Thursday
May262005
White House Gaggle
Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 3:00AM
By Gregory Gorman
May 26, 2005
President's Schedule
The President had his usual briefings and met with former German Chancellor Kohl who is in the United States to accept an award from the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. The President will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office this morning followed by a press availability in the White House Rose Garden. The two leaders will then have a working lunch. This afternoon, the President will participate in credentialing ceremonies in the Oval Office for newly appointed ambassadors.
Injuries to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that the White House had nothing new to report related to the health of al-Zarqawi. U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to pursue the remnants of the terror regime and bring them to justice. McClellan said that there is a determined enemy in Iraq who is trying to derail freedom but that "the insurgency in Iraq is more than just one person . . . we are continuing to pursue them and they will be defeated".
Desecration of the Quran
McClellan responded to a question about continued reports of Quran desecration. McClellan said that the reports were made by enemy combatants who are trained to lie and make false allegations. McClellan referred back to a Department of Defense statement which found no credible allegations when it comes to flushing the Quran down a toilet.
John Bolton Nomination
McClellan was asked about a comment made by Senator Coleman (R-MN) in which he stated that Mr. Bolton would have a relatively easy confirmation with several Democrats supporting to confirmation, including Senator Lieberman (D-CT). McClellan reiterated that the President expects Bolton to be confirmed and that he looks forward to the Senate moving forward on the confirmation. McClellan said that Bolton will be strong force for reform at the United Nations.
President's Naval Academy Speech
The President looks forward to returning to the Naval Academy to give the commencement address for the first time since 2001. McClellan said that the President "will talk about our strategy for winning the war on terrorism and the progress we are making in what we have accomplished since 9/11 to better protect the American people". He will also make comments about how we are a nation at war and how many recent Naval Academy graduates are now serving in the war against terrorism with great courage and distinction.
Military Transformation
McClellan was asked if the President has heard from Congress regarding the issue of military base closings and if he is open to appeals from members of Congress. He responded that the President supports the process that is in place by the Department of Defense and will wait to receive DOD recommendations.
Economic Growth
McClellan stated the country is seeing sustained economic growth and job creation as a result of policies put in place by the administration. GDP has been revised upward from 3.1% to 3.5%, the unemployment rate is 5.2% and the unemployment insurance claim numbers that were released today indicate continued, solid job growth. McClellan also stated that interest rates are at historically low levels and the administration has confidence in the actions of the Federal Reserve to keep the economy growing.
Demonstrations in Egypt
McClellan said the White House is aware of reports that Egyptians have been attacked during peaceful demonstrations in support of elections. McClellan said that the administration's position is that there should be free and fair presidential campaigns and elections in Egypt and they continue to move forward to hold elections with multi-party candidates. According to McClellan, "freedom of assembly by opposition parties and critics of those in power is important when it comes to holding free elections . . . anyone who attacks peaceful demonstrators should be arrested and tried".
May 26, 2005
President's Schedule
The President had his usual briefings and met with former German Chancellor Kohl who is in the United States to accept an award from the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. The President will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the Oval Office this morning followed by a press availability in the White House Rose Garden. The two leaders will then have a working lunch. This afternoon, the President will participate in credentialing ceremonies in the Oval Office for newly appointed ambassadors.
Injuries to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that the White House had nothing new to report related to the health of al-Zarqawi. U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to pursue the remnants of the terror regime and bring them to justice. McClellan said that there is a determined enemy in Iraq who is trying to derail freedom but that "the insurgency in Iraq is more than just one person . . . we are continuing to pursue them and they will be defeated".
Desecration of the Quran
McClellan responded to a question about continued reports of Quran desecration. McClellan said that the reports were made by enemy combatants who are trained to lie and make false allegations. McClellan referred back to a Department of Defense statement which found no credible allegations when it comes to flushing the Quran down a toilet.
John Bolton Nomination
McClellan was asked about a comment made by Senator Coleman (R-MN) in which he stated that Mr. Bolton would have a relatively easy confirmation with several Democrats supporting to confirmation, including Senator Lieberman (D-CT). McClellan reiterated that the President expects Bolton to be confirmed and that he looks forward to the Senate moving forward on the confirmation. McClellan said that Bolton will be strong force for reform at the United Nations.
President's Naval Academy Speech
The President looks forward to returning to the Naval Academy to give the commencement address for the first time since 2001. McClellan said that the President "will talk about our strategy for winning the war on terrorism and the progress we are making in what we have accomplished since 9/11 to better protect the American people". He will also make comments about how we are a nation at war and how many recent Naval Academy graduates are now serving in the war against terrorism with great courage and distinction.
Military Transformation
McClellan was asked if the President has heard from Congress regarding the issue of military base closings and if he is open to appeals from members of Congress. He responded that the President supports the process that is in place by the Department of Defense and will wait to receive DOD recommendations.
Economic Growth
McClellan stated the country is seeing sustained economic growth and job creation as a result of policies put in place by the administration. GDP has been revised upward from 3.1% to 3.5%, the unemployment rate is 5.2% and the unemployment insurance claim numbers that were released today indicate continued, solid job growth. McClellan also stated that interest rates are at historically low levels and the administration has confidence in the actions of the Federal Reserve to keep the economy growing.
Demonstrations in Egypt
McClellan said the White House is aware of reports that Egyptians have been attacked during peaceful demonstrations in support of elections. McClellan said that the administration's position is that there should be free and fair presidential campaigns and elections in Egypt and they continue to move forward to hold elections with multi-party candidates. According to McClellan, "freedom of assembly by opposition parties and critics of those in power is important when it comes to holding free elections . . . anyone who attacks peaceful demonstrators should be arrested and tried".
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