    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 3 (Monday, January 21, 2002)]
    [Pages 75-77]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit of Turkey
    and an Exchange With Reporters

    January 16, 2002

        President Bush. I'm going to have an opening statement welcoming our
    friend to the Oval Office. The Prime Minister is going to say a few
    remarks. Both of us have agreed to take some questions. I would like
    those traveling with the Turkish press to have a chance to ask some
    questions today, as well. We'll both take two questions apiece.
        Thank you for coming, Mr. Prime Minister. I'm proud to welcome you
    as a friend. You have been steadfast in your support in the war against
    terror, and for that, my Nation is very grateful.
        We appreciate your leadership when it comes to foreign policy, and
    we appreciate your leadership when it comes to economic policy. You and
    your administration have made some very tough decisions, and the economy
    is improving as a result of your leadership. And we look forward to
    having a good discussion about how we can increase trade.
        And today I'm informing the Prime Minister that we're lifting the
    travel ban on Turkey so that our citizens can feel comfortable going to
    that wonderful country to visit and to enjoy the rich history of one of
    our valued allies and friends. So welcome, Mr. Prime Minister. It's a
    delight to welcome you, and thank you for coming.
        Prime Minister Ecevit. Thank you very much for your kind invitation,
    Mr. President. It is a great honor for us. We deeply appreciate the
    support that you have extended, since you have taken over, to relations
    with Turkey. We had always good relations with the United States in
    your--during your time of office. And you have totally enhanced this
    cooperation and friendship.
        We have some very good, concrete good news now, as you have referred
    to it, Mr. President. The State Department has today issued a statement
    expressing the will of the United States that we will be able to form an
    economic partnership----
        President Bush. Right.
        Prime Minister Ecevit. ----in additional to our political
    partnership. We attach great importance to that--our cooperation with
    you against terrorism is a great service, not only for our own people
    but for the whole world.
        The American determination to get rid of terrorism in the world is
    of great importance, of historic importance, and we are glad--we are
    very happy that we have the chance to cooperate with you to that effect.
    And Turkish and American cooperation, partnership now together with
    economic partnership will be beneficial for both--peoples of both our
    countries.
        We had very fruitful discussions during the brief period here. We
    still have other items on our agenda, and we shall go to New York also
    to visit the place of terrorism. Thank you very much for sharing this
    time, for showing this generosity and friendship to us.
        President Bush. Well, you're welcome, sir.
        Prime Minister Ecevit. Thank you.
        President Bush. Holland [Steve Holland, Reuters] and then Sonya
    [Sonya Ross, Associated Press].

    Cyprus

        Q. Sir, what do both of you see as the chances of a negotiated
    settlement with Cyprus----
        President Bush. I'll let the Prime Minister speak. Of course, we're
    very encouraged that there is a dialog now taking place. And I want to
    thank the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister for encouraging that
    dialog. You can't solve a problem unless the parties are willing to
    talk.
        And Mr. Prime Minister, would you like to speak about the Cyprus
    situation?
        Prime Minister Ecevit. Yes. We attach great importance to our dialog
    with you with regard to Cyprus. It's good news that the leaders of the
    two communities are now having face-to-face dialog. They may not attain

    [[Page 76]]

    concrete results immediately, but the very fact, the very process of
    dialog may lead to satisfactory agreements between the two communities.
        President Bush. Well, I appreciate that very much. Anybody from the
    Turkish press?

    Iraq

        Q. Mr. President, to make your Iraqi policy more efficient, in your
    efforts to make the Iraqi policy more efficient----
        President Bush. Iraqi policy?
        Q. Yes, your policy towards Iraq. What are your expectations from
    the Turkish government?
        President Bush. Well, I'm going to have a discussion with the Prime
    Minister about Iraq. And my expectations, most importantly, are not from
    Turkey--are from Iraq. I expect Saddam Hussein to let inspectors back
    into the country. We want to know whether he's developing weapons of
    mass destruction. He claims he's not; let the world in to see. And if he
    doesn't, we'll have to deal with that at the appropriate time.
        My discussions with the Prime Minister are going to be not only
    regional in nature but global in nature. And I will assure him that we
    will consult closely with Turkey on any decisions that I make. Turkey is
    an ally and a friend, and no decisions have been made beyond the first
    theater. And the first theater is Afghanistan, and I do appreciate very
    much the Turkish support for our efforts in Afghanistan.
        Q. What if Saddam Hussein doesn't let the--[inaudible]--inspectors?
        President Bush. If he doesn't let them in? He'll find out.

    Afghanistan/Turkey's Role in the Coalition

        Q. On the question of Afghanistan, do you support the Turkish idea
    of leading the peacekeeping operation there? And if the United States
    essentially made the peace there, why not involve U.S. troops in keeping
    the peace?
        President Bush. Well, first of all, there's been a lot of
    international interest in providing troops to help keep the peace. And
    we welcome that support. As you know, the Brits have now taken the lead
    in the first round. There are some discussions as to whether or not
    Turkey will take the lead in the second round, and I appreciate their
    consideration of this very important matter.
        I believe there is plenty of troops from other nations that are
    willing to help, and after all, I've made it clear that our troops will
    be used to fight and win war, and that's exactly what they've done.
    We've sent them over to fight a war, and we're winning the war.
        And on the other hand, we're more than willing to help with the
    reconstruction efforts. We're--make serious contributions to the interim
    government of Afghanistan so they can help rebuild themselves. We look
    forward to the conference in Tokyo. We'll have representatives there.
        Just today, Richard Armitage, our Deputy Secretary of State, met
    with the Finance Minister of the interim government of Afghanistan, and
    I've been told they had a very good discussion about how to get cash
    starting to move into the coffers.
        But I think there is ample support from around the world to provide
    troops to help stabilize Afghanistan so the Government can eventually
    take over its own defense.
        Q. Yes, but are you going to channel more funds to support Turkey in
    its role in Afghanistan?
        President Bush. Channel more funds to support Turkey in its role in
    Afghanistan? You mean, if and when they provide troops? That's what
    you're talking about?
        Q. Yes.
        President Bush. Well, we haven't had that discussion yet. And one
    thing for certain is that we're providing a lot of funds now in the
    Afghan theater. After all, we're proudly leading the efforts to destroy
    the Taliban and rout out the Al Qaida. As to reimbursements, that's a
    discussion we'll have at a later date. Turkey hasn't made up her mind
    yet as to whether or not she is going to lead the coalition forces.
    We're just in discussion phases. So I think the budgetary phase--the
    budgetary discussions should take place after a commitment has been
    made.

    Taxes

        Q. [Inaudible]--generous--[inaudible]--Senator Kennedy called for--
    --

    [[Page 77]]

        President Bush. Oh, let me comment. I appreciate that very much.
        Q. I thought you might want to. [Laughter]
        President Bush. Well, Mr. Prime Minister, we put a significant tax
    relief package in place right at the right time. Our economy was
    beginning to slow down in March of 2001. Fortunately, I was able to work
    with both Democrats and Republicans in our Congress to get a good tax
    relief package out. And when the economy slows down, it makes sense to
    cut taxes, and that's exactly what's happened. And those who want to
    revoke the tax cut, basically raise taxes, are those who just don't
    share my view.
        I think raising taxes in the midst of a recession is wrong economic
    policy. It would be a huge mistake. It's bad for American workers. It
    hurt when it comes to creating jobs. And so I strongly disagree with
    those who want to raise taxes here in Washington, DC. I'm confident that
    the American people agree with me, as well.
        And if Members of the House and the Senate listened to their
    constituents and listened to those who want to find work, they will
    understand the wisdom of our ways.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:10 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq;
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem of Turkey; and Hedayat Amin
    Arsala, Vice Chair and Minister of Finance, Interim Authority of
    Afghanistan. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.