    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 14, 2007]
    [Pages 307-314]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With President Felipe de Jesus Calderon
    Hinojosa in Merida
    March 14, 2007

        President Calderon. Good morning, Mr. President, dear friends from
    the media. I thank you for being here in this press conference. I would
    like to thank very sincerely President George Bush for visiting our
    country and for dedicating almost 3 days to his visit in Mexico.
        I am very pleased to inform you that President George Bush and
    myself, we're fully satisfied for how fruitful this meeting has been for
    both countries. As leaders of sovereign nations, we have talked in a
    respectful environment and a cordial environment about very diverse and
    complex issues of our bilateral agenda. We coincided in sharing our core
    responsibility, which now, more than ever, happened to be a shared
    responsibility. We reiterate our commitment with democracy, with the
    defense and respect of human rights, the promotion of free trade, with
    the rule of law, security, sustainable development and, in particular,
    our fight against poverty.
        From this platform of understanding, we have covered in detail each
    of the issues of our bilateral agenda. I would like to express my
    gratitude to President Bush that we have talked so openly, with the
    sincerity and respect of both countries that are not only neighbors, but
    they are pursuing to do what true friends should do.
        We have talked, for example, about the strengthening of a task force
    that will be directed to the transition of full trade of sensitive
    products such as corn and beans. We talked about the need to cover the
    phenomenon of migration as a factor of prosperity for both nations,
    orderly migration process. And we acknowledged the effort that President
    Bush and his administration is doing in order to promote within the
    Congress a comprehensive migratory reform that will acknowledge the
    rights of the migrants and workers, that would allow orderly and legal
    programs for temporary jobs, and would allow the reunification of family
    ties.
        We have expressed our concern for protecting and guaranteeing human
    rights of those who cross the border and, above all, about the enormous
    relevance of generating in Mexico opportunities that the citizens need
    for their development.
        We shared the need of having a safe border that will close the gates
    to drugs, arms, and terrorism and that will open its doors to trade,
    prosperity and trade. Our border should be a tightening and closing
    point; the border should bring us together and not separate us. For
    this, we are considering the possibility of establishing new cross
    points and border bridges that will speed up the transit of goods and
    people. Both Presidents have agreed to coordinate in a better way our
    actions in order to confront organized crime in both sides of the
    border.
        Mexico and the United States are nations that are joined together in
    the pursuit for better levels of well-being for its people. We do have
    the means, and, in this meeting, we have seen the political will in
    order to reach shared goals. I'm fully convinced, then, from this visit
    on, we will be able to start a new stage of the relationships that take
    place between Mexico and the United States.
        President Bush. Senor Presidente, gracias. Buenos dias. Laura and I have had a fascinating trip, and our final stop
    was a really good one, Mr. President. Glad to be back in Mexico. This is
    an especially beautiful part of your wonderful country. The hospitality
    was very generous, and the meals were quite good. [Laughter] Estoy
    lleno. [Laughter]
        Over the past 2 days, the President and I have had a very--a series
    of friendly and

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    very productive meetings. That's what the people of our respective
    countries expect. They expect people to work out differences in a
    constructive way. They expect leaders to seize opportunities for the
    benefit of our respective peoples. And the spirit is very strong to work
    together.
        I appreciate so very much the fact that during our meetings, we
    reaffirmed the values of democracy and transparency and rule of law that
    guide both our countries. We discussed ways to make our Nation safer,
    both nations safer and both nations prosperous.
        President Calderon is taking a tough stand against organized crime
    and drugs, and I appreciate that. I made it very clear to the President
    that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight
    against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to
    use less drugs. When there is demand, there is supply. And to the
    extent, Mr. President, that we can continue to make progress to reduce
    drugs, it will take pressure off of Mexico. So we have a responsibility.
        Mexico has a responsibility as well, and the President is working
    hard on that responsibility. And we agreed to work together. Mexico is
    obviously a sovereign nation, and the President, if he so chooses, like
    he has, will lay out an agenda where the United States can be a
    constructive partner.
        And the other place where we can work together is in the region. And
    so the President, who is a very strong leader in Central America, for
    example, will work with the United States and the Central American
    countries to develop a regional plan, because it could be successful in
    Mexico, and yet the problem could be transferred to the south, in which
    case we wouldn't have the security we would want. So, Mr. President,
    thank you for your leadership on this issue. I'm looking forward to
    working with you on it.
        We talked about the economy. My view is, is that when Mexico grows,
    the United States benefits. And obviously, to the extent, Mr. President,
    you're able to put forth your innovative policies, we applaud your
    efforts. I appreciate so very much some of the innovative ideas that
    you're putting forward. As I said last night in the dinner, I appreciate
    very much the fact that you're focusing development in the south of your
    country.
        Obviously, there was a lot of discussion about trade. People in my
    country are concerned about trade; people in Mexico are concerned about
    trade. There are strong protectionist sentiments in the United States.
    And I will work, Mr. President, to reject those protectionist
    sentiments, because I believe trade is one of the best avenues to help
    common prosperity. And anytime we have trade relations, there will be
    complications. And I pledged to the President that we would work
    together to ensure a smooth transition to full trade in dealing with
    sensitive issues such as corn and beans.
        Education is an important issue that is--for our two countries. And
    I appreciate your commitment to strong education. The United States can
    help. I'm a big believer in student exchanges between our two nations,
    on both sides of the border. And one reason I am, is because I think
    it's important, sometimes, for people to gain an accurate perception of
    my country by coming to my country. I love for the fact that students
    travel back and forth.
        Mr. President, this morning I met with some students that are funded
    through USAID programs, who have come to the United States to take
    different courses in different subjects, and then have come back to
    Mexico to lend the expertise that they have gained to improve the
    communities in which they live. This is a vital program that the United
    States must continue, in my judgment, in order to help people realize
    the great benefits of education.
        We spent a lot of time on the important and sensitive issue of
    migration. I say ``sensitive'' because obviously this is an issue

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    that people can use to inflame passions. I say ``important'' because a
    good migration law will help both economies and will help the security
    of both countries. And the reason I say that is that if people can come
    into our country, for example, on a temporary basis to work, doing jobs
    Americans aren't doing, they won't have to sneak across the border.
        And by the way, a system that encourages people to sneak across the
    border is a system that leads to human rights abuses. It's a system that
    promotes coyotes and document forgers. It's a system that allows for the
    exploitation of citizens who are trying to earn a living for their
    families.
        And so, Mr. President, as we discussed, I will work with Congress,
    with members of both political parties, to pass immigration law that
    will enable us to respect the rule of law and, at the same time, respect
    humanity in a way that upholds the values of the United States of
    America.
        I appreciate your hospitality. It's been a very warm greeting, Mr.
    President. I thank you and your good wife for being so kind to Laura and me. I look forward to future conversations. Muchas
    gracias.
        President Calderon. Gracias, el Presidente. We will have a Q&A
    session now, starting with the Mexican press.

    Mexico-U.S. Relations/Mexico's Foreign Policy

        Q. Good morning, President of the United States of America,
    President of the United Mexico States.
        President Bush. Perdoname.
        Q. Good morning. Your visit is coming to an end now--this is a
    question for President George Bush: At the end of your visit, sir, have
    you found allies in order to place a counterweight to the initiatives of
    Hugo Chavez? What commitments did Felipe Calderon take on in order to be
    a counterweight to these initiatives of Hugo Chavez, on the one hand?
        And on the other hand, President Felipe Calderon, Foreign Minister
    Patricia has said that you are working in order to strengthen the
    relationship with Venezuela. How is this compatible with the commitments
    that you're taking on with President Bush in order to give thrust to
    this counterweight in Latin America concerning Hugo Chavez?
        President Bush. Thank you for the question. We spent a lot of time
    talking about Mexico's role in the world. Mexico is a respected nation;
    President Calderon is a respected leader. But our conversations focused
    on democracy and rule of law and prosperity and how to improve the lives
    of our fellow citizens. We spent time talking about social justice and
    concern for the poor.
        One of the reasons I've come down here again is to remind people in
    this important part of the world that the United States cares deeply
    about the human condition; that we spent 1.6 billion of bilateral aid
    last year, most of the money going to social justice programs. And that
    doesn't include programs like the one I saw in the highlands of
    Guatemala, where our military was providing basic health care for
    citizens.
        So, Mr. President and I spent time talking about how to advance a
    hopeful agenda, one that will lift the spirits of people. And I respect
    the role Mexico plays. I mean, Mexico will lead diplomatic efforts for
    the common security and common prosperity, and that's an important role.
        President Calderon. The commitment and purpose of my Government is
    to have constructive, positive, and sound relations with all countries
    of the world and, of course, with the countries of Latin America,
    without exception. And certainly the more--the most important
    relationship with Mexico abroad is the one that we have with the United
    States, due to the migration that exists, the flows through the borders,
    and all else that you are well aware of.
        However, Mexico is respectful of the opinions of other leaders. We
    are respectful of the heads of states of other countries,

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    such as Venezuela and certainly the United States. We are a government
    that has principles and values, values such as democracy, freedom,
    liberty, and legality and certainly security and safety.
        On the other hand, not as a strategy--this was not something that we
    focused on as a strategy in our talks, but as a conviction of our
    government. Mexico has to play a role which is balanced, weighed, and it
    has to be a leader in Latin America, in agreement with its culture, its
    history, its economy, its people.
        We are deeply Latin American, and we, too, want justice,
    development, democracy for all of Latin America. That is where we are
    engaged, and we are committed. We certainly do agree and coincide with
    other countries, many countries, of course, who coincide and agree with
    those principles.

    Department of Justice

        Q. Mr. President, thank you. The Attorney General acknowledged
    yesterday that in a statement made by----
        President Bush. Hold on, Roger [Roger Runningen, Bloomberg News].
    The world wants to hear your voice.
        Q. Thank you. The Attorney General acknowledged yesterday that there
    were mistakes in the firing of prosecutors. What is his future in your
    cabinet? Do you have confidence in him? And more importantly--or just as
    important--how effective can he be in Congress going forward when he's
    lost a lot of confidence among Democrats and doesn't have any defenders
    among Republicans?
        President Bush. I do have confidence in Attorney General Al
    Gonzales. I talked to him this morning,
    and we talked about his need to go up to Capitol Hill and make it very
    clear to members in both political parties why the Justice Department
    made the decisions it made, making very clear about the facts. And he's
    right: Mistakes were made. And I'm frankly not happy about them, because
    there is a lot of confusion over what really has been a customary
    practice by the Presidents: U.S. attorneys and others serve at the
    pleasure of the President. Past administrations have removed U.S.
    attorneys; it's their right to do so.
        The Justice Department recommended a list of U.S. attorneys. I
    believe the reasons why were entirely appropriate. And yet this issue
    was mishandled to the point now where you're asking me questions about
    it in Mexico, which is fine. I mean, if I were you, I'd ask the same
    question. This is an issue that--and so
    Al--let me just say, Al was right; mistakes were made; and he's going to
    go up to Capitol Hill to correct them.
        I appreciate the fact that he's
    taken some action, because anytime anybody goes up to Capitol Hill,
    they've got to make sure they fully understand the facts and how they
    characterize the issue to Members of Congress. And the fact that both
    Republicans and Democrats feel like that there was not straightforward
    communication troubles me, and it troubles the Attorney General, so he
    took action. And he needs to continue to take action.

    Immigration Reform/President Calderon's Meeting With Former President
    Vicente Fox of Mexico

        Q. Good morning to both Presidents. President Bush, I ask you, why
    do Mexicans want to--why would you think that Mexicans could believe in
    a reform in migration when for so many years, this was not a possibility
    nor reality? And what are your chances of coming through with this bill
    in Congress? And President Calderon, you had lunch with President Fox.
    Can you tell us what you talked about?
        President Bush. They talked about carne. [Laughter] Excuse me. I
    wasn't there. [Laughter]
        No, that's a legitimate question, and the question is, why now? Why
    do I think something positive can happen? Well, first of all, the
    legislative process takes awhile

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    in the United States. I don't know about Mexico, Mr. President, but
    sometimes legislators, you know, debate issues for awhile before a
    solution can be achieved.
        And we had a very--by the way, we haven't had a serious debate on
    migration until recently. A law was passed in 1986, and then there
    really wasn't a serious debate until pretty much starting after the year
    2000, if my memory serves me well. I've always known this is an
    important issue because I happened to have been the Governor of Texas.
    And so I'm very comfortable about discussing the issue and have elevated
    the issue over the past years. And Members of Congress have taken the
    issue very seriously, but it's hard to get legislation out of the
    Congress on a very complex issue.
        A lot of Americans were deeply concerned that the United States was
    not enforcing our laws. They felt like there wasn't a commitment to the
    rule of law. Over the past year, I believe we have shown the American
    people that there is a strong commitment to the rule of law. And I think
    Members of Congress are now feeling more comfortable that the country is
    committed to rule of law, which then makes some more openminded to my
    argument, which is that if we can have migration reform, it will make it
    less likely somebody will feel like they have to sneak across our
    border, and, therefore, take pressure off the border. In other words,
    security for the country, border security, will be enhanced by a good
    migration law, and then it will make it easier for us to focus our
    assets on drugs, terrorists, criminals, and guns moving both ways.
        I believe--I feel pretty good about it. I don't want to predict
    legislative successes. But I can tell you my mood, and my mood is
    optimistic because the mood in the Congress seems like it has changed
    from skepticism last year to knowledge that getting a comprehensive bill
    will be in the Nation's interests.
        Secondly, I'm optimistic because Republicans in the Senate are
    working with Democrats in the Senate. We're facilitating that work. The
    administration is very much involved with helping the Senators find
    common ground, to the point where we can move a bill as quickly as
    possible out of the Senate so it gets to the House of Representatives.
        I'm not a betting man. I don't like to bet, because when I do, I
    usually lose. But I'm an optimistic man, in this case, about getting
    comprehensive reform, and a bill is in the interests of both countries.
        President Calderon. I met with former President Vicente Fox, whom I
    like, and we have a good friendship. We belong to the same party. I
    invited him to lunch; we talked for quite a while, talked about matters
    in a very constructive fashion. And he congratulated us for the work
    that we've done during these first 100 days. He also said that he had
    the will to collaborate and cooperate in a respectful fashion with the
    government for the benefit of Mexicans.
        I have also met with other former Presidents, and I'm sure that I
    will continue to meet with President Fox in the future throughout my
    administration.
        President Bush. Here it comes.

    Department of Justice

        Q. Thank you, Mr. President, President Calderon. On the dismissal of
    U.S. attorneys: There have been allegations that political motivations
    were involved. Is political loyalty to your administration an
    appropriate factor? And when you talked to Attorney General Alberto
    Gonzales last year, what did you say? And what did you direct him to do?
        President Bush. Thanks, Kelly [Kelly O'Donnell, NBC News]. I've
    heard those allegations about political decisionmaking; it's just not
    true. Secondly, just so you know, I get asked--I mean, I get complaints
    all the time from Members of Congress on a variety of subjects--this
    Senator, this Congressperson so-and-so--and there's

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    occasionally frustration with the executive branch. And they will pull
    me aside and say, ``Are you aware of this? Are you aware of that?'' And
    I did receive complaints about U.S. attorneys.
        I specifically remember one time I went up to the Senate, and
    Senators were talking about the U.S. attorneys. I don't remember
    specific names being mentioned, but I did say to Al last year--you're right, last fall, I said, ``Have you
    heard complaints about AGs? I have''--I mean, U.S. attorneys, excuse
    me--and he said, ``I have.'' But I never brought up a specific case nor
    gave him specific instructions.
        Q. Sir, might he have inferred that you discussed it with him--was a
    need for him to take action?
        President Bush. You're going to have to ask Al that question, but as I say, I discuss with my Cabinet
    officials complaints I hear. I mean, when Members of the Senate come up
    and say to me, ``I've got a complaint,'' I think it's entirely
    appropriate and necessary for me to pass those complaints on. Now, I
    don't every single time, but people view their moment with the
    President, sometimes, as an opportunity to unload their frustrations
    about how things may be working in their State--or Congresspersons, how
    things may be working in their district. And whether it be the Attorney
    General or the Secretary of State or other
    members of my Cabinet, I pass those complaints on at times.
        What Al did was, and what the
    Justice Department did was appropriate--U.S. attorneys serve at the
    pleasure of the President. In other words, they're appointed by the
    President; they can be removed by the President. What was mishandled was
    the explanation of the cases to the Congress. And Al has got work to do
    up there. And the thing I appreciate about the Attorney General was, he
    said publicly that he could have handled it better--mistakes were made--
    and took action. And obviously, more action needs to be taken. That's
    what I discussed with him on the phone today.

    Energy/Trade

        Q. Good morning. President Calderon, concerning energy matters, 3
    days before the celebration of the anniversary of the expropriation of
    oil in our country, could you tell us what the position of the Senators
    of opposition have stated about these matters of oil? We know that the
    reserves and, of course this oil abundance, perhaps, is coming to its
    end. Was this issue on oil discussed here?
        And, President Bush, 2008 will welcome the opening up of livestock
    and agriculture matters. Sir, is there a possibility of renegotiating
    or, perhaps, leave it for a later date this negotiation of this part of
    the trade agreement because of the complaints of Mexican producers?
        President Calderon. The truth of the matter is that we did not
    discuss this issue of oil, because this is something that has to do
    specifically with Mexicans. This is a Mexican issue. We will not
    privatize a company that belongs to Mexicans, such as of the case of
    Pemex. We will have to see this later on, in terms of sovereignty, and
    speak about the initiatives, of course, and to see what our Congress
    states. We do have problems with the decline of, especially, Cantarell,
    which has been very important in the production of oil throughout the
    years, but which is declining in amounts. But we will have to be very
    clear on the fact that we will be sharing responsibility between
    Congress and the President.
        Concerning agriculture and livestock, I do share the sensitivity of
    our working group and President Bush. We have set up a working group to
    deal with the matters of corn and bean, precisely to make more agile
    this transition, which is established at the end of the free trade
    agreement, NAFTA.
        We do have different problems now today, different from what it was
    1 year ago, when we see that the prices of corn are going down. We are
    having very high costs in our production. This has left our

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    producers out of competition. And now we are seeing what consumption is
    all about with these very high prices, in the case of corn.
        However, due to the circumstance we have had in this meeting, we
    strengthened and we will be strengthening even more a group, a working
    group, which will address these issues, which are very sensitive for
    Mexican producers.
        President Bush. No, no. Excuse me, Tony. One
    reason I didn't bring up energy is because energy is--it belongs to
    sovereign Mexico. And I'm confident that the President will make the
    best interests for the people of Mexico, working with the Congress.
        In terms of opening up NAFTA, renegotiating NAFTA is a mistake, in
    my judgment. NAFTA has worked. And there is a mechanism in place, that
    the President just described, about how to resolve sensitive issues.
    There will be sensitive issues on a frequent basis when it comes to
    trade. And the best way to resolve those is through negotiations and
    discussions, recognizing the sensitivities on both sides of the border.
    But trying to renegotiate a treaty that has been incredibly important
    for both sides of the border, in my judgment, would be a mistake. You
    don't want to weaken NAFTA; you want to make sure it stays strong in
    order that prosperity continues to expand and people benefit on both
    sides of the border.

    Immigration Reform/Immigrant Life in the United States

        Q. Thank you. President Bush, you said the other day that you want
    to first--on immigration, want to first find a coherent Republican
    position in the Senate. Most Senate Republicans voted against last
    year's bill in the Senate. What changes are you willing to make? And
    would you be willing to forgo a path to citizenship as part of that
    bill? And, President Calderon, it's been reported you have relatives
    working in the United States. What have you learned from their
    experiences? Do you know, do they want to become citizens? And do you
    know, are they there legally? [Laughter]
        President Bush. What was your question again? No. [Laughter] Michael
    Chertoff and Carlos Gutierrez are negotiating with Republicans, helping
    Republicans find common ground, Steve [Stephen Dinan, Washington Times],
    and this isn't the appropriate place to be conducting negotiations.
        It is the appropriate place to talk about the spirit of moving the
    bill forward. And obviously, we would like to be able to convince no-
    voters that it makes sense to be for a comprehensive immigration policy.
    I feel strongly that it's in our interests, national interests, to get a
    bill done. That's why, after all, I took--I gave the address to the
    United States from the Oval Office on this very subject.
        And you asked about amnesty--look, amnesty is not going to fly.
    There is not going to be automatic citizenship; it just won't work.
    People in the United States don't support that, and neither do I; nor
    will kicking people out of the United States work. It's not practical.
    It is not a realistic solution. Some may articulate that, but it's empty
    talk. And so therefore, there's got to be a middle ground, a reasonable
    way to deal with the 12 million or so people that have been in our
    country for a period of time. And that's where a lot of the discussions
    are taking place, Steve. And I think we can find a rational way forward,
    somewhere in between automatic citizenship and kicking people out of the
    country. It's in our interests we do so. I mean, we are a nation of law,
    and therefore, if we can change the law for the better, we ought to do
    so.
        And so, Mr. President, back to the man's question over there--I'm
    optimistic. And--but he helped--his question was somewhat insightful--
    well, very insightful--because what he pointed out was the legislative
    challenges that we face. He also made it clear in his question that the
    administration is very much involved with working with

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    Republican Senators to help find common ground between Republican
    Senators and Senator Kennedy, who is
    emerging as the lead Senator on the Democrat side.
        I will tell you, if we can find that common ground, we have a very
    good chance of getting the bill out of the Senate, because Senator
    Kennedy is one of the best legislative
    Senators there is. He can get the job done. I know firsthand, because we
    reformed our education system, Mr. President, with his help in 2001. Not
    to slip in another issue, but we do need to get No Child Left Behind
    reauthorized, and I'm looking forward to working with Senator Kennedy on
    the reauthorization.
        President Calderon. Yes, I do have family in the United States, and
    what I can tell you is that these are people who work and respect that
    country. They pay their taxes to the government. These are people who
    work in the field; they work with--in the fields with vegetables. They
    probably handle that which you eat--the lettuce, et cetera. These are
    people who respect the United States. These are people who have
    children, who want these children to be educated with respect for the
    land where they live and with respect for Mexico.
        I am from Michoacan, and in Michoacan, we have 4 million people--2
    million of these Michoacanos are in the States. We want them to come
    back; we want them to find jobs here in Mexico. We miss them. These are
    our best people. These are bold people--they're young, they're strong,
    they're talented, they have overcome tremendous adversity--who are
    working so that they can come back to their country someday.
        And I'm saying this for all Mexicans, not only those Mexicans that I
    am related to by blood, by land, soil, air. And I want to say that I am
    fighting so that instead of having our people cross the border to find
    work, we want investments to cross the border and come over here.
        The U.S. economy is capital intensive. We are labor intensive. We
    can give democracy to our people if we find sound basis so that we could
    also find those factors which can give jobs to our people. I have said
    this, and I will continue to say this: I hope--and I've hoped--that
    someday, everybody will believe as I do. I believe in work. I believe
    that I will see all of these people coming back, and embrace them
    knowing that, well, that we live in countries that defend liberty and
    freedom.

    Note: The President's news conference began at 10:04 a.m. at the Fiesta
    Americana Merida. In his remarks, he referred to Margarita Esther Zavala
    Gomez del Campo, wife of President Calderon. A reporter referred to
    President Hugo Chavez Frias of Venezuela; and Secretary of Foreign
    Relations Patricia Espinosa Cantellano of Mexico. President Calderon and
    some reporters spoke in Spanish, and their remarks were translated by an
    interpreter. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.