[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 16 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Pages 573-578]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's News Conference With President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in 
Crawford, Texas

April 12, 2004

    President Bush. Thank you all for coming. I'm pleased to welcome my 
friend Hosni Mubarak to my home. Welcome. I always look forward to 
visiting with him, and I look forward to hearing his wise counsel. I 
appreciate his frank views on many challenges that face our two nations 
and that face the greater Middle East.
    Our nations have a relationship that is strong and warm. Our people 
share the bonds of friendship, a commitment to prosperity and peace and 
regional stability. Egypt is a strategic partner of the United States, 
and we value President Mubarak's years of effort on behalf of the peace 
and stability of the Middle East.
    The meetings we have just had focused on these goals and on ways to 
make the Middle East safer and more secure. We recognize that the 
starting point for a prosperous and peaceful Middle East must be the 
rejection of terror. Egypt has taken a firm stand against terror by 
working to disrupt the activities and capabilities of the region's 
terrorist organizations. These are the policies of a nation and a 
statesman that understand the threat that terrorism poses to all of us, 
to my Nation, to his, to all the Arab states, to Israel, and to the 
future of any Palestinian state. Terrorism must be opposed, and it must 
be defeated. And I'm grateful for President Mubarak's support in the 
global war against terror.
    Our objective in the Middle East must be true peace, not just a 
pause between wars, which can only happen within a framework of 
democracy and stability. I'm pleased that Egypt has engaged its neighbor 
Israel on closer trade ties that will help the Egyptian people find jobs 
and improve their lives. President Mubarak and I discussed the possible 
Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and our shared view that creation of a 
democratic, peaceful Palestinian state is a necessary goal on the road 
to peace.
    We also believe that the future of the Middle East and the future of 
Iraq are closely linked, and I am grateful for President Mubarak's 
support for Iraq as it transitions to democracy and stability. The 
people of the greater Middle East have a right to be safe, secure, 
prosperous, and free.
    President Mubarak and I spoke about the future of the region and of 
Egypt. Just as Egypt has shown the way toward peace in the Middle East, 
it will set the standard in the region for democracy by strengthening 
democratic institutions and political participation.
    I'm encouraged by the ongoing debate on reform in Egypt, including 
the excellent discussions involving civil society representatives from 
the Arab world who met at the Alexandria Library in March. And President 
Mubarak can be confident in my friendship and America's partnership as 
he moves forward to realize the hopes of his people.
    I welcome my good friend Hosni to my home. Our countries have three 
decades of solid, beneficial relations behind us, and the United States 
will continue to work with Egypt and the Arab world in a spirit of 
common purpose and mutual respect.
    Thank you for coming, sir.
    President Mubarak. I would like to thank President Bush for inviting 
me to his ranch in Crawford and for the friendly atmosphere and the 
gracious hospitality that prevailed throughout our meeting today. I had 
constructive, candid, and friendly discussions with President Bush and 
with members of his administration on a wide range of issues of mutual 
concern.
    Our strategic relationship, which has matured over the past 30 
years, has constituted

[[Page 574]]

a force for stability, both regionally and globally. The statement 
issued today, on the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of 
diplomatic relations between Egypt and the United States, gives a clear 
reflection of our strong commitment to advance our special relationship 
and deepen our cooperation.
    Together we have faced the challenges of peace, fighting terror and 
defeating aggression. In cooperation with the United States, many of 
Egypt's reform and development objectives have been achieved over the 
years. Our partnership is based on trust, mutual respect, and the 
increasing political will on both sides to continue to assume the 
responsibilities of leadership. These same principles will guide us into 
the future as we face a new set of challenges on the world stage and as 
we enter a new phase of reform on our domestic front.
    Egypt has moved with vigor and determination over the past years to 
shoulder its increasing responsibilities in the Middle East. At the same 
time, we've confronted domestic challenges through an ambition and 
irreversible program of reform. Our reform efforts have and will 
continue to emanate from my Government's desire to further widen the 
scope of democracy, freedom, and political participation in a vibrant 
and dynamic civil society.
    Egypt's political reform program constitutes a core component of our 
comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life of our people. Our 
efforts continue to focus on opening up new opportunities for our 
citizens to improve their livelihood within a competitive global 
environment. In this, we seek to build on our numerous achievements in 
the areas of good governance, sustainable economic growth, education, 
and health care within a caring society in which social policies are 
central to our development goals. We continue to move forward within a 
process of debate and interaction between Government, civil society, and 
different political parties in Egypt.
    We have also expanded the debate to include participation from the 
Arab world through a process of interaction among the civil society 
representatives in the region, which was launched at the Library of 
Alexandria last March. Your support, Mr. President, for our steps in 
that endeavor is appreciated.
    On regional issues, we discussed our respective responsibilities 
regarding the peace process in the Middle East. The United States has 
always assumed a leading role in the search for peace in our region. I 
expressed my strong desire to see that leading role continue with ever 
greater vigor and determination to realize our vision of a two-state 
solution as early as possible in the context of a comprehensive, just, 
and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
    I expressed to the President the centrality of the conflict to the 
people of the region. It is our conviction that reviving the hopes of 
peace through our determined efforts to put the peace process back on 
track is central to enhancing the prospects of reform and the prosperity 
in the region. Egypt has pioneered the path of peace in the region for 
over 25 years and will continue to assume its responsibilities for peace 
today. I reaffirmed to President Bush Egypt's steadfast commitment to do 
whatever it takes to revive the hopes for a comprehensive settlement and 
to bring the parties back to the path of dialog and negotiations.
    On Iraq, I conveyed to the President our serious concerns about the 
current state of affairs, particularly in the security and the 
humanitarian areas. I further stressed the importance of restoring 
Iraq's sovereignty as soon as possible within a context that preserves 
its territorial integrity and unites all Iraqis toward a common future. 
The recent efforts to increase the role of the U.N. in that process is 
an important step that should be further encouraged.
    We discussed our joint effort to fight terror. We agreed to 
intensify our extensive cooperation in this regard, to include finding 
solutions to the political and economic problems that represent the 
underlying causes of terrorism.
    We discussed also various aspects of our bilateral relations, 
including the importance of deepening our economic and cultural ties. In 
the economic field, I briefed the President on our economic reform 
program and said the importance of free trade with the United States in 
attaining our economic objectives. I also stressed the importance of 
promoting

[[Page 575]]

cultural exchange and furthering the links between civil society in both 
our nations. This is certain to enhance mutual understanding between our 
two peoples and between the United States and the Arab world at large.
    I am confident, Mr. President, after your talks today, that through 
our strategic partnership, we will continue to confront the challenge 
before us with greater determination and resolute leadership.
    Thank you.
    President Bush. Thank you, sir. Good job.
    We'll answer two questions a side. We'll start with the American 
side here with Scott [Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press].

President's Daily Briefing

    Q. Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to take you back to August 6, 
2001, if I could, ask you about your personal response when you received 
the PDB. Do you recall whether you called Bob Mueller, asked him about 
what the FBI was doing, asked about these 70 field investigations? And 
also, did your mind go back to the PDB when September 11th hit?
    President Bush. Bob Mueller wasn't the Director of the FBI at the 
time.
    Q. Did you call the Director?
    President Bush. I don't think there was a Director. But no, here's 
my recollection. First, I asked for the PDB. In other words, I said to 
the intelligence agency, ``Bring me up to date. What do you know? Give 
me an assessment,'' I guess is the best way to put it. And I read it 
and, obviously, was discomforted by the fact that Usama bin Laden hated 
America. But as I mentioned yesterday, we already knew that, and the 
fundamental question is, what was--was there any actionable 
intelligence. And by that I mean, was there anything that the agency 
could tell me that would then cause me to have to do something to make a 
decision to protect America.
    There was nothing in there that said, you know, ``There's an 
imminent attack.'' There was nothing in this report to me that said, 
``Oh, by the way, we've got intelligence that says something is about to 
happen in America.'' That wasn't what this report said. The report was 
kind of a history of Usama's intentions, I guess is the best way to put 
it, kind of a history of what the agency had known.

    And you're right, there was included--they included the fact that 
the FBI was conducting field investigations, which comforted me. You 
see, it meant the FBI was doing its job. The FBI was running down any 
lead. And I will tell you this, Scott, that had they found something, 
I'm confident they would have reported back to me. That's the way the 
system works. And whoever was the Acting FBI Director, had they found 
something, would have said, ``Mr. President, we have found something 
that you need to be concerned about in your duties to protect America.'' 
That didn't happen.
    Q. Are you satisfied with their performance, then, today?

    President Bush. I'm confident that had they found something that was 
a direct threat to America, they would have brought it to my attention.

    Now, the 9/11 Commission hearings are going to analyze that which 
went on and, hopefully, bring recommendations forward to help this 
administration and future administrations do our solemn duty to protect 
the American people. And that's why I think the hearings are good 
things, particularly when they address any weaknesses in the system.

    And Condi mentioned the other day something very interesting, and 
that is that now may be a time to revamp and reform our intelligence 
services. And we look forward to hearing recommendations. We're thinking 
about that, ourselves, and we look forward to working with the 
Commission.

    Q. What's on the table in the way of reform----
    President Bush. Hold on a second, please. Lindlaw, I don't want to 
lecture you here, but you were given one question and President Mubarak 
is going to wonder, is the press corps totally out of control here in 
America. So I'm going to have to cut you off at this point in time.
    Mr. President, why don't you call on somebody?
    Q. Thank you, Mr. President.
    President Bush. Welcome.

[[Page 576]]

Situation in Iraq

    Q. President Bush, in recent days, we've seen a significant 
deterioration in the security situation in Iraq. Do you see a serious 
risk in that such events and the American military response to them 
would lead to a wider popular resistance to the American presence in 
Iraq, and would that complicate the process of transferring sovereignty 
to the Iraqi people? Thank you.
    President Bush. Thank you, and welcome. We will transfer 
sovereignty. And as a matter of fact, the United Nations representative, 
Brahimi, is in Baghdad as we speak, working with different parties to 
help devise the system to which we transfer sovereignty, and we look 
forward to that.
    Secondly, the situation in Iraq has improved. But you're right, it 
was a tough week, because of--there was lawlessness and gangs that were 
trying to take the law in their own hands. These were people that were 
trying to make a statement prior to the transfer of sovereignty that 
they would get to decide the fate of Iraq, through violence. A civil 
society, a peaceful society can't grow with people who are willing to 
kill in order to stop progress. And our job is to provide security for 
the Iraqi people so that a transition can take place, and that's what 
you were seeing.
    And our job also is to protect American lives. If our soldiers are 
at risk, they will defend themselves. And I'm proud of the fact that our 
soldiers did so, mindful that there are innocent Iraqis oftentimes in 
between them and an enemy that is shooting at them. We're a 
compassionate country that cares about the loss of innocent life, and it 
grieves us when we see innocent life lost. However, we will defend 
ourselves.
    I believe--strongly believe that by far the vast majority of Iraqis 
want there to be a peaceful country and a free country. And so the Iraq 
people are on the side of the transition to a peaceful country. We just 
can't let a few people--and I say ``a few''--listen, there was enough to 
cause harm, but a few, relative to the rest of the people. You just 
can't let a small percentage of the Iraqi people decide the fate of 
everybody, and that's what you're seeing.
    Thank you.
    Excuse me for a second, please. Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters].

Israeli Withdrawal From Gaza

    Q. Thank you, sir. If I could ask both of you--are both of you 
prepared to endorse the Israeli withdrawal plan?
    President Bush. Steve, I welcome--first of all, let's not prejudge 
what Prime Minister Sharon is going to tell me. So I don't want to put 
words in his mouth until he actually comes to America on Wednesday. We 
discussed the rumors of such a withdrawal, and we discussed it in the 
context of the two-state solution and the roadmap.
    In other words, we both are in agreement that if Israel makes the 
decision to withdraw, it doesn't replace the roadmap; it is a part of 
the roadmap, so that we can continue progress toward the two-state 
solution. And I really welcomed my friend's advice. He is--he knows the 
area well, and he's been in touch with the parties, and he has got good 
judgment on this matter. Let's wait until the Prime Minister comes. But 
if he were to decide to withdraw from the Gaza, it would be a positive 
development.
    Q. Thank you, Mr. President.
    President Bush. He wanted to know your--just a second, excuse me. He 
wanted to have your reaction to a possible withdrawal, if you'd like to 
share that. You don't have to, if you don't want to. He's a kind 
fellow----
    President Mubarak. I have discussed this with the President, the 
withdrawal from Gaza. I think any withdrawal from the occupied territory 
is very highly appreciated. But I would like the withdrawal to coincide 
with the roadmap, which is very important, because withdrawing from Gaza 
alone, without connecting it with the roadmap, we never know it will be 
Gaza alone. It will be very difficult. It will not be accepted by the 
public opinion in the area. So the withdrawal from Gaza, if it is a part 
from the roadmap, I think it will be very highly appreciated.
    President Bush. Yes, the point is that the decision doesn't replace 
the path toward the establishment of a Palestinian state that will 
provide hope for the Palestinian people and provide continuity and put 
the institutions in

[[Page 577]]

place necessary for a state to evolve. I'm confident there will be ample 
willingness of people in Europe or the United States Government to enact 
economic--to take economic measures necessary to provide a hopeful 
future. And we're in accord on this issue, and I look forward to meeting 
with the Prime Minister and hear what he has to say.
    Final question, if you'd like to call on somebody.
    Q. Thank you very much. My question is for you, Mr. Excellency Bush 
and Mr. Excellency Mubarak. But let me first tell you, happy Easter, 
before asking about the peace process. [Laughter]
    President Bush. Thank you. We had a great Easter. I'm sorry it's so 
chilly here. It's usually warmer.

Two-State Solution for the Middle East

    Q. Thank you very much. Sir, you announced your vision of a two-
state solution almost 2 years ago----
    President Bush. Yes.
    Q. Do you think this vision can be realized in spite of the Israeli 
policy of expanding settlements and establishment of the separate wall, 
which violates the green line?
    And for you, Mr. President Mubarak, how can Egypt help the 
Palestinians to take their responsibilities after the Israeli 
withdrawal?
    President Bush. Great question. Yes, I think we can achieve a two-
state solution. You're right, I think I made the speech at the United 
Nations in 2001, if I'm not mistaken--September of 2001--the first 
American President to do so, to make that public declaration a policy. 
And the reason I did is because I believe it's in the Palestinians' 
interest to have their own state, and I believe it's in Israel's 
interest that the Palestinians develop a peaceful state.
    The reason why--we've made some progress, by the way. There is what 
they call the roadmap, a strategy to achieve that, which is good. The 
problem is, is that there's terrorists who will kill people in order to 
stop the process, and that's why it is essential that we work together 
to stop terrorist killing. There will never be a Palestinian state, in 
my judgment, if terrorists are willing to kill. And so the first step 
we've all got to do is to work on the mutual security concerns of the 
region. And we can't let people blow up a process, but that's what's 
happened, as you might recall. And there's been suiciders and killers, 
and you know--and it's essential that we work together to stop that kind 
of terror.
    It will be much easier for the Palestinians to assume their 
responsibilities--and there are responsibilities for the Palestinians, 
particularly when it comes to developing a state that is a peaceful 
state--it will make it a lot easier if we can continue to keep the 
pressure on the terrorists, make it a lot easier for them to assume 
their responsibilities.
    President Mubarak. The problem of the Middle East has stayed nearly 
about--about to be 50 years now. It's a very complicated problem, and if 
we keep it, more and more, it will be much more complicated than ever 
before. It could have been solved several years ago, but now it's very 
difficult. But in this context, I really thank President Bush, the first 
President of the United States who could say that, ``I'm ready to agree 
on establishing two states beside each other, independent states, 
Palestinian state and the Israeli state.'' This is the first time we 
could hear it. We have to build on it.
    Concerning Gaza, I think we could help a lot in Gaza by training the 
police, by giving them advice, by sending them some groups to make plans 
for them how to work. And in that regard, we are ready to do. We have 
contacts with them, we have contact with the different factions which 
could create problems now and then. And you remember, they convened in 
Cairo several times. We are ready to invite them again so as to help 
stability in Gaza for a continuation for more withdrawal.
    Thank you.

April 13 News Conference

    President Bush. Thank you, sir.
    By the way, tomorrow night I'm interested in answering more 
questions for you all. So if you pick out a red or blue tie----
    Q. A news conference?
    President Bush. Why not. See you at the East Room.

Note: The President's news conference began at 11:52 a.m. at the Bush 
Ranch. In his remarks, he referred to Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al 
Qaida terrorist organization; National Security

[[Page 578]]

Adviser Condoleezza Rice; Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Adviser to the U.N. 
Secretary-General; and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel.