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CNN Live Saturday

Bush Tells West Point that War on Terror Only Beginning

Aired June 01, 2002 - 12:10   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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Now the U.S. is watching the south Asian crisis closely, and during his commencement speech at the military academy at West Point this morning, President George Bush reminded graduates it's their duty to help protect freedoms around the globe. CNN's Kelly Wallace is traveling with the president now.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is quite a celebratory atmosphere here as the 958 graduates at the U.S. military academy at West Point mingle with their families.

This the president's first commencement address since the September 11 attacks. He came here to tell these future leaders in the war on terror that the war has just begun and that the threat is without precedent. He also, though, had a message for some skeptical European allies, who worry about where the president wants to take this war, Mr. Bush saying that the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction absolutely have to be dealt with.

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GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We cannot defend America and our friends by hoping for the best. We cannot put our faith in the word of tyrants who solemnly sign non-proliferation treaties and then systematically break them. If we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long.

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WALLACE: And after the speeches, the leaders tossing their hats, a tradition here. West Point graduates now moving on to the army and to serve their country. Mr. Bush using this visit also to talk about moving beyond the war on terror, the importance of strengthening relations with other countries, to deal with conflicts around the world.

This coming as this administration growing more and more concerned about the situation between India and Pakistan, and violence in the Middle East. Mr. Bush will only be giving one more commencement address this graduation season. That will be later this month at Ohio State. Mr. Bush's message there, the importance of community service.

He sent that message here today, saying these leaders giving the ultimate service to their country. Kelly Wallace, CNN, reporting from West Point.

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