    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 6, 2004]
    [Pages 783-788]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With King Abdullah II of Jordan
    May 6, 2004

        President Bush. Your Majesty, welcome once again to the White House.
    I appreciate your friendship, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear
    your thoughts on a range of issues that face your country and mine at
    this time of challenge and opportunity in the Middle East.
        The economic relationship between our two countries has never been
    stronger. We continue to increase the ties of trade and investment,
    creating new opportunities for both our people. The free trade agreement
    between Jordan and the United States is a model for the region, as my
    Government works to build a Middle East free trade agreement.
        The United States is committed to helping Jordan along the path to
    prosperity through our strong support at the World Bank and the
    International Monetary Fund. And we're proud to support Jordan through
    our support for Jordan's social and economic transformation program.
        His Majesty and his team are reform-minded individuals who care
    deeply about the citizens of the Kingdom of Jordan. We spent quite a
    deal of time--quite a bit of time talking about lasting prosperity in
    Jordan and our desire to help Jordan achieve lasting prosperity. We also
    know that lasting prosperity requires lasting security and peace in the
    region. Our two countries are working closely to ensure that the Middle

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    East becomes safer and more prosperous and more free.
        The fall of Saddam Hussein removed a
    source of instability and intimidation from the heart of the Middle
    East. All of Iraq's neighbors, including Jordan, are safer now. And the
    emergence of a peaceful, prosperous, and free Iraq will contribute to
    Jordan's security and prosperity.
        The United States strongly supports the efforts of U.N. Secretary*
    General's Special Adviser Brahimi to work
    with Iraqis to develop an interim government. His Majesty and I talked
    about the fact that on June 30th, a sovereign Iraqi Government will take
    office. Our coalition partners will continue to work with the United
    Nations to prepare for nationwide elections that will choose a new
    Government in January of 2005.
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        *White House correction.
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        Jordan and the United States share a vision for a free, stable, and
    prosperous Middle East. Under the King's leadership, Jordan has become a
    force for reform and positive change in the region. This month, Jordan
    will be hosting a meeting of the World Economic Forum, another important
    milestone on the Middle East journey to greater openness and opportunity
    and liberty. Next June, G-8 nations will discuss ways that we can
    support reform in the Middle East. We will look to the results of your
    World Economic Forum, Your Majesty, as a guide for future actions.
        His Majesty and I also discussed our ongoing quest for a just and
    durable peace between Israel and Palestine. I commend the King's
    personal commitment to peace and justice for all parties. I remain
    committed to the vision I laid out here in the Rose Garden on June 24,
    2002, of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace
    and security and to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is
    viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent.
        I support the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to withdraw settlements from Gaza and parts of the West
    Bank. This bold plan can make a real contribution to peace, particularly
    if reform-minded Palestinians will step forward and lead toward the
    establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.
        As I have previously stated, all final status issues must be
    negotiated between the parties in accordance with U.N. Security Council
    Resolutions 242 and 338. And the United States will not prejudice the
    outcome of those negotiations. The roadmap is the best path to realizing
    the two-state vision. That is why the roadmap is the plan endorsed by
    the Palestinians, Israel, the United Nations, the European Union,
    Russia, the United States, and many other nations. That's why my
    administration is committed to making it a reality.
        Today the King had some suggestions about how to explain our
    position to the Palestinians. And I appreciated your advice, Your
    Majesty. He advised that I make sure the Palestinians understand my
    desire for a just peace, my desire for there to be a prosperous country,
    my desire that the Palestinian people have a chance to realize their
    hopes and aspirations. I told His Majesty I will shortly send Mr.
    Korei, the Palestinian Prime Minister, a letter
    that will explain my views, and we will expand dialog between the United
    States and Palestinians. I want to appreciate your wise counsel, Your
    Majesty.
        We also talked about what has been on the TV screens recently, not
    only in our own country but overseas, the images of cruelty and
    humiliation. I told His Majesty as plainly as I could that wrongdoers
    will be brought to justice and that the actions of those folks in Iraq
    do not represent the values of the United States of America.
        I told him I was sorry for the humiliation suffered by the Iraqi
    prisoners and the humiliation suffered by their families. I told him I
    was equally sorry that people who have been seeing those pictures didn't
    understand the true nature and heart of America. I assured him Americans
    like me

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    didn't appreciate what we saw, that it made us sick to our stomachs. I
    also made it clear to His Majesty that the troops we have in Iraq, who
    are there for security and peace and freedom, are the finest of the
    fine, fantastic United States citizens who represent the very best
    qualities of America, courage, love of freedom, compassion, and decency.
        Your Majesty, I'm proud you're here. I appreciate you coming. Jordan
    is a friend of the United States, and friends look out for one another.
    I understand your country and your people have important interests at
    stake in the Middle East. Your country has important interests at stake
    when it comes to a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement. You've got
    important interests in the emergence of a new Iraq. I assure you, my
    Government views Jordan's security and prosperity and territorial
    integrity as vital. We will oppose any developments in the region that
    might endanger your interests.
        I look forward to working closely with you to achieve peace and
    freedom. We'll work with you to assist you in your historic efforts to
    lead Jordan to greater peace and freedom and prosperity.
        Welcome.

    [At this point, King Abdullah responded in Arabic, and no translation
    was provided. He then continued his remarks in English.]

        King Abdullah II. Mr. President, thank you for this opportunity to
    meet with you today and discuss vital issues of mutual interest to both
    our countries.
        I remain very concerned about the critical phase our region is
    passing through. It is very important for the moderate voices seeking
    peace in our region to prevail so that we can break out of the cycle of
    violence which has held us back for too long and put the region on the
    new path to stability and prosperity.
        I'd like to outline the Jordanian position on the peace process,
    particularly the view of recent developments. We feel that any
    unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank should be part
    of the roadmap and should lead to the achievement of your vision of a
    two-state solution. Let me stress that a viable, sovereign, and
    independent Palestinian state on the basis of the 1967 borders is also
    in Jordan's national interest. Failing to achieve such an outcome would
    invoke other options, all of which would endanger my country's interests
    and that of the region. This is one of the reasons why Jordan insists on
    a two-state solution and why it supports the roadmap as the mechanism to
    get there.
        Jordan remains committed to a final and comprehensive permanent
    status agreement based on the foundations of the Madrid Conference; the
    principle of land for peace; U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242, 338,
    and 1397; agreements reached by the parties; and the Arab initiative
    endorsed by the Beirut Arab League Summit.
        Jordan also believes all final status issues, including borders,
    refugees, Jerusalem, and settlements, should be a matter for the parties
    to decide. I am encouraged by what I've heard from you today, sir, that
    these issues are not to be prejudiced and should be mutually agreed by
    the parties.
        In the context of the roadmap, I want to assure you, Mr. President,
    that Jordan is ready to do its part in assisting the Palestinian
    Authority to rebuild its capability and assume full control of the
    security situation.
        Jordan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States and the
    international community in our common fight against terrorism. We cannot
    allow the terrorists' political agenda to succeed, and we assure you
    that Jordan will continue to do its utmost to help win this cause.
        Jordan is committed to support Iraqis in their quest to regain their
    sovereignty, rebuild their institutions, and establish a society based
    on freedom and democracy. The stability, unity, and territorial
    integrity of Iraq is an objective we both share, and we are determined
    to achieve it.

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        Jordan is also committed to a process of political and economic
    reform in the region. We have adopted a far-reaching plan that addresses
    the key areas of good governance, political freedoms, women's rights,
    judicial reform, economic reform, educational reform, and the
    liberalization of the economy. We also are strongly committed to a key
    role by civil society. Our aim is to move towards a system that respects
    diversity and guarantees pluralism at all times so that democracy is not
    used by any who might opt to subject to it once and then deny it to
    others.
        Mr. President, the leadership of the United States is crucial in all
    our efforts to reach a just and lasting peace of the Middle East. I want
    to thank you again for the opportunity, and I am determined to work with
    you to achieve this goal in a timely manner.
        President Bush. Thank you, Your Majesty.
        We'll take a couple of questions apiece per side. Scott [Scott
    Lindlaw, Associated Press].

    Defense Secretary Rumsfeld/Abuse of Iraqi
    Prisoners

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Harkin said today that for the
    good of the country, the safety of our troops, our image around the
    globe, Secretary Rumsfeld should resign; if he doesn't resign, the
    President should fire him. We know you weren't happy with him yesterday.
    Should he keep his job?
        And for Your Majesty, how much damage did these images do in your
    country?
        President Bush. Secretary Rumsfeld is a really good Secretary of
    Defense. Secretary Rumsfeld has served our Nation well. Secretary
    Rumsfeld has been the Secretary during two wars. And he is--he's an
    important part of my Cabinet, and he'll stay in my Cabinet.
        King Abdullah II. Thank you. Mr. President, I think--the reaction in
    Jordan as well as the reaction here in the United States was the same. I
    think we're all horrified by the images. But as has been clearly
    explained here in Washington, that an immediate investigation has been
    asked for to bring the people who perpetrated these heinous crimes to
    justice. And we hope that that will happen very quickly and that it
    doesn't reflect on the morals, the values that the United States stands
    for. I am quite convinced that once the investigation is underway, those
    who were guilty of these crimes will be brought to justice.

    Roadmap for Peace

        Q. Your Majesty, are you optimistic in regard to the movement of the
    roadmap?
        And for you, President, in light of your discussion today with His
    Majesty, do you see U.S. involving itself soon in the actual
    implementation of the roadmap?
        King Abdullah II. Well, I am very encouraged by what I've always
    seen as a dedicated position from the President of the United States. He
    was the first President to articulate a viable, independent Palestinian
    state and created a mechanism, the roadmap, to be able to achieve that.
    Our meetings today reaffirmed the American position as it always has
    been, and I think that definitely we are reassured in Jordan, and we
    hope that the President's statements will reassure everybody else in the
    Middle East.
        President Bush. Yes, we support the roadmap. As a matter of fact,
    the Secretary of State was recently meeting
    with the Quartet, which is an integral part of the roadmap. Here's what
    I believe has to happen: The world must recognize the possibility of a
    Palestinian state. I mean, the development of a Palestinian state is--
    that's free and democratic--and by the way, the democracy doesn't have
    to look like America or Europe; it's got to be attuned to the cultures
    and to the Palestinian people. It's what they want. But nevertheless,
    the development of a state that's free and peaceful will change the
    dynamic of the Middle East.

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        I mean, the Palestinians are people who need hope--hope for a better
    life, hope to be able to make a living, hope to raise their families in
    a peaceful situation. That's what they want, and the best opportunity
    for that to happen is for there to be a state that emerges that provides
    the framework for a peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. And that
    requires not only the United States being involved, and the European to
    be involved and Russia and the United Nations to be involved; it
    requires that reform-minded Palestinians step up and work with the world
    to develop the institutions necessary for a state to evolve. That's what
    has to happen. That's roadmap. In other words, that's how you head down
    the road to peace.
        And as a peaceful Palestinian state grows, one that earns the
    confidence of not only His Majesty or the United States or other
    countries in the world, the final status issues become easier to solve.
    And so what we must do now is take advantage of an opportunity to begin
    the process of the development of a Palestinian state. And that's where
    the world must focus. And I believe we can achieve that. And I believe
    that by achieving it, it will be a very hopeful moment for people. And
    it's possible; it just takes vision and will.
        Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].

    Investigation of Prisoner Abuse/President's Reaction to Abuse

        Q. Mr. President, if this problem at the prisons was first noticed
    late last year, why has it taken this long for actions to be taken? And
    what did you tell Secretary Rumsfeld yesterday?
        President Bush. I tell him I should
    have known about the pictures and the report. And as I understand it,
    the--General Kimmitt declared to the press
    corps, in Iraq, I believe it was, that there was an ongoing
    investigation. In other words, he made it clear. The Army said, ``We've
    discovered something. We've discovered an issue, and therefore, we're
    now going to investigate it.'' It was a declaration to the world that
    there was an issue, and then there is a process.
        But part of what this ongoing investigation will do, will answer
    that question, answer your questions, so we better understand the
    process, the procedures, and more importantly, to make sure that it
    doesn't happen again. So as I told His Majesty, I said we will--people
    will be brought to justice in a way commensurate with how our system
    works.
        We also want to make sure there's not a larger problem. And that's
    what the Secretary has assured me will
    happen. In other words, we will take a good, full look at a variety of
    issues to make sure it doesn't happen.
        The acts were abhorrent, Steve. They sickened my stomach. I know
    they sickened yours, too. You're a decent American. Any decent soul
    doesn't want a human being treated that way. And it is--it's a stain on
    our country's honor and our country's reputation. I fully understand
    that, and that's why it's important that justice be done.
        But it's also important for people--and I explained this to His
    Majesty, and I think he understands this, that the actions of the people
    in that prison do not reflect the nature of the men and women who wear
    our uniform. We've got brave souls in Iraq, sacrificing so that somebody
    can be free. And helping that Iraqi citizen be free, it helps America be
    more secure. There are thousands of acts of kindness and decency taking
    place every day in Iraq, because our soldiers, our men and women in
    uniform, are honorable, decent, loving people.
        And we'll find out the truth. We'll take a good look at the whole
    system to determine--make sure this doesn't happen again. But I am
    sickened by what I saw and sickened that somebody gets the wrong
    impression of people who are serving this country and this world with
    such dignity.
        One more question.
        Q. Your Majesty?

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        President Bush. Wait, you're not a Jordanian.
        King Abdullah II. We already asked a question.
        President Bush. You want to call on an American? That's very noble
    of you, Your Majesty. [Laughter] Very thoughtful.

    Jordan's Role in Iraq

        Q. Mr. President, are you asking Arab nations to send troops to
    Iraq?
        And Your Majesty, would you send Jordanian troops to Iraq?
        President Bush. I've never asked a nation to do that which they
    aren't comfortable doing. Jordan has been a loyal friend. They've
    contributed in so many ways to peace and stability. We did discuss
    Afghanistan, but we have not discussed sending troops to Iraq.
        I'll tell you, His Majesty has got good advice, though, about Iraq.
    He's in the neighborhood. He hears from people. He's constantly aware of
    what's going on on the ground, and his advice has been very good. And
    part of the advice is to make sure that Sunni Iraqis have got a bright
    future. In other words, people aren't going to be buying into the
    transfer of sovereignty if they don't think tomorrow is going to be a
    better day. And he gave me very good advice about making sure that
    there's a distinction between those who are violent, those who are
    corrupt, those who are--would not serve a new country well and the
    thousands who will be honorable citizens at working together to make
    sure Iraq emerges as a free, contiguous country.
        And I told His Majesty--I think he gets the sense from me--we have
    an historic opportunity to begin to change a part of the world that
    needs to be changed in some areas. And here is a chance to take what was
    a threat and a destabilizing force and convert it into a force for good
    and reform and hope.
        And I appreciate your vision and your understanding of that, Your
    Majesty.
        King Abdullah II. I think that we in Jordan are too close, as other
    countries to Iraq are also, to send troops. I think it would be very
    difficult for Jordanians to be objective in committing troops to Iraq.
    We do have a long history of U.N. peacekeeping operations all over the
    world, but at this stage, I think the politics of the issue does not
    make sense for Jordanians to send troops at this time.
        President Bush. Thank you, Your Majesty. Good job. Good job.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 2:03 p.m. in the Rose
    Garden at the White House. In his remarks, the President referred to
    former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Lakhdar Brahimi, Special
    Adviser to the U.N. Secretary-General; Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of
    Israel; Prime Minister Ahmed Korei of the Palestinian Authority; and
    Brig. Gen. Mark T. Kimmitt, USA, deputy director of operations,
    Coalition Joint Task Force Seven.