[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.
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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
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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.
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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.