[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
[January 16, 2002]
[Pages 74-76]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit of Turkey and an Exchange With Reporters
January 16, 2002
President Bush. I'm going to have an opening statement welcoming our
friend to the Oval Office. The Prime Minister is going to say a few
remarks. Both of us have agreed to take some questions. I would like
those traveling with the Turkish press to have a chance to ask some
questions today as well. We'll both take two questions apiece.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Prime Minister. I'm proud to welcome you
as a friend. You have been steadfast in your support in the war against
terror, and for that, my Nation is very grateful.
We appreciate your leadership when it comes to foreign policy, and
we appreciate your leadership when it comes to economic policy. You and
your administration have made some very tough decisions, and the economy
is improving as a result of your leadership. And we look forward to
having a good discussion about how we can increase trade.
And today I'm informing the Prime Minister that we're lifting the
travel ban on Turkey so that our citizens can feel comfortable going to
that wonderful country to visit and to enjoy the rich history of one of
our valued allies and friends.
So welcome, Mr. Prime Minister. It's a delight to welcome you, and
thank you for coming.
Prime Minister Ecevit. Thank you very much for your kind invitation,
Mr. President. It is a great honor for us. We deeply appreciate the
support that you have extended, since you have taken over, to relations
with Turkey. We had always good relations with the United States in
your--during your time of office. And you have totally enhanced this
cooperation and friendship.
We have some very good, concrete good news now, as you have referred
to it, Mr. President. The State Department has today issued a statement
expressing the will of the United States that we will be able to form an
economic partnership----
President Bush. Right.
Prime Minister Ecevit. ----in additional to our political
partnership. We attach great importance to that--our cooperation with
you against terrorism is a great service not only for our own people but
for the whole world. The American determination to get rid of terrorism
in the world is of great importance, of historic importance, and we are
glad--we are very happy that we have the chance to cooperate with you to
that effect. And Turkish and American cooperation, partnership now
together with economic partnership will be beneficial for both--peoples
of both our countries.
We had very fruitful discussions during the brief period here. We
still have other items on our agenda, and we shall go to New York also
to visit the place of terrorism. Thank you very much for sharing this
time, for showing this generosity and friendship to us.
President Bush. Well, you're welcome, sir.
Prime Minister Ecevit. Thank you.
President Bush. Holland [Steve Holland, Reuters] and then Sonya
[Sonya Ross, Associated Press].
[[Page 75]]
Cyprus
Q. Sir, what do both of you see as the chances of a negotiated
settlement with Cyprus----
President Bush. I'll let the Prime Minister speak. Of course, we're
very encouraged that there is a dialog now taking place. And I want to
thank the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister
for encouraging that dialog. You can't solve a problem unless the
parties are willing to talk.
And Mr. Prime Minister, would you like to speak about the Cyprus
situation?
Prime Minister Ecevit. Yes. We attach great importance to our dialog
with you with regard to Cyprus. It's good news that the leaders of the
two communities are now having face-to-face dialog. They may not attain
concrete results immediately, but the very fact, the very process of
dialog may lead to satisfactory agreements between the two communities.
President Bush. Well, I appreciate that very much. Anybody from the
Turkish press?
Iraq
Q. Mr. President, to make your Iraqi policy more efficient, in your
efforts to make the Iraqi policy more efficient----
President Bush. Iraqi policy?
Q. Yes, your policy towards Iraq. What are your expectations from
the Turkish Government?
President Bush. Well, I'm going to have a discussion with the Prime
Minister about Iraq. And my expectations, most importantly, are not from
Turkey--are from Iraq. I expect Saddam Hussein to let inspectors back into the country. We want to
know whether he's developing weapons of mass destruction. He claims he's
not; let the world in to see. And if he doesn't, we'll have to deal with
that at the appropriate time.
My discussions with the Prime Minister are going to be not only
regional in nature but global in nature. And I will assure him that we
will consult closely with Turkey on any decisions that I make. Turkey is
an ally and a friend, and no decisions have been made beyond the first
theater. And the first theater is Afghanistan, and I do appreciate very
much the Turkish support for our efforts in Afghanistan.
Q. What if Saddam Hussein doesn't let the--[inaudible]--inspectors?
President Bush. If he doesn't let them
in? He'll find out.
Afghanistan
Q. On the question of Afghanistan, do you support the Turkish idea
of leading the peacekeeping operation there? And if the United States
essentially made the peace there, why not involve U.S. troops in keeping
the peace?
President Bush. Well, first of all, there's been a lot of
international interest in providing troops to help keep the peace. And
we welcome that support. As you know, the Brits have now taken the lead
in the first round. There are some discussions as to whether or not
Turkey will take the lead in the second round, and I appreciate their
consideration of this very important matter.
I believe there is plenty of troops from other nations that are
willing to help, and after all, I've made it clear that our troops will
be used to fight and win war, and that's exactly what they've done.
We've sent them over to fight a war, and we're winning the war.
And on the other hand, we're more than willing to help with the
reconstruction efforts. We're--make serious contributions to the interim
government of Afghanistan so they can help rebuild themselves. We look
forward to the conference in Tokyo. We'll have representatives there.
Just today, Richard Armitage, our
Deputy Secretary of State, met with the Finance Minister of the interim government of Afghanistan, and I've been
told they had a very good discussion about how to get cash starting to
move into the coffers.
But I think there is ample support from around the world to provide
troops to help
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stabilize Afghanistan so the Government can eventually take over its own
defense.
Q. Yes, but are you going to channel more funds to support Turkey in
its role in Afghanistan?
President Bush. Channel more funds to support Turkey in its role in
Afghanistan? You mean, if and when they provide troops? That's what
you're talking about?
Q. Yes.
President Bush. Well, we haven't had that discussion yet. And one
thing for certain is that we're providing a lot of funds now in the
Afghan theater. After all, we're proudly leading the efforts to destroy
the Taliban and rout out the Al Qaida. As to reimbursements, that's a
discussion we'll have at a later date. Turkey hasn't made up her mind
yet as to whether or not she is going to lead the coalition forces.
We're just in discussion phases. So I think the budgetary phase--the
budgetary discussions should take place after a commitment has been
made.
Taxes
Q. [Inaudible]--generous--[inaudible]--Senator Kennedy called for--
--
President Bush. Oh, let me comment. I appreciate that very much.
Q. I thought you might want to. [Laughter]
President Bush. Well, Mr. Prime Minister, we put a significant tax
relief package in place right at the right time. Our economy was
beginning to slow down in March of 2001. Fortunately, I was able to work
with both Democrats and Republicans in our Congress to get a good tax
relief package out. And when the economy slows down, it makes sense to
cut taxes, and that's exactly what's happened. And those who want to
revoke the tax cut, basically raise taxes, are those who just don't
share my view.
I think raising taxes in the midst of a recession is wrong economic
policy. It would be a huge mistake. It's bad for American workers. It
hurt when it comes to creating jobs. And so I strongly disagree with
those who want to raise taxes here in Washington, DC. I'm confident that
the American people agree with me, as well.
And if Members of the House and the Senate listened to their
constituents and listened to those who want to find work, they will
understand the wisdom of our ways.
Thank you.
Note: The President spoke at 3:10 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq;
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem of Turkey; and Hedayat Amin
Arsala, Vice Chair and Minister of Finance, Interim Authority of
Afghanistan. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
language transcript of these remarks.