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Georgian President Praised by Bush in White House Visit

Aired February 25, 2004 - 11:43   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: We're about to see some videotape just shot inside the White House.
President Bush meeting with the new and young president of the country of Georgia. He is in town meeting with the president, Mikhail Saakashvili. He is in town talking about his democratic nation.

Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mr. President, welcome.

We followed the -- the revolution that took place in your country very closely. We appreciate your firm commitment to democracy and freedom.

We've had a very interesting discussion. I know, first hand, that the president will do everything he can to earn the confidence of the people of Georgia by representing their will, by fighting corruption, by working for a system based upon integrity and decency and human rights.

I'm impressed by this leader. I'm impressed by his vision. I'm impressed by his courage. I am heartened by the fact that we have such a strong friend, a friend with whom we share values.

So, Mr. President, welcome to the Oval Office. I appreciate the candid discussion we've had, and I'm proud to call you friend.

MIKHAIL SAAKASHVILI, PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA: Thank you. It's a great honor -- It's a great honor for me and for the people of Georgia to be here in this Oval Office.

It's not -- our cooperation is very deep. We consider ourselves as very close ally and friend of the United States. We are proud to be friend of the United States. I am speaking on behalf of every Georgian.

I have to say that this cooperation, friendship, U.S. helped us when we needed it most. And we would, like peoples -- other peoples in Europe will never forget that.

But our cooperation and help, friendship, is not only about security. It's not only about economy. Primarily, it's about our shared values. And we are part of -- proud part of anti-terrorist coalition. We have forces in Iraq. We are cooperating on other issues.

We are also working very hard and we have now improved relations with Russia. I had very interesting conversation with President Putin in Moscow. And I believe Russia should become our reliable partner, and we should improve our relations.

At the same time, we believe that America's help is absolutely essential, and we are grateful. We will stay grateful. And we want to be not only close ally, but we want to be strong ally.

Georgia will become stronger; Georgia will become more democratic. Democracy is our top priority. Freedom of speech is top priority. Free enterprise, free markets, top priority.

And I think Georgia can become a role model for the whole region. And this is very important. We need U.S. help in that.

Regarding our revolution, it was the proudest moment of my own life and of life of the whole generation. And we are so proud that we were supported in our fight for democracy, for our -- for people's right to choose, by the United States. And Washington was the first to come and help us, and I'm sure we'll never forget it.

Mr. President, I really enjoyed being here at the White House. Thank you very much. Thank you.

BUSH: Great job. Thank you. Hold on a second, please. Deb, we're going to -- no, hold on, please. Somebody translates -- no, I understand -- I understand -- hold on for a second.

The way this is going to work is this -- excuse me. I know you are. Excuse me. We're going to start with the American press, and then there will be a Georgian press, and then there will be an American press, and then there will be Georgian press.

That's the best way to maintain order so we don't have everybody yelling at the same time. Deb.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. President...

BUSH: There you are.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Chairman Greenspan today suggests terminating Social Security benefits for Baby Boomers to deal with the rising budget deficit. Do you think this is a good idea, a good way to deal with the deficit, which is -- starts at the top, over $520 billion this year?

BUSH: First, let me talk about the short-term deficit.

The best way to trim the deficit is to follow the budgetary plan I submitted to the United States Congress. We presented a plan that will cut the deficit in half over the next five years. As -- I haven't talked to the chairman or read his comments. I need to see exactly what he said. My position on Social Security benefits is this, that those benefits should not be changed for people at or near retirement.

As you know, in the 2000 campaign, I articulated a point of view that we ought to have personal savings accounts for younger workers that would make sure those younger workers received benefits equal to or greater than that which is expected. I still maintain the same position.

But I haven't seen his comments completely.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... Rose Revolution?

BUSH: The Rose Revolution? It was an historic moment. It was a moment where the people spoke. It was a moment where a government changed because the people peacefully exercised their voice and raised their voice. And Georgia transitioned to a new government in an inspiring way.

The president and I discussed the ramifications of the Rose Revolution around other parts of the world. The possibility of people taking charge of their own lives and transforming society in a peaceful way is a powerful example to people around the world who long for freedom and long for honest government. And so the Rose Revolution is an inspiring moment of history.

And I, again, want to congratulate the president and his team for insisting that democracy prevail through peaceful means.

Steve?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Yes, I -- Secretary Powell and I have been in close consultations on this subject. We still hope to be able to achieve a political settlement between the current government and the rebels. We are watching the situation very carefully.

The secretary of state has been in touch with Canadian officials and French officials and Caribbean officials, all aimed to convince the parties to come to the table and effect a peaceful solution.

In terms of our own planning hear, I have made it abundantly clear to the Coast Guard that we will turn back any refugee that attempts to reach our shore. And that message needs to be very clear, as well, to the Haitian people.

We will have a robust presence with an effective strategy, and so we encourage -- strongly encourage, the Haitian people to stay home as we work to reach a peaceful solution to this problem.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Pardon me? Pardon me? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: What we are, what we are -- incident to a political settlement, we will encourage the international community to provide a security presence, and that is also being discussed right now. The first thing's first, Steve, is to work on a -- is to work on a political solution.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Yes. Well, I appreciate you bringing up the Russian base's problem. We expect the Russian government to honor the Istanbul commitment.

The Istanbul commitment made it very clear that Russia would -- would leave those bases. We will continue to work with the president and President Putin on -- on that commitment.

I also appreciate very much the president's work with the Russians. It's important that relations between Georgia and Russia be positive. I found it a very positive move, and very a sophisticated move by the president that his first trip was to Russia. And I encourage that. I thought it was a smart thing to do.

And we will work with Vladimir Putin, with whom I've got a good relationship, to make sure relationships are good with Russia -- Georgia. It's important for the Georgian people to have good and strong and peaceful relations with Russians.

There's a lot we can work on. We can work together to fight terror. Hopefully, as the Georgia economy improves, and I'm confident it will, there will be opportunities for -- business opportunities.

And so -- But the president's got a good vision. And this has been a good trip. I believe in his abilities. And I appreciate his vision. And the people of Georgia will be well served by his leadership. Thank you, all.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We've been watching some videotape that was just shot a few minutes ago in the White House. President Bush meeting with the new president of the country of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com







Aired February 25, 2004 - 11:43   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: We're about to see some videotape just shot inside the White House.
President Bush meeting with the new and young president of the country of Georgia. He is in town meeting with the president, Mikhail Saakashvili. He is in town talking about his democratic nation.

Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mr. President, welcome.

We followed the -- the revolution that took place in your country very closely. We appreciate your firm commitment to democracy and freedom.

We've had a very interesting discussion. I know, first hand, that the president will do everything he can to earn the confidence of the people of Georgia by representing their will, by fighting corruption, by working for a system based upon integrity and decency and human rights.

I'm impressed by this leader. I'm impressed by his vision. I'm impressed by his courage. I am heartened by the fact that we have such a strong friend, a friend with whom we share values.

So, Mr. President, welcome to the Oval Office. I appreciate the candid discussion we've had, and I'm proud to call you friend.

MIKHAIL SAAKASHVILI, PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA: Thank you. It's a great honor -- It's a great honor for me and for the people of Georgia to be here in this Oval Office.

It's not -- our cooperation is very deep. We consider ourselves as very close ally and friend of the United States. We are proud to be friend of the United States. I am speaking on behalf of every Georgian.

I have to say that this cooperation, friendship, U.S. helped us when we needed it most. And we would, like peoples -- other peoples in Europe will never forget that.

But our cooperation and help, friendship, is not only about security. It's not only about economy. Primarily, it's about our shared values. And we are part of -- proud part of anti-terrorist coalition. We have forces in Iraq. We are cooperating on other issues.

We are also working very hard and we have now improved relations with Russia. I had very interesting conversation with President Putin in Moscow. And I believe Russia should become our reliable partner, and we should improve our relations.

At the same time, we believe that America's help is absolutely essential, and we are grateful. We will stay grateful. And we want to be not only close ally, but we want to be strong ally.

Georgia will become stronger; Georgia will become more democratic. Democracy is our top priority. Freedom of speech is top priority. Free enterprise, free markets, top priority.

And I think Georgia can become a role model for the whole region. And this is very important. We need U.S. help in that.

Regarding our revolution, it was the proudest moment of my own life and of life of the whole generation. And we are so proud that we were supported in our fight for democracy, for our -- for people's right to choose, by the United States. And Washington was the first to come and help us, and I'm sure we'll never forget it.

Mr. President, I really enjoyed being here at the White House. Thank you very much. Thank you.

BUSH: Great job. Thank you. Hold on a second, please. Deb, we're going to -- no, hold on, please. Somebody translates -- no, I understand -- I understand -- hold on for a second.

The way this is going to work is this -- excuse me. I know you are. Excuse me. We're going to start with the American press, and then there will be a Georgian press, and then there will be an American press, and then there will be Georgian press.

That's the best way to maintain order so we don't have everybody yelling at the same time. Deb.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. President...

BUSH: There you are.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Chairman Greenspan today suggests terminating Social Security benefits for Baby Boomers to deal with the rising budget deficit. Do you think this is a good idea, a good way to deal with the deficit, which is -- starts at the top, over $520 billion this year?

BUSH: First, let me talk about the short-term deficit.

The best way to trim the deficit is to follow the budgetary plan I submitted to the United States Congress. We presented a plan that will cut the deficit in half over the next five years. As -- I haven't talked to the chairman or read his comments. I need to see exactly what he said. My position on Social Security benefits is this, that those benefits should not be changed for people at or near retirement.

As you know, in the 2000 campaign, I articulated a point of view that we ought to have personal savings accounts for younger workers that would make sure those younger workers received benefits equal to or greater than that which is expected. I still maintain the same position.

But I haven't seen his comments completely.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ... Rose Revolution?

BUSH: The Rose Revolution? It was an historic moment. It was a moment where the people spoke. It was a moment where a government changed because the people peacefully exercised their voice and raised their voice. And Georgia transitioned to a new government in an inspiring way.

The president and I discussed the ramifications of the Rose Revolution around other parts of the world. The possibility of people taking charge of their own lives and transforming society in a peaceful way is a powerful example to people around the world who long for freedom and long for honest government. And so the Rose Revolution is an inspiring moment of history.

And I, again, want to congratulate the president and his team for insisting that democracy prevail through peaceful means.

Steve?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Yes, I -- Secretary Powell and I have been in close consultations on this subject. We still hope to be able to achieve a political settlement between the current government and the rebels. We are watching the situation very carefully.

The secretary of state has been in touch with Canadian officials and French officials and Caribbean officials, all aimed to convince the parties to come to the table and effect a peaceful solution.

In terms of our own planning hear, I have made it abundantly clear to the Coast Guard that we will turn back any refugee that attempts to reach our shore. And that message needs to be very clear, as well, to the Haitian people.

We will have a robust presence with an effective strategy, and so we encourage -- strongly encourage, the Haitian people to stay home as we work to reach a peaceful solution to this problem.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Pardon me? Pardon me? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: What we are, what we are -- incident to a political settlement, we will encourage the international community to provide a security presence, and that is also being discussed right now. The first thing's first, Steve, is to work on a -- is to work on a political solution.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BUSH: Yes. Well, I appreciate you bringing up the Russian base's problem. We expect the Russian government to honor the Istanbul commitment.

The Istanbul commitment made it very clear that Russia would -- would leave those bases. We will continue to work with the president and President Putin on -- on that commitment.

I also appreciate very much the president's work with the Russians. It's important that relations between Georgia and Russia be positive. I found it a very positive move, and very a sophisticated move by the president that his first trip was to Russia. And I encourage that. I thought it was a smart thing to do.

And we will work with Vladimir Putin, with whom I've got a good relationship, to make sure relationships are good with Russia -- Georgia. It's important for the Georgian people to have good and strong and peaceful relations with Russians.

There's a lot we can work on. We can work together to fight terror. Hopefully, as the Georgia economy improves, and I'm confident it will, there will be opportunities for -- business opportunities.

And so -- But the president's got a good vision. And this has been a good trip. I believe in his abilities. And I appreciate his vision. And the people of Georgia will be well served by his leadership. Thank you, all.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: We've been watching some videotape that was just shot a few minutes ago in the White House. President Bush meeting with the new president of the country of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com