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CNN Live Today
Bush Stands By June 30 Deadline; Arrest Warrant out for Radical Muslim Cleric
Aired April 05, 2004 - 11:44 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, CNN ANCHOR: We are just a few seconds showing you videotape shot within the last hour in Charlotte, North Carolina. That is where President Bush is today. You saw his speech live just about an hour ago, live here on CNN. He is talking jobs. He is talking the economy. And he also is headed to St. Louis to throw out the first pitch for the baseball game there of opening day.
We expect to hear comments, President Bush talking to reporters, perhaps about the jobs, perhaps about economy, also what has been a very bloody and difficult weekend for the U.S. military in Iraq.
Here's President Bush.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I just met with Specialist Chris Hill's (ph) family from North Carolina.
You know, I told the family how much we appreciated his sacrifice -- he was killed in Iraq -- and assured him that we would stay the course, that a free Iraq was very important for peace in the world, long-term peace, and that we're being challenged in Iraq because there are people there that hate freedom. But the family was pleased to hear that that, you know, that we would -- that their son would not have died in vain. And that's an important message that I wanted to share with you today.
Let me ask a couple of question. Who's the AP person?
QUESTION: I am.
BUSH: You are. Well, ask it.
QUESTION: Sir, in regard to...
BUSH: Who are you talking to?
QUESTION: Mr. President, in regard to the June 30th deadline, is there a chance that that would be moved back?
BUSH: No, the intention is to make sure the deadline remains the same. I believe we can transfer authority by June 30th. We're working toward that date.
Obviously, constantly in touch with Jerry Bremer on the transfer of sovereignty. The United Nations is over there now, United Nations representative is there now to work on the -- on to whom we transfer sovereignty. I mean, in other words, it's one thing to decide to transfer, we are now in the process of deciding what the entity will look like to whom we will transfer sovereignty. But, no, the date remains firm.
Stretch?
QUESTION: Mr. President, are you concerned at all that events like we've have seen over the last week in Iraq are going to make it tougher to meet that deadline or increase pressure from the U.N. or anyone else?
BUSH: My judgment is, is that the closer we come to the deadline, the more likely it is people will challenge our will. In other words, it provides a convenient excuse to attack.
In this particular incident with Sadr, this is one person who is deciding that rather than allow democracy to flourish, he's going to exercise force. And we just can't let it stand. As I understand, the CPA today announced the warrant for his arrest.
This is one person -- or this is a person and followers who are trying to say, "We don't want democracy. As a matter of fact, we'll decide the course of democracy by the use of force." And that is the opposite of democracy.
And that's why the CPA issued the statement they issued.
But I think throughout this period, there's going to be tests. There were tests in Fallujah. And the desire for those who do not want there to be a free and democratic Iraq is to shake our will through acts of violence and terror. It's not only our will, it's the will of other coalition forces and it's the will of the Iraqi people.
As you know, many Iraqis have been targeted. As a matter of fact, the Al Qaida affiliate Zarqawi made it clear that part of the strategy was to turn Shia on Sunni by killing innocent Iraqis.
And we've got to stay the course, and we will stay the course.
The message to the Iraqi citizens is they don't have to fear that America will turn and run, and that's an important message for them to hear. If they think that we're not sincere about staying the course, many people will not continue to take the risk toward freedom and democracy.
QUESTION: Mr. President?
BUSH: Yes, ma'am.
QUESTION: Can you tell us a little bit about your decision making for the next ambassador to Iraq and what you are looking for in the person who will represent the administration?
BUSH: Yes, good question.
I am looking for somebody who can run a big embassy, somebody who understands the relationship between an embassy and the military. Because one of the things that's going to be very important for the next ambassador to Iraq -- this will be the person that takes Jerry Bremer's place -- will be the willingness and capability of working with a very strong -- a country in which there's a very strong U.S. military presence as well as a coalition presence.
This person is going to need to have enough experience to basically start an embassy from the ground up and also be willing to transfer certain people in authorities from the CPA to the embassy itself. In other words, it's a very complex task that's going to require a skilled soul, and we're in the process of searching it out now.
BUSH: Yes?
QUESTION: The 9/11 commission chairman yesterday, Governor Kean, said a date had been set, I think, for your testimony and the vice president's.
BUSH: Yes, I would call it a meeting.
QUESTION: A meeting, I'm sorry. A meeting.
Has that date been set and could you share it with us?
And number two, can you tell us the rationale as to why you have chosen to testify, or rather, meet with them with the vice president?
BUSH: First of all, it will be a great opportunity for them to ask both of us our opinions on the subject, and we're meeting with the entire commission.
I'm not exactly sure what the status is of putting out the date. I told them I would meet with them at a time that's convenient for all of us, and hopefully we'll come to that date soon.
I look forward to sharing information with them.
I mean, let me just be very clear about this. Had we had the information that was necessary to stop an attack, I'd have stopped the attack, and I'm convinced any other government would have too.
But make no mistake about it, if we'd have known that the enemy was going to fly airplanes into our buildings, we would have done everything in our power to stop it.
BUSH: And what is important for them to hear not only is that, but that when I realized that the stakes had changed, that this country immediately went on war footing and we went to war against Al Qaida.
It took me very little time to make up my mind once I determined Al Qaida to do it to say we're going to go get them, and we have. And we're going to keep after them until they are brought to justice and America is secure.
But I'm looking forward to the conversation. I'm looking forward to Condi testifying. I made a decision to allow her to do so because I was assured that it would not jeopardize executive privilege, and she'll be great.
She is a very smart, capable person who knows exactly what took place and will lay out the facts, and that's what the commission's job is meant to do and that's what the American people want to see. And I'm looking forward to people hearing her.
All right, got to go to work. Thanks.
Good to see you all. Thank you all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Some brief comments there from President Bush. He's in Charlotte, North Carolina today.
A couple of points the president made: June 30, he says he's sticking by that date for the transfer of political sovereignty back to the Iraqis. Also looking for a new ambassador, U.S. ambassador to Iraq. This will be the man, or rather the person who takes Paul Bremer's place, apparently heading up the coalition provisional authority.
And, also, on 9/11, he says he's looking forward, along with the vice president, meeting with the full 9/11 commission and also looking forward on Thursday, Condoleezza Rice in a change of the administration position, will indeed, testify on Thursday under oath publicly before the 9/11 commission.
You will see that, by the way, live right here on CNN.
We have time for a break. Much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's get more on what the president had to say. Our Suzanne Malveaux is traveling with the president, and she joins us live from Charlotte, North Carolina -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, a few highlights from the president just moments ago. First and foremost, he says that the American people, the coalition will stay the course with the Iraqi people, that the United States will not abandon the Iraqi people, that that's an important message. Otherwise, he feels the Iraqi people will not invest in democracy and support this movement toward the June 30 deadline.
That being the other second point is that the president saying he will stand by that June 30 deadline to turn power back over to the Iraqi people, that these acts of violence will not deter or will not actually extend the deadline. And finally the president mentioning the cleric Sadr by name, saying that he is just one individual who is acting against democracy, that he has decided to use violence. That there is, in fact, an arrest warrant out for him and that this one individual, not a movement, will not deter the United States from remaining there and making sure that not only do they keep the Iraqi people safe but also that they reassure Americans as well that this is a cause that is worthy of American lives -- Daryn.
KAGAN: The president was also asked about not testifying but meeting with the 9/11 commission. if there is a specific date on when he and the vice president will do that. The president didn't seem to know, but have we heard any word about that?
MALVEAUX: Well, we do know from the chairman and the vice chairman of the 9/11 commission that it will be within the next two weeks. We don't have the exact deadline.
The president did say that he was looking forward to testifying before the 9/11 commission. He also offered information about his decision to allow his national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, to testify, as well.
As you know the White House reversed itself, but he said he was satisfied that it would not be a precedent when it comes to executive privilege. And that this is something under extraordinary circumstances would happen. And that he thinks she'll do a good job -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And the president was also asked but didn't exactly answer why he and the vice president will be appearing together. What's the thinking behind that, Suzanne?
MALVEAUX: Well, the thinking behind it is from what we can tell is that it's a matter of scheduling so to allows both of them to come forward at their time and convenience.
But also that this is a White House that decided they wanted to call the shots on a couple of things here. They feel that they have been extraordinarily cooperative with the commission as, you know, it has been an ongoing process from the very beginning. The White House did not want to see this commission formed, did not think it was necessary.
Now we are seeing that the vice president and the president will meet privately to answer their questions for an unlimited period of time -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And on a much, much lighter note. The president later today headed to St. Louis to throw out the first ball, first pitch, for opening game, opening day.
MALVEAUX: Absolutely. In St. Louis, Missouri. That's where he's going to be throwing that first pitch to signal the beginning of the baseball season. We expect that he is going to have a big smile on his face, as you know, someone who knows baseball very well. KAGAN: As a former owner of the Texas Rangers, he is a huge, huge baseball fan.
And just for trivia the vice president will be in Cincinnati today, throwing out the pitch before the Reds and the Cubs game there.
Suzanne, safe travels.
MALVEAUX: Thank you.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux traveling with the president.
That's going to do it for us. A lot of news developing on this Monday morning. I'll be right back here tomorrow morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
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 April 5, 2004 - 11:44 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are just a few seconds showing you videotape shot within the last hour in Charlotte, North Carolina. That is where President Bush is today. You saw his speech live just about an hour ago, live here on CNN. He is talking jobs. He is talking the economy. And he also is headed to St. Louis to throw out the first pitch for the baseball game there of opening day.
We expect to hear comments, President Bush talking to reporters, perhaps about the jobs, perhaps about economy, also what has been a very bloody and difficult weekend for the U.S. military in Iraq.
Here's President Bush.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I just met with Specialist Chris Hill's (ph) family from North Carolina.
You know, I told the family how much we appreciated his sacrifice -- he was killed in Iraq -- and assured him that we would stay the course, that a free Iraq was very important for peace in the world, long-term peace, and that we're being challenged in Iraq because there are people there that hate freedom. But the family was pleased to hear that that, you know, that we would -- that their son would not have died in vain. And that's an important message that I wanted to share with you today.
Let me ask a couple of question. Who's the AP person?
QUESTION: I am.
BUSH: You are. Well, ask it.
QUESTION: Sir, in regard to...
BUSH: Who are you talking to?
QUESTION: Mr. President, in regard to the June 30th deadline, is there a chance that that would be moved back?
BUSH: No, the intention is to make sure the deadline remains the same. I believe we can transfer authority by June 30th. We're working toward that date.
Obviously, constantly in touch with Jerry Bremer on the transfer of sovereignty. The United Nations is over there now, United Nations representative is there now to work on the -- on to whom we transfer sovereignty. I mean, in other words, it's one thing to decide to transfer, we are now in the process of deciding what the entity will look like to whom we will transfer sovereignty. But, no, the date remains firm.
Stretch?
QUESTION: Mr. President, are you concerned at all that events like we've have seen over the last week in Iraq are going to make it tougher to meet that deadline or increase pressure from the U.N. or anyone else?
BUSH: My judgment is, is that the closer we come to the deadline, the more likely it is people will challenge our will. In other words, it provides a convenient excuse to attack.
In this particular incident with Sadr, this is one person who is deciding that rather than allow democracy to flourish, he's going to exercise force. And we just can't let it stand. As I understand, the CPA today announced the warrant for his arrest.
This is one person -- or this is a person and followers who are trying to say, "We don't want democracy. As a matter of fact, we'll decide the course of democracy by the use of force." And that is the opposite of democracy.
And that's why the CPA issued the statement they issued.
But I think throughout this period, there's going to be tests. There were tests in Fallujah. And the desire for those who do not want there to be a free and democratic Iraq is to shake our will through acts of violence and terror. It's not only our will, it's the will of other coalition forces and it's the will of the Iraqi people.
As you know, many Iraqis have been targeted. As a matter of fact, the Al Qaida affiliate Zarqawi made it clear that part of the strategy was to turn Shia on Sunni by killing innocent Iraqis.
And we've got to stay the course, and we will stay the course.
The message to the Iraqi citizens is they don't have to fear that America will turn and run, and that's an important message for them to hear. If they think that we're not sincere about staying the course, many people will not continue to take the risk toward freedom and democracy.
QUESTION: Mr. President?
BUSH: Yes, ma'am.
QUESTION: Can you tell us a little bit about your decision making for the next ambassador to Iraq and what you are looking for in the person who will represent the administration?
BUSH: Yes, good question.
I am looking for somebody who can run a big embassy, somebody who understands the relationship between an embassy and the military. Because one of the things that's going to be very important for the next ambassador to Iraq -- this will be the person that takes Jerry Bremer's place -- will be the willingness and capability of working with a very strong -- a country in which there's a very strong U.S. military presence as well as a coalition presence.
This person is going to need to have enough experience to basically start an embassy from the ground up and also be willing to transfer certain people in authorities from the CPA to the embassy itself. In other words, it's a very complex task that's going to require a skilled soul, and we're in the process of searching it out now.
BUSH: Yes?
QUESTION: The 9/11 commission chairman yesterday, Governor Kean, said a date had been set, I think, for your testimony and the vice president's.
BUSH: Yes, I would call it a meeting.
QUESTION: A meeting, I'm sorry. A meeting.
Has that date been set and could you share it with us?
And number two, can you tell us the rationale as to why you have chosen to testify, or rather, meet with them with the vice president?
BUSH: First of all, it will be a great opportunity for them to ask both of us our opinions on the subject, and we're meeting with the entire commission.
I'm not exactly sure what the status is of putting out the date. I told them I would meet with them at a time that's convenient for all of us, and hopefully we'll come to that date soon.
I look forward to sharing information with them.
I mean, let me just be very clear about this. Had we had the information that was necessary to stop an attack, I'd have stopped the attack, and I'm convinced any other government would have too.
But make no mistake about it, if we'd have known that the enemy was going to fly airplanes into our buildings, we would have done everything in our power to stop it.
BUSH: And what is important for them to hear not only is that, but that when I realized that the stakes had changed, that this country immediately went on war footing and we went to war against Al Qaida.
It took me very little time to make up my mind once I determined Al Qaida to do it to say we're going to go get them, and we have. And we're going to keep after them until they are brought to justice and America is secure.
But I'm looking forward to the conversation. I'm looking forward to Condi testifying. I made a decision to allow her to do so because I was assured that it would not jeopardize executive privilege, and she'll be great.
She is a very smart, capable person who knows exactly what took place and will lay out the facts, and that's what the commission's job is meant to do and that's what the American people want to see. And I'm looking forward to people hearing her.
All right, got to go to work. Thanks.
Good to see you all. Thank you all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Some brief comments there from President Bush. He's in Charlotte, North Carolina today.
A couple of points the president made: June 30, he says he's sticking by that date for the transfer of political sovereignty back to the Iraqis. Also looking for a new ambassador, U.S. ambassador to Iraq. This will be the man, or rather the person who takes Paul Bremer's place, apparently heading up the coalition provisional authority.
And, also, on 9/11, he says he's looking forward, along with the vice president, meeting with the full 9/11 commission and also looking forward on Thursday, Condoleezza Rice in a change of the administration position, will indeed, testify on Thursday under oath publicly before the 9/11 commission.
You will see that, by the way, live right here on CNN.
We have time for a break. Much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's get more on what the president had to say. Our Suzanne Malveaux is traveling with the president, and she joins us live from Charlotte, North Carolina -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, a few highlights from the president just moments ago. First and foremost, he says that the American people, the coalition will stay the course with the Iraqi people, that the United States will not abandon the Iraqi people, that that's an important message. Otherwise, he feels the Iraqi people will not invest in democracy and support this movement toward the June 30 deadline.
That being the other second point is that the president saying he will stand by that June 30 deadline to turn power back over to the Iraqi people, that these acts of violence will not deter or will not actually extend the deadline. And finally the president mentioning the cleric Sadr by name, saying that he is just one individual who is acting against democracy, that he has decided to use violence. That there is, in fact, an arrest warrant out for him and that this one individual, not a movement, will not deter the United States from remaining there and making sure that not only do they keep the Iraqi people safe but also that they reassure Americans as well that this is a cause that is worthy of American lives -- Daryn.
KAGAN: The president was also asked about not testifying but meeting with the 9/11 commission. if there is a specific date on when he and the vice president will do that. The president didn't seem to know, but have we heard any word about that?
MALVEAUX: Well, we do know from the chairman and the vice chairman of the 9/11 commission that it will be within the next two weeks. We don't have the exact deadline.
The president did say that he was looking forward to testifying before the 9/11 commission. He also offered information about his decision to allow his national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, to testify, as well.
As you know the White House reversed itself, but he said he was satisfied that it would not be a precedent when it comes to executive privilege. And that this is something under extraordinary circumstances would happen. And that he thinks she'll do a good job -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And the president was also asked but didn't exactly answer why he and the vice president will be appearing together. What's the thinking behind that, Suzanne?
MALVEAUX: Well, the thinking behind it is from what we can tell is that it's a matter of scheduling so to allows both of them to come forward at their time and convenience.
But also that this is a White House that decided they wanted to call the shots on a couple of things here. They feel that they have been extraordinarily cooperative with the commission as, you know, it has been an ongoing process from the very beginning. The White House did not want to see this commission formed, did not think it was necessary.
Now we are seeing that the vice president and the president will meet privately to answer their questions for an unlimited period of time -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And on a much, much lighter note. The president later today headed to St. Louis to throw out the first ball, first pitch, for opening game, opening day.
MALVEAUX: Absolutely. In St. Louis, Missouri. That's where he's going to be throwing that first pitch to signal the beginning of the baseball season. We expect that he is going to have a big smile on his face, as you know, someone who knows baseball very well. KAGAN: As a former owner of the Texas Rangers, he is a huge, huge baseball fan.
And just for trivia the vice president will be in Cincinnati today, throwing out the pitch before the Reds and the Cubs game there.
Suzanne, safe travels.
MALVEAUX: Thank you.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux traveling with the president.
That's going to do it for us. A lot of news developing on this Monday morning. I'll be right back here tomorrow morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
