Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Meganne Britton
The President's Schedule

The President had his usual briefings this morning. President Bush spoke with President Duarte of Paraguay this morning to congratulate him on his strong stand against corruption and his commitment to fighting terrorism. The leaders also discussed bilateral and regional issues. The President met with the National Security Council to be updated on Iraq. General Abizaid and Dr. Bremmer participated in the NSC meeting from Baghdad. The President will also be meeting with the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld this morning. At 11 a.m. the President welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon back to the White House. Later this afternoon the President will run on the track around the South Lawn with Staff Sergeant Michael McKnotten from Louisiana. Staff Sgt. McKnotten was wounded when he stepped on a land mine in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. McKnotten now has a prosthetic leg.

The Primetime Press Briefing by the President

When asked where the President's plan for peace and stability in Iraq was at last night's press briefing, Press Secretary Scott McClellan said he thought the President addressed his plans for Iraq well. McClellan said he thought the President took the opportunity to "inform and educate" the American people about Iraq. McClellan stressed the commitment of the President to the June 30th transfer date. He also said the President was working with proper leadership to move forward on plans to transfer sovereignty to the Iraqi people. When reporters asked if the Iraqi forces would be ready to defend their own country, McClellan said the administration was working to move forward on "all three fronts" including the political front. McClellan emphasized that when the transfer takes place the United States will still be providing assistance to Iraq along with other coalition forces. Reporters also asked when the President would officially announce who the ambassador to Iraq will be, McClellan said the announcement would come soon.

Israel

In response to questions about the meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his disengagement plan, McClellan said "we need to let the meeting take place." McClellan said President Bush would discuss the Prime Minister's ideas during the meeting. The press secretary also said the President will only support plans that would support a "two state vision." According to McClellan, the President has had an ongoing dialogue with the government of Israel about issues the occupied territories. McClellan refused any further comment on the topic saying he would not speculate until the meeting between the leaders was complete.

Cuban Human Rights

Reports from the Mexican government say that comments made by the White House on Cuban Human Rights were not agreed to by Mexican officials. McClellan said he would "look into what was said" and he would check in with U.S. government officials.

Iraq

McClellan said the President still considers Iraq to be a central focus in the war on terror. According to the press secretary, the President sees Iraq as one part of the broad war on terror. McClellan also said that "terrorists recognize the stakes are high" and that the American people know this is a time of "testing." McClellan emphasized the Presidents commitment to Iraq by saying it is important that the United States "stays its course" and "completes the job" in order to create a "free and peaceful" Iraq.

National Security Council Meeting

McClellan said President Bush is committed to giving General Abizaid all the resources he needs in Iraq. McClellan did not know if the General asked for more troops in today's meeting, but said sources at the Pentagon may know.

9/11

The press secretary said the President has great concern for the victims of September 11th. According to McClellan, the President holds the terrorists responsible for the American deaths. McClellan reminded reporters the President wishes he had certain things, such as the Homeland Security Office, in place before the attacks.

Palestine

When questioned about corruption in Palestine, McClellan said the President would be talking about the issues of corruption in his meetings. McClellan said President Bush thinks mediators within the Palestinian authorities have taken positive steps to address corruption and is pleased to see leadership that is committed to addressing corruption and terrorism.