    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 6, 2003]
    [Pages 1256-1261]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1256]]

    The President's News Conference With President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
    October 6, 2003

        President Bush. It's my honor to welcome President Kibaki to the
    White House. Thank you, sir, for coming.
        President Kibaki. Thank you.
        President Bush. Today we affirm the growing strategic relationship
    between the United States and the African Continent. And we continue the
    longstanding partnership between the United States and Kenya.
        President Kibaki's election last December showed Kenyans and
    Africans and people throughout the world the power of the ballot and the
    benefits of peaceful, democratic change. The President won a mandate for
    reform, and he is moving ahead with an ambitious agenda, redrafting
    Kenya's constitution, liberalizing its economy, fighting corruption, and
    investing in education and health care. With these steps, Kenya will
    attract investment, strengthen its role in the world, and improve the
    lives of its people. Success will take time, and progress may sometimes
    seem uneven. Yet, the benefits of democracy and freedom and investment
    in people are certain, and they are lasting.
        Today the President and I discussed our alliance in the war on
    terror. In Nairobi and Mombasa and beyond, terrorists have made Kenya a
    battleground. The President affirmed the fact that the Kenyan people
    refuse to live in fear. Kenyan security forces have disrupted terror
    operations and have arrested suspected terrorists. Earlier this year, I
    announced a $100 million counterterrorism initiative to provide east
    Africa with training, equipment, and assistance to strengthen the
    security of those nations in east Africa. Kenya is our key partner in
    this initiative, and its Government clearly has the will to fight
    terror, and my Government will continue to give them the help they need
    to do so.
        The President and I also discussed efforts to achieve peace in
    Sudan, an effort in which Kenya plays the leading role. Two able envoys,
    General Sumbeiywo and Senator John
    Danforth, have helped bring Africa's
    longest running civil war to--very close to a peaceful end. America will
    stay engaged in this effort.
        I appreciate your efforts, Mr. President. Yet, only the north and
    south can arrive at a just and comprehensive peace, and I urge them to
    do so quickly.
        In Somalia, we will continue to work with Kenya to bring unity and
    reconciliation to a badly divided land. The establishment of an
    effective representative government in Somalia will help stabilize the
    region and dispel the hopelessness that feeds terror.
        President Kibaki and I share a deep commitment to waging a broad,
    effective effort against the AIDS virus, which afflicts nearly 30
    million people on the African Continent. In Kenya alone, some one
    million children have been orphaned due to AIDS. I fully support the
    President's declaration of total war--his words--on this disease, and
    I'm proud to stand with him. The United States is Kenya's largest
    bilateral donor in the fight against AIDS. Our support will grow under
    my Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is a firm commitment to spend
    $15 billion over 5 years to turning the tide against this disease.
        Mr. President, America also stands with you in your work of
    modernizing the Kenyan economy, rewarding the enterprise of your people.
    Trade and growth are the only sure ways to lift people and nations out
    of poverty. I'm committed to keeping America's markets open to African
    goods and to increasing commercial ties with African nations. Kenya is
    one of America's most important economic partners in Africa. American
    investment in Kenya totals more than $285 million, and trade between our
    two countries tops $400 million per year.

    [[Page 1257]]

        These numbers have grown in recent years under the African Growth
    and Opportunity Act, AGOA. And they have the potential to grow even more
    as reforms in your country take hold, Mr. President. Kenya and the
    United States are old friends working together to face new challenges.
    Our relationship is strong, and it's growing stronger, and I'm grateful
    for the leadership and vision of the President.
        Welcome.
        President Kibaki. Thank you. It is my pleasure to be here with you,
    Mr. President.
        This morning we had a fruitful meeting with my good friend,
    President Bush. Our discussions centered on bilateral, regional, and
    international issues of mutual interest to our two nations. I was
    encouraged by a keen interest and concern that President Bush has shown
    on issues affecting Kenya and Africa, in particular, the establishment
    of the Millennium Challenge Account and the 15 billion U.S. dollars'
    HIV/AIDS program bears testimony to this particular commitment.
        We reaffirmed our mutual desire to further deepen our cooperation
    for the benefit of our two countries. President Bush welcomed the
    efforts made by Kenya in consolidating democracy, particularly after the
    successful general elections of December, the year 2002. We share the
    common desire to promote and entrench democracy in Africa and the need
    to support Kenya as a model of democracy.
        I briefed President Bush on the priorities of my Government; that
    includes economic revival, education, health, and security. I am pleased
    by the willingness of the Bush administration to support our efforts to
    promote and sustain our economic recovery. President Bush shared my
    concern over the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other
    infectious diseases, especially in Africa. I briefed the President on
    the vigorous campaign my Government is conducting against the HIV/AIDS
    pandemic. I am confident that these efforts are benefiting substantially
    from the support of the U.S. Government.
        We discussed at length the issue of terrorism. Kenya, like United
    States, has in the past suffered at the hands of terrorism. The attacks
    have strengthened our resolve to intensify and enhance our cooperation
    with the United States and the international community in the fight
    against terrorism.
        I have requested the U.S. Government to support Kenya, to strengthen
    its security as an essential element in the fight against terrorism.
    This assistance will also enhance Kenya's role as a peacemaker in the
    Horn of Africa. President Bush expressed his appreciation for the
    leadership that Kenya has taken in the peace process in Sudan and IGAD.
    We note with satisfaction the historic signing of an agreement on the
    25th of September, 2003, in Naivasha, Kenya, to address the transitional
    security arrangements for the parties to the conflict.
        On Somalia, I emphasized that in order to maintain the democratic
    gains and to sustain the war against terrorism, it is essential that
    Somalia stabilizes. In this respect, it is important that the U.S. to--
    for the U.S. to increase its involvement in the search for peace in
    Somalia. It is pertinent that all parties involved in the peace process
    remain engaged. I requested the U.S. Government to assist in this
    regard, and I thank you very much indeed.
        President Bush. Thank you, Mr. President.
        The President has kindly agreed to take a couple of questions, and
    so have I. We'll start with the American side and then alternate back
    and forth.
        First, Associated Press, Terry Hunt, Mr. President.

    Israeli Air Strike in Syria/Palestinian Authority Responsibilities

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, do you think that
    Israel's air strike in Syria was justified? And do you think that you
    can work with the Palestinian Prime Minister, who says he would not use

    [[Page 1258]]

    force under any circumstances against Palestinian militants?
        President Bush. Terry, I talked to Prime Minister Sharon yesterday. I expressed our Nation's condolences at the
    needless murder of innocent people by the latest suicider. That murder
    came on a weekend of a high holy holiday.
        Secondly, I made it very clear to the Prime Minister, like I have consistently done, that Israel has got a
    right to defend herself, that Israel must not feel constrained in terms
    of defending the homeland. However, I said that it's very important that
    any action Israel take should avoid escalation and creating higher
    tensions.
        The speech I gave June 24, 2002, should explain to the world and to
    the American people the policy of this Government. We have not changed.
    Parties need to assume responsibility for their actions. In order for
    there to be a Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority must fight
    terror and must use whatever means is necessary to fight terror. In
    order for this roadmap, which is a--as a way to get to a peaceful
    settlement, people have got to assume responsibility. All parties must
    assume responsibility. The Palestinian Authority must defeat the
    terrorists who are trying to stop the establishment of a Palestinian
    state, a peaceful state, in order for there to be peace.
        Mr. President, want to call on somebody?
        President Kibaki. Well, we hardly have anything to add to that
    particular statement, because it's fully adequate.
        President Bush. You're welcome to call on somebody from your press
    corps, Mr. President.
        April [April Ryan, American Urban Radio Networks], you're not in his
    press corps. You're trying to play like you're in his press corps.
    [Laughter]
        Q. They put me over here.
        President Bush. I know, but this is subversion, and this isn't--
    [laughter].

    Leadership in Kenya

        Q. I'd like to ask the President of Kenya a question. My name is
    Esther Githui; I work for the Voice of America. Mr. President, there has
    been very good will for you and Kenyans after you took over the
    Government. But I'm wondering why you have repeatedly asserted that
    you're in charge of Kenya. Is there any doubt that you are the President
    of Kenya?
        President Kibaki. No, there is no doubt at all. There is no--no one
    has any doubt, certainly not in Kenya. Look by the way they voted. And
    look by the way they support the present Government. So I don't see
    anybody who has any doubt--well, anybody who has any doubt, he can ask
    us. [Laughter] You know, I mean--[inaudible]--you know, truly.
        President Bush. Steve Holland [Reuters].

    Iraq Stabilization Group

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. What is the purpose of the Iraq
    Stabilization Group? And is this an acknowledgment that the effort to
    stabilize Iraq is flagging? Does it diminish the authority of Secretary
    Rumsfeld?
        President Bush. Yes. You know, it's common for the National Security
    Council to coordinate efforts, interagency efforts. And Condi
    Rice, the National Security Adviser, is
    doing just that. And this group formed within the National Security
    Council is aimed at the coordination of interagency efforts as well as
    providing a support group to the Department of Defense and Jerry
    Bremer. That's the purpose.
        And listen, we're making good progress in Iraq. Sometimes it's hard
    to tell it when you listen to the filter. We're making good progress. I
    had a--Bernie Kerik came in the other day,
    and he described to me what it was like to set up a police force in
    Baghdad right after our successful efforts there. I was really
    impressed. I was impressed by the--his work. I was impressed by the
    spirit of the Iraqi citizens desirous to start taking care of business
    on their own.

    [[Page 1259]]

        And the truth of the matter is, in order for us to succeed in Iraq--
    and that is to provide the security necessary for a peaceful country to
    evolve--the Iraqis must take responsibility, and they are. The situation
    is improving on a daily basis inside Iraq. People are freer. The
    security situation is getting better. The infrastructure is getting
    better. The schools are opening. The hospitals are being modernized. And
    I really appreciate the effort of the Americans who are there and our
    coalition partners who are there who are working under very difficult
    circumstances.
        Condi's job and Condi's team is going
    to make sure that the efforts continue to be coordinated so that we
    continue to make progress.
        Mr. President.
        President Kibaki. Well, we first of all want to congratulate America
    for the effort they are making. You know, it is important for all of us
    to think of the present and the future, because what has passed, has
    passed. And I think we can gain plenty by focusing on the present.
        President Bush. April, are you going to try again to look like
    you're in the--be careful. [Laughter] Mr. President, call on who you--
    [laughter].
        President Kibaki. Yes, yes.
        President Bush. I exposed you. [Laughter]
        Q. [Inaudible]
        President Bush. That's right. [Laughter]

    Kenya-U.S. Relations/African Debt Relief

        Q. My name is Martin Mbugua, for the East African Standard, and I
    have a question for each President.
        President Bush. Yes.
        President Kibaki. Yes.
        Q. Your Excellency, a lot of people see your trip to the United
    States as yet another begging trip. How different is this trip for those
    people who are seeing it as another lineup for aid?
        And Mr. President, a lot of times people have talked about the debt
    that saddles a lot of African countries. You can give a lot of aid, but
    it's likely to do nothing if the country is sending all the money out.
    Are you looking to use your influence at the G-8 and the Bretton Woods
    institution to probably try and ease that, perhaps even forgive the debt
    for progressive countries?
        President Bush. Thank you.
        President Kibaki. Well, first for us, I don't think that we are in
    any way one of those countries which gain nothing or add nothing. But we
    definitely do gain by talking to friends like America and seeking help.
    Now, if you are seeking for help, you cannot adequately say publicly
    whether it is adequate or whether it is not. [Laughter]
        So really, if you are asking for help, you really don't ask--you
    don't say how much. And so, really the question isn't--should not be
    asked of me.
        President Bush. Let me tell you, in many ways, we're the country
    asking for help. We asked the President in Kenya for help in fighting
    terror, and the response has been strong. And we appreciate that
    response. We support HIPC. We'll continue to support HIPC. We also
    support trade with Kenya.
        And the President, in talking about what he would like to see in our
    relationship, brought up international financial institutions, what can
    be done with the World Bank and/or the International Monetary Fund. And
    the President understands, like I understand, that it's the choice of
    the Kenyans to make. And that's why his anti-corruption policy is so
    important, because as that policy takes root, as he deals with judges
    and/or whoever, Government officials that do not honor the integrity of
    the system, the international financial institutions will take notice
    and be more likely to become involved with Kenya.
        And so we talked a lot about a lot of things, debt, IMF, trade, all
    aimed at lifting lives and helping Kenya realize her potential. I've
    long believed that African nations are plenty capable of making the
    right decisions and managing their own affairs. Our

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    foreign policy recognizes that, and we will work with governments in
    particular that have developed the habits necessary for strong
    democracies and market economies to grow. This is such a leader. So our
    relationship is a complementary relationship, and it is important that
    it be strong like it is today.
        April, you're really beginning to bother the President. [Laughter]
        President Kibaki. No, no. [Laughter]
        President Bush. Okay, I am anxious to hear what you've got to say.
    Go ahead. Let her rip.
        Q. [Inaudible]
        President Bush. No, not you.
        Q. Thank you so much.
        President Bush. Yes, April.

    Justice Department Investigation of Classified Information Leak

        Q. Mr. President, on another issue, the CIA leak-gate. What is your
    confidence level in the results of the DOJ investigation about any of
    your staffers not being found guilty or being found guilty? And what do
    you say to critics of the administration who say that this
    administration retaliates against naysayers?
        President Bush. No, first of all, I'm glad you brought that question
    up. This is a very serious matter, and our administration takes it
    seriously. As members of the press corps here know, I have at times
    complained about leaks of security information, whether the leaks be in
    the legislative branch or in the executive branch. And I take those
    leaks very seriously.
        And therefore, we will cooperate fully with the Justice Department.
    I've got all the confidence in the world the Justice Department will do
    a good, thorough job. And that's exactly what I want them to do, is a
    good, thorough job. I'd like to know who leaked, and if anybody has got
    any information inside our Government or outside our Government who
    leaked, you ought to take it to the Justice Department so we can find
    out the leaker.
        I have told my staff I want full cooperation with the Justice
    Department. And when they ask for information, we expect the information
    to be delivered on a timely basis. I expect it to be delivered on a
    timely basis. I want there to be full participation, because, April, I
    am most interested in finding out the truth.
        And you know, there's a lot of leaking in Washington, DC. It's a
    town famous for it. And if this helps stop leaks of--this investigation
    in finding the truth--it will not only hold someone to account who
    should not have leaked--and this is a serious charge, by the way. We're
    talking about a criminal action, but also hopefully will help set a
    clear signal we expect other leaks to stop as well. And so I look
    forward to finding the truth.
        Q. What about retaliation? People are saying that it's retaliation--
    --
        President Bush. I don't know who leaked the information, for
    starters. So it's hard for me to answer that question until I find out
    the truth. You hear all kinds of rumors. And the best way to clarify the
    issue is to--full participation with the Justice Department.
        These are professionals who are--professional prosecutors who are
    leading this investigation, and we look forward to--look, I want to
    know. I want to know, and the best way to do this is for there to be a
    good, thorough investigation, which apparently is going to happen soon.
    And all I can tell you is, inside the White House, we've said, ``Gather
    all the information that's requested and get it ready to be analyzed by
    the Justice Department.''
        Listen, thank you all very much. Mr. President, I'm glad you're
    here.
        President Kibaki. Very good.
        President Bush. Appreciate it.
        President Kibaki. Thank you very much.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir. Very good job.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 11:38 a.m. in the East
    Room at the

    [[Page 1261]]

    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo,
    Kenya's envoy to the Sudan; former Senator John C. Danforth, Special
    Envoy for Peace in the Sudan; Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel; L.
    Paul Bremer III, Presidential Envoy to Iraq; and Bernard B. Kerik,
    former commissioner, New York City Police Department. A reporter
    referred to Prime-Minister-designate Ahmed Korei of the Palestinian
    Authority.