    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 29, 2006]
    [Pages 1233-1239]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Junichiro
    Koizumi of Japan
    June 29, 2006

        President Bush. Thank you all. Please be seated. Mr. Prime Minister,
    as I said on the South Lawn, we are delighted to have you here in
    Washington. The Prime Minister and I have got a very friendly
    relationship. We've just had 2 hours of discussions. We talked about a
    lot of areas of mutual concern. I've reminded the Prime Minister--the
    American people, Mr. Prime Minister, over the past months, that it was
    not always a given that the United States and America [Japan]* would
    have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war--60 years
    ago, we were at war, and today we talked about North Korea and Iran and
    Iraq and trade and energy cooperation.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        *White House correction.
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        It's an amazing fact that we're able to have these discussions. To
    me it shows the power of liberty and democracy to transform enemies to
    allies and to help transform the world. And one thing about the Prime
    Minister is he understands that. He's a firm believer that--in universal
    values. He believes in freedom, and he's willing to act on those
    beliefs. And we have been a strong partner in peace, Mr. Prime Minister.
        You've had a remarkable tenure as the Prime Minister of your
    country. You have led with courage. You have made hard decisions. You've
    helped us change our relationship so that Japan and the United States
    will be able to work even closer together in the 21st century. You made
    the hard decision to help realign our troops in your part of the world
    to better accommodate the needs of the Japanese people and, at the same
    time, keep in position a relationship that will be necessary for peace
    and stability.
        I want to thank you for opening your markets to U.S. beef. I think
    the Japanese people are going to like the taste of U.S. beef. As a
    matter of fact, I had a good slice of beef last night, and you told me
    you did as well, and you look like you're feeling pretty good.
    [Laughter]
        Prime Minister Koizumi. Very good. [Laughter]
        President Bush. Right, good. We had an interesting discussion about
    energy. And one of the things that Japan and the United States can do is
    we can help provide technologies that will improve the climate as well
    as reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons. We discussed the Nuclear
    Suppliers Group that we're a part of and our contributions to some
    research and development that will help speed up fast breeder reactors
    and new types of reprocessing so that we can help deal with the cost of
    globalization when it comes to energy; make ourselves more secure,
    economically, as well as make us less dependent on hydrocarbons from
    parts of the world that may not agree with our policies.
        As I mentioned, we discussed Iraq and Afghanistan. By the way, the
    Japanese defense forces did a really good job when they were in Iraq.
    And they're able to leave because they did such a good job. And now the
    Iraqis will be running the Province in which the Japanese forces used to
    be. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister, as he mentioned in the comments,
    will continue to provide airlift capacity and naval help.
        The North Korean issue is one, obviously, that's got everybody's
    attention now. And we discussed this issue in length. We both agree that
    it's very important for us to remain united in sending a clear message
    to the North Korean leader that, first of all,
    launching the missile is unacceptable. There have been no briefings as
    to what's

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    on top of the missile. He hasn't told anybody where the missile is
    going. He has an obligation, it seems like to me and the Prime Minister,
    that there be a full briefing--to those of us who are concerned about
    this issue--as to what his intentions are. It makes sense, doesn't it?
    It's a reasonable thing for somebody to do.
        We talked about the six-party talks, and to make sure we remain
    bound up in sending a clear message to the leader of North Korea. I also talked about one of the most touching moments
    of my Presidency, when the mom of the abducted
    daughter came to the Oval Office and talked to
    me about what it was like to have a young daughter abducted by the North
    Koreans. And it really broke my heart. I told the Prime Minister it was
    a moving moment for me. I just could not imagine what it would be like
    to have somebody have taken, you know, my
    daughter--one of my daughters--and never be
    able to see her again. And the woman showed such great courage, Mr.
    Prime Minister, when she came and shared her story with me. It took
    everything I could not to weep, listening to her.
        It also reminded me about the nature of the regime: what kind of
    regime would kidnap people, just take them offshore, you know; what kind
    of person would not care about how that woman
    felt.
        And so we talked about the need to work together to bring a
    resolution to this issue about nuclear weapons. And I reminded the Prime
    Minister--he didn't need reminding, but I'm going to share with him once
    again my deep concern about the human condition inside North Korea. He
    shares that condition--after all, he's the Prime Minister of a country
    that has suffered a lot as a result of abductions. So we spent time
    talking about abductions.
        All in all, it was a visit that I knew was going to be a good one,
    because I know the man; I know what he's like. He's a good thinker; he's
    a strategic thinker; he's a clear speaker. And plus, as you all know,
    it's become quite well-known that we're going to end the visit at
    Graceland tomorrow. He's an Elvis fan. Laura and
    I gave him a jukebox as a gift, and I can't--what was the first song you
    put on? It wasn't ``Hound Dog;'' it was----
        Prime Minister Koizumi. ``I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.''
        President Bush. See, he loves Elvis, and I couldn't think of a
    better way to honor my friend, by going to Graceland. But it also sends
    a signal about how close our relationship is.
        And so, Mr. Prime Minister, we're glad you're here. Thanks for your
    friendship; thanks for your alliance; and thanks for your leadership.
        Prime Minister Koizumi. Thank you very much. With President Bush, I
    had a very candid exchange of views. Over the past 5 years, I've really
    had a close friendship with President Bush, and thanks to that, we've
    been able to have a very candid exchange of views. And I believe this is
    not just limited to close relations between us, personally, but I
    believe this close relationship is necessary in the future between Japan
    and the United States as well.
        Japan and the United States is in a Japan-U.S. alliance in the
    world, and we reconfirmed that we can cooperate with each other on
    various challenges, maintain Japan's security and deterrence, and reduce
    burdens on local communities. On these points we were able to have a
    very important agreement, and we're most grateful for that.
        In the meeting, we discussed not just Japan-U.S. bilateral relations
    but numerous challenges that the world community faces today--
    Afghanistan, North Korea, poverty reduction--reduced poverty for people
    who suffer from various diseases. We shared a common perception, and by
    doing so, we'll be able to cooperate with each other.
        Now, Japan, in a way different than the U.S., has been supporting
    the nation-building in Iraq by the Iraqis themselves. The ground self-
    defense forces stationed in

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    Samawa, having accomplished their mission, will be withdrawing. But as a
    responsible member of the international community, through cooperation
    with various countries concerned and through cooperation with the United
    Nations, Japan will continue provide support and help the Iraqis get
    back on their feet.
        With regard to North Korea, we spent a lot of time, and I expressed
    my views, and President Bush also expressed his thoughts. President Bush
    was kind enough to meet with Mrs. Sakie Yokota. And he told me he was
    very moved on that occasion. Anyone, if one's daughter is abducted,
    naturally will be grieved. And this feeling need to be shared by
    Americans and Japanese. We discussed that sort of thing.
        We do have the six-party talks framework. Japan and the United
    States, I believe, need to maintain close coordination and encourage
    North Korea to become a responsible member of the international
    community.
        With regard to Iranian nuclear proliferation, Japan also is
    concerned about this problem. The United States attaches importance to
    cooperation with EU and other countries concerned. Japan certainly
    supports that U.S. stance of seeking resolution through a dialog
    regarding the nuclear proliferation issue. The Iranian issue remains a
    grave issue for the entire world economy, and Japan wishes to cooperate
    with the United States and other countries concerned on this matter as
    well.
        On U.N. reforms, building on the results achieved so far, we would
    like to work out with the G-4 a proposal that can be supported by the
    United States and achieve reforms of the United Nations and the Security
    Council. Japan and the United States will maintain close coordination,
    partnership. We need to do that and address various challenges.
        The Japan-U.S. alliance is not just an alliance for our two
    countries; it is an alliance for the world. And in the interest of the
    world, we were able to confirm that we need to cooperate with each
    other. And I think this was a very substantive, fruitful meeting. And I
    would like to thank President Bush and the U.S. for a very warm,
    hospitable welcome.
        President Bush. We've agreed to take two questions a side. Walking
    in, I reminded the Prime Minister of one of Elvis's greatest songs,
    ``Don't Be Cruel''--[laughter]. So keep that in mind, Hunt [Terence
    Hunt, Associated Press], when you ask your question.

    Hamdan v. Rumsfeld

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President. You've said that you wanted to close
    the prison at Guantanamo Bay, but you were waiting for the Supreme Court
    decision that came out today. Do you intend now to close the Guantanamo
    Bay quickly? And how do you deal with the suspects that you've said were
    too dangerous to be released or sent home?
        President Bush. Thank you for the question on a court ruling that
    literally came out in the midst of my meeting with the Prime Minister--
    and so I haven't had a chance to fully review the findings of the
    Supreme Court. I, one, assure you that we take them very seriously; two,
    that to the extent that there is latitude to work with the Congress to
    determine whether or not the military tribunals will be an avenue in
    which to give people their day in court, we will do so.
        The American people need to know that this ruling, as I understand
    it, won't cause killers to be put out on the street. In other words,
    there's not a--it was a drive-by briefing on the way here; I was told
    that this was not going to be the case. At any rate, we will seriously
    look at the findings, obviously. And one thing I'm not going to do,
    though, is I'm not going to jeopardize the safety of the American
    people. People have got to understand that. I understand we're in a war
    on terror, that these people were picked up off of a battlefield. And I
    will protect the people and, at the same

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    time, conform with the findings of the Supreme Court.
        Q. Do you think the prison will close?
        President Bush. Well, I haven't had a chance to fully review what
    the Court said, Terry. I wish I had, and I could have given you a better
    answer. As I say, we take the findings seriously. And again, as I
    understand it--now please don't hold me to this--that there is a way
    forward with military tribunals in working with the United States
    Congress. As I understand, certain Senators have already been out
    expressing their desire to address what the Supreme Court found, and we
    will work with the Congress. I want to find a way forward.
        In other words, I have told the people that I would like for there
    to be a way to return people from Guantanamo to their home countries,
    but some of them--people need to be tried in our courts. The Hamdan
    decision was the way forward for that part of my statement, and again, I
    would like to review the case. And we are; we've got people looking at
    it right now to determine how we can work with Congress, if that's
    available, to solve the problem.

    North Korea

        Q. On North Korea, I'd like to ask a question of both of you, Prime
    Minister and President. On North Korea, I understand you spent a lot of
    time to exchange views. It is said that the North Koreans are preparing
    to launch Taepodong-2. To resolve this missile issue, what kind of
    cooperation do you think is possible between Japan and the United
    States? And also, did you discuss possibly referring the matter to the
    U.N. Security Council?
        On the abduction issue and human rights issue, I understand, Mr.
    President, you've shown deep concern for the resolution of the abduction
    issue. What sort of cooperation do you think is possible between the
    U.S. and Japan?
        President Bush. Do you want to go? Yes, please.
        Prime Minister Koizumi. The North Koreans--I believe, in the first
    place, we need to try and approach the North Koreans not to launch
    Taepodong-2, through various efforts, and should they ever launch the
    missile, that will cause various pressures--we would apply various
    pressures. And we discussed that. I believe it is best that I do not
    discuss what specific pressures we were talking about.
        As we approach the North Koreans, we shall maintain close
    cooperation and coordination with the United States, including the
    abduction issue.
        President Bush. ----all kinds of opportunities, and the U.N. is an
    opportunity to express our common concern. You know, another interesting
    opportunity is, over time, to work on missile defenses. The Japanese
    cannot be--afford to be held hostage to rockets. And neither can the
    United States or any other body who loves freedom. And so one really
    interesting opportunity is for--to share and cooperate on missile
    defenses.
        You know, the leader of North Korea is just
    going to have to make a decision: Does he want to be isolated from the
    world, or is he interested in being an active participant in, kind of,
    the nations of the world who care about their people and desire peace?
    It's his choice to make. We've made our choice. We believe it's
    important for nations such as Japan and the United States to be active
    participants in the world in a positive way. And that's what we're
    doing.
        You know, a lot of the focus of our relationship is based upon,
    obviously, Iraq and Afghanistan, but the truth of the matter is, Japan
    and the United States make mighty contributions to end suffering because
    of disease and hunger. And that's why I appreciate the Prime Minister's
    leadership. He understands that with economic might comes serious
    responsibilities in the world. And the United States takes those
    responsibilities seriously, and so does Japan. Matt [Matt Spetalnick,
    Reuters].

    [[Page 1237]]

    Hamdan v. Rumsfeld

        Q. Yes, Mr. President. We can assume you've at least been given some
    of the broad strokes of the Supreme Court's decision on Guantanamo----
        President Bush. No, I just gave you the answer on that. I'll be glad
    to answer another question--I gave you the broad strokes I've been
    given.
        Q. Right, but this--can you comment on what looks like a judicial
    repudiation of your administration's policy on the treatment of terror
    suspects post-9/11?
        President Bush. Matt, I can't--I wish I could comment, and would,
    obviously. I'm a person who generally comments on things. I haven't been
    briefed enough to make a comment on it, except for the following things.
    I'm sorry you had to waste your question, but we will conform to the
    Supreme Court. We will analyze the decision. To the extent that the
    Congress has given any latitude to develop a way forward using military
    tribunals, we will work with them.
        As I understand, a Senator has already
    been on TV. Haven't seen it; haven't heard what he said, but as--they
    briefed me and said he wants to devise law in conformity with the case
    that would enable us to use a military tribunal to hold these people to
    account. And if that's the case, we'll work with him.
        I can't comment any more than I have just done in the first
    question; otherwise, I would have. I just haven't been fully briefed
    enough to answer your question, Matt.

    Japan-U.S. Relations

        Q. Over the past 5 years, Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush
    have built up the best sort of relationship between the two of you in
    the history of Japan and the United States. Now, what is the greatest
    reason for having maintained this policy of attaching greatest
    importance to Japan-U.S. relations?
        And a question for President Bush. Various problems have occurred
    after 9/11. And in the Prime Minister Koizumi's policy of attaching
    importance to Japan-U.S. relations, what was the case--instance where
    you were most appreciative of Prime Minister Koizumi's position? And
    what sort of impact has it had on your feeling and stance toward Japan?
        Prime Minister Koizumi. Well, attaching importance to our relations
    with the United States--well, after the Second World War, throughout--
    over the past 6 years, Japan has maintained that policy. We've
    recognized the importance of a Japan-U.S. alliance and also maintain a
    stance of international cooperation and coordination. It's because we
    have learned the lessons of World War II, we took up this policy in
    believing that this was good for Japan. In the past, today, and the
    future, as well maintain Japan-U.S. alliance and international
    cooperation. This is a very important fundamental policy of Japan that
    should never change.
        Last year, President Bush visited Kyoto in Japan and had one-on-one
    meeting. Some seem to think that the--to the extent Japan-U.S. relations
    is undermined, that could be complemented by better relations with Asia
    and other countries. And I've said I do not subscribe to that view. The
    better the Japan-U.S. relations, my view is that we will be able to have
    better relations with China and other countries in Asia.
        Now, some in the mass media took up on that and misinterpreted my
    position. In other words, they thought that I was saying, to the extent
    Japan-U.S. relations remain good, I couldn't care less what Japan's
    relations would be with other countries. That is not at all what I said.
    I've been saying that there is no country in the world that has as
    important bilateral relations as Japan-U.S. bilateral relations. But I
    have no view such as having better relations with the United States at
    the expense of relations with other countries.

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        My view is that by having better relations with the United States, I
    can have better relations with other countries. And from that
    perspective, in the post-war years, Japan has achieved remarkable growth
    and development. It is because we've learned lessons from the past in
    our relations with the United States and determined to maintain friendly
    relations with the United States. And that is what we have done to date.
        In the future as well, Japan-U.S. alliance is something that will
    be--contribute to the resolution of various challenges in the world--by
    maintaining friendly ties between Japan and the United States. Attaching
    importance to our relations with the United States does not sacrifice
    our views and our relations with other countries. Please do not
    misunderstand.
        President Bush. It's a pretty tricky question. I hate to point out
    one area where that has influenced my thinking about Japan's
    contributions for fear of diminishing the contributions in other areas.
    Because the truth of the matter is, we live in a very complex world, and
    by--cooperating to solve problems makes the world a better place.
    However, since you asked, I'll answer. I would think it is the Prime
    Minister's understanding of the capacity for democracies to help change
    the conditions of the world. And therefore, his strong support for
    helping a new Afghanistan democracy grow and his willingness to do
    something a lot of other leaders in Japan have been unwilling to do,
    which is to commit Self-Defense Forces to help the growth of a new
    democracy.
        And I tell the American people this: I use the Prime Minister all
    the time in my speeches, as the press corps will tell you, incredibly
    bored of hearing. But nevertheless, I do share the example with the
    people about my relationship with the Prime Minister. It is just--it
    strikes me as just amazing. A lot of people take it for granted. I
    don't, because 60 years ago, we were at war. And something happened
    between our visit to Graceland and when our respective fathers looked at each other with deep suspicion. And
    what happened was, Japan developed a Japanese-style democracy based upon
    shared values. And today, we're able to discuss peace. It is a
    remarkable transformation of a relationship. We just happen to be the
    beneficiaries of that transformation. I also believe, however, that
    there are people who are coming up who have shedded the bonds of tyranny
    are also the benefits of this relationship.
        And so Japan is making a mighty contribution to new democracy, which
    I strongly believe is in our Nation's interests and I strongly believe
    will yield peace. And I firmly believe that the example that we show
    today will be repeated over the decades, particularly with newly elected
    leaders in the Middle East. And the Prime Minister understands that. And
    I'm grateful for the contribution of the Japanese people to the cause of
    peace.
        Mr. Prime Minister, thank you.
        Prime Minister Koizumi. Thank you very much, American people, for
    ``Love Me Tender.'' [Laughter]

    Note: The President's news conference began at 11:33 a.m. in the East
    Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Chairman Kim
    Jong Il of North Korea; and Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota, who
    was abducted by North Korean authorities. Prime Minister Koizumi and
    some reporters spoke in Japanese, and their remarks were translated by
    an interpreter.

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