[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 31 (Monday, August 4, 2003)]
[Pages 995-998]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
<R04>
The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of
Israel
July 29, 2003
President Bush. Good day. I'm pleased to welcome Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon back to the White House. I think you said this is our
eighth meeting----
Prime Minister Sharon. Eighth meeting here.
President Bush. Eighth meeting in Washington. That should indicate
to everybody that our nations have a deep and abiding friendship.
America is firmly committed to the security of Israel as a Jewish state,
and we are firmly committed to the safety of the Israeli people. We have
now a tremendous opportunity to add to Israeli security and safety and
add to the hopes of the average Palestinian citizen by making tangible
progress towards two states living side by side in peace.
Last month's Red Sea Summits in Egypt and Jordan gave momentum to
that progress. I'm encouraged by the positive steps that Israel has
taken since then to further the cause of peace, including prisoner
releases. Prime Minister Sharon is now meeting regularly with Prime
Minister Abbas, and that's positive. Israeli and Palestinian cabinet and
security officials are meeting as well. Israel has recently taken steps
to make it easier for Palestinians to work in Israel and to travel to
their jobs and schools and families, and I thank the Prime Minister for
these important actions.
Much hard work remains to be done by Israelis and Palestinians and
by their neighbors. If we are ever to reach our common goal of two
states living side by side in peace and security, leaders must assume
responsibility. The Prime Minister is assuming responsibility.
All parties agree that a fundamental obstacle to peace is terrorism,
which can never be justified by any cause. Last month in Aqaba, Prime
Minister Abbas committed to a complete end to violence and terrorism.
The Palestinian Authority must undertake sustained, targeted, and
effective operations to confront those engaged in terror and to
dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. We're determined to
help Prime Minister Abbas as he works to end terror and establish the
rule of law that will protect Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Today I urge Arab states to follow through on the pledges made in
Sharm el-Sheikh to actively contribute to these efforts and to reject
the culture of extremism and violence from whatever source or place. The
rise of a peaceful Palestinian state and the long-term security of the
Israeli people both depend on defeating the threat of terrorist groups
and ending incitement and hatred.
In our discussions, I encouraged the Prime Minister to take further
steps to improve the daily conditions faced by Palestinians. Israelis
and Palestinians deserve the same chance to live normal lives, free from
fear, free from hatred and violence, and free from harassment. I also
urged the Prime Minister to carefully consider all the consequences of
Israel's actions as we move forward on the road to peace.
The United States of America will continue to act in the interests
of peace. We will continue to be a firm warrior against terrorism
wherever it is found. We will encourage all parties to keep their
promises and monitor the progress that is made. We will also help the
parties find solutions to legitimate concerns. As we head down the road
to peace, my commitment to the security of Israel is unshakable, as is
the enduring friendship of our countries. I want to thank Ariel for all
he's done to contribute to that friendship, for his leadership, and his
willing to make tough decisions in the cause of peace.
Mr. Prime Minister.
[[Page 996]]
Prime Minister Sharon. Mr. President, it is a great privilege for me
to be here at the White House for the eighth time. I am always pleased
to visit and feel that I am among friends, true friends of the state and
the people of Israel.
Mr. President, I congratulate you on the impressive victory in the
Iraqi campaign and for removing Saddam Hussein from power, one of the
most ruthless and tyrannical leaders in history. For 30 years, the free
world has witnessed the recklessness and brutality of this dictator.
Only you, Mr. President, have shown the courage, determination, and
leadership needed to spearhead the successful campaign to oust this
ruthless, merciless despot, his dynasty, and evil regime.
For the first time since World War II, the freedom- and peace-
seeking democratic world had the wisdom to go after murderers and evil
rulers and bring them to justice. I have no doubt, Mr. President, that
thanks to you, any villain in any corner of the world knows that the
long arm of justice will reach them. So many will owe their lives to you
and the great nation of America. I'm confident, Mr. President, that the
lessons learned by the nations of the world and the region on the
courageous action of the United States in Iraq will serve to advance the
peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and the entire Arab
world.
Your latest statement regarding the threats emanating from Syria and
Iran prove once again the seriousness of your intentions to continue
leading the fight against terror. It must be made clear to these
countries that their evil deeds cannot continue. There can be no
compromise with terror and evil.
The people of Israel, Mr. President, are greatly thankful and
appreciative of your activity, unrelenting commitment to Israel's
security and the safety of its citizens, and your determination to
advance the peace process between us and the Palestinians.
We are currently at an important juncture in our relations with our
Palestinian neighbors. While relative quiet currently prevails in
Israel, terror has not yet completely ceased. This relative calm was
achieved, first and foremost, through the uncompromising activity of the
Israeli security forces and as a result of your personal effort and the
actions taken by the United States among Arab and European countries. We
are thankful for every hour of increased quiet and less terrorism and
for every drop of blood that is spared. At the same time, we are
concerned that this welcome quiet will be shattered any minute as a
result of the continued existence of terror organizations which the
Palestinian Authority is doing nothing to eliminate or dismantle.
Mr. President, I am confident that you, as the leader of the free
world in this war against terror, will act to ensure that the
Palestinians put a complete stop to the threat of Palestinian terrorism
so that it will never rear its head again. I wish to move forward with a
political process with our Palestinian neighbors. And the right way to
do that is only after a complete cessation of terror, violence, and
incitement, full dismantlement of terror organizations, and completion
of the reform process in the Palestinian Authority.
We had a useful talk today, where we examined ways to advance the
peace process between us and our Palestinian neighbors. In this context,
a number of issues came up: the security fence which we are forced to
construct in order to defend our citizens against terror activities; the
removal of unauthorized outposts; and the freezing of settlements in
Judea and Samaria.
I listened to your statement on this subject and assured you, Mr.
President, that I would address them. The security----
President Bush. It's stuck.
Prime Minister Sharon. As you can see, we need your help. [Laughter]
The security fence will continue to be built with every effort to
minimize the infringement on the daily life of the Palestinian
population. Unauthorized outposts will be removed, as required in a law-
abiding country. We'll continue to discuss all these issues both
directly and through our bureaus, which maintain close contact.
Mr. President, we also discussed a series of issues which could
serve to promote the peace process. In a statement published on my
behalf last Friday, we listed a long series of steps to accommodate the
Palestinians. If calm prevails and we witness the dismantlement of
terror organizations, Israel will be
[[Page 997]]
able to take additional--to take additional steps.
I wish to thank you again, George, for your friendship and
understanding toward the state and people of Israel and for your
contribution and personal involvement in the effort to turn the Middle
East into a place where the peoples of the region can live in peace and
security and guarantee a better life for our children and generations to
come.
Thank you, George.
Q. Mr. President----
President Bush. Hold on a second, please. I'll call upon two members
of our press corps. We'll alternate. First, Barry [Barry Schweid,
Associated Press].
Report of the Joint Inquiry Into the September 11, 2001, Terrorist
Attacks
Q. Mr. President, will the decision to not declassify the entire 9/
11 report affect relations with Saudi Arabia, do you think? Might it
have an impact on what they are doing to counter terrorism? Do you have
any qualms?
President Bush. About not declassifying? No, absolutely have no
qualms at all, because there's an ongoing investigation into the
9/11 attacks, and we don't want to compromise that investigation. If
people are being investigated, it doesn't make sense for us to let them
know who they are.
Secondly, we have an ongoing war against Al Qaida and terrorists,
and the declassification of that part of a 900-page document would
reveal sources and methods that will make it harder for us to win the
war on terror. Now, perhaps at some point in time down the road, after
the investigations are fully complete and if it doesn't jeopardize our
national security, perhaps we can declassify the 27 of the hundreds of
pages in the document. But it makes no sense to declassify when we've
got an ongoing investigation; that could jeopardize that investigation.
And it made no sense to declassify during the war on terror because it
would help the enemy if they knew our sources and methods.
Israeli Security Fence
Q. Mr. President, what do you accept Israel to do in practical terms
in regarding the separation fence that you call the wall? Due to the
fact that this is one of the most effective measure against terrorism,
can you clarify what do you oppose, the concept of the separation fence
or only its roots?
And with your permission----
[At this point, the reporter asked a second question in Hebrew, and no
translation was provided.]
President Bush. ----an international problem. [Laughter]
[The reporter continued in Hebrew.]
President Bush. Me? Okay. First, the most effective way to fight
terror is to dismantle terrorist organizations. I fully recognize that.
And we will continue to work with all parties to do just that. I mean, I
fully understand that the most effective campaign to enhance the
security of Israel, as well as the security of peace-loving people in
the Palestinian territories, is to get after organizations such as
Hamas, the terrorist organizations that create the conditions where
peace won't exist. And therefore, I would hope in the long term a fence
would be irrelevant.
But look, the fence is a sensitive issue, I understand. And the
Prime Minister made it very clear to me that it was a sensitive issue.
And my promise to him is, we'll continue to discuss and to dialog how
best to make sure that the fence sends the right signal that not only is
security important, but the ability for the Palestinians to live a
normal life is important as well.
Q. Why do you criticize, Mr. President----
President Bush. No, no, no. Hold on. Not you. Steve [Steve Holland,
Reuters]. Maybe some other time, but not now.
Q. All right. Thank you.
Ending Terrorism in the Middle East
Q. Thanks, sir. How are both of you going to get the Palestinian
militants to extend the cease-fire?
President Bush. Do what now?
Q. How are both of you going to get the Palestinian militants to
extend the cease-fire?
President Bush. Let me--look, the important message that should have
come out of the meeting with Prime Minister Abbas and, of course, with
Prime Minister Sharon, is that the--those who want to destroy the
[[Page 998]]
peace process through terrorist activities must be dealt with. There
will be no peace if terrorism flourishes. There's no peace. It's a
contradiction in terms. Terrorists are against peace. Terrorists kill
innocent life to prevent peace from happening. The way to make sure
peace happens is for all of us to work to dismantle those who would like
to kill. Those are called terrorists.
And the positive news is that Prime Minister Abbas made a public
declaration that we would work together to dismantle terrorist
organizations. And that's exactly what's going to happen. For those who
want peace--I mean, all around the world have got to understand very
clearly, if you're interested in peace in the Middle East, then all of
us must work together to dismantle terrorist organizations, to cut off
money to terrorist organizations, to prevent the few from damaging the
aspirations of the many.
Q. Mr. President----
President Bush. Answer his question first, though. We don't want to
hurt your feelings.
[At this point, Prime Minister Sharon answered the question in Hebrew,
and no translation was provided.]
President Bush. Okay.
Palestinian Prisoners
Q. Mr. President, why do you expect Israeli Government to set free
Palestinian prisoners, while you don't order to set free the Israeli
civilian Jonathan Pollard?
President Bush. Yes, well, I said very clearly at the press
conference with Prime Minister Abbas, I don't expect anybody to release
somebody from prison who will go kill somebody. That doesn't make any
sense. I mean, if we're trying to fight off terror and we're interested
in a peaceful settlement, it doesn't make any sense to release somebody
who is going to get out of prison and start killing.
I do hope that the Prime Minister continues to work with the
Palestinian Authority to release those prisoners that won't create the
conditions of terror.
And I believe that Prime Minister Abbas wants peace. I know that
the--his cabinet is interested in developing the institutions necessary
for a Palestinian state to emerge in a peaceful way. I've been impressed
by the Finance Minister of the Palestinian Authority, who's willing to
put the Palestinian budget up on the web page. In other words, he
believes in transparency. And the reason I bring that up is that I also
know that those same Palestinians who are working for the institutions
necessary for a peaceful state to evolve know that terrorists would like
to derail those plans and, therefore, are willing to work to rout out
terrorist organizations. And look, we don't want to put people back into
society that will make that task more complicated.
Listen, thank you all very much.
Q. Mr. President, Senator Shelby says 95 percent of the redaction
has nothing to do with sources and methods, sir. Is he wrong?
President Bush. Sorry.
[At this point, Prime Minister Sharon answered a final question in
Hebrew, and no translation was provided.]
President Bush. Let's go have lunch.
Note: The President's news conference began at noon in the Rose Garden
at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Minister of Finance Salam Fayyad of the
Palestinian Authority. Prime Minister Sharon referred to former
President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. A reporter referred to former civilian
U.S. Navy intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard, convicted of treason
and espionage in 1987.