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Bush Talks Tough Amid Middle Eastern Leaders

Aired August 01, 2002 - 14:41   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush has been talking Iraq and the Mideast crisis today with King Abdullah of Jordan.
White House correspondent Kelly Wallace is live with more on today's those talks -- Kelly

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Kyra.

They were also talking about the latest attacks, the bombing Wednesday at Hebrew University. President Bush was visibly moved in the Oval Office as he condemned the killing of five Americans. He also said this attack would not prevent the U.S. and its allies from one day bringing peace to the region.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I am just angry as Israel is right now. I am furious that innocent lives were lost. However, through my fury, even though I am mad, I still believe peace is possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And the president, seated there alongside Jordan's king Abdullah. Mr. Bush was asked if the U.S. would be responding in any direct way to the killings of five Americans. He said the administration is already responding in the ongoing war against terror. We also know U.S. officials have been in touch with Israeli officials to really help in any way they can to find those responsible for the attacks yesterday.

It was a busy diplomatic day here at the White House because the foreign minister of Israel, Shimon Peres, also here earlier today, meeting with the president's national security adviser and the president himself.

Now, President Bush has said that Israel has a right to defend itself, but that it must be mindful of the consequences. The foreign minister talking to reporters, asked if Israel would be retaliating, he said Israel does not retaliate; it takes steps to prevent future attacks. And he said it's quite similar to what the U.S. administration is it doing around world.

There is another complicating factor here, Kyra. Going back to what you and Barbara were talking about, possible U.S. military action to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Abdullah of Jordan has expressed great concern about this, saying it could have a destabilizing impact on the region. The president today had very tough talk for Saddam Hussein, making it clear he must go and sending a message to his Jordanian counterpart, the president saying nothing has been ruled out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: Saddam Hussein is a man who poisons his own people, who threatens his neighbors, who develops weapons of mass destruction. And I will assure his majesty, like I have in past, we are looking at all options.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: The two leaders clearly choosing to disagree on this one because King Abdullah said that he believes in the end, down the road, the president will be focused on the bigger picture, which he says is peace and stability in the region -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Kelly Wallace, thank you.

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