[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 46 (Monday, November 18, 2002)]
[Pages 2032-2033]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to Discussions With Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the 
United Nations

November 13, 2002

    President Bush. The Secretary-General and I are going to have some 
opening statements, only statements. First, I do want to welcome the 
Secretary-General here. I'm grateful for your leadership at the United 
Nations. A while ago, the United Nations Security Council made a very 
strong statement that we, the world, expects Saddam Hussein to disarm 
for the sake of peace. And the U.N. stepped up to its responsibilities, 
and I want to thank you for that, Mr. Secretary-General. I appreciate 
your leadership.
    I'm looking forward to our discussion. Of course, I'll remind the 
Secretary-General that our war against terror is a war against 
individuals whose hearts are full of hate. We do not fight a religion. 
As a matter of fact, by far the vast majority of American citizens 
respect the Islamic people and the Muslim faith. After all, there are 
millions of peaceful, loving Muslim Americans.
    Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not 
reflect the sentiments of my Government or the sentiments of most 
Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a 
peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country 
based upon tolerance, Mr. Secretary-General, and we respect the faith, 
and we welcome people of all faiths in America. And we're not going to 
let the war on terror or terrorists cause us to change our values.
    And so, Mr. Secretary-General, I'm honored that you're here at the 
Oval Office. I'm proud to call you friend, and welcome.
    Secretary-General Annan. Thank you very much, Mr. President. If I 
may comment on the last point you raised, I share your view entirely 
that every region and people of every faith have also been victims of 
terrorists. This is a scourge that affects all of us, regardless of 
region or religion. And we need to stand together to defeat terrorism.
    And this is where the work of the United Nations and effective 
implementation of this Resolution 1373 is absolutely crucial. We need to 
work to deprive terrorists of the opportunities by not giving them 
haven, by not giving them financial and logistical support. And I think 
the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council is doing a good 
job in trying to make sure we all work together on that.
    With regards to the Iraq decision, I want to thank you, Mr. 
President, for working with the United Nations and the Council and

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working through the Council. And I remember when you came to the U.N. on 
the 12th of September, nobody knew which way you were going to go. And 
in my own speech before yours, I was pleading that we go the 
multilateral route. And I think we were all relieved that we did--you 
did.
    And I would want to say that the Council decision, which was 
unanimous, sent a powerful message that the entire international 
community would like to see the Security Council resolutions 
implemented.
    Today I received a letter from the Iraqi Government accepting the 
resolution, saying that they would work with the resolution. And Mr. 
Blix and his team will go back. We expect them to get there on the 18th 
and actively begin their work. This is a Chapter 7 resolution, and it 
must be implemented.
    President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 2:24 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. 
Secretary-General Annan referred to Hans Blix, Executive Chairman, 
United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission.