[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 2 (Monday, January 17, 2005)]
[Page 52]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks to Reporters Following Briefings in Arlington, Virginia

January 13, 2005

Global War on Terrorism and Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunamis 
Disaster Relief

    The President. Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for the briefing 
that we just had. The Secretary arranged for a briefing from Admiral 
Fargo and our commanders on the ground who are providing organization 
and handling the relief effort for the victims of the tsunamis. I got to 
tell you, our military is making a significant difference in providing 
relief and aid and help and compassion for those who have suffered. I am 
very impressed, Mr. Secretary, by how quickly we have responded and the 
assets that you have ordered deployed to help these people. And there's 
a lot of talk about how some in the world don't appreciate America. 
Well, I can assure you that those who have been helped by our military 
appreciate America.
    We also talked about the war on terror. We're constantly reviewing 
our strategy as to how to defeat the enemy--fully recognize that the war 
on terror will require a coordinated effort within our own Government as 
well as a coordinated effort with the countries around the world which 
understand the stakes of this war. I am pleased with the response from 
around the world, appreciate so many nations understanding that we must 
work together to defeat these killers. I'm mindful of the fact that we 
have--constantly have got to review our plans and never lose our will.
    So, Mr. Secretary, thanks for the briefing. It was a very good 
briefing, and you're doing a fine job on behalf of the American people.
    Secretary Rumsfeld. Thank you, sir.
    The President. Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 11:21 a.m. at the Pentagon. In his remarks, 
he referred to Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, USN, commander, U.S. Pacific 
Command.