    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [February 23, 2006]
    [Pages 335-336]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting and an Exchange With Reporters
    February 23, 2006

        The President. Thank you all for coming. My Cabinet just met to get
    a report from Fran Townsend about the lessons learned from Hurricane
    Katrina. On September the 6th, I asked Fran to conduct a thorough review of the Federal response
    to Katrina and to make recommendations about how we can better respond
    in the future. I wasn't satisfied with the Federal response. Fran and
    her team produced a lessons-learned document, and she just briefed the
    Cabinet about lessons learned.
        I reminded our Cabinet that hurricane season begins in June and that
    we will be tracking the implementations of the recommendations in this
    report. I want to thank her for her report. It's a good work. We will
    learn from the lessons of the past to better protect the American
    people.
        We have made a strong commitment to people in the gulf coast, and we
    will honor that commitment as well. The report helps us anticipate how
    to better respond to future disasters. In the meantime, our commitment
    to rebuild and help rebuild Mississippi and Louisiana is ongoing and
    robust.
        I'll be glad to answer some questions. Terry [Terence Hunt,
    Associated Press]. Two questions. You're the first questioner.

    Bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra

        Q. Mr. President, dozens of Sunni mosques have been attacked and
    scores of people have been killed after the bombing of the Golden
    Mosque. How serious is the danger of a civil war in Iraq?
        The President. First of all, the people of the United States
    strongly condemn the destruction of the Golden Mosque. We believe in
    freedom to worship. And I understand the consternation and concern of
    Iraqi Shi'as when they see this most holy site wantonly destroyed.
        I appreciate very much the leaders from all aspects of Iraqi society
    that have stood up and urged for there to be calm. They recognize two
    things--one, the Iraqi people want to live in a democracy. After all, 11
    million people voted in the last election. In other words, given a
    choice of whether or not they want democracy or a different form of
    government, millions of people showed up to vote, making a clear
    statement to the Iraqi authorities as well as to the people of the
    world--they want democracy.
        Secondly, the voices of reason from all aspects of Iraqi life
    understand that this bombing is intended to create civil strife, that
    the act was a evil act. The destruction of a holy site is a political
    act intending to create strife. And so I'm pleased with the voices of
    reason that have spoken out. And we will continue to work with those
    voices of reason to enable Iraq to continue on the path of a democracy
    that unites people and doesn't divide them.
        Finally, I do want to assure the Iraqi people that the U.S.
    Government is serious

    [[Page 336]]

    in our commitment in helping to rebuild that holy site. We understand
    its importance to Iraqi society, and we want to stand side by side with
    the Government in making sure that beautiful dome is restored.
        Caren [Caren Bohan, Reuters].

    Dubai Ports World/Homeland Security

        Q. Sir, do you wish you had known earlier about the Dubai Ports
    deal, and were you surprised by the controversy over it?
        The President. The more people learn about the transaction that has
    been scrutinized and approved by my Government, the more they'll be
    comforted that our ports will be secure. Port security in the United
    States will be run by Customs--U.S. Customs--and the United States Coast
    Guard. The management of some ports, which heretofore has been managed
    by a foreign company, will be managed by another company from a foreign
    land. And so people don't need to worry about security. This deal
    wouldn't go forward if we were concerned about the security for the
    United States of America.
        What I find interesting is that it's okay for a British company to
    manage some ports but not okay for a company from a country that is also
    a valuable ally in the war on terror. The UAE has been a valuable
    partner in fighting the war on terror. A lot of goods are shipped from
    ports to the United States--managed by this company.
        And again, I repeat to the American people, this wouldn't be going
    forward if we weren't certain that our ports would be secure. But I also
    want to remind folks that it's really important we not send mixed
    messages to friends and allies around the world as we combine--put
    together a coalition to fight this war on terror.
        And so we'll continue to talk to people in Congress and explain
    clearly why the decision was made. Many of those doing the explanations
    are around this table, and I want to thank them for bringing a sense of
    calm to this issue, as people understand the logic of the decision.
        Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:16 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.