[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 24 (Monday, June 23, 2008)]
[Page 870]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Briefing on the Security Situation in Afghanistan

June 17, 2008

    The President. It's been my privilege to have served with two really 
fine Americans, General Dan McNeill and Maureen McNeill. I've gotten to 
know the General well. He's a tough, no-nonsense patriot who was our 
commander in Afghanistan. I want to thank you very much for the briefing 
you just gave me about the issues that we face, your optimism about 
success.
    I was telling the Secretary and the General, I just--about my trip 
to Europe, where I was pleased with the strong commitments of our allies 
to helping us succeed in Afghanistan. They know that what happens in 
Afghanistan matters to their own internal security.
    They fully understand as well that helping young girls go to school 
and helping moms raise their babies in a--you know, in a better 
environment, helping rebuild this society after years of tyranny is in 
all our interests. And it's also a moral duty we have.
    And so I'm pleased, Mr. Secretary, that your hard work in working 
with the allies is paying off.
    And, General, I know you're moving on, but the country thanks you 
for what you did. The world is better off because of your service. I'm 
proud to have you here.
    Gen. Dan K. McNeill. Thank you, Mr. President.
    The President. Yes, sir. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 10:44 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. Dan K. McNeill, USA, former 
Commander, NATO International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan, 
and his wife, Maureen; and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.