[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 43 (Monday, October 27, 2003)]
[Pages 1417-1419]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Interview With Malcolm Brown of Channel News Asia

October 14, 2003

Singapore's Role in the War on Terror

    Mr. Brown. Talking about your trip specifically to Singapore, how 
happy are you with the measures that Singapore has taken, specifically 
regarding terrorism? And what are your concerns about the residual 
threat in the region?
    The President. First, I'm very happy with the Government of 
Singapore's response to terrorism. They are strong, and they are 
resolute. They understand the task at hand, and they understand the 
dangers. Prime Minister

[[Page 1418]]

Goh and I have had some great conversations about the region. He is a 
very knowledgeable man. He keeps me abreast of his views of different 
players in the region and what's going on.
    Of course we're concerned about terrorism in the region, because, 
after all, there's been attacks in the region. I remind our own citizens 
here that we're still focused on September the 11th as kind of the 
defining terrorist moment, but there have been a lot of attacks. And the 
Bali bombing is a classic example of the terrorist activities, and that 
happens to come in Southeast Asia. The Prime Minister and the Government 
are concerned, obviously, about those kind of attacks. We'll have a good 
discussion about it. He's got a lot to offer, a lot of advice to offer, 
a lot of wisdom, and I listen to it.

Role of APEC Partners in Iraq

    Mr. Brown. Mr. President, have your APEC partners done enough to 
help the United States in Iraq?
    The President. In Iraq? Well, we can always use more. And as a 
matter of fact, the Japanese are going to make an announcement. We're 
out there working hard to convince others to participate in the 
reconstruction effort in Iraq. It's in their interests that Iraq be free 
and peaceful. And the reason it is, is because the region needs 
democracy. The region needs an example of what can happen in a peaceful 
society. The region needs something alternative to a type of society 
which breeds terrorism. I firmly believe that Iraq will emerge to be 
that example and that leader.

North Korea and Iraq

    Mr. Brown. Clearly, the region is also concerned about North Korea.
    The President. Yes.
    Mr. Brown. You've described Saddam Hussein as a madman and a danger, 
and he was deposed by force. You've also said that you loathe Kim Chong-
il, and he has a known nuclear program. Why this disparity?
    The President. Because, first of all, remember in Iraq, we spent 11 
years' or so worth of resolutions and discussions and diplomacy trying 
to convince Saddam Hussein to disarm. He chose not to. I believe we can 
solve the issue on the North Korean--with the North Korean issue on the 
Korean Peninsula peacefully.
    As a matter of fact, we're making great strides toward that. You 
might remember, up until recent history, the whole issue is the United 
States and North Korea. And the Government signed an agreement with 
North Korea, and they didn't tell the truth. So I've decided to come 
with a new strategy, and that is, rather than just the United States 
being the interlocutor with North Korea, we convince others in the 
neighborhood, like the Chinese and the Russians and the Japanese and the 
South Koreans. And we're moving along. This will be a major part of our 
discussions in APEC, to keep this group together, to speak with one 
voice, and that is, to Kim Chong-il, ``Get rid of your nuclear 
ambitions. No nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.'' It's in all our 
interests we do so.
    And we're making progress. Now he's hearing at least five voices, 
not just one. And I believe this can be solved peacefully. Force is the 
last resort for the United States, not the first resort. It's the last 
option, and I'm very hopeful that we can make good progress on this 
issue.

China's Space Program

    Mr. Brown. On China, how do you see their space program? Is it a 
threat to the U.S.?
    The President. No, it's an interesting development. I don't 
necessarily see it as a threat. I think it's a country that's now 
beginning to emerge as a sophisticated country, and it's got great 
potential. And I think it's interesting. I hope that they are able to 
make discoveries in space, like we did, that will--the technology that 
will come out of that will help mankind. No, I don't view it as a 
threat.

New Zealand-U.S. Relations

    Mr. Brown. Finally, on a regional trade issue, with New Zealand, 
you'll meet Prime Minister Helen Clark on the sidelines, I understand, 
at APEC. Why does Australia have negotiations on a FTA, and New Zealand 
doesn't? Is it to do with their nuclear policy?
    The President. No, not really. I mean, we haven't gotten started 
with New Zealand.

[[Page 1419]]

The nuclear policy, obviously, makes it difficult for us to have a 
military alliance, but we're friends with the New Zealands. We respect 
the New Zealand people. But Australia is farther along the road when it 
comes to trade discussions. Prime Minister Howard and I discussed trade 
at my ranch in Crawford. We hope to get it done by the end of this year. 
The people of New Zealand shouldn't read anything into it other than, we 
just haven't gotten started. And I respect the people of New Zealand. I 
respect that great country.
    Mr. Brown. I'm going to have to call it a day. That's all.
    The President. I think you did a fine job.

Note: The interview was taped at 3:30 p.m. in the Library at the White 
House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 18. In his remarks, the President referred to Prime 
Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore; former President Saddam Hussein of 
Iraq; Chairman Kim Chong-il of North Korea; and Prime Minister John 
Howard of Australia. Mr. Brown referred to Prime Minister Helen Clark of 
New Zealand. A tape was not available for verification of the content of 
this interview.