[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
[November 12, 2001]
[Pages 1388-1389]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Following Discussions With Former President Nelson 
Mandela of South Africa
November 12, 2001

    President Bush. It's been my honor to welcome a man whose name 
symbolizes freedom and courage, to the Oval Office. President Mandela is 
going to say a few words, and I will say some after he finishes.
    Welcome.
    President Mandela. Well, firstly, I would like to express my deepest 
sympathies for the crash that took place today. And it's unfortunate 
that that would happen at this time, when the United States lost so many 
people on the 11th of September. But I know that you have quite a strong 
leader, and the people of the United States of America can face 
disaster, and I'm sure that they will overcome this unfortunate 
incident.
    I also want to say that one of the reasons for coming here is to be 
able to express my support for the President for his action in 
Afghanistan. The United States of America lost 5,000 people--innocent 
people--and it is quite correct for the President to ensure that the 
terrorists, those masterminds as well as those who have executed the 
action and survived, are to be punished heavily.
    And it would be disastrous if the President gave in to the call that 
the Army must now withdraw, before he has actually flushed out the 
terrorists. That would be disaster. They will claim that they have 
defeated the United States of America, and they will continue doing the 
same thing. So I support him to continue until those terrorists have 
been tracked down.
    President Bush. Mr. President, you don't have to worry about me. We 
are going to bring them to justice. And I want to thank you for your 
support. I also want to thank you for your wisdom and your leadership in 
Burundi. You made a huge difference.
    The President said, why would I welcome a pensioner to the Oval 
Office? And the reason why is because he is such a strong man. And it's 
been my honor to greet you and welcome you. And thank you for your words 
of condolences.

American Airlines Flight 587 Crash

    I, too, want to express my heartfelt sympathies for the citizens of 
New York, those on the airplane, those whose houses were damaged, those 
who were hurt on the ground, for the recent incident that took place. It 
is heartbreaking to have picked up the phone and called my friend Rudy 
Giuliani and Governor George Pataki and once again expressed our condolences and, 
at the same time, assured the people of New York our Federal Government 
will respond as quickly as possible. We sent our

[[Page 1389]]

FEMA teams over; the FBI is over there. And this investigation is being 
led by the National Transportation Safety Board to make sure that the 
facts are fully known to the American people.
    The New York people have suffered mightily; they suffer again. But 
there's no doubt in my mind that the New Yorkers are resilient and 
strong and courageous people and will help their neighbors overcome this 
recent incident that took place.
    May God bless the victims and their families.
    Mr. President, welcome to Washington, and thank you for coming.
    President Mandela. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 4:10 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani of New 
York City and Gov. George E. Pataki of New York. He also referred to 
American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed into a neighborhood in Belle 
Harbor, NY, at approximately 9:17 a.m., shortly after takeoff from John 
F. Kennedy International Airport.