For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 3, 2003
President Bush Discusses Upcoming Africa Trip with Reporters
Remarks by the President in Roundtable Interview with African Print Journalists
The Roosevelt Room
10:30 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. What I thought I would
do is make a couple of opening comments about the upcoming trip and
answer some questions, maybe go around the horn a couple of times and
give everybody a chance to fire away.
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Dr. Jendayi Frazer answered your questions about the President's Africa trip on "Ask the White House."
Read the transcript.
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First, I'm really looking forward to the trip. I have been to the
continent of Africa twice, but I've never been as President, nor have I
been on as extensive a tour as the one we are going on.
I'll be carrying a message to the African people that, first,
America cares about the future of Africa; it's in our national
interests that Africa become a prosperous place; it's in our interest
that people will continue to fight terror together; it's in our
interest that when we find suffering, we deal with it.
I've laid out some initiatives that I'll be further describing to
the African people and African nations: an AIDS initiative; the
Millennium Challenge Account; our education initiative, where we'll be
spending now $600 million over a five year period of time; a $100
million to fight terrorism in east Africa. In other words, just a
series of specific initiatives behind a well-intentioned
administration. And it's important for the leaders to understand
precisely what I mean when I talk about these different initiatives.
And so when we go to Senegal we'll be talking to not only my
friend, President Wad, but other leaders from western Africa. When I
go to South Africa, of course, it'll be a significant platform from
which to speak to leaders in the southern region of Africa. I'll be
going to Botswana, as well; and then up to Nigeria and, finally, Uganda
and then home. So it's an extensive trip and it's an important trip
and I'm very much looking forward to it.
And I'll be glad to answer any questions. Why don't we start with
you, Mr. Babou.
Q Thank you very much. Mr. President, when will you be going
to Senegal and how long will you stay?
THE PRESIDENT: We're leaving Monday night from here, flying all
night long and arriving in Senegal in the morning, and we'll be there
for about a half a day. I'll be meeting with President Wad in a
bilateral meeting and then we'll be meeting with -- I'm not sure how
many western African leaders have RSVP'd yet, maybe Jendayi knows --
DR. FRAZER: Seven.
THE PRESIDENT: -- seven other leaders. And then we'll be going to
Goree Island, where I'll be giving a speech about race, race in the
world, race as it relates to Africa and America. And we're in the
process of writing it. I can't give you any highlights of the speech
yet because I, frankly, haven't seen it. But I'll be fine-tuning the
speech. It's an important speech for me to give and it's one I'm
looking forward to giving.
I look forward to seeing President Wad on his home turf, because I
admire him, I admire his leadership. He is a man who believes in the
same principles I believe in. He believes in the dignity of each life,
he believes in democracy, he believes in open markets, he understands
trade. And in our discussions -- and we've had quite a few discussions
with President Wad -- he has constantly talked about the need for
infrastructure development to link markets.
So he's got a -- he cares deeply about the people of Senegal, but
he's also got a regional vision that makes sense. He is a leader, he
is one of the leaders of --every time we meet at, like, the G8,
President Wad is one of the representatives of the African nations,
because he believes in the principles of NEPAD and he is a good
fellow. I'm looking forward to seeing him at home.
Yes, sir.
Q Thank you, sir. On Zimbabwe, Mr. President, in recent days
there has been several references from yourself and Secretary Powell to
Zimbabwe once again.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, there has been.
Q Now, beyond President Mbeki and President Obasanjo's efforts
in the past to get Mugabe and Tsvangirai to sit down together -- which
has not been very successful -- what more do you think they should do?
Or what more --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, that's a good question; I appreciate that.
Yes, we have been outspoken on the subject because we believe that a
democracy in Zimbabwe will improve the lives of all the citizens of
that important country.
Listen, one of the things that we must -- this country cares about
is the plight of each human. And when we see and hear about suffering,
because of lack of food in sub-Saharan Africa, part of our attention is
focused on places where there's political instability. And there's no
reason why Zimbabwe is not capable of feeding not only herself, but
others in the region.
And the reason why now is because of political instability created
by a lack of adherence to the principles of democracy. So when you
hear me speak out or when you hear Colin speak out, we're speaking out
for principles. And the answer to what more can be done, the world
needs to speak with common voice in insisting that the principles of
democracy are adhered to by the ruling party in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe -- the economy of Zimbabwe at one time was a powerful
economy for the region. It was a successful economy. People grew food
in plentiful supply. Now the people of that country are starving.
This country is putting up a billion dollars of money to help people
who are starving. Then we're also -- I'm asking Congress to put up
what they call a $200 million fast-reaction -- or a fund for fast
reaction to confront famine. We need that so that the flexibility --
sometimes the appropriators like to put strings on appropriations, so
it makes it hard for the executive branch to move with speed. I would
like to have more capacity to move with speed when it comes to dealing
with emergencies.
The reason I bring that up is that it would be incredibly helpful
for the continent of Africa to have its countries that are able to feed
people prosperous and whole.
The other issue I want to bring up, now that I brought up the issue
of food, is genetically modified crops. I think it is essential that
throughout the continent of Africa nations be encouraged to develop --
use the technologies that have been developed to deal with pestilence
and drought. And I have been very outspoken on that subject, as well
-- not to be putting thoughts in your mind that you didn't want to hear
about, but I've got the mic. (Laughter.)
But I do want to emphasize, and I will emphasize on the continent
of Africa the need for our agricultural economies on the continent of
Africa to adjust with modern technology so that in places where there
is drought or likelihood of drought, there can be drought-resistance
crops being given a chance to succeed. Where there's pests that some
agriculture economy has not been able to deal with, we use
pest-resistant crop, and they're available. The problem, of course, we
have is that much of the enthusiasm for what we believe is
scientifically proven safe crops have been condemned by the refusal of
some countries and/or accumulation of countries to accept exports into
their markets from countries that use genetically modified crop.
That's a very long answer to a short question. Yes, sir.
Q Mr. President, sir --
THE PRESIDENT: Where is The Guardian based?
Q In Nigeria.
THE PRESIDENT: Very good.
Q I'd like to know what's your reaction to people who say that
the major driving force for your interest in Africa is oil and that,
you know, what you are trying to do, essentially, is to shift the focus
from Saudi, with first your relationship between Saudi and U.S. now, to
Africa. Now, how much of that --
THE PRESIDENT: Saudi Arabia?
Q Yes. So I'd like to know how much of that is actually for
instance, in your interest in Africa?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, conspiracy theorists about everywhere, I
guess. That's one of the most amazing conspiracies I've heard. Heck,
no one has ever made that connection, and so I would say -- well,
first, look, I have been talking about Africa since I was sworn-in as
President. I've met with 22, I believe it is, heads of state here.
And I have met with President Obasanjo, gosh, I would say -- I better
be careful, because every number I put out there, people scrutinize --
a lot, maybe five times.
DR. FRAZER: Five times, yes, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: President Wad, several times in the Oval Office,
several times in overseas meetings. President Mbeki, quite a few -- in
other words, Africa has been on the -- we've been thinking about Africa
ever since I've been sworn-in.
Secondly, the initiatives I've laid out are bold initiatives. The
Millennium Challenge Account is a very bold initiative. We're going to
increase our basic developmental aid by 50 percent, with a new approach
which basically says we'll reward those countries which make correct
choices on behalf of the people of the countries -- countries which are
not corrupt, countries which focus on the health and education of the
people, countries which adopt market-oriented policies which will
enable a country to more likely grow in a prosperous fashion, which
would then benefit the people.
I spoke out early on free trade with Africa. Certainly, the AGOA
initiative was not my administration's initiative. I readily
understand that. But we built on the AGOA initiative because I believe
in free trade and, as a matter of fact, took the free trade argument to
the halls of Congress and got trade promotion authority, which was not
an easy vote, by the way. It was a tough vote. There's a
protectionist element in our country that works beneath the political
surface. But I feel strongly that trade is an engine of opportunity
for developing countries.
These are all initiatives I spoke about prior to -- during the war
on terror, I guess. I wasn't in office very long before the war on
terror became evident here in America.
We've got good relations with Saudi. I gave a speech -- just to
put it in context, I gave a speech -- I swore-in some folks the other
day to reenlist in our military. I pointed out that the relationship
with Saudi Arabia, when it comes to tracking down terrorists, is
strong. I reminded our citizens that Abu Bakr who is a key operative,
and Swift Sword are no longer issues for America and Saudi Arabia
because of the cooperation that is an ongoing cooperation inside the
Kingdom.
And, anyway, no, listen, let me speak specifically to Nigeria. I
have got good relations with President Obasanjo. Every time we have
visited it has been a very cordial, up-front way. I appreciate his
cooperation on the U.S.'s desire to work with countries such as Nigeria
to train troops necessary to be able to handle some of the difficult
situations on the continent. As a matter of fact, I believe the United
States in working with Nigeria has trained five battalions of Nigerian
troops, preparing them for issues such as Liberia -- or other areas on
the continent. And we will continue that relationship with the
President of Nigeria. And I appreciate his leadership on that issue.
Mr. Cobb.
Q Yes, sir. You're going at least in two of the regions of
Africa, you're going to West Africa and -- well, Uganda being next door
to the Congo.
THE PRESIDENT: Right.
Q There's a fair amount of tumult in those regions. First, I
have two specific questions related to that and your trip. Will you
make a decision about U.S. troops in Liberia before you go? Or will
you be bringing some message about these U.S. troops in Liberia when
you visit in Senegal?
Secondly, what will you tell Mr. Museveni -- whom I know you admire
in terms of his work with HIV/AIDS and his economic policy -- with
regard to the role of militias that he created and are responsible for
much of the violence in eastern Congo?
THE PRESIDENT: Right, let me start with that. I also talked to
him about ongoing democracy in Uganda. We talked about transfer of
power. We talked about the fact that he's been a remarkably good
leader on many fronts, and that we would hope that he would adhere to
the concept of having any democracy with a peaceful transfer of power
at the appropriate time.
We did talk about that part of the region. I spoke very clearly
about the need for all countries to recognize the peace agreements that
we have been involved with -- we're not the lead country on, but we're
very much supportive of the peace agreements. And he listened very
carefully to our admonition that we expect for people to honor the
agreements that are being forged. And I will continue to discuss that
with him when I go to Uganda.
As well as Uganda, it's important to -- one reason why one would go
to Uganda is to make sure that people around the world, and
particularly on the continent of Africa, understand that dealing with
HIV/AIDS is possible. In other words, you can deal with it in a
positive way, and it's a remarkable record of Mr. Museveni and his
government in dealing with the pandemic of AIDS. It's essential that
-- we're fixing to spend $15 billion -- I believe Congress will respond
and keep the pressure on as, you know -- and that this trip will also
help create an awareness of the issue in America.
And it's important for our fellow citizens to realize that while we
live a relative luxurious life throughout our society, there is a
pandemic taking place that's destroying a lot of people, ruining
families. You know, the idea of a 14 year old little girl raising
three brothers and sisters without parents is something that's just --
it's sad, it is tragic, it needs to be dealt with. And I want to use
this trip to say, here's an example of what is possible and let's make
sure we follow our hearts as a society.
In terms of Liberia, I am in the process of gathering the
information necessary to make a rational decision as to how to bring a
-- how to enforce the cease-fire, keep the cease-fire in place. I said
yesterday -- I said a while back and I said it again yesterday, Mr.
Taylor must go. A condition for any progress in Liberia is his
removal, in removing himself. And that's the message Colin has taken
to the United Nations and to Kofi Annan.
Secondly, that today there is a meeting with ECOWAS and we had a
representative at the -- you probably knew this before I did, Mr. Cobb
-- but we had a meeting there with our military thinkers to determine
feasibility, to look at different options. And they have yet to report
back to the White House. Maybe the information has gone to the
Pentagon at this point in time.
So I'm gathering information in order to make a decision that will
achieve a -- that will allow me to make a proper decision as to how to
bring stability to that country.
Look, I recognize the United States has got a -- has had a, you
know, unique history with Liberia. And, therefore, it's created a
certain sense of expectations. But I also want to make sure that there
are certain expectations met, as well. And one expectation is Mr.
Taylor has got to leave. And that message is clear. And I can't make
it any more clear.
As to whether or not -- look, once the strategy is in place, I will
let people know whether or not I'm airborne or not. In other words,
I'm not trying to make any -- I don't need to dramatize the decision.
It's getting plenty of attention here at home. But we've got -- and
look, I'm just gathering enough information to be rational in what we
do.
You know, you read all kinds of things, of course, in American
newspapers -- it's sport here. I'm sure it is elsewhere, as well. The
gathering of the speculator, the leaker, the whatever -- what do you
call them? The source -- (laughter) -- people speaking out loud, the
President has done this, the President is thinking this. And what I am
thinking about is how to bring some stability to the country in a way
that will be effective.
And there's no question, step one of any effective policy, whether
we are involved or not, is for Charles Taylor to leave.
Yes, sir. Around the horn, again. We call it going around the
horn.
Q We understand that many African countries, like many
countries in the world, get a lot of help from their immigrants living
in the United States.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes.
Q And in the South America, at one point there were some
special programs for immigrants, illegal immigrants, living here from
Nicaragua, from El Salvador. Will you consider supporting a special
program for countries that are fighting for a democracy -- for the --
THE PRESIDENT: Temporary protective status, we call that TPS. We
analyze that on a case by case basis. TPS generally is granted for
those who are fleeing a very difficult political situation. In
Senegal's case, the situation doesn't look very -- it looks the
opposite of difficult political situation. It's a very stable
political situation. But we'll analyze any TPS requests.
DR. RICE: -- remittances.
THE PRESIDENT: Are you talking about remittances, people sending
money from here to there?
Q No, what I'm saying is like a TPS, to support democracy in
countries because they can't on that -- the Senegalese here sent about
$80 million a year to their country.
THE PRESIDENT: So it's a combination of status and money being
remitted, yes.
Well, we look at that. Of course, you know -- TPS recognizes that,
first of all, illegal immigration is an issue that we've got to deal
with. And nobody wants anything illegal happening. But we recognize
people come to our country not legally, and that sometimes they come
for political reasons. And that's why we have the TPS exceptions. And
we'll look at it case by case.
Yes, sir.
Q Mr. President, you mentioned in the efforts of Americans to
support peacekeeping in countries like Nigeria. What about South
Africa --
THE PRESIDENT: Same.
Q -- presently engaged in the Congo and Burundi?
THE PRESIDENT: No, very much so. I should have -- I brought it up
only in the context of Nigeria. I feel the very same way about -- I
will not count this as a question, because I should have mentioned
South Africa. You're absolutely right. South Africa has been a
leader. President Mbeki is a leader. When you think about the
continent of Africa, you think about leadership, you think about
President Mbeki. He's taking strong positions along with President
Obasanjo, and providing troops -- the South African.
I will be visiting, by the way, a training base there in South
Africa. I look forward to doing so. The South African army is a very
sophisticated, well-trained army. And President Mbeki has been a
leader in peace.
And so now you get a question.
Q Along the same lines, do you foresee increased aid from the
United States for peacekeeping -- like training, equipment?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I do. I do. We've been active in training up
to now. We've trained seven battalions for potential peacekeeping
missions. I think this is a very important use of U.S. assets. I
think the American people would understand and support the notion of
training others to take care of their business in their own
neighborhood. And that is a -- I say, take care of their business,
bring peace is what I mean by that. And yes, I do see continued
activity on that front.
Yes, sir.
Q Currently, there is a nationwide strike going on in Nigeria,
does that put a -- do you have any -- how does that affect your planned
trip?
THE PRESIDENT: It does not affect it at all. And I've been
briefed on the strike. I obviously hope it gets settled in a peaceful
way. If I have to, I'll make my own bed at the hotel. (Laughter.)
But I'm going. (Laughter.)
I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a very interesting
trip. It's a local issue, one that -- when I go to different
countries, sometimes there's local issues that pop up. Not because of
my trip, just because of the normal course of business. And this
happens to be what's happening in the country. So I'm not changing my
mind.
Yes, sir.
Q I'm curious, how big a factor are you concerned about
international terrorism on this trip? We've seen the numbers drop very
sharply in terms of sympathy towards the United States. In the
aftermath of the Iraq war there were the strains between the United
States and South Africa over this issue. And a Pew report, in fact,
that said that 44 percent of Nigerians believe that they serve a --
believe that Osama bin Laden would do the right thing in world
affairs.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I would have to say obviously there needs to
be an education program, because Osama bin Laden is nothing but a
killer who has hijacked a great religion. And he doesn't care about
innocent life. And so I would be glad to have that debate with
anybody, anywhere. And I would be glad to take those who believe that
he is of some kind of remedial value to his point of view to the World
Trade Center and introduce them to families who lost life for no reason
other than the fact that he is a killer.
Secondly, parts of Africa are -- they've got ongoing terrorist
threats. And the good news is we are working closely with those
governments to deal with those threats. We've got very good
intelligence sharing. We are -- the law enforcement officials of these
countries where there is a direct threat are moving rapidly upon the --
when we enrich the intelligence, when we calibrate the intelligence.
Kenya is a great country, and it has been a place where there's
been threats. Everybody knows that. Not only threats, there's been an
attack in the past. And the government of Kenya has been very
responsive. And we are -- we are helping them. We're helping other
countries in Africa. Djibouti comes to mind. There is country after
country after country where we're working with their governments. When
we -- or they -- they ask for help, and/or we provide information that
we have been able to pick up.
Did you ask whether or not the threats are going down?
Q No, I was saying that the admiration of the United States in
surveys has dropped in the aftermath of the Iraq war. Particularly, in
Nigeria --
THE PRESIDENT: No, I got what you're saying. Yes, yes, I beg your
pardon.
Well, look, it depends upon what the people are being told
sometimes. I mean, if there's a constant effort to describe America as
a non-caring country, then the people are going to have a bad attitude
about us.
But when they know the truth, when the truth comes out -- which is
that we care deeply about the plight of the African citizen; that we're
not only trading partners -- and by the way, most nations, I think,
would really like to trade with America -- that we not only care deeply
about the pandemic of AIDS, but that we hear the cries of those who are
sick and tired of corruption on the continent of Africa. And,
therefore, we are -- we've got a new approach to foreign aid. I think
people, when they know the facts, will say, well, this is a great
country.
And the other thing is that no one likes war, and what you heard --
there was kind of attachment to the word "America" with war. What
they're going to find out, the word "freedom" and "America" are
synonymous. That's what we believe. We believe in freedom. And we
believe everybody desires freedom. And that when it's all said and
done in Iraq, the world will wake up and say, now we understand what a
free Iraq means to peace and stability.
And so I -- if I conducted our foreign policy based upon polls and
focus groups, we would be stumbling all over ourselves. That's not
the way I do things. I base our foreign policy based upon deep-seated
principles.
And this is a peroration to what's been a very, hopefully,
constructive dialogue for you. It has been for me. My message to the
African people is we come as a nation that believes in the future of
Africa. We believe that people want to be free. We will work with
those who embrace the habits of freedom, that when this nation sees
suffering, we will not turn away.
There is tremendous suffering on the continent of Africa. And we
will put a strategy in place that effectively spends $15 billion over
five years to help ease the suffering from HIV/AIDS. When we see
starvation, we don't turn our back. We act. We care about the people
of the continent. And there are -- we've got great relations with
leaders and countries on the continent of Africa, relations which will
not only make -- help enable people to realize their dreams, but also
make the world more safe.
And that is my message. And I am proud to carry the message on
behalf of a great nation to a very important, great continent.
Thank you all for your time.
END 10:58 A.M. EDT
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