[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 8 (Monday, February 27, 2006)]
[Pages 328-329]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting and an Exchange With Reporters

February 23, 2006

    The President. Thank you all for coming. My Cabinet just met to get 
a report from Fran Townsend about the lessons-learned from Hurricane 
Katrina. On September the 6th, I asked Fran to conduct a thorough review 
of the Federal response to Katrina and to make recommendations about how 
we can better respond in the future. I wasn't satisfied with the Federal 
response. Fran and her team produced a lessons-learned document, and she 
just briefed the Cabinet about lessons learned.
    I reminded our Cabinet that hurricane season begins in June and that 
we will be tracking the implementations of the recommendations in this 
report. I want to thank her for her report. It's a good work. We will 
learn from the lessons of the past to better protect the American 
people.
    We have made a strong commitment to people in the gulf coast, and we 
will honor that commitment as well. The report helps us anticipate how 
to better respond to future disasters. In the meantime, our commitment 
to rebuild and help rebuild Mississippi and Louisiana is ongoing and 
robust.
    I'll be glad to answer some questions. Terry [Terence Hunt, 
Associated Press]. Two questions. You're the first questioner.

Bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra

    Q. Mr. President, dozens of Sunni mosques have been attacked and 
scores of people have been killed after the bombing of the Golden 
Mosque. How serious is the danger of a civil war in Iraq?
    The President. First of all, the people of the United States 
strongly condemn the destruction of the Golden Mosque. We believe

[[Page 329]]

in freedom to worship. And I understand the consternation and concern of 
Iraqi Shi'as when they see this most holy site wantonly destroyed.
    I appreciate very much the leaders from all aspects of Iraqi society 
that have stood up and urged for there to be calm. They recognize two 
things--one, the Iraqi people want to live in a democracy. After all, 11 
million people voted in the last election. In other words, given a 
choice of whether or not they want democracy or a different form of 
government, millions of people showed up to vote, making a clear 
statement to the Iraqi authorities as well as to the people of the 
world--they want democracy.
    Secondly, the voices of reason from all aspects of Iraqi life--
understand that this bombing is intended to create civil strife, that 
the act was a evil act. The destruction of a holy site is a political 
act intending to create strife. And so I'm pleased with the voices of 
reason that have spoken out. And we will continue to work with those 
voices of reason to enable Iraq to continue on the path of a democracy 
that unites people and doesn't divide them.
    Finally, I do want to assure the Iraqi people that the U.S. 
Government is serious in our commitment in helping to rebuild that holy 
site. We understand its importance to Iraqi society, and we want to 
stand side by side with the Government in making sure that beautiful 
dome is restored.
    Caren [Caren Bohan, Reuters].

Dubai Ports World/Homeland Security

    Q. Sir, do you wish you had known earlier about the Dubai Ports 
deal, and were you surprised by the controversy over it?
    The President. The more people learn about the transaction that has 
been scrutinized and approved by my Government, the more they'll be 
comforted that our ports will be secure. Port security in the United 
States will be run by Customs--U.S. Customs--and the United States Coast 
Guard. The management of some ports, which heretofore has been managed 
by a foreign company will be managed by another company from a foreign 
land. And so people don't need to worry about security. This deal 
wouldn't go forward if we were concerned about the security for the 
United States of America.
    What I find interesting is that it's okay for a British company to 
manage some ports but not okay for a company from a country that is also 
a valuable ally in the war on terror. The UAE has been a valuable 
partner in fighting the war on terror. A lot of goods are shipped from 
ports to the United States--managed by this company.
    And again, I repeat to the American people, this wouldn't be going 
forward if we weren't certain that our ports would be secure. But I also 
want to remind folks that it's really important we not send mixed 
messages to friends and allies around the world as we combine--put 
together a coalition to fight this war on terror.
    And so we'll continue to talk to people in Congress and explain 
clearly why the decision was made. Many of those doing the explanations 
are around this table, and I want to thank them for bringing a sense of 
calm to this issue, as people understand the logic of the decision.
    Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 9:16 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.