    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [July 6, 2002]
    [Pages 1179-1181]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Situation in Afghanistan and an Exchange With Reporters
    in Kennebunkport
    July 6, 2002

    Assassination of Vice President Haji Abdul Qadir of Afghanistan

        The President. Today Vice President Qadir of Afghanistan was gunned
    down. The administration and our country mourns the loss of a man who
    desired freedom and stability for the country he loved. We have been in
    touch with Chairman Karzai, expressed our
    deepest condolences to the Chairman and the Government and people of
    Afghanistan, who lost a good and valued friend.
        The Afghan Government is in the process of investigating who might
    have done this. And we are more resolved than ever

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    to bring stability to the country so that the Afghan people can have
    peace and hope.
        I'll answer a couple of questions.
        Q. Mr. President, did you personally call Chairman Karzai? And what
    does this say about the ability of a new Government to form and actually
    succeed there, and what are your concerns?
        The President. No, I haven't spoken to Chairman Karzai yet. I spoke to him yesterday, interestingly enough, to
    express our condolences about the loss of life during the military
    action. He was talked to by a member of my national security team.
        I am confident and I believe Chairman Karzai is confident that with patience and with aid and with a
    proper strategy, that Afghanistan can develop into a peaceful and
    hopeful nation.

    Bombing of Afghan Civilians

        Q. Sir, what do you say to the Afghan people who are upset about the
    bombing of civilians?
        The President. Well, I say, you know, we're investigating. I say
    ``we.'' Both the Afghanistan Government and the United States Government
    are investigating to find out the facts. But I can say to the Afghan
    people exactly what I told to Chairman Karzai,
    ``Anytime innocent life is lost, we're sad. Our country values life, all
    life, and we'll find out what the facts are and then address it
    accordingly.''

    Assassination of Vice President Haji Abdul Qadir of Afghanistan

        Q. Can the United States or the FBI or someone help with the
    investigation of the assassination, or will they?
        The President. Well, we'll find out. Right now the Afghan Government
    believes they can handle the investigation. There's all kinds of
    scenarios as to how the--who killed him. But we'll work closely with the
    Government if they want us to.
        Q. Sir, is there any sign that this kind of assassination may be
    connected to terrorist groups who are trying to get more involved in the
    country?
        The President. It could be that. It could be drug lords. It could be
    longtime rivals. Who knows? All we know is a good man is dead, and we
    mourn his loss.
        All right, thank you all. Thanks.

    President's Birthday

        Q. Birthday plans, sir?
        The President. Let's see, settling in, a family lunch, may go for a
    run--it will be a mechanical run, however.
        Q. Why, not hot enough?
        The President. No, I wish I could get off the Point, but I think the
    agents will say today it's probably best for me to stay on Walker's
    Point.
        Let's see, what else will be happening? Who knows? Maybe a surprise
    party. [Laughter] Other than that, just hanging out with my family,
    which is a wonderful gift unto itself.
        Thank you all.
        Q. What took you so long to play 18 holes--just 2 hours and 10
    minutes?
        The President. Well, I think it's because I three-putted too many
    greens. [Laughter]
        Have a good day today.
        Q. Happy birthday, Mr. President.
        The President. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:36 a.m. at the Cape Arundel Golf Course.
    In his remarks, he referred to President Hamid Karzai of the
    Transitional Authority of Afghanistan.

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