Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Ellen Ratner
President's Schedule

The President had his usual round of briefings. He is meeting with the President of Angola this morning, and then will speak at the National Institute of Health where he will participate in a conversation on Reading First and No Child Left Behind.

Beheading

Scott McClellan was asked if there was any effort to negotiate or to trade for Nick Berg. He said that "our policy is well known. These are terrorists." He then said that "we will defeat the terrorists." McClellan said the President has been briefed about this matter but to his knowledge, had not seen the video. He also said that terrorists realize that the stakes are high, and that a free and peaceful Iraq will be a major blow to terrorist efforts. Asked about contractors in Iraq, he said that the safety and security of contractors is always a priority, and that it is important that we finish the mission in Iraq.

Abu Ghraib Prison

McClellan said that the Pentagon is making the decision about the public release of the torture photos. "We stay in close contact with the Pentagon about those issues." He also said that there is an ongoing criminal investigation and they do not want to interfere with that. He was also asked if the photos were part of the psy-ops process. He said that "you heard the testimony from General Taguba," and that he cannot comment on individual cases. Asked if the President knew where the high level detainees were being held, he directed the questioner to the military. When asked if that meant 'out of sight, out of mind' he said he would look into it. He was also asked if General Miller was a turning point in terms of allowing MPs to be part of the process. He suggested talking to General Miller.

Guantanamo Bay

Pressed about the Geneva Conventions, McClellan said that the policy is very clear and the policy is to comply with US laws and treaty obligations. Asked what does that mean, he replied that "the military can talk to you more about that." Pressed if the US obeys the Geneva Conventions in Guantanamo Bay, McClellan said that we are committed to treating prisoners humanely.