For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 23, 2001
Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Blair in Joint Press Conference
Green Top Camp Dining Hall Camp David, Maryland
4:45 P.M. EST
THE
PRESIDENT: Welcome. It's my honor to welcome the
Prime Minister, from our strongest friend and closest ally, to Camp
David. We've had a couple of formal visits; more
importantly, had a nice walk around Camp David, and got to know each
other. And as they told me, he's a pretty charming
guy. He put the charm offensive on
me. (Laughter.) And it worked. No,
we're delighted. Tonight we'll have a dinner, just the four
of us, Ms. Blair and Laura and the two of us, and I'm really looking
forward to it.
This is a
chance for me to tell the Prime Minister how dedicated my
administration will be to an alliance that has made a huge difference
in the world; an alliance that I firmly believe will make a difference
in the years to come.
We
discussed trade; we discussed defenses; we discussed the Prime
Minister's vision of a strong NATO. We discussed a lot of
subjects. The thing I want to leave people with the
impression of is that ours will be a strong and good personal
relationship and a alliance that will stand the test of time.
Mr. Prime
Minister, welcome.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Thank you very much, Mr.
President. Well, I was delighted to come here and I've been
really enthusiastic about our meetings so far. They've been
absolutely excellent, very productive, as I hoped and
expected. We discussed a whole range of issues. I
think we've been through all the issues that you would expect, plus
some more. And I've found it a very, very useful meeting,
indeed.
And I just
want to make one point by way of introduction, which is that our
countries have stood together in some very difficult times, very hard
times, some of the most testing times the world has ever known. And
the reason we've come through those times together and stronger is
because we share the same values, we share the same interests, we've
got a lot of common history. But I think, most of all, we
have the same perception of the world and the belief in freedom, and
the belief in standing up for what is right and just. And
everything that I've heard today confirms for me in my view that that
relationship will carry on and strengthen in the years to come. I
thank you very much, indeed.
THE
PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.
Fournier.
Q Mr.
President, have you received a commitment from the Prime Minister to
support your missile defense plan, including building missile defense
sites in Britain?
And, Mr.
Prime Minister, do you think that there is a threat that requires a
missile defense shield and would you allow missile defense sites to be
built on your --
THE
PRESIDENT: Mr. Prime Minister, before we answer that,
generally when I ask for one question, we only get one question
coming. Well done. (Laughter.)
We had a
long discussion about missile defense. I will, obviously,
let the Prime Minister speak for himself. I made the case,
like I will do to all the leaders with whom I meet, that we need to
think differently about the post-Cold War era, that there are new
threats that face people who love freedom.
There is
the threat of an accidental launch of a missile; there are threats of
potential blackmail when one of these nations develops weapons of mass
destruction and be willing to point at America, Britain, our allies,
our friends, people with whom we've got commitments. And
we've got to deal with those in a realistic way. And the
Prime Minister asked a lot of really good questions, and he can answer
what you asked, Ron.
But we're
in the process of coming up with a realistic way to deal with the true
threats. It makes a lot of sense to explore options. It
makes a lot of sense to develop defenses to face the true
threats. It also makes sense for us to send the message to
the world that in the post-Cold War era, the United States will handle
its responsibilities to keep the peace in a constructive way, by
reducing our offensive weapons, as well. And I'm now talking
to the Pentagon to come up with a level of nuclear weaponry that will
help us keep the peace. As to whether or not there will be
sites or no sites, that's too early to determine, because I have yet to
propose to the Prime Minister what will work.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: First of all, let me say, I understand and
share the concerns of the President and the American administration
about weapons of mass destruction and nuclear
proliferation. And I think it's very important in that
context that we discuss all the ways that we can deal with this threat,
which is a real threat and a present threat, both in relation to
offensive and defensive systems.
And I said
to the President, and I want to repeat to you, that I welcome very much
the approach that the administration has taken, which is to be very
open about this, which is to talk to people about it, to make sure that
allies are consulted properly. These are very, very big and
important issues.
But we
welcome the dialogue that there has been on it. And I think
if you look at the world today and you see those countries that are
developing weapons of mass destruction, I think it is a debate that is
right to have.
Q Can
I ask you both about missile defense? Mr. President, can I
ask you, if you fail to get agreement among your key allies, including
Britain, are you prepared then to go ahead alone with some form of
missile defense system? And if I can ask the Prime Minister,
are you prepared to say in principle now you could back an American
missile defense system?
THE
PRESIDENT: John, I don't think I'm going to fail to persuade
people. I think it makes -- it's common sensical to say to
our friends, let's come together, work together, to develop a defense
against the true threats of the 21st century. And so, I
don't accept your hypothesis.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Well, I'm sure, for my part, that this is a
debate that is important to have, for the very reasons that the
President gave earlier. And I think if you look at the
weapons of mass destruction that people are trying to develop in
nuclear proliferation, that it's important that we look at every single
way we possibly can of dealing with this threat.
Now, as the
President said a moment or two ago, we don't have a specific proposal
on the table yet. But I understand and share the American
concerns, as I've said many times before. And I think what
is important is that if we take this forward in a constructive way and
have the right discussion with allies, then we can find a way through
this. I've always believed that, incidentally, and I believe that even
more firmly having talked to the President today.
THE
PRESIDENT: I'll give you a follow-up answer. I
thought it interesting that Mr. Putin talked about missile
defenses. I know there are some concerns in Europe about
Russian reaction to the development of defenses that will make the
world more peaceful. And Mr. Putin has started talking about
the need for folks to develop -- think about developing systems that
will intercept missiles on launch, for example, theater-based systems
that will keep the peace.
We found
that to be a breakthrough of sorts, a recognition that the Cold War has
passed, that we are not Russia's enemy. I don't view Russia
as our enemy, either, and that there will be new threats that we'll
have to deal with. If we are peaceful, loving people, we
must use our technologies to appropriately deal with the threats that
we'll be facing. And I thought that was a positive breakthrough.
Steve
Holland.
Q Yes,
sir. Could both of you explain how you keep the Iraqi
sanctions from crumbling and how do you explain how the Iraqi sanctions
could be reconstituted to keep them from -- to help ease the strain on
the Iraqi people?
THE
PRESIDENT: We spent a lot of time talking about our mutual
interests in Iraq and the Persian Gulf, and from our perspective, as
you know, I made the famous statement that our sanctions are like Swiss
cheese. That means they're not very effective. And we're
going to work together to figure out a way to make them more
effective.
But I think
the Prime Minister and I both recognize that it is going to be
important for us to build a consensus in the region to make the
sanctions more effective. Colin Powell left today, after
lunch, to move around the Middle East, collect thoughts and to listen,
with a policy of strengthening our mission to make it clear to Saddam
Hussein that he shall not terrorize his neighbors, and not develop
weapons of mass destruction.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Yes, I'd like to just add to
that. I think that -- I mean, of course, we look the whole
time to see how we can make sanctions more effective. But
don't be under any doubt at all of our absolute determination to make
sure that the threat of Saddam Hussein is contained and that he is not
able to develop these weapons of mass destruction that he wishes to
do.
And as I
constantly point out to people, I mean, this is a man with a record on
these issues, both in respect to the murder of thousands of his own
people, in respect to the war against Iran, in respect to the
annexation of Kuwait. And we know perfectly well, given the
chance he will develop these weapons of mass destruction; indeed, he's
trying to do so and will get as much technology as he can to do so.
Now, of
course, we've got to -- we're all conscious of the fact that our
quarrel is not with the Iraqi people who in many ways suffer under the
yoke of Saddam Hussein. But -- and therefore, it's important
that we make sure that the sanctions hit him, Saddam, as effectively as
they possibly can. But we need to contain that threat, and
that's why the action that we took is right and justified.
THE
PRESIDENT: BBC guy, as promised.
Q Thank
you, Mr. President. If I can pick up on what we were
discussing yesterday, now that you've had a chance to talk to the Prime
Minister, do you share the concerns of many in your party that the
European plan for a rapid reaction military force could seriously
undermine NATO? And I'd like to hear first your response, and then the
Prime Minister's.
THE
PRESIDENT: The Prime Minister and I spent a lot of time on
this subject, as well. And I support his point of
view. He assured me that NATO is going to be the primary way
to keep the peace in Europe, and that the United States -- and I
assured him the United States will be actively engaged in NATO, remain
engaged in Europe with our allies.
But he also
assured me that the European defense would no way undermine
NATO. He also assured me that there would be a joint
command, that planning would take place
within NATO, and that
should all NATO not wish to go on a mission, that would then serve as a
catalyst for the defense forces moving on their own.
And
finally, I was very hopeful when we discussed the Prime Minister's
vision that such a vision would encourage our NATO allies and friends
to bolster their defense budgets, perhaps. And so I support
what the Prime Minister has laid out. I think it makes a lot
of sense for our country.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Well, I was very grateful for what the
President had to say on that issue. And the important thing
to remember is that, as the President has just outlined to you, this is
in circumstances where NATO as a whole chooses not to be engaged; it is
limited to the peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks that are set
out. It is not a standing army, it is a capability that
Europe should have, but the sovereign decision of each nation is
necessary for each operation.
And
speaking together as the founders of NATO, we would never do anything
to undermine NATO. But where NATO as a whole chooses not to
be engaged, it is important that we have the capability, where it's
right and within these limited tasks that I've set out, to be able to
act, should we choose to do so ourselves.
And I
think, done in that way, it is something that can strengthen NATO, give
us an additional string to our bow in circumstances where NATO doesn't
want to be involved. And I think the President is absolutely
right in a sense to put it up to us in Europe and say, well, if we are
going to do this, then let us make sure that our capabilities match our
aspirations. And I think done in that way it is good not
just for Europe, but it's good for NATO and the U.S., as
well. And I think the discussion we had on it was very
useful and very constructive.
Q How
much an obstacle is it to this special relationship you say you want to
have on behalf of your two countries that you are ideologically poles
apart? A tax cutter versus a tax raiser; a pro-death penalty
versus an anti-death penalty; America first versus an interventionist
-- I mean, how would you --
THE
PRESIDENT: -- slandering in that
way. (Laughter.) He can handle his politics in
Britain, and I'll handle mine in America. But we've got a
lot of common interests. We agree on trade; we agree on ways
to keep the peace. But most important, both of us recognize
that this is a special relationship, the relationship between America
and Britain, and we're going to keep it that way.
It is --
the Prime Minister referred to the great history of the relationship
between our two countries, and this is a fantastic legacy for both of
us to inherit, and it's a legacy I take seriously, and it's a legacy
that I will work hard to protect. I can assure you that when
either of us get in a bind, there will be a friend on the other end of
the phone.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Well, I endorse that
completely. And I think it's important to recognize, as well
-- I mean, you know from the work that we do in Europe, as well, there
are very strong alliances that can be formed with people across
so-called ideological divides of that type. But I think what
is important is that what we have in common, our two countries and our
interests, are so much more important for us in the work that we do.
And I
should say also that I don't think if you look at the problems that are
on the President's agenda, even his domestic agenda now in terms of the
economy, in terms of some of the things -- we actually had a brief
conversation about education policy when we were on our walk together
-- I think there are some interesting things happening that -- there's
a good dialogue on some of these things, too. So I'm sorry
to disappoint you.
Q Mr.
President, you spoke yesterday about sending a message to China if it
is proven that the Chinese government was helping the Iraqis at those
missile sites -- the air defense sites, excuse me. Mr. Prime
Minister, I'm interested in what British intelligence tells you about
any Chinese involvement, and if Chinese involvement is proven, what
specific steps are each of you prepared to take beyond just publicly
voicing your displeasure?
THE
PRESIDENT: If I can answer that first, because we had a
little bit of news today. The Chinese responded to our
inquiry, and you're going to have to ask Condi Rice what specifically
they said, but if I could paraphrase, it was, if this is the case,
we'll remedy the situation. But we did get a
response. As I told you yesterday, that we filed a complaint
and they responded this morning.
Q Do
you trust that they will keep their word in that regard?
THE
PRESIDENT: I think you've always got to begin with trust
until proven otherwise.
The Prime
Minister may want to --
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: I've got nothing to add to that, actually.
I think that's the sensible approach and it's the one we took, too.
Q Prime
Minister, having stood squarely behind President Clinton for the last
four years, through thick and thin, do you feel any embarrassment today
on his behalf, as his presidency clearly ended in scandal and sleaze?
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: You know, Trevor, as I've said over the last
few days when I've been asked about this, Bill Clinton is a friend of
mine and will remain a friend of mine. But I am not getting
into what has been in the newspapers and media over here. I
don't think it's appropriate for me; I don't think it's right.
Q Mr.
President, your administration has yet to become actively engaged in
the peacemaking process, particularly in Northern
Ireland. Are you planning to become more engaged?
And, Mr.
Prime Minister, based on what you've observed so far, do you expect
that President Bush will be as engaged as President Clinton?
THE
PRESIDENT: Well, we talked about the peace process and I,
like I did in the campaign, want to again praise President Clinton for
his involvement. I asked the Prime Minister, did the
President have a positive effect? He said,
absolutely. I then asked for him to let me know if I could
ever help.
As you
know, our position on any peace process is it takes willing parties to
come together and if there is a way that I can help, I'd be more than
willing to do so. I'm going to wait to be asked by the Prime
Minister. He's got a better handle on it than I conceivably
could as to when and if the prestige of the United States is needed to
make the process work better.
But we
spent a lot of time discussing the issue. The Prime Minister
deserves a lot of credit, as well, for working hard to bring a peace to
Northern Ireland. And progress is being made and we will --
I will be standing by, anxious to help, if I'm needed.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Well, I was very grateful for that offer by
the President. And it's difficult to perceive the exact
circumstances in which I might pick up the phone and ask the President
to help. But the fact that I know he is there and willing to
do that is very important, because President Clinton was a great
assistance during difficult parts of the Northern Ireland peace
process.
And it's a
very difficult process. I mean, it goes on the whole time
and we make progress, day by day, week by week, month by month, and
there are still some very, very tricky issues to sort
out. So I can't exactly foresee the circumstances in which
the American President can come in and be of help, but I was very
grateful for the offer of that. And I think people in
Northern Ireland will be, as well, because whatever the difficulties of
the process there, my goodness, Northern Ireland is a different place
today from what it was a few years back. And for people to
know that there is that interest in the outside world, for people in
Northern Ireland to know that, it gives them tremendous heart and
hope.
Q A
question for both of you. There has been a lot said about
how different you are as people. Have you already in your
talks found something maybe that you -- some personal interest that you
have in common, maybe in religion or sport or music?
THE
PRESIDENT: Well, we both use Colgate toothpaste.
(Laughter.)
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: They're going to wonder how you know that,
George. (Laughter.)
Q I
also wanted to ask you -- you come up with a lot of nicknames for
people. I wondered if you already had one for the Prime
Minister.
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: Well, I'm getting even embarrassed about all
the ones I choose in this press conference. (Laughter.)
THE
PRESIDENT: I'm still open for suggestions.
Well, we
like sports. The Prime Minister informed me this morning
that he exercised at the gym prior to meeting Vice President
Cheney. I informed him after this press conference, I'm
going to go exercise in the gym. We've both got great
wives. I think probably the place we're going to find a lot
of common ground is we're both dads, and proudly so, and recognize that
as our most important responsibility, is to be loving dads.
I don't
know if you found any common ground or not. (Laughter.)
PRIME
MINISTER BLAIR: I think that's enough to be going on with.
Q Mr.
President, you talked about Secretary of State Powell going to the
Middle East, looking for consensus on how to handle Saddam
Hussein. We do know that there is a consensus that sanctions
hurt the people of Iraq too much and perhaps Saddam Hussein not
enough. Did the two of you discuss ways of changing the
sanctions to make them tougher on him and a little less punishing for
the people of Iraq? And, if not, how do you hope to keep the
coalition together? You already have some NATO allies, even,
who are questioning the value of the sanctions.
THE
PRESIDENT: Well, that's the work we've got to
do. First, our beef is not with the people of Iraq; it's
with Saddam Hussein. And, secondly, any time anybody suffers
in Iraq, we're concerned about it. And I would, however,
remind you that Saddam's got a lot of oil money and it would be helpful
if he would apply it to helping his people. Having said
that, to the extent the sanctions are hurting the Iraqi people, we're
going to analyze that.
Colin is
really going to listen. He's going to solicit opinion from
our friends and folks in the Middle East. And prior to
formulation of any policy, we will have listened, and then I will, of
course, consult with friends and allies such as the Prime Minister
here, as we develop a policy that we hope and know will be more
realistic.
The Prime
Minister said something interesting, though. A change in
sanctions should not in any way, shape or form, embolden Saddam
Hussein. He has got to understand that we are going to watch him
carefully and, if we catch him developing weapons of mass destruction,
we'll take the appropriate action. And if we catch him
threatening his neighbors, we will take the appropriate
action. A change in the sanction regime that is not working
should not be any kind of signal whatsoever to him that he should cross
any line of -- and test our will, because we're absolutely determined
to make that part of the world a more peaceful place by keeping this
guy in check.
THE
PRESS: Thank you.
THE
PRESIDENT: See you at the gym.
END
5:10 P.M. EST
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