[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.
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    *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

[[Page 1236]]

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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