Text 650, 745 rader
Skriven 2005-03-15 23:33:38 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0503154) for Tue, 2005 Mar 15
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˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙ March 15, 2005 ˙ ˙
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 15, 2005

˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙ March 15, 2005 ˙ ˙



PRESS BRIEFING BY SCOTT McCLELLAN

Syria/Lebanon.......................................1-2, 7
Hezbollah..................................1-2, 6-9, 13-14 Italy/troops in
Iraq...............................2-3, 11 Majority Leader
DeLay....................................3 Iraq war/marking of
anniversary........................3-4 Anthrax
investigation..................................4-6 Hugo
Chavez/anti-American actions.....................9-10 Northern
Ireland........................................10 China loan
guarantees...................................11 President's comments on
Israeli settlements..........12-13 Iran/support for
Hezbollah...........................13-14 Video news
releases.....................................14 Sale of fighter jets to
India and Pakistan?..........14-15 Karen Hughes' role/reaction in Muslim
countries......15-16 Mexico/terrorists crossing border into
U.S..............16 Energy Secretary lobbying OPEC
countries.............16-17

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________ For Immediate
Release March 15, 2005

PRESS BRIEFING BY SCOTT McCLELLAN

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

2:14 P.M. EST

MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon, everybody. The President was pleased to
welcome King Abdullah back to the White House today. They had a good
discussion about the importance of supporting efforts in the Middle East to
move toward the President's two-state vision. They also had a good
discussion about our continuing efforts in the war on terrorism. And we
also appreciate Jordan's strong statement calling on Syria to withdraw
completely from Lebanon. They join Egypt and Saudi Arabia and a number of
other countries in the international community who are making it clear to
Syria that they need to withdraw completely and fully from Lebanon. And we
appreciate those strong statements of support for the Lebanese people.

And with that, I'll be glad to take your questions.

Q Specifically, what would the President like to see Hezbollah do in
Lebanon to join the political mainstream?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Resolution 1559 spells out what needs to happen. And
our focus right now is on making sure that there are free and fair
elections without any outside intimidation or interference. The Lebanese
people should be allowed to choose their own future and to chart their own
path, and that's where our focus is. This isn't about Hezbollah, this is
about allowing the Lebanese people to freely choose their leaders without
any intimidation or outside interference. And you can't have that as long
as Syria remains inside Lebanon.

And that's why we are making it clear, as well as other nations, that Syria
needs to completely withdraw all its military forces and all its
intelligence services from Lebanon, so that those elections can proceed
forward in a free and fair and credible way.

Now, if you have free and fair elections, I think experience shows that
people tend to choose leaders who are committed to improving their quality
of life, not terrorists. But in terms of Hezbollah, nothing has changed in
terms of our views. You've heard from administration officials over the
weekend; you heard from the President earlier today.

Q The President -- does he recognize that Hezbollah is a potent political
force in Lebanon?

MR. McCLELLAN: Hezbollah is a terrorist organization. Our view has not
changed when it comes to that. And 1559 also calls for all militias to be
disarmed. And we want to see 1559 fully complied with.

Q Scott, what is your understanding of Italy's position on withdrawing
troops from Iraq?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, actually, last week Prime Minister Berlusconi spoke
to, I believe, the Italian Senate and addressed this issue. He said that,
as Iraqis are able to assume more responsibility, we will work in agreement
with our allies and start to withdraw some of our forces. And that was
something he said, I believe it was just about a week ago -- last
Wednesday, I think.

Q But has this come to a head, then, today?

MR. McCLELLAN: I saw the comments he made today and I think they were very
similar to the comments he made last week.

Q What does this do to our overall troop strength there? And is it hurting
our effort, in general, in --

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think so, because if you look at what he said last
week and what he said again today, this will be based on the ability and
capability of Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government to be able to assume
more responsibility, and that he will work in agreement with allies in the
region before taking those steps. And we certainly appreciate the
contributions of the Italians. They have served and sacrificed alongside
Iraqis and alongside other coalition forces.

Our focus remains on making sure that the Iraqi forces are fully trained
and equipped and ready to assume more responsibility for their future, and
that's where our focus will remain, so that eventually our troops will be
able to return home with honor.

Q How much of this reflects the tension between the United States and Italy
over the shooting incident?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not sure that I'd make a connection there. I don't view
it the same way.

Q Is there any connection?

MR. McCLELLAN: Not that I'm aware of.

Q So no connection at all?

MR. McCLELLAN: Not that I -- I haven't heard any comment to that effect
from Italian officials.

Q Scott, you addressed this to some degree yesterday, but it bears bringing
up again because there's some new developments. Majority Leader DeLay today
denied any wrongdoing in a couple of trips he took overseas a couple of
years back. Does the Majority Leader still enjoy the full faith and
confidence of the President?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the Majority Leader is someone that we support. He is
someone we'll work very closely with in Washington to get things done on
behalf of the American people. And we join with Speaker Hastert and other
leaders in Congress who have talked about how he is a valuable member of
the congressional leadership.

Q Is the President confident that there was no wrongdoing, either in the
trips that he took or in the corporate donations to his Texas political
action committee?

MR. McCLELLAN: We join with other congressional leaders in our support for
Congressman DeLay, and we will continue to work closely with him to get
things done for the American people. Those questions can be directed to his
office.

Q How is the President going to mark the second anniversary of our war
against Iraq and the start of the third year?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there's still a few days off until the date that we
began the liberation of Iraq, and --

Q The invasion of Iraq.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the Iraqi people showed that they appreciate
the sacrifices of the coalition forces, of Iraqi forces, and our men and
women in uniform of the U.S. military, who helped --

Q Well, we're still there and we're still fighting, aren't we?

MR. McCLELLAN: -- to provide them with the opportunity to determine their
own future, and to move away from their past of oppression and terrorism.
And, obviously, we will --

Q How is the President going to mark the anniversary?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we will have more to say as we move closer to that, to
express our eternal gratitude to the men and women of our Armed Forces who
have served and sacrificed in the defense of freedom, and who have helped
to liberate some 25 million people in Iraq. We are --

Q That isn't why you went in.

MR. McCLELLAN: We are forever grateful to our men and women in uniform. And
the Iraqi people have expressed their gratitude, as well, and showed that
they are committed to defying the terrorists who want to return to the past
by going to the polls and voting for a future based on freedom and
democracy. And the National Assembly that was elected by the Iraqi people,
the transitional National Assembly, will be meeting for the first time
tomorrow. It's an important step on the path to democracy. And we stand
with the international community in doing everything we can to support the
transition to democracy in Iraq. We stand with the Iraqi people, and we are
greatly appreciative of our men and women in uniform who continue to serve
and sacrifice for this important cause. We are also grateful to their
families who have made sacrifices, as well.

Q How many people are dead?

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead, April.

Q Scott, on the anthrax attacks. The latest anthrax attacks reminds
Americans that we have not found the origins of who or a group of people or
one person who sent the anthrax in October of 2001 at -- this has all gone
on as we're spending so much money for biodefense. Why have we not found
the person or persons responsible for the anthrax attacks of 2001?

MR. McCLELLAN: That's a matter that remains a priority. It remains under
investigation. The FBI continues to pursue it. In terms of the issue today
that you're bringing up, let me just make clear that there was a
preliminary -- or some preliminary tests that came back positive. But there
has been additional testing that has come up and that has been negative. So
there's still some testing going on. We expect to be seeing more definitive
results soon. So I don't think we should jump to any conclusions at this
point. The proper authorities are looking into the latest matter to
determine what exactly this substance was on these letters, and when we
have more definitive results then maybe we'll be able to talk about it at
that point.

Nevertheless, I would also point out that we take a number of precautionary
measures when something like this happens. And we have made sure that those
who may have been exposed to this substance, whatever it may be, are able
to receive antibiotics if they need it. There's been no indication
whatsoever that anyone has shown any symptoms of exposure to anthrax. So we
need to see what those final results are.

Q But, Scott, it somewhat makes -- some of the critics of this Bush
administration are very concerned, as we're talking about preventing
terrorism abroad in the Middle East and the oppression and tyranny there,
we're still very vulnerable to terrorism here, and still have not, again,
found the origins of the anthrax attack of October 2001.

MR. McCLELLAN: Okay, let me repeat -- I would not try to draw conclusions
yet on some of the current information that we have seen in the news, or
the current matter relating to these Department of Defense facilities.
There's been a lot of additional testing that came back negative. But
they're continuing to pursue it, because anytime something like this shows
up positive, it becomes a high priority, and that's why a number of
authorities are working on it. Health officials, the Department of Homeland
Security, the FBI obviously will be involved, and trying to determine
exactly what this substance is.

But in terms of the issue you brought up, we have made preventing
bioterrorism a top priority, and that's why we have worked on initiatives
to address those issues. And the President will continue to make sure we
are doing all we can to better protect the homeland, while also staying on
the offensive abroad to prevent terrorist attacks from happening in the
first place.

Q So does this show that there's still a vulnerability to this type of
attack, these latest incidents?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, these latest incidents are a matter that is still
being looked into. There haven't been any definitive results drawn, so I
don't think you can --

Q Whether there is a definitive result or not, does this still say we --

MR. McCLELLAN: You're asking me to draw conclusions, and I don't think I
can draw conclusions until we see definitive results.

Q Scott, if we can go back to the President's remarks earlier today, he
said, we view Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and I hope that
Hezbollah would prove that they're not by laying down arms and not
threatening peace. Is the President giving Hezbollah an opportunity to
change, to renounce terror? And if so, will the United States consider it a
legitimate political organization?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, you're asking me ifs. Those are very hypothetical
questions.

Q Well, the President brought up the hypothetical when he said, I hope the
Hezbollah would prove that they're not by laying down arms and not
threatening --

MR. McCLELLAN: Right.

Q -- that they could become a legitimate organization, not a terrorist
organization.

MR. McCLELLAN: Because 1559 calls for Hezbollah to disarm, like other
organizations -- terrorist organizations -- in Lebanon. That's what's
spelled out in 1559. Again, let me emphasize what we have said previously.
You can't have a democratic society and a society based on rule of law
where you have groups, organizations, that are committed to violence. And
that's why what our focus is on right now is getting Syria to fully comply
with Security Council Resolution 1559. That calls for the complete
withdrawal of all their forces, military and intelligence, and it says in
the resolution, fully and urgently. So we want to see that withdrawal
happen as soon as possible. It's important that it happens before the
parliamentary elections in May take place, because, in order for those
elections to be free and fair, you need to remove the Syrian presence from
Lebanon.

And, again, experience shows that when people are given the opportunity to
choose their leaders, they tend to choose people who are committed to
improving their lives, not terrorists.

Q Is the President saying today, when he says, I hope that Hezbollah would
prove that they're not -- being not a terrorist organization -- by laying
down arms and not threatening peace, is he giving Hezbollah an opportunity
here to prove, if they lay down arms, if they renounce terrorism, that the
United States would work with Hezbollah in the future and consider it a
legitimate --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, what you're stating would be that they would be -- it
would change the dynamic if they disarmed and renounced terrorism, in your
own words. So that changes the situation. We're not -- this isn't about
Hezbollah. This is about supporting the Lebanese people. The President
believes that the future of Lebanon is in the hands of the Lebanese people.
We saw that yesterday, again, in the massive demonstration taking place in
the square in Beirut, where the Lebanese people were saying, we want
freedom and democracy, and we want Syria out; we want the outside
intimidation and outside interference in our country removed, and that
means Syria needs to leave. So that's where our focus remains.

The step that needs to happen now is Syria needs to leave. And we
appreciate all those other countries that share our view, and are calling
on Syria to withdraw. We have confidence that the Lebanese people will be
able to determine their future and make the choices that are best for their
country. So we want those decisions to be in the hands of the Lebanese
people, and the way for that to happen is for Syria to get out.

Q But, Scott, the President's comment was about Hezbollah. And what he said
-- and you said, that would ultimately change the dynamic if they were to
lay down their arms and renounce terror. If they were to change the
dynamic, would the administration deal with Hezbollah? Would they consider
Hezbollah a legitimate organization? Is the President creating that opening
for this organization to change its dynamic?

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me repeat -- would and ifs are hypotheticals. I'm not
into hypotheticals. No, the President made very clear that our views have
not changed when it comes to Hezbollah. Hezbollah is a terrorist
organization. They need to disarm, as called for in Security Council
Resolution 1559.

We have -- we support the ability of the Lebanese people to chart their own
future. And so we want to support them as they move forward on holding
elections in May. And the best way to do that is to continue to call on
Syria to leave, and to leave now.

Q So we're not to read into this, the President's comments, that if they
were to disarm, if they were to lay down their arms and not threaten peace,
that there would be an opportunity here for the United States to recognize
Hezbollah as an organization that it can --

MR. McCLELLAN: That's not what the President said. That's not -- you were
asking what the President said. I just said he said that our views have not
changed when it comes to Hezbollah. And I'm not going to get into
hypotheticals. But you, yourself, pointed out if they renounce terrorism,
in your question, and if they disarm, well, then that does change -- change
the dynamic.

Q Scott, how much concern President has over the $4 billion gas deal with
India and Iran through Pakistan? Because many in India are warning that
terrorist may blackmail India over this gas pipeline from Iran to India, so
-- and also U.S. is also closing the deal. So what --

MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't really had a discussion with him. I'll see if
there's anything else to add to it. I think the State Department might be
able to address it.

Go ahead, Carl.

Q Does the administration believe that once a terrorist organization always
a terrorist organization, or that any organization is redeemable,
specifically Hezbollah?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to get into that in the context of this
question.

Q Well, it's a policy question about whether or not a terrorist
organization can change its behavior, moderate its actions, and change its
relationship with the U.S. administration.

MR. McCLELLAN: Carl, I think that in terms of Hezbollah -- you're asking
this question in terms of Hezbollah -- I just stated what our views are.
Those views remain unchanged and --

Q And do they ever change?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to -- you're asking in the context of
Hezbollah, and I think I've just made our views clear again what our views
are, and I'm not going to get into playing "what ifs" when it comes to
Hezbollah.

Q Well, as an example then, there have been Baathists who have been helpful
to administration efforts in Iraq -- the Baathists clearly on the negative
side of the ledger not too long ago -- because of their moderated behavior.
Isn't that something that could be imaged by Hezbollah?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think -- let's distinguish here, because you're
talking about -- you may be talking about people that may be members of
organizations, but are not terrorists, versus terrorists, people who have
blood on their hands. There's a big difference. And I think we've spoken to
that in the past. But organizations like Hezbollah have to choose, either
you're a terrorist organization or you're a political organization. They
remain a terrorist organization. The President spoke about their past
atrocities and their past terrorist acts in his remarks earlier today.

Now, we've seen, when I talk about experience shows that people tend to
choose leaders who are committed to improving their own livelihood, that
are committed to improving their own security, that are committed to
improving their own -- or expanding prosperity for those people, and one
example is elections that took place in the Palestinian Territories. And
you saw that there may have been people elected that may have been members
of Hamas, but they weren't terrorists. They were people who advocated the
importance of improving the quality of life for people in the region,
people in the Territories. And they were businesspeople, they're
professionals.

Go ahead, Sarah.

Q Thank you. Scott, Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, continues his
anti-American verbal attacks. He is also making oil and arms deals with
countries that are not friendly to the United States. What will the
President do if Chavez cuts off Venezuelan oil to the U.S.?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he continues -- the government of Venezuela, under his
leadership, continues to take steps that give us concern, and I think they
are concerns shared by others, as well. And our concerns about the steps
that have been taken in Venezuela relate to actions that move away from
democratic institutions and freedom for the Venezuelan people. We've also
expressed our concerns about what intention -- what the intentions are of
Venezuela in the region. And in terms of the concerns, as I said, they're
shared by many in the region. And that's why we'll continue to work with
others in the region through the Organization of American States, to make
sure that Venezuela is meeting its commitment that it has made under the
Democratic Charter for the region.

Go ahead, Connie.

Q Thank you. To follow up the questions asked yesterday about Northern
Ireland, do you consider the IRA and Sinn Fein now to be terrorists? And
also, how much time will President Bush spend with the McCartney sisters?

MR. McCLELLAN: How much time will he what?

Q Spend with the McCartney sisters.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we'll let you know then. He looks forward to seeing
them. They will -- they have been invited to the White House to attend the
St. Patrick's Day celebrations. And I think part of the message that sends
is that we remain committed to the efforts of the Prime Ministers -- Prime
Minister Blair and Prime Minister Ahern -- to bring about a comprehensive
peace agreement. We share the views of Prime Ministers Ahern and Blair that
continued violence is an obstacle to reaching a comprehensive peace
agreement. Ongoing paramilitary activity and thuggery stands in the way of
a lasting and durable peace. And we want to make it clear to the parties in
Northern Ireland where we stand. We stand with those who are working to
achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. And there's been a step back from
that process by the parties. There's been a lack of progress. And we want
to see the parties get back on the path toward a comprehensive peace
agreement.

Q Is this a blanket indictment now of IRA and Sinn Fein? Are you saying
they are terrorist organizations?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think we've stated our views on the violence that goes on
and the terrorist acts that have continued in Northern Ireland. And we
stand with the Prime Ministers who are working to bring about a
comprehensive peace agreement. I don't think there's anything to add to
what I said.

Q Two brief questions. Following up yesterday on my question in the
afternoon session, I dropped off all the documents from the Import-Export
Bank on the $5 billion in loans and loan guarantees to China, and
specifically to the CNNC, which was involved in building reactors in Iran
and Pakistan. Has anything changed on that since yesterday?

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't have much on it. I just checked into it initially,
and my understanding is that this was a preliminary proposal. It still has
not been adopted. Also, when it comes to the issue of proliferation, we
have agencies that look into those matters to make sure that what is
involved here does not involve any proliferation concerns. And so you would
have agencies that would make sure that proliferation is not going on, that
this is for other purposes.

Q Second question I had was this: One of the worst-kept secrets within the
Republican Party is that the President and Karl Rove like to get involved
in primaries ahead of time, and picking nominees for office or blessing
nominees for office. Secretary Martinez is a good example. Has the
President made --

MR. McCLELLAN: Senator Martinez.

Q Senator Martinez, right. Has the President made any overtures to Lt.
Governor Michael Steele of Maryland about running for the seat that
Democratic Senator Sarbanes is giving up?

MR. McCLELLAN: Not that I'm aware of, and of course, that announcement was
just made the other day.

Q Back to Italy. Your President, our President and the administration have
repeatedly said there will be no timetable --

MR. McCLELLAN: Everybody else agree? (Laughter.)

Q There is no timetable for --

MR. McCLELLAN: Sometimes I wonder.

Q -- U.S. withdrawal --

Q Awww --

MR. McCLELLAN: I said it with a smile.

Q I meant to say you and the administration. (Laughter.)

MR. McCLELLAN: Me and my President?

Q Right.

MR. McCLELLAN: Herman is waiting to jump in on this one.

Q I'm behaving. I'm behaving. (Laughter.)

Q So the policy of the Bush administration has been stated, no timetable
for withdrawal of troops from Iraq. It's conditional on the basis of
establishing an Iraqi security force. What Berlusconi said today is,
already in September, we will begin a progressive reduction of the number
of our soldiers in Iraq. And he said, it's the public opinion of our
countries that expect this. That seems to be somewhat of a different
approach than what the President has outlined.

MR. McCLELLAN: You've heard the President's views, in terms of our forces.
I mean, obviously, every country will make their own decisions about what
they can continue to contribute, or contribute in the future, when it comes
to helping the Iraqi people. But Italy has contributed in many ways, and we
appreciate all the contributions that they have made to support the Iraqi
people as they build a peaceful and democratic future.

And there are countries that have made decisions previously that they were
going to be there for a set period of time. There are other countries that
-- in terms of forces, there are other countries that have committed to
extending their troop presence. What our focus is on is on training and
equipping the Iraqi security forces so that they can provide for their own
security, so that they can defend themselves against internal, external
threats. And when they are fully capable of doing that, then our troops
will be able to return home with honor.

Q Scott, an apology if this has been covered already, but one of the
President's comments today with the King of Jordan has made a bit of a
splash in Israel. It's a comment, "Israel must withdraw from the
settlements," not specifying which ones and where. Did the President really
mean all settlements?

MR. McCLELLAN: I thank you for bringing that up. What the President was
referring to was the withdrawal plan that is being pursued by Prime
Minister Sharon, as well as the unauthorized outpost, which the road map
calls for Israel to remove. So that's what he was referring to, what our
position is.

Q Scott, the President -- you say that this isn't about Hezbollah, it's
about the Lebanese people, but the President also implied that it was --
said it was broader than that. He said, both the United States and Jordan
were concerned that Hezbollah will interfere with the Israeli-Palestinian
peace process. Can you tell me, to what extent is Hezbollah continuing to
train Palestinian terrorists at camps in the Bekaa Valley? To what extent
are they funneling money from Syria to Palestinian terrorist groups? What
plans have you uncovered that would indicate that they are, indeed, intent
on disrupting the peace process?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think if you look at their history and look at their
past actions, they have been a destabilizing force in the region. And the
President and King Abdullah did talk about their concerns that Hezbollah
might try to have a negative impact on the Middle East peace process. That
remains a concern of ours. They are a terrorist organization. The President
spoke to that earlier today. And it's important that all parties in the
region work together to support the aspirations of the Palestinian people,
and to support Israeli and Palestinian leaders as they move forward to
achieve a two-state vision, the one that the President outlined.

I don't have anything to update you on in terms of specifics, but it
remains a concern, and given their history, I think, is the best way to
look at it.

Q Have you considered Hezbollah's disarmament part and parcel of the whole
Syrian package that we're looking for?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, and we've spoken to this, what needs to happen
now is Syria needs to get out of Lebanon so that those parliamentary
elections can proceed forward freely and fairly and in a credible manner so
that the Lebanese people can chart their own path. And 1559 does call for
Hezbollah to disarm. We want to see 1559 complied with.

Q Are you seeing any role with Iran in -- especially with Hezbollah?

MR. McCLELLAN: Am I seeing any --

Q Any role with the regime of Iran?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that is an organization that they have provided
support for. We remain concerned about both Iran's and Syria's support for
terrorism. They continue to move in a direction that is out of step with
the rest of the Middle East. They need to change their behavior and stop
supporting terrorism. They need to go after terrorist organizations that
are in their country and deal with them.

Q Scott, on video news releases, yesterday the Comptroller General,
reacting to the Bolten memo, said that it's not just a legal question,
there are ethical questions. Does our President --

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, who said that?

Q The Comptroller General, David Walker. Does our President think there are
ethical questions to be answered concerning the use of video news releases?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think the President looks at this and -- in the sense that
there are some clear guidelines in terms of what department and agencies
can or cannot do. There -- and in that memo that you were given yesterday,
it references some of those and says that you need to make sure you're
complying with those guidelines. In terms of these informational news
releases, that is something that has been used for quite some time now by
federal agencies. And as long as that information is factual and not
crossing the line into advocacy, the Justice Department believes that it is
perfectly appropriate. And it's well-known to the television stations where
this information is coming from.

Q Has the administration reviewed any of these? Have you found any that you
thought crossed a line, or have they all been okay?

MR. McCLELLAN: No. And one thing we wanted to do was make it clear to
federal departments and agencies what the guidelines were and what they can
and cannot do, and so that's why we sent the memo out last week spelling
out those guidelines.

Q Scott, I think there's a story about the United States selling fighter
jets, F-16s to India and Pakistan. In the meantime, you oppose the EU's
arms embargo lifted towards China. Why the double standards? Is this all
designed --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I did see news reports, I have not seen any
announcements. Secretary Rice is traveling to the region. She is in India,
I believe, today and tomorrow, and then going on to Pakistan. We have
developed good relations with both those countries, and we have worked with
-- to support the efforts of both those countries to reduce tensions in the
regions. And we appreciate the efforts of those countries in the global war
on terrorism, as well.

In terms of any specific announcements, I don't have anything to add from
here. I mean, Secretary Rice is in the -- going to be in the region, and
she'll be talking with these leaders, as well. I'm sure that defense
matters are an issue that will come up, as well. I just don't have anything
to add from here.

Q Can I ask you one more? Are you concerned with the Chinese military
budget? But compared with the United States, it's only about $30 billion
for 1.3 billion people. Is that really too much?

MR. McCLELLAN: Secretary Rice did express our concerns about that earlier
today.

Q In the Muslim world, women are considered, at best, second-class
citizens. Is there any concern that Karen Hughes's effectiveness will be
compromised at all because she is a woman dealing with primarily male
leaders in the Muslim world?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, she is someone who has been very effective in the past,
and she is someone who has been a member of the Afghan Women's Council, and
worked to support the rights of women in Afghanistan and free them from
their past of oppression. We have stated very clearly that when it comes to
promoting democracy, it's important to protect the rights of all -- that
means minorities, that means women. And that remains our position. She is
someone who is a proven communicator, and someone who has some real,
practical foreign policy experience that she can bring to our public
diplomacy efforts. And --

Q You see no gender friction between Saudis, or any leaders who just do not
sit down eye-to-eye with women, and Karen Hughes has said we need to reach
out to Muslim --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one of the most important efforts that we have
undertaken in the global war on terrorism is to advance freedom and
democracy in the world. It's central, as the President has said, to all our
discussions with leaders around the world. The President talked about
reforms with King Abdullah earlier today. He is someone who has been
supportive of reforms in the Middle East.

It is important that we support the aspirations of the people in the
region, and Karen Hughes is overseeing our public diplomacy efforts to help
do just that. And we will continue to speak out very clearly, what we stand
for and what our values are. And we believe those are values that are
shared by people in the Middle East, as well.

Q Scott, has the President received any specific information about the
presence of terrorists in Mexico who are trying to cross the border --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm not going to get into obviously talking about
specific intelligence matters, but border security is a very high priority
for this administration. We have taken a number of steps to make use of new
technologies to better track people that may be trying to enter the country
illegally. It's a high priority for this President that we ensure the
security around our borders to prevent people who are coming to this
country for the wrong reasons from entering the country. And that's why
we've dedicated additional resources to the effort. That's why we've
expanded the number of Border Patrol agents along the border. It remains a
high priority.

Q But the President shared the concern of some members of Congress
yesterday, for example, that were saying they knew that al Qaeda has some
members in Mexico who are trying to get with the coyotes to cross the
borders illegally into the United States. Has the President shared that
concern? And he trust the Mexican government to deal with that --

MR. McCLELLAN: Oh, sure, we stay in touch with the Mexican government on
issues like this, and we will continue to do so in the future, as well. We
also will talk to them about our efforts to implement important reforms
that will allow us to focus more time on the border, going after those who
are coming into this country for the wrong reasons.

Q Several OPEC oil members have said that they've received phone calls from
Energy Secretary Bodman. I was wondering if you could just confirm that the
Energy Secretary is, indeed, lobbying OPEC to lift production? And also, my
second question is, has President Bush joined in this effort? Because,
generally speaking, he is more effective at this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think the Energy Secretary can speak to the calls that he
has made. But we do stay in regular contact with OPEC and non-OPEC
producers about the importance of acting in ways that support our growing
global economy and our growing U.S. economy. In terms of the issue of
energy prices, high energy prices are a concern for the administration. And
our view is that those high energy prices are a drag on our growing
economy. And that's why the President believes it's important that Congress
act now on the comprehensive energy plan that he outlined four years ago.
It's a plan that will help reduce our dependence on foreign sources of
energy, and make us more energy-self-sufficient. Affordable, abundant
supplies of energy are important to make sure that we are meeting the needs
of a growing world economy. And so we'll continue to stay in touch with
OPEC and non-OPEC producers on matters of mutual interest.

Q Has the President, himself, made any of these phone calls?

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't have any update, in terms of the President's world
leaders calls, beyond what you already have.

Q Thank you.

MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.

END 2:49 P.M. EST

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