[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 8 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Pages 299-304]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's News Conference With President Vicente Fox in San 
Cristobal, Mexico

February 16, 2001

    President Fox. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mr. President. This 
morning I have held very productive and cordial talks with the President 
of the United States, Mr. George W. Bush. We have agreed on a set of 
principles and values to provide our relationship as neighbors with more 
constructive dynamics of more intense cooperation, in order to unfold 
all the potential of our bilateral relations.
    The fact that the President--George Bush's first foreign visit has 
our country as its destination is a clear message of the interest his 
administration places on strengthening links with Mexico. At the same 
time, it is quite a distinction.
    This starting point is very encouraging, so that both Mexicans and 
Americans, together, to inaugurate an era of shared prosperity together. 
I also acknowledge President Bush's demonstration of friendship by 
coming to Guanajuato, the cradle of Mexico's independence. And I am 
particularly grateful for his greeting my mother, Dona Mercedes, as well 
as for his visit to my house--his house--here in San Cristobal.
    Let me tell you, Mr. President, that you will always be welcome in 
this, your home--or, in your language, President, you know that we 
consider you a friend of Mexico, a friend of Mexican people, and a 
friend of mine.
    The agreements we have reached today are embodied in the document 
that we have, and we ratified our commitment to values of democracy and 
the promotion of human rights, as well as the aim of the fruits of 
development reach all sectors of our society.
    The global and hemispheric agenda, also an important part of our 
talks, as is fitting in a mature dialog between two prominent members of 
the international community. We have identified a renewed will for 
cooperation to design, together with our Canadian partners, a region 
guided by the search for shared prosperity.
    We, the Presidents of Mexico and the United States, have the 
favorable circumstance of beginning our respective mandates 
simultaneously. This enables us to project our common objectives with a 
long-term vision and to undertake negotiations in areas that require a 
decisive and systematic impetus from the two governments.
    Mr. President Bush, the spirit in which we have conducted this first 
working meeting marks the beginning of a novel stage in our bilateral 
relations. I am certain that we will be able to take advantage of the 
historic opportunity we have today to set out on the way to a century of 
shared prosperity. We will face this challenge on the basis of mutual 
trust, with a fresh and creative vision to advance in the topics of our 
bilateral agenda.
    Once again, welcome, and this is your home.
    President Bush. Muchas gracias, amigo, el Presidente de Mexico. Su 
recepcion tan calida refleja el grande amistad entre nuestros pueblos. 
Me hace sentir que estoy entre familia. Thank you very much.
    It's a great honor to come to Mexico as this important nation enjoys 
a new birth of freedom, signaled by President Fox's election. Our 
meetings today have been a really good opportunity to renew our personal 
friendship and the friendship between Mexico and the United States.
    Mexico is the first foreign country I have visited as President, and 
I intended it to be that way. Our nations are bound together by ties of 
history, family, values, commerce, and culture. Today, these ties give 
us an unprecedented opportunity. We have a chance to build a partnership 
that will improve the lives of citizens in both countries.

[[Page 300]]

    I came here today to seek President Fox's views on how we can go 
about building on our partnership. We enjoyed a warm and substantive and 
frank dialog on the many issues that shape the relationship between 
America and Mexico.
    We talked about strengthening our trade relationship, which offers 
hope and opportunity on both sides of our border. We talked about how 
our two nations can work together to meet our current and future energy 
needs. We exchanged ideas about safe and orderly migration, a policy 
that respects individuals on both sides of the border. We talked about 
expanding educational opportunities. We talked about what we can do 
together to fight drug trafficking and other types of organized crime.
    We also talked about what we can do together to extend the benefits 
of freedom and prosperity throughout the entire hemisphere. I told 
President Fox that building a hemisphere of freedom will be a 
fundamental commitment of my administration. We both look forward to 
discussing these ideas with other hemispheric leaders in Quebec in April 
at the Summit of the Americas.
    We are welcoming a new day in the relationship between America and 
Mexico. Each nation has a new President and a new perspective. Geography 
has made us neighbors. Cooperation and respect will make us partners. 
And the promise of the partnership was renewed and reinvigorated today.
    Thank you very much.
    President Fox. If I understood correctly, we're going to take 
questions in Spanish for the Mexican press, and some questions in 
English for the American press. So we'll go first to the women first, 
and here we'll take the Spanish question first.

Immigration Policy/Situation in Iraq

    Q. I have two questions, one for the President of Mexico. We've 
spoken about new agreements and a new path on migration issues. What has 
been the advancements on the two topics as you--your campaign to open 
the border for the free transit of people and to have the free trade 
agreement in the same way that the European community has done it?
    You talked to President Bush about the amnesty, about the illegal 
aliens in the United States. I have a question for President Bush. What 
is the message that you want to send right now? What does the United 
States want to send to the world as a message with the new bombing of 
Iraq? And above all, why, Mr. Bush, at this point, when you are 
establishing a dialog with the President of Mexico--why? Is this a 
beginning of a new war?
    President Fox. Actually, we discussed amply the migration issues 
that we have. But this is not the meeting in which decisions or details 
are going to be reached, because they do not belong in the power of--the 
executive power, as such, because they have to have the participation of 
other groups.
    We have spoken on migration from the viewpoint of our countrymen 
that are in the United States, and we have spoken about the 
possibilities of working on agreements of temporary legal work and 
employment. We have spoken on the firm idea that we have of fighting 
violence against immigrants and to work based on the law and to see how 
the ``coyotes'' and all the people that will be taking these people--or 
the polleros taking our illegal workers into U.S. territory.
    We have spoken of a long-term vision and approach and constructive 
approach on this topic. And perhaps here, the most important thing will 
be presented by President Bush later on. But certainly there is a new 
attitude; there is a new way of approaching things, much more positive 
approach to things on this issue of migration.
    The conclusion has been to create a commission at the highest level, 
as it was read in the Guanajuato Proposal, to begin and to discuss and 
to advance on this topic on very concrete steps. I believe this is a 
great advancement on what we had before.
    President Bush. In answer to part B of your question, the United 
States is engaged in the Middle East and Persian Gulf. We will remain 
so. Since 1991, our country has been enforcing what's called a no-fly 
zone. A routine mission was conducted to enforce the no-fly zone, and it 
is a mission about which

[[Page 301]]

I was informed and I authorized. But I repeat, it is a routine mission, 
and we will continue to enforce the no-fly zone until the world is told 
otherwise.
    Mr. Fournier [Ron Fournier, Associated Press].
    Q. Sir, as you say, this is the first military action you've taken 
as President of the United States. I'm wondering whether it signals a 
hardening of the U.S. position towards Iraq. And specifically, is it 
your goal to drive Saddam Hussein from power? And secondly, are you 
putting Saddam on notice today that American military action will be 
more frequent or more forceful than it was before you became President?
    President Bush. Mr. Fournier, Saddam Hussein has got to understand 
that we expect him to conform to the agreement that he signed after 
Desert Storm. We will enforce the no-fly zone, both south and north. Our 
intention is to make sure that the world is as peaceful as possible. And 
we're going to watch very carefully as to whether or not he develops 
weapons of mass destruction, and if we catch him doing so, we'll take 
the appropriate action.

President Fox/Drug Certification

    Q. Mr. President, President Bush, welcome to Mexico. We will be 
waiting for you in Cancun. The question is on globalization; the 
question, support to Mexico. And another question, certification in 
Mexico, will it continue? Will it disappear forever? Would you trust our 
friend, Fox?
    President Bush. The question is on drug certification and really 
about our relations with President Fox. I trust your President. He's the 
kind of man you can look in the eye and know he's shooting straight with 
you. I appreciate the fact that he was a one-time Governor. I've got 
kind of partiality to Governors.
    We need to work together on the drug issue. One of the reasons why 
drugs are shipped--the main reason why drugs are shipped through Mexico 
to the United States is because United States citizens use drugs. And 
our Nation must do a better job of educating our citizenry about the 
dangers and evils of drug use.
    Secondly, I believe there is a movement in the country to review all 
the certification process. I'm certainly going to take the message back 
to the Members of Congress that I firmly believe that President Fox will 
do everything in his power to root out the drug lords and to halt drug 
trafficking as best as he possibly can.
    As you know, he made some very bold and courageous statements about 
extradition. He showed unique leadership on that issue. It certainly 
caught my attention. And I believe when the American people and the 
Members of Congress hear this bold action that he's willing to take, 
they will understand what I know, that he is committed to battling the 
drug trade.
    Jim--Steve, [Steve Holland, Reuters] sorry. You are? [Laughter] 
We've got you out of order--I know you're Steve. Stefan, hombre muy 
bueno.

Tax Cut Legislation

    Q. Sir, now that Republicans have told you there are not enough 
votes for your tax plan in the Senate, how do you proceed from here? And 
do you consider cutting the size of it?
    President Bush. His question was about our tax plan. I don't agree 
with that assessment, that there are not enough votes in the Senate. I 
believe when it's all said and done, we're going to get a tax bill out 
of the House and the Senate that will be at the level I think it ought 
to be. I know there is a lot of speculation about Members, but it's 
early--it's early in the process.
    Washington, Mr. President, has got a unique way of asking Presidents 
to negotiate with themselves. And that's not what is going to happen in 
this administration. We'll get a tax package because it's the right 
thing for the American people.
    Ours, Mr. President, is getting ready to submit a budget that will 
set priorities: Education will be a priority; health care for our 
citizens will be a priority; setting aside Social Security--all the 
payroll taxes for Social Security will be a priority. We've still got 
money left over, and I want to pass some of it back to the people who 
pay the bills, in order to make sure our economy does not drag.

[[Page 302]]

    And the President and I talked about economic growth. He knows 
exactly what I know, that if our economy were to slow significantly, it 
would affect our abilities to see the benefits of free trade; it would 
affect the Mexican economy.
    And so I want to assure our friends from Mexico that we will put 
fiscal and monetary--I have nothing to do with monetary policy, of 
course--but fiscal policy in place that will affect economic growth, 
because it is beneficial not only for our people but for the Mexican 
people.
    Look, to answer your question directly, we are going to get a good 
tax cut through, and I think it is going to be the size I'm suggesting.

Situation in Iraq

    Q. To President Fox, since you two are working together on several 
actions that you want to undertake together in a short future and also 
in the long-term future, do you support the military actions like the 
ones like the United States is doing, bombing Iraq? Thank you.
    President Fox. I do not have a position or a statement on that 
topic, specifically because this will be done through the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs in the future.
    It's your turn.
    President Bush. Short answer, Mr. President. [Laughter]
    Campbell Brown [NBC News].

President's Visit to Mexico

    Q. Much has been made of you choosing Mexico as your first foreign 
trip. But it is also causing consternation among the European allies and 
Canada that you are going to put a greater emphasis here at the expense 
of those countries. What do you say to that, please?
    President Bush. Well, I appreciate that question. First, I met with 
Prime Minister Chretien and assured him that a vision of--a foreign 
policy that understands good policy starts in the neighborhood is a 
vision that goes both north and south.
    I would hope that nations around the world, and leaders, would 
understand the logic behind saying that good foreign policy, good 
relations must be firm on our borders. I can't think of anything more 
logical and more commonsensical than to understand our hemisphere, which 
can be and will be bound by freedom and free markets and free trade is 
in the interests of our people.
    We'll have a foreign policy as one that engages the world. I've 
rejected isolationism, as you know, and protectionism. Ours is going to 
be an active foreign policy. It's going to be consistent and firm, one 
that starts, though, by building friendships, in this case, renewing a 
friendship. And it should send a strong signal to all nations who watch 
that if you're our friend, we'll be your friend. And Mexico is our 
friend and will remain our friend.

Situation in Iraq and President's Visit

    Q. Thank you very much, Presidents. A question for President Fox: Do 
you think that it is not an improper gesture in this for a visit that 
the recent bombing of Iraq is one that is attracting the attention, and 
would put a shade or a shadow on this meeting here in Guanajuato?
    President Fox. I see no reason why we should connect one event with 
the other one. Here we are in the process of building up and 
constructing a strategy to foster the economic and human development of 
a complete region that is formed by three countries that have been 
associated under a free trade agreement, and the direct relationship 
between the United States and Mexico that has proven already that has 
made advancements, very constructively.
    The levels of trade that we have had are really fantastic, and they 
are the envy of many people--many people have never thought that in the 
year of 2001 with a trade balance of $250 billion. This has meant 
development for the United States. It has meant employment in the United 
States. It has meant development and employment in Mexico, as well.
    This is what has allowed us to reduce substantially the level of 
poverty in Mexico. In the last 4 years, more than 4 million poor people 
have gone beyond extreme poverty levels. This is what we have invested 
on, to take these people above this level. And all the time that we have 
invested, discussing these strategic points, allow us to see that

[[Page 303]]

there is a possibility of going ahead to get more benefits from good 
relationships and to be true partners toward prosperity and to be true 
friends and to be true neighbors.
    And this purpose is something that has been clearly stated today, 
and we're very pleased with it. And we are full of confidence that we 
can see the future with a more optimistic approach as of today's 
meeting.

Situation in Iraq

    Q. Apologies to you, Presidente Fox, for not asking a question about 
the U.S. and Mexico. But President Bush, if I may, another question 
about Iraq. As we understand it, this was in response to violations that 
have happened over several weeks, perhaps several months. What prompted 
you to take this decision at this time?
    President Bush. The commanders on the ground, rightly, make the 
decision as to how to enforce the no-fly zone. I want to assure those 
who don't understand U.S. policy that this is a routine mission. Some of 
the missions require the Commander in Chief to be informed. This was 
such a mission. It is not the first time it has happened, regrettably 
so.
    We will continue to enforce the no-fly zones. The no-fly zones are 
enforced on a daily basis. It is a part of a strategy, and until that 
strategy is changed, if it is changed at all, we will continue to 
enforce the no-fly zone.
    But anyway, the decision is made on the ground, Jim [Jim Angle, Fox 
News].

Energy Policy

    Q. I would like to ask you whether there was a petition from the 
U.S. Government as far as oil is concerned, or any requests for support 
on electricity and oil?
    President Fox. No, not specifically. We spoke about the California 
problems, by itself, and, yes, we are speaking about the possibility of 
creating an energy policy that will be common to all the northern part 
of the country and into Canada, the United States, and Mexico and part 
of Central America, to try to create a synergy or a synergism so that 
each one of the countries would benefit from all these policies, because 
there is energy that we need to import in Mexico that we do not have 
enough, and at this moment we know in some part of the U.S. territory, 
this is happening, too. And the same could happen to the Central 
American countries.
    Here, what is important is to have a common policy whereby no one 
takes advantage of the other. But the other way around it, and it's a 
win-win situation for everyone, that everyone would be benefited from 
the organization of an energy plan for the benefit of all the continent 
of, in this case, the northern part of the Americas.
    We also spoke about water problems at the border zones. These are 
common problems that we have, and if we administer and manage these 
common problems in a timely manner, in a positive and optimistic way, we 
could mutually be benefited in the water problems that we have at the 
border. And this is something that obviously we discussed here.
    I believe this is the foundation that we laid down for our project 
today. And we are trying with good will to remove all the obstacles and 
to take advantage of all the opportunities that we have. And certainly, 
today we saw more opportunities than obstacles. And therefore, I do 
ratify that this makes us see the near future with much more optimism 
than before.
    Q. Mr. President, when you met with President Fox in August in 
Dallas, you talked about the possibility of finding ways to share energy 
resources. With the current climate in America--energy prices high, 
supplies low--can you tell me how you pushed that issue today----
    President Bush. Yes, I appreciate that.
    Q. ----and what's in progress----
    President Bush. The question was about energy policy. First of all, 
good energy policy is one that encompasses not only Mexico but Canada. 
We must think about energy shortages and energy demands in regards to 
our hemisphere.
    Secondly, the President and I did discuss how best to share 
resources to the benefit of both countries. We talked about the 
possibility of exploration in Canada and the United States and Mexico. A 
cubic foot of gas imported into Mexico is one, obviously, less able to 
burn in the United States. It is a hemispheric issue, and it needs to be 
elevated to the Presidential level.

[[Page 304]]

    We did talk about power, the generation of power; the possibility as 
to whether or not in Baja, for example, more power could be added to the 
western grid. It's an obvious opportunity, if possible. Now, there are 
some bottlenecks, and one of the things we need to do is address those 
bottlenecks, one of which is the ability to transmit power from south to 
north.
    Now, there is pipeline availability. And we're going to need to--so 
when we talk about an energy policy at home, it is also in the context 
of Mexico and Canada. This is an issue where we need to continue the 
dialog. It's an issue that is going to affect the people of Mexico and 
the people of the United States if we don't recognize that we need more 
supply.
    We can conserve better. There's no question about it. But demand is 
far outstripping supply, which is creating a real problem for the 
working people of our respective countries. And so this subject, rightly 
so, took quite a bit of time in our meeting and is going to take more 
time down the road.
    We have a great opportunity to come together and have a strategy 
that honors Mexico and honors its sovereignty and, at the same time, 
recognizes that people are what matters most. And we've got to make sure 
our people have got the energy necessary to be able to find jobs and 
find work.
    President Fox. We are finished.
    Thank you very much for coming to the press conference. Good luck, 
and thank you.
    President Bush. They just want to get in the picture.

Note: The President's first news conference began at 2:37 p.m. at Rancho 
San Cristobal. President Fox and the Mexican journalists spoke in 
Spanish, and their remarks were translated by an interpreter. In his 
remarks, President Bush referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq and 
Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada. This item was not received in 
time for publication in the appropriate issue.