are as close as
possible to getting him released. But I would like to
emphasize here that I have taken certain steps in Pakistan to crush
extremism, religious intolerance in the society. And
therefore, I expected a certain degree of fallout of these
steps. But, however, I would like to say we are not
deterred. These kinds of things were expected, and we will
meet this challenge and try to resolve whatever negative influences it
creates in our society.
I very much hope that, with all our efforts and the combined
efforts of all the intelligence agencies in Pakistan, we will be able
to get Mr. Pearl released.
Q Mr. President, it is evident that the
Kashmir issue has not been resolved through bilateral talks between
India and Pakistan. In the beginning, U.S. -- for Kashmir,
the United States and U.N. resolution. Now we hope that U.S.
come forward for mediation and resolve this issue because this is the
main issue between India and Pakistan.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, our hope is that we can facilitate
meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan. The only way
this issue is going to be solved is if the Pakistani government and the
Indian government sit down and have serious, meaningful dialogue to
resolve this issue. And you heard the President of Pakistan
say his hope is there's a peaceful resolution. That's our hope, as
well. And so the best thing our government can do is to
encourage there to be a -- to come to the table and start to have
meaningful, real dialogue. And that's what we'll continue to
press for.
Q On campaign finance reform, sir, are
Republican --
PRESIDENT BUSH: Is this to the Pakistani President, or
me? (Laughter.)
Q For you, sir. On campaign
finance reform, are Republican operatives trying to kill the
bill? And will you sign Shays-Meehan if it gets to your
desk?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, I want to sign a bill that
improves the system. And it seems like to me that if they get a bill
out of the House of Representatives that improves the system, it ought
to be in effect immediately. But we'll see what comes my
way. And I would look at it very carefully and give it a
good look.
Q What about the Republicans -- are they
trying to kill the bill, working for the RNC?
PRESIDENT BUSH: I've talked to many Republicans that are
trying to improve the system, as well. And again, I repeat
-- I understand there's a chance to amend the bill that says, if it
improves the system, let's have it in effect this year. And
I support that. I think it makes sense. But I'll
take a good look at it. It's making its way through the
system, and I'll give it a good look.
Q President Bush, you talked about history
--
PRESIDENT BUSH: Talked about -- excuse me?
Q You talked about history --
PRESIDENT BUSH: Oh, history, yes. Getting a
little hard of hearing.
Q And history shows that the U.S. dumped
Pakistan after the Afghan war in 1980 -- So a common Pakistani wants to
know whether the U.S. will repeat the same history again, once
again. And secondly, how do you plan to help Pakistan --
Pakistan in its struggle of survival against mighty and militarized
India?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, that's a very legitimate
question. And it's -- one of the reasons why President
Musharraf and I are spending time together is he has got to be
confident in me and my government willingness to stay supportive of
Pakistan. I think one of the things, in order for us to have
a positive relationship is that he realizes that when we say we're
committed, we're committed. And we're committed to peace in
the region. We're committed to fighting terror.
The President made a tough decision and a strong decision -- it's
not only a decision about fighting terror, it's a decision for the
direction of his country. And we support that strongly.
So I can understand why some in Pakistan are saying, well, oh, this
is just a short-term dance. But so long as we share the same
ideals and values and common objectives, we'll work with
Pakistan. And there are ways to help. The
President is going to go see Secretary Rumsfeld today. We
have -- he negotiated and we willingly supported a strong aid package
in the '02 budget. We're now discussing help in the '03
budget. We want to help facilitate the President's concerns
about a debt burden on Pakistan. We want to talk about trade
matters. We want to help him achieve his vision of elevating
the average citizen by giving them a chance and a hopeful opportunity
for life.
And so, I would suggest that people in Pakistan remember to think
about the future and not dwell in the past. That's what the
President has done with his vision. And I am proud to call
him friend.
I want to remind people from Pakistan that I didn't mention many
world leaders in my State of the Union. But I mentioned
President Musharraf, for a reason. And hopefully, that's an
indication of my sincerity of developing a strong and meaningful
relationship.
Q Mr. Bush and Mr. Musharraf, should secular
schools be the standard in Islamic communities in Pakistan to prevent
jihads and other terrorists attacks like 9/11?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Let me first -- and I'd like the
President to speak on this, basically on the madrasa school issue in
Pakistan. One of the things that most impressed me about
President Musharraf, that gives me confidence in his vision, is that
the last time we met in New York City, we spent a fair amount of time
talking about education reform. And the President has placed
a very intriguing and very interesting woman in charge of the education
system in Pakistan. She used to work in rural areas, a rural
province of the country. He's elevated her to Cabinet
position because she's a reformer. She understands the
modern world requires an education system that trains children in basic
sciences and reading and math and the history of Pakistan.
And the President laid out to me a vision, which he can share with
you, about how to encourage madrasas to adopt a curriculum that will
actually -- will work, and will provide a work force, a trained work
force, and will give people hope.
And so our government is committed to working with the Pakistani
government on education reform. We had a -- as I understand
that of the $600 million, part of the aid package last year, $100
million of those dollars have gone into education
reform. The President will make the decision as to how best
to use that. There's $35 million -- or $34 million
additional dollars this year that will go help on education reform.
I shared with him my passion about education reform here in America
and I want to applaud him for making a visionary statement about
education. He knows what I know: An educated child is one
much more likely to be able to realize dreams and to be a productive
citizen.
So, April, I think -- let the President speak to this issue, if you
don't mind.
PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF: Thank you. We are
involved in Pakistan, as I laid out in the 12 January speech, in a
jihad -- jihad-e-akbar, which I call, a greater jihad, which is in our
teaching in Islam, a jihad against illiteracy, a jihad against poverty,
backwardness, hunger. This is the jihad that we are engaged
now and we have initiated.
Now, within this jihad, education forms a focal
area. And since the President wants me to focus particularly
on madrasa, in education we are taking three areas of
education. One is the madrasa education; the second is the
primary and secondary education; and the third is higher education. I
would just like to focus on the madrasa education. We have
formulated strategies in each one of these three areas.
Madrasas, we must understand, are basically -- there are about
600,000 to 800,000 students here in madrasas. Now, the
positive aspect of the madrasa -- which I did lay out in my speech
also, I would like to highlight for everyone to hear -- is that they
are a welfare -- they have a welfare and humanitarian aspect to
them. They feed and house the poorest of the poor
children. So this is the positive aspect of their providing
free board and lodge to the poorest of the poor.
Now, the weaknesses of some of the madrasas only teaching religious
-- giving religious education to the children has to be
removed. And the children in these madrasas need to be
brought into the mainstream of life. And that is what we are doing.
We have asked the madrasas to introduce four
subjects. And these are science, English, Pakistan studies,
and mathematics. Now, with these four subjects introduced,
we have also created a board for them to take their examinations
from. And once they take their examinations through these
boards, it will make them eligible to transfer to any other college or
university, if I want to give them a scholarship and take them there,
or to get them a job anywhere -- in a banking area or in the military
or anywhere -- instead of focusing only into the religious field.
So this is the strategy that we have adopted to get these children
into the mainstream of life in Pakistan. So the basic idea
is utilize their strength, the strength of their giving free board and
lodge to such a vast population of the poorest of the poor; and
eradicate their weakness so that they are drawn into the mainstream of
life in Pakistan. This is the strategy we are following.
Q My question is for President
Bush. President, you know --
PRESIDENT BUSH: Why am I not
surprised? (Laughter.)
Q Almost more than 700,000 Pakistanis are
based in the United States.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Say that again? I'm sorry.
Q Almost more than 700,000 Pakistanis are
based in the United States.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Right, right.
Q But after September 11th, FBI and
different law enforcing agencies, they made a major crackdown against
different communities. And Pakistani community has
especially been targeted by law enforcing agencies. And hundreds of
Pakistanis are in different detention centers. And there is
a sense in the community they are treating them like a
terrorist. And, you know, very wrong messages are delivered
back to Pakistan that in the United States, Pakistanis are treated like
a terrorists. And on the other side, in Pakistan, is
supporting all the way the United States in the war against terrorism.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes.
Q And the same White House, Mexican
President, Mr. Fox, visited White House and you promised that you will
consider to give guest worker status to illegal Mexicans, 3.5.
million. So keeping in, you know, the Pakistani -- what they
have done for United States, would you be kind enough to consider a
legal status for a small number of illegal Pakistanis, who are in
process of legalization?
PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, first, we need to reform our
INS. There's no question the paperwork delays are way too
long. It's frustrating for people. So for those
who are amazed at the fact that paperwork can stay in a process for
such a period of time, I can understand that.
Secondly, I've always believed that we ought to encourage a willing
employee and a willing employer to come together. And as we
discuss immigration law, that ought to be an aspect of the law.
And, finally, this great nation is a nation that will protect
ourselves; we're still under threat. But we treat people
with ultimate respect. I mean, people in this country have
got a chance to get attorneys at law to help them. People
are not being -- we never said, let's go single out a particular group
of citizens. Let's protect America. If we get any
kind of lead or any kind of hint about anything that is -- could lead
to an attack, we're going to give people a chance to share information
to protect America. That makes sense, if you're living here
and you care about the country, that you ought to be given a chance to
participate.
So I don't know who, specifically, you're referring to, but people
are being treated incredibly humanely here -- and in Guantanamo Bay, by
the way. Perhaps you're referring to maybe some citizens
there. I will just assure you, like I've assured the
President, that people are getting fantastic health care, much better
health care today in Guantanamo Bay than they were getting in
Afghanistan, I can assure you.
And so our country is mindful of the need to respect people's
rights. But I want to assure you we will do, within our power, within
the Constitution of the United States, what it takes to defend the
American people. My most important job is to protect
innocent Americans, and this is exactly what I'm going to do.