    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 13, 2002]
    [Pages 2073-2074]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations
    November 13, 2002

        President Bush. The Secretary-General and I are going to have some
    opening statements, only statements. First, I do want to welcome the
    Secretary-General here. I'm grateful for your leadership at the United
    Nations. A while ago, the United Nations Security Council made a very
    strong statement that we, the world, expects Saddam Hussein to disarm for the sake of peace. And the U.N. stepped
    up to its responsibilities, and I want to thank you for that, Mr.
    Secretary-General. I appreciate your leadership.
        I'm looking forward to our discussion. Of course, I'll remind the
    Secretary-General that our war against terror is a war against
    individuals whose hearts are full of hate. We do not fight a religion.
    As a matter of fact, by far the vast majority of American citizens
    respect the Islamic people and the Muslim faith. After all, there are
    millions of peaceful, loving Muslim Americans.
        Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not
    reflect the sentiments of my Government or the sentiments of most
    Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a
    peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country
    based upon tolerance, Mr. Secretary-General, and we respect the faith,
    and we welcome people of all faiths in America. And we're not going to
    let the war on terror or terrorists cause us to change our values.
        And so, Mr. Secretary-General, I'm honored that you're here at the
    Oval Office. I'm proud to call you friend, and welcome.
        Secretary-General Annan. Thank you very much, Mr. President. If I
    may comment on the last point you raised, I share your view entirely
    that every region and people of every faith have also been victims of
    terrorists. This is a scourge that affects all of us, regardless of
    region or religion. And we need to stand together to defeat terrorism.
        And this is where the work of the United Nations and effective
    implementation of this Resolution 1373 is absolutely crucial. We need to
    work to deprive terrorists of the opportunities by not giving them
    haven, by not giving them financial and logistical support. And I think
    the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council is doing a good
    job in trying to make sure we all work together on that.
        With regards to the Iraq decision, I want to thank you, Mr.
    President, for working with the United Nations and the Council and
    working through the Council. And I remember when you came to the U.N. on
    the 12th of September, nobody knew which way you were going to go. And
    in my own speech before yours, I was pleading that

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    we go the multilateral route. And I think we were all relieved that we
    did--you did.
        And I would want to say that the Council decision, which was
    unanimous, sent a powerful message that the entire international
    community would like to see the Security Council resolutions
    implemented.
        Today I received a letter from the Iraqi Government accepting the
    resolution, saying that they would work with the resolution. And Mr.
    Blix and his team will go back. We expect them to get there on the 18th
    and actively begin their work. This is a Chapter 7 resolution, and it
    must be implemented.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:24 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq.
    Secretary-General Annan referred to Hans Blix, Executive Chairman,
    United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission.