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Bombings Shake Iraq Ahead of Anniversary; President Bush Speaks to Troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Aired March 18, 2004 - 12:00   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.


WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to be covering the president's speech on -- approaching the first anniversary tomorrow, actually, the first anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. We'll go live to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, momentarily.
Also unfolding this hour, there are other developments we're watching. For the second day in a row, there's been another deadly car bombing near a hotel in Iraq. This hour, I'll speak live with Iraq's foreign minister.

And tomorrow marks the anniversary of the war in Iraq. The president will be delivering a message to U.S. troop at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. You're looking at live pictures of the 101st Airborne Division. They're getting ready to receive the commander in chief. We'll go there live shortly.

And it was one week ago that terrorists struck in Madrid, Spain. Today, there's word of more arrests.

First, let's check some headlines.

In Kosovo, a sudden eruption of violence pitting Serbs against ethnic Albanians. NATO reinforcements are rushing in today amid clashes that have left more than 20 people dead and hundreds wounded. The apparent trigger, the drowning of three Albanian children who plunged into a river while fleeing a group of Serbs.

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will not recuse himself from a case involving his friend, the vice president, Dick Cheney. Today, Scalia issued a memo saying the friendship does not amount to a conflict of interest. The two friends went on a hunting trip together after the high court agreed to hear a case involving Cheney and his ties to the energy industry.

Also today, Martha Stewart's push to avoid going to prison. Stewart has written to friends, soliciting letters on her behalf to the federal judge who will sentence her. The convicted felon is asking supporters to vouch for her integrity.

In Iraq today, there's been another deadly bombing. It happened in Basra, far to the south of Baghdad, scene of yesterday's blast that destroyed a hotel. All of this occurring as the first anniversary nears of that invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

CNN's Walter Rogers is in the Iraqi capital to bring us the very latest. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: As Americans remember the first year anniversary of the war in Iraq, so Iraqi insurgents are remembering it, turning it into a very bloody week. In Basra today, there was another car bomb also in a hotel district. This one less lethal.

Iraqi police say four people were killed. But those figures always tend to fluctuate. That's in the British sector. The British rushed in to provide assistance.

Here in Baghdad, a little good news. A car bomb which exploded Wednesday night was less lethal. The confusion stemmed from the fact that there were competing forces of information, the Iraqi municipality, the Americans.

The initial estimates were as high as 29 dead. The good news is that has now been reduced to seven dead. The speculation in all of this is that the attacks, the car bomb attacks are being launched by Islamic militants, or a least that's what the American military officials are speculating upon.

They cite Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian, as being one of the prime movers in the effort to throw the Americans out of Iraq. But they're also speculating it could have come from another Islamist militant group, Ansar al-Islam.

The bottom line is the military and the intelligence officials are still operating on a hunch. They do not have a very clear idea of the scope of the insurgents, the scope of the guerrillas who are trying to evict the Americans here and trying to destabilize the American effort.

Walter Rogers, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: So why was the small Baghdad hotel apparently targeted in yesterday's attack? And can we expect to see more violence surrounding the first anniversary of the war? Joining us now talk about that more, our contributor, Kelly McCann.

Kelly, I know you've been to that small hotel in Baghdad almost exactly 24 hours ago, right now. That hotel was targeted. Talk a little bit about security in that area.

KELLY MCCANN, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Sure. We have a keyhole map we can go to, Wolf, and show people basically the area.

As you look here, you'll see that the security is farther away. Go ahead and just roll that tape. You'll see that when we get down into the location itself, that residential district has far less security than in the areas around the Sheraton and the Palestine Hotel, which are basically in this region here. However, there was a direct line of sight from the Palestine hotel to the site of the bombing, going from left to right.

I'll clear this. And then if we go to the next map, I'll actually talk about the differences between well-developed security and what you see on a street-front hotel. By the way, you saw in Basra it was another street-front hotel, not one that had this kind of security I will put up on here.

This is notional. But at the well-protected sites, you have human assets that basically have precision marksmanship capability. They look for surveillance, they look for activity that's suspicious.

What I'm drawing on here now would be their areas of responsibility. They would be ache able to interdict a speeding vehicle, a bomb that has the kind of signature that we know is present when there's a suicide bombing. So these would be the actual sectors of vision people would be looking, and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weapons.

Now, you have physical barricades added on top of that. You direct traffic away from the site to increase bomb blast mitigation. So the traffic would be sent away from the building here and here, and then you would have vehicle control points that would actually be manned. They would be followed by chicanes. This is to slow a vehicle down so they can't ram through a barricade that's set up.

That barricade is normally set up with hescos (ph). These are dirt-filled containers that basically don't allow a vehicle to get closer even though it's already been checked or even though it's a failsafe, if you will. Blast containment areas would be probably in here. That would direct the blast up from and away from the hotel.

In addition to this, you'd have surveillance detection teams that would actually be running these roads in vehicles and on foot, looking for things out of the ordinary, questioning people, perhaps random checkpoints, the inclusion of random-sniffing bomb dogs that would sniff vehicles as they come in, and obviously a ground force that could react anywhere in the site should an emergency occur. That truly, Wolf, is redundant layered security. People don't really have a concept of what it means to be in a place like Baghdad and the extraordinary measures you have to take -- Wolf.

BLITZER: That kind of security exists around the Palestine Hotel, where many western reporters are based, the Sheraton Hotel, many coalition forces there. But as Major General Martin Dempsey, the 1st Armored Division, said to us yesterday when I spoke with him, he made it -- there's no way a city of five-and-a-half million people like Baghdad you can have those layers of security around all the major buildings or all the major hotels. There are going to be plenty, Kelly, as you and I well know, plenty of soft targets.

MCCANN: Which is precisely what makes this war asymmetrical, which is precisely what plays into their hands and they know it. In fact, Wolf, a driving factor is commerce, commercial interest.

As contractors go in to participate in the infrastructure rebuild, a lot of them are going not with the best security. They're getting there because of urgency to get things done, to get the water pumped, to get the electricity flowing. It's a very difficult situation.

Contrast that with -- we've got another map. If we can go to the Green Zone, I'll show you that where the U.S. military stays, if you look at this map right here, it's an old palace that has a lot of security and then some blocks here. But you're right, we will be vulnerable for some time to come -- Wolf.

BLITZER: That whole Green Zone, the security inside that Green Zone, is the strongest, the most secure throughout Baghdad. But even in the Green Zone, we've seen rockets launched into that area from, what, 10, 15, 20 kilometers out. We've seen missiles come in. There's no guarantee of complete security anywhere in Baghdad is there?

MCCANN: Or in any war zone. The indirect fire problem is a real problem. The way you deal with that is you look at likely firing locations.

For instance, out here, where they might be able to have indirect fire sites that make sense to fire into the Green Zone, around the security barriers here, you actually send patrols to look at these sites. You're looking for donkey carts that have no reason, cover for action, cover for status.

You're looking for kerosene vendors. You're looking for propane trucks that could be cleverly disguised rocket launchers. We know that a lot of stolen vehicles are chopped up and made into rocket launchers. It is, once again, Wolf, a very, very dangerous place.

BLITZER: All right. Kelly McCann, as usual, thanks for your expertise. We'll continue this discussion down the road.

At this hour, as we've been reporting, the president is touting Iraq as a triumph of his term in office. You're looking at live pictures, the president about to speak at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. That's home of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division, which has played a key role in the war and the reconstruction.

The president will be receiving, as he already is, a very, very enthusiastic welcome from the men and women of the 101st Airborne. You can hear the president about to be introduced right now. Let's listen in.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States.

BLITZER: The president is going to be introduced by the commanding general. He'll be speaking, we're told, not very long, and making the case why the U.S. went to war one year ago against Saddam Hussein's regime. He'll be thanking the men and women, not only of the 101st Airborne Division, he'll be thanking the men and women of all the U.S. and coalition forces who have served in Iraq. Let's listen to the introduction.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning to you all. Can I have an "Air assault?" UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good. That sounds great.

Distinguished members of Congress, officials from the great states of Kentucky and Tennessee, and the communities around Fort Campbell, fellow soldiers, families, civil employees and friends, thank you all for being here this morning.

Since returning from Iraq, we have repeatedly expressed our appreciation to four groups, all well represented here today. First and foremost, our soldiers, who performed so magnificently this past year in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and here at Fort Campbell.

Second...

(APPLAUSE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. Second, our families, who demonstrated enormous strength during our absence.

Third, Fort Campbell Civilian Work Force, some members of which deployed with us, and the rest of which, once again, stepped in and filled numerous gaps while we were gone.

And fourth and finally, our wonderful neighbors from the communities around Fort Campbell, who did so much to support those of us deployed and the families we left behind.

Today, we are honored to host the ultimate VIP and the ultimate first lady to thank you all as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

(APPLAUSE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a loud and thunderous Fort Campbell welcome back for our commander in chief, President George W. Bush.

(APPLAUSE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm glad to be back.

(APPLAUSE)

Thanks for having me. Thanks for inviting Laura.

(APPLAUSE)

I am proud to be here once again with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st.

(APPLAUSE)

With the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group.

(APPLAUSE)

And with the Night Stalkers.

(APPLAUSE)

Many of you have seen action in the global war on terror. Some of you just returned to Fort Campbell from your deployments. Thank you for a job well done. Welcome home.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura and I are honored to be with all the personnel at Fort Campbell and with all the family members who live here.

BUSH: Each one of you serves our nation by giving your love and support to our soldiers.

Here at one of America's vital military bases, you've built a strong community of people who care about each other and share the challenges and rewards of Army life.

America's grateful. America is proud of our military families.

(APPLAUSE)

All who serve at Fort Campbell and all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at a crucial hour in the history of freedom. In the first war of the 21st century, you're defending your fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. And by your sacrifice, you're making our country more secure.

(APPLAUSE)

You have delivered justice to many terrorists, and you're keeping the rest of them on the run.

You've helped to remove two of the most violent regimes on earth.

With daring and skill and honor, you've held true to the special forces motto: To liberate the oppressed.

(APPLAUSE)

America's indebted to you.

BUSH: We're also indebted to the men and women of the National Guard and the reserves who are serving abroad, and those called up for homeland security assignments. Hundreds of Guard and reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war. These fine citizens and their families and their employers have put duty first, and our nation is grateful to them as well.

(APPLAUSE)

We got a lot of veterans with us today, veterans who have served our armed forces worldwide and who now live near Fort Campbell. Thank you for the great example you've set for today's soldiers. Thank you for your service to our nation.

I want to thank General Petraeus for being such a strong leader and a good man.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to thank General Ellis for being with us today.

Oh, I forgot. I want to thank Holly (ph) Petraeus as well.

(APPLAUSE)

She deeply cares about the men and women from this base. It's clear when you talk to her, she's got a lot of love in her heart.

General Ellis is with us, commanding general of the U.S. Armed Forces Command.

General Ellis, thank you for being here.

Today I traveled down from Washington with two members of the United States Congress who care a lot about the people stationed at Fort Campbell and who live around the Fort Campbell area; that would be Congressman Ed Whitfield from Kentucky, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.

Thank you all for coming.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura and I regret the fact that we didn't get here in time for the entertainment.

BUSH: We want to thank Lane Brody (ph) and Mark Wills (ph) and Darrel Wooley (ph) and Jackie Velasquez (ph) for your work, your care and your support of the United States military.

(APPLAUSE)

I have the privilege of saying hello to a fellow named Billy Colwell (ph). Billy (ph) has, by the way, served for 20 years in the 101st. He's served our nation, doing two tours of duty in Vietnam.

You're probably wondering why I'm bringing up Billy (ph). Well, I'll tell you why. A lot of times people say, well, America's strong because of our military. And that's one reason we're strong. And, by the way, we're going to keep our military strong.

(APPLAUSE) Or they say, well, we're strong because we've got a great economy, and the economy is strong and it's getting stronger. But the true reason we're strong is because of the hearts and souls of the American people. That's why we're strong. We're a compassionate, decent country, where neighbors care for neighbors.

Billy (ph) volunteers at the Fort Campbell YMCA. He takes time out of his life to help junior enlisted officers, or people who are getting deployed. Billy's (ph) there to help welcome people home, and to wish people well as they leave.

Billy takes time out of his life to love a neighbor, just like you'd like to be loved yourself.

No, the strength of this country is the fact that we've got citizens from all walks of life who care deeply about our fellow citizens.

Billy (ph), thank you for your service. Thank you for what you do.

(APPLAUSE)

Fort Campbell was the first Army post I visited in the weeks after our country was attacked.

BUSH: It was around Thanksgiving. I will never forget eating turkey with the Screaming Eagles.

I remember telling you, the men and women of Fort Campbell, that you had once again had a rendezvous with destiny. That's what I said when I was here last.

And when the orders came, you carried out your missions. You made history once again.

Since we last met, you deployed over 5,000 vehicles, 254 aircraft and 18,000 soldiers in Kuwait in the fastest deployment in the history of the 101st.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, the 101st liberated the cities of Najaf, Karbala and Hillah. You secured southern Baghdad and sent 1,600 soldiers by helicopter to Mosul in the longest air assault in military history.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, the sons of the dictator went into hiding until they were found and dealt with by the 101st and special operations.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, soldiers from Fort Campbell have helped to organize the first truly free local election in Iraq in 30 years.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, you helped to build medical clinics and to rebuild schools.

By your decency and compassion, you are helping the Iraqi people to reclaim their country.

BUSH: Because you care, you're helping the Iraqis live as free people.

(APPLAUSE)

One year ago tomorrow, the armed forces of the United States entered Iraq to end the regime of Saddam Hussein. After his years of defiance, we gave the dictator one final chance. He refused. And so in one year's time, Saddam Hussein has gone from a palace, to a bunker, to a spider hole, to jail.

(APPLAUSE)

Because America and our allies acted, one of the most evil, brutal regimes in history is gone forever. The dictator of Iraq committed many atrocities, and he had many more in mind. This was a regime that tortured children in front of their parents. This was a regime that used chemical weapons against whole villages. This was a country in which millions of people lived in fear and many thousands disappeared into mass graves. That was the life in Iraq for more than a generation, until the Americans arrived.

Because America and our allies acted, a state sponsor of terror was put out of business. The Iraqi regime gave cash rewards to the families of suicide bombers and sheltered terrorist groups.

BUSH: But all that's over. When Saddam Hussein went down, the terrorists lost an ally forever.

(APPLAUSE)

Because America and her allies acted, an aggressive threat to the security of the Middle East, and to the peace of the world, is now gone. September the 11th, 2001, taught a lesson I will never forget: America must confront threats before they fully materialize.

In Iraq, my administration looked at the intelligence information -- and we saw a threat. Members of Congress looked at the intelligence -- and they saw a threat. The United Nations Security Council looked at the intelligence -- and it saw a threat.

I had a choice to make: either to take the word of a madman or take such threats seriously and defend America. Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

(APPLAUSE) Because America and our allies acted, it is clear to everyone: When America makes a pledge, we keep our word. By speaking clearly, by speaking consistently, and by meaning what we say, it is more likely the world will be more peaceful.

Because America and our allies acted, all the world is now seeing democracy rising in the heart of the Middle East. A year ago Iraq was ruled by the whims of one cruel man. Today, Iraq has a new interim law that guarantees basic rights for all, freedom of religion, the right to cast a secret ballot and equality under the law.

And these historic changes are sending a message across the region from Damascus to Tehran; freedom is the future of every nation.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: The Iraqi people are achieving great things and serving and sacrificing for their own future. Today, more than 200,000 Iraqis, including 78,000 new police, are protecting their fellow citizens. They're building a country that is strong and free, and America is proud to stand with them.

All over Iraq today, as that nation moves closer to self- government, Iraqis can be certain that in the United States of America they have a faithful friend. And in our military they're seeing the good heart of America.

They see people like Pfc. Amanda Thompson-Cummings (ph), who volunteered to serve in Iraq. She's an Army cook, who also works on security patrol. She said this to a reporter: "They know I can shoot. I'm one of the best in my battalion. But hey, I'm a redneck, what do you expect?"

(APPLAUSE)

Those are her words, not mine.

(LAUGHTER)

This soldier also describes how the children of Iraq look at her, especially the young girls. As Amanda (ph) puts it, "When those girls look at a female soldier they think, 'Maybe I can be something, too.'"

Pfc. Cummings (ph) says, "We made a difference in their lives. And their faces, when they looked at us, that made it all worthwhile right there."

Soldiers of Fort Campbell, every one of you is making a difference. You've seen hard duty, and the defense of freedom is always worth it. Because of your service, because of your bravery, because of your dedication, the world is better off and the American people are more secure.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: You have done your duty. America owes those who do their duty -- our military -- our gratitude. We owe you more than gratitude. We also owe you the material support you need to do your job. As commander in chief, I've been proud to sign into law three pay increases for the military.

(APPLAUSE)

You deserved every one. We've increased support for base housing in schools. We have a duty in Washington, D.C., to make sure our families are taken care of.

Our military has had strong supporters in the House and the Senate. I want to thank the Congress for standing up. I want to thank every member of Congress who voted in favor of the $87 billion supplemental that is meeting the needs of our troops in the field right now.

When your government gives you a mission, we must accept serious responsibility of our own. And here's my pledge: I'll work to make sure you have every resource and every tool you need to fight and win the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

The war continues. It's a different kind of war, but it goes on. As we saw again yesterday, the terrorists are fighting desperately to undermine Iraq's progress toward freedom.

That attack showed, once again, the cruelty of our enemies. The terrorists and Baathist holdouts know that a free and stable Iraq will be a major defeat to the cause of hatred and terror. They can't stand the thought of a free society. They know that the rise of democracy and hope in the Middle East will mean the decline of their appeal and influence.

BUSH: So the terrorists understand that Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. They're testing our will. And day by day, they are learning our will is firm. Their cause will fail.

We will stay on the offensive. Whatever it takes, we will seek and find and destroy the terrorists so that we do not have to face them in our own country.

(APPLAUSE)

Not long ago, we intercepted a planning document being sent to the leaders of al Qaeda by a terrorist named Zarqawi. He's in Iraq.

Along with the usual threats, he had a complaint. "Our enemy," said Zarqawi, "is growing stronger and his intelligence data are increasing day-by-day. This is suffocation."

Zarqawi's getting the idea. For the terrorists in Iraq, we are making sure there is less oxygen every day.

(APPLAUSE) The terrorists hate and target a free Afghanistan and a free Iraq. They also hate and target every country that stands for democracy and tolerance and freedom in the world.

The murders in Madrid have revealed once again the agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the innocent. They killed children and their mothers on a commuter train without conscience, without mercy.

They cause suffering and grief and they rejoice in it. This terrorist enemy will never be appeased because death is their banner and their cause.

There is no safety for any nation in a world that lives at the mercy of gangsters and mass murderers. Eventually, there's no place to hide from the planted bombs or the far worse weapons the terrorists seek.

BUSH: For the civilized world, there's only one path to safety. We will stay united, and we will fight until this enemy is broken.

(APPLAUSE)

The United States is committed to defeating terrorism around the world. It's a solemn commitment. We lead in this cause. We're fighting in this cause. And we are sacrificing in this cause.

The 101st Airborne has known greater losses than any other division- sized unit. Each of these Americans brought pride to our country. We pray for their families. We will honor their names forever.

(APPLAUSE)

The 101st Airborne Division has earned its place in the history of our country. Sixty years ago, on the night before D-Day, General Eisenhower went down to the airfield where the 101st was loading into 747s for the flight to Normandy. Eisenhower told the men not to worry because they had the best leaders and equipment. One of them look at him and said, "Hell, General, we ain't worried. It's Hitler's turn to worry."

(APPLAUSE)

That spirit carried the American soldier across Europe to help liberate a continent. It's the same spirit that carried you across Iraq to set a nation free.

(APPLAUSE)

Like your fathers and grandfathers before you, you have liberated millions from oppression. You've added to the momentum of freedom across the world. You have helped keep America safe. You make us all proud to be Americans. And you have made me proud to be your commander in chief.

May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States.

Thank you all.

(APPLAUSE)

BLITZER: The president of the United States receiving a very, very enthusiastic reception from the 101st Airborne Division. Now you know why they're called the Screaming Eagles. They're very happy, clearly, to receive the president of the United States.

The president saying 9/11 taught him a lesson he will never forget. And as a result, the U.S. went to war against terrorism. He said the intelligence information that he, the Congress, the allies, the U.N. Security Council saw suggested that this was a war that was required.

But even as the president was speaking, we're getting this in from Warsaw: The Associated Press quoting the Polish president -- Poland being one of the key allies of the Bush administration, the U.S. in this war against Saddam Hussein -- President Alexander Kwasniewski telling reporters, "Naturally, one may protest the reasons for the war in Iraq." He says, "I personally think that today, Iraq, without Saddam Hussein, is a truly better Iraq than with Saddam Hussein."

But then he goes on to say this: "But, naturally, I also feel uncomfortable due to the fact that we were misled with the information on weapons of mass destruction." This, according to a transcript released from his comments, President Alexander Kwasniewski, a key U.S. ally in the war against Saddam Hussein.

Let's get some more insight now, what's happening Iraq right now. For that, we're joined live from Baghdad. The foreign minister of Iraq, Hoshyar Zebari, is joining us.

Mr. Foreign Minister, thanks very much for joining us.

Your quick reaction, first of all, to what we just reported from President Alexander Kwasniewski in Warsaw, saying that he was misled about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, which have not yet been found. Were you misled?

HOSHYAR ZEBARI, IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER: No. As far as we are concerned, we are not misled. In fact, we have suffered from the use of those weapons directly.

Saddam Hussein had those weapons. He developed weapons of mass destruction. And he used those weapons 16 years ago.

He used chemical weapons against the Kurdish town of Halacha (ph), which we have just recently commemorated, where 5,000 innocent people died of the poison gases. And on numerous other occasions. So as far as we are concerned as Iraqis, indeed, we are not misled at all.

BLITZER: Have you been surprised, Minister, by the fact that no significant stockpiles of chemical or biological weapons have been found in the year since the war started?

ZEBARI: No, I'm not surprised. Again, really, Saddam Hussein had so many ways to hide those weapons, to conceal them. And over the last decade or so, he played cat-and-mouse games with inspectors, with everybody else.

And he and his regime have not denied that they had those weapons, that they had developed them. But still, I think there is some time to establish the truth and the full truth about the fate of these weapons. But for us, as Iraqis, really, we don't need any conviction about the record of this regime regarding development, usage of those weapons.

BLITZER: Foreign Minister, we were all horrified by that bomb blast yesterday at the Mount Lebanon Hotel in Baghdad, another car bombing, apparently, in Basra today. Are these two incidents, based on what you know, related?

ZEBARI: Well, I think that terrorists are embarked on a campaign to stop us from moving forward. And as we get closer to that date of June 30th, for the handover of sovereignty and independence to a representative Iraqi interim government, we think those terrorists and evildoers will continue to try to carry out these attacks on innocent people. I mean, last night's bombing was a senseless bombing against innocents, where there was no military security targets whatsoever, but for the sheer sake of terrorizing the people of Iraq at this critical stage in their history.

BLITZER: Was this the work of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Ansar al-Islam terrorist who's been associated with al Qaeda in the past, do you believe he was responsible for this?

ZEBARI: I really don't know at this stage who was responsible. But these attacks have all the hallmarks of these terrorist groups. I mean, today, in Iraq, we have an international coalition of terrorists who are collaborating, who have infiltrated Iraq from outside. And they're trying to settle scores with the United States and make life dificult and more difficult for us, for Iraqis, to establish democracy and freedom in this part of the world.

BLITZER: Will the Iraqi people, your coalition, your Governing Council be ready to take over responsibility on June 30th, when the U.S.-led coalition withdraws?

ZEBARI: I think we are ready, and the Governing Council and other Iraqi leaders, in fact, who would be involved in this process. The new government, or the new Iraqi administration, would be as broad as possible to be truly representative. And in this process, we need involvement and reengagement of the United Nations in this process to help us identify the mechanisms for the transfer of authority and sovereignty to a representative of the Iraqi government. And only yesterday, the Governing Council has officially, formally invited the United Nations, and have asked for their help and assistance and advice in this process.

BLITZER: As you know, the Spanish government, the new Spanish government elected on Sunday says it will withdraw its 1,300 Spanish troops from Iraq unless there's a new U.N. Security Council resolution. Do you believe there will be such a resolution before June 30th ?

ZEBARI: I believe it would be essential to have a new Security Council resolution to legitimize the process and to engage the international community in this process, political process. So we will do everything we can to have a new resolution to legitimize the new Iraqi interim government and also to establish -- or to identify the statutes of the international forces here.

And whatever decision the Spanish government can take is theirs, definitely. We have every respect. But we believe at this stage, international solidarity and commitment is more important than anything else. And our enemies, the terrorists and those hostile elements, should not get the wrong message that the result has been weakened because of this or that incident.

BLITZER: Hoshyar Zebari, the foreign minister of Iraq. Mr. Minister, thanks for joining us. Good luck to you, good luck to all the people of Iraq as they begin this difficult transition.

ZEBARI: Thank you.

BLITZER: We appreciate your time.

BLITZER: And from Iraq, let's go to Pakistan right now. CNN's Aaron Brown is joining us on the phone. Aaron has just had an interview with the Pakistani president, Perfuse Musharraf.

Aaron, I understand some significant news relayed to you from the Pakistani president. Update our viewers.

AARON BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is the potential of something very significant, but it is only that at this point, the potential. For the last couple of days, Pakistani armed forces and militia have been working that border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where it is believed that al Qaeda fighters and perhaps Osama bin Laden are in hiding.

They have, for the last two days, been involved in a very fierce fight. And they now believe, the president now believes that they have surrounded this group of al Qaeda fighters, and that this group of al Qaeda fighters is protecting what President Musharraf describes as a high-value target.

We all understand what or who that could be, that we could be talking about bin Laden, we could be talking about Zarqawi, we could be talking about someone else. Or we could in the end be talking about none of the above. But it is the belief of the president, based on the ferociousness of the fight itself, how hard the al Qaeda fighters are fighting, their refusal to give ground -- they normally melt into the mountainside -- that there is some significant person they are protecting.

BLITZER: Aaron, is there any indication that U.S. Special Operations Forces, U.S. troops are also participating in this battle?

BROWN: Well, officially, the United States government and the Pakistani government will tell you that there are no American Special Forces on the Pakistani side of the border.

BLITZER: All right. I understand that you're saying. That's the official line. Unofficially, there may be some U.S. troops. Is that what you're suggesting?

BROWN: I'm not -- honestly, Wolf, I am not suggesting one thing or another. I can't honestly answer that.

Is it possible? Sure, it's possible. But what I can tell you is that the Pakistani government acknowledges that when this fight began two days ago, they did not see it as significant. And, in fact, they were routed.

They lost a number of troops. A number of troops have been taken prisoner. It was only after that, that they realized they had something bigger on their hands than they first came to realize.

As you know, this is a very complicated area. It is futile. You're talking about something out of the 14th century, not the 21st century. It's an area where the Pakistani government literally has not been allowed in until the last few months by the tribal leaders who own it.

But now they're in there. Now they're fighting. And now they believe at least is there a possibility -- a possibility -- enough of a possibility that the president of the country would state it, that they have a high-value target in their sights.

BLITZER: So, clearly, he's potentially enthusiastic, excited about this. Give us your impressions, Aaron, of President Musharraf right now. U.S. officials warmly praising him for his cooperation. But he's facing a tough domestic battle inside Pakistan itself; he's been the target, at least twice, of assassination attempts in recent months.

BROWN: In fact, we drove by the spots of both those assassination attempts on our way to his residence today. It's hard to imagine, Wolf, there is a leader in the world with a more complicated political position than President Musharraf.

He allied himself with the United States after 9/11. A poll done here recently showed that 65 percent of Pakistanis have a favorable impression of Osama bin Laden. This is an Islamic state.

There is enormous sort of about whether it will become an extremist state, like Afghanistan, across the border, or whether it will follow its president and become a moderate state. And so he walks this delicate line in every action he takes, including the ones we're talking about now. It is not a position that would be much fun for any political leader anywhere in the world.

BLITZER: A key ally in the U.S. war against terrorism, perhaps arguably the key ally in the U.S. war against terrorism. Aaron Brown reporting from Islamabad.

And this note to our viewers: the full interview, Aaron's complete interview with Pervez Musharraf will air tonight on "NEWSNIGHT." That's at 10:00 p.m. Eastern, 7:00 p.m. Pacific. "NEWSNIGHT" tonight with Aaron Brown from Islamabad, 10:00 p.m. Eastern.

Aaron reporting, quoting President Musharraf, that Pakistani forces have surrounded a "high-value target" in the ongoing fighting in western Pakistan.

We're going to take a quick break. When we come back, we'll speak with the British ambassador to the United Nations.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The U.S.-led coalition is preparing a handover of power to the Iraqis by the end of June. And the Iraqi Governing Council has asked the United Nations to help form a caretaker government and prepare for elections down the road. How big a role will the U.N. have in the new Iraq?

Here to talk about that and more, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations, Emyr Jones Parry.

Thanks very much, Mr. Ambassador, for joining us.

Will there be a new U.N. Security Council resolution, as the new Spanish government is seeking, in order to take charge of the forces in Iraq?

EMYR JONES PARRY, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I don't think we need a new resolution at this time. The important thing now is to see how, in response to the letter yesterday from the Governing Council, how can the U.N. react to that very quickly.

What the U.K. would very much like to see is that the team who are going to go in and help with the preparation of the elections, that they should go in very soon. And that Ambassador Brahimi (ph), a very distinguished man with a good record in Iraq already, that he should go back in and help facilitate the process, actually, to establish a transitional government.

I don't think that requires a Security Council resolution. What it does require is for the coalition to ensure, which it will do, do its utmost to ensure the safety and security of the team going back in, and they should know what they're going to do. I think that, too, is clear, to facilitate the formation of a government and to prepare for the elections.

BLITZER: Mr. Ambassador, would it be, though, possible, or would it be impossible to bring consensus among the 16 members of the U.N. Security Council, the five permanent members and the 10 rotating members? Are you suggesting finding that consensus is not necessarily going to be possible?

PARRY: No. I'm not suggesting that at all.

What I'm suggesting is, at the moment, that a resolution is not needed. I think there is sufficient agreement out there. But the last resolution adopted on Iraq was adopted by unanimity.

My perception is, that within the counsel, there's a strong wish. One to do everything possible to ensure that by the 30th of June we have a transitional government, that we can give full responsibility to it and formally end the occupation. And secondly, the common interest we all feel to make a success of Iraq. That the international community should come together and do everything to possible to ensure that.

BLITZER: Mr. Ambassador, as we speak right now, we're getting reports only within the past few minutes of more explosions and sirens being heard in Baghdad once again, reminiscent perhaps of what we witnessed yesterday. We have no details. We don't know the nature of these explosions; we don't know the nature, why these sirens are on alert.

We do know that Baghdad is an especially dangerous place right now. In fact, Basra, as well, where British troops are in charge. What have you heard, by the way, about what happened in Basra earlier today?

PARRY: I don't think I'm in a position really to comment on the individual cases. What I will say is, of course the security situation is a source of major concern. That's why we're doing everything possible to try and stabilize it. But remember, a few fanatics can wreak havoc in this sort of situation.

At a time of war -- this is a truism -- at a time of war, the strong are actually powerful. At a time of peace, when you're trying to build peace, it's actually the weak that become powerful. And actually getting at these fanatics is proving difficult. But we're doing our very best at that and trying to ensure actually that it doesn't undermine all the good things happening in Iraq.

I could give you a list of the number of jobs created, the schools that are now open, the freedom that people enjoy. There's an awful lot of good news out there which -- I mean, the Iraqis, themselves, in polls recently, have confirmed their belief that they are that much better off. So I don't want the security situation, however worrying it is, to actually detract from the fact that the fundamentals are getting better.

BLITZER: Were you surprised -- I don't know if you're familiar with what President Alexander Kwasniewski of Poland just said in Warsaw, saying that he was misled about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. Have you been surprised, the British government, that no significant stockpiles have been found?

PARRY: We went into this conflict for the best of reasons, a very difficult decision. But did so because resolutions were being flouted. There was grave concern about the situation in Iraq and the record of Saddam Hussein himself, what he had done.

With hindsight, we would still do the same thing. We believe we were justified. But the jury is still out on the question of the location or otherwise of weapons of mass destruction.

And at this stage, I don't want to speculate too much whether, in fact, he hadn't got as much as he thought he'd got, whether he very carefully destroyed some of the stockpiles but kept the capability to, if need be, move forward to get new stocks (ph) very quickly. None of us quite know the answers to those questions, but we're still at it. But what's clear is that the threat was there and the perception of that threat was widely shared.

BLITZER: Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the British ambassador to the United Nations, welcome to the United States. Thanks very much for spending a few moments with us here on CNN.

PARRY: Thank you very much.

BLITZER: And I'll be back later today, every weekday, 5:00 p.m. Eastern for "WOLF BLITZER REPORTS." Will Donald Trump tell me to find a new job elsewhere? The star of "The Apprentice," he'll be among my guests. That's at 5:00 p.m. Eastern today.

Until then, thanks very much for watching. I'm Wolf Blitzer in New York.

"LIVE FROM" with Kyra Phillips and Miles O'Brien is up next.

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Speaks to Troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky>


Aired March 18, 2004 - 12:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to be covering the president's speech on -- approaching the first anniversary tomorrow, actually, the first anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. We'll go live to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, momentarily.
Also unfolding this hour, there are other developments we're watching. For the second day in a row, there's been another deadly car bombing near a hotel in Iraq. This hour, I'll speak live with Iraq's foreign minister.

And tomorrow marks the anniversary of the war in Iraq. The president will be delivering a message to U.S. troop at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. You're looking at live pictures of the 101st Airborne Division. They're getting ready to receive the commander in chief. We'll go there live shortly.

And it was one week ago that terrorists struck in Madrid, Spain. Today, there's word of more arrests.

First, let's check some headlines.

In Kosovo, a sudden eruption of violence pitting Serbs against ethnic Albanians. NATO reinforcements are rushing in today amid clashes that have left more than 20 people dead and hundreds wounded. The apparent trigger, the drowning of three Albanian children who plunged into a river while fleeing a group of Serbs.

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will not recuse himself from a case involving his friend, the vice president, Dick Cheney. Today, Scalia issued a memo saying the friendship does not amount to a conflict of interest. The two friends went on a hunting trip together after the high court agreed to hear a case involving Cheney and his ties to the energy industry.

Also today, Martha Stewart's push to avoid going to prison. Stewart has written to friends, soliciting letters on her behalf to the federal judge who will sentence her. The convicted felon is asking supporters to vouch for her integrity.

In Iraq today, there's been another deadly bombing. It happened in Basra, far to the south of Baghdad, scene of yesterday's blast that destroyed a hotel. All of this occurring as the first anniversary nears of that invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

CNN's Walter Rogers is in the Iraqi capital to bring us the very latest. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: As Americans remember the first year anniversary of the war in Iraq, so Iraqi insurgents are remembering it, turning it into a very bloody week. In Basra today, there was another car bomb also in a hotel district. This one less lethal.

Iraqi police say four people were killed. But those figures always tend to fluctuate. That's in the British sector. The British rushed in to provide assistance.

Here in Baghdad, a little good news. A car bomb which exploded Wednesday night was less lethal. The confusion stemmed from the fact that there were competing forces of information, the Iraqi municipality, the Americans.

The initial estimates were as high as 29 dead. The good news is that has now been reduced to seven dead. The speculation in all of this is that the attacks, the car bomb attacks are being launched by Islamic militants, or a least that's what the American military officials are speculating upon.

They cite Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian, as being one of the prime movers in the effort to throw the Americans out of Iraq. But they're also speculating it could have come from another Islamist militant group, Ansar al-Islam.

The bottom line is the military and the intelligence officials are still operating on a hunch. They do not have a very clear idea of the scope of the insurgents, the scope of the guerrillas who are trying to evict the Americans here and trying to destabilize the American effort.

Walter Rogers, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: So why was the small Baghdad hotel apparently targeted in yesterday's attack? And can we expect to see more violence surrounding the first anniversary of the war? Joining us now talk about that more, our contributor, Kelly McCann.

Kelly, I know you've been to that small hotel in Baghdad almost exactly 24 hours ago, right now. That hotel was targeted. Talk a little bit about security in that area.

KELLY MCCANN, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Sure. We have a keyhole map we can go to, Wolf, and show people basically the area.

As you look here, you'll see that the security is farther away. Go ahead and just roll that tape. You'll see that when we get down into the location itself, that residential district has far less security than in the areas around the Sheraton and the Palestine Hotel, which are basically in this region here. However, there was a direct line of sight from the Palestine hotel to the site of the bombing, going from left to right.

I'll clear this. And then if we go to the next map, I'll actually talk about the differences between well-developed security and what you see on a street-front hotel. By the way, you saw in Basra it was another street-front hotel, not one that had this kind of security I will put up on here.

This is notional. But at the well-protected sites, you have human assets that basically have precision marksmanship capability. They look for surveillance, they look for activity that's suspicious.

What I'm drawing on here now would be their areas of responsibility. They would be ache able to interdict a speeding vehicle, a bomb that has the kind of signature that we know is present when there's a suicide bombing. So these would be the actual sectors of vision people would be looking, and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weapons.

Now, you have physical barricades added on top of that. You direct traffic away from the site to increase bomb blast mitigation. So the traffic would be sent away from the building here and here, and then you would have vehicle control points that would actually be manned. They would be followed by chicanes. This is to slow a vehicle down so they can't ram through a barricade that's set up.

That barricade is normally set up with hescos (ph). These are dirt-filled containers that basically don't allow a vehicle to get closer even though it's already been checked or even though it's a failsafe, if you will. Blast containment areas would be probably in here. That would direct the blast up from and away from the hotel.

In addition to this, you'd have surveillance detection teams that would actually be running these roads in vehicles and on foot, looking for things out of the ordinary, questioning people, perhaps random checkpoints, the inclusion of random-sniffing bomb dogs that would sniff vehicles as they come in, and obviously a ground force that could react anywhere in the site should an emergency occur. That truly, Wolf, is redundant layered security. People don't really have a concept of what it means to be in a place like Baghdad and the extraordinary measures you have to take -- Wolf.

BLITZER: That kind of security exists around the Palestine Hotel, where many western reporters are based, the Sheraton Hotel, many coalition forces there. But as Major General Martin Dempsey, the 1st Armored Division, said to us yesterday when I spoke with him, he made it -- there's no way a city of five-and-a-half million people like Baghdad you can have those layers of security around all the major buildings or all the major hotels. There are going to be plenty, Kelly, as you and I well know, plenty of soft targets.

MCCANN: Which is precisely what makes this war asymmetrical, which is precisely what plays into their hands and they know it. In fact, Wolf, a driving factor is commerce, commercial interest.

As contractors go in to participate in the infrastructure rebuild, a lot of them are going not with the best security. They're getting there because of urgency to get things done, to get the water pumped, to get the electricity flowing. It's a very difficult situation.

Contrast that with -- we've got another map. If we can go to the Green Zone, I'll show you that where the U.S. military stays, if you look at this map right here, it's an old palace that has a lot of security and then some blocks here. But you're right, we will be vulnerable for some time to come -- Wolf.

BLITZER: That whole Green Zone, the security inside that Green Zone, is the strongest, the most secure throughout Baghdad. But even in the Green Zone, we've seen rockets launched into that area from, what, 10, 15, 20 kilometers out. We've seen missiles come in. There's no guarantee of complete security anywhere in Baghdad is there?

MCCANN: Or in any war zone. The indirect fire problem is a real problem. The way you deal with that is you look at likely firing locations.

For instance, out here, where they might be able to have indirect fire sites that make sense to fire into the Green Zone, around the security barriers here, you actually send patrols to look at these sites. You're looking for donkey carts that have no reason, cover for action, cover for status.

You're looking for kerosene vendors. You're looking for propane trucks that could be cleverly disguised rocket launchers. We know that a lot of stolen vehicles are chopped up and made into rocket launchers. It is, once again, Wolf, a very, very dangerous place.

BLITZER: All right. Kelly McCann, as usual, thanks for your expertise. We'll continue this discussion down the road.

At this hour, as we've been reporting, the president is touting Iraq as a triumph of his term in office. You're looking at live pictures, the president about to speak at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. That's home of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division, which has played a key role in the war and the reconstruction.

The president will be receiving, as he already is, a very, very enthusiastic welcome from the men and women of the 101st Airborne. You can hear the president about to be introduced right now. Let's listen in.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States.

BLITZER: The president is going to be introduced by the commanding general. He'll be speaking, we're told, not very long, and making the case why the U.S. went to war one year ago against Saddam Hussein's regime. He'll be thanking the men and women, not only of the 101st Airborne Division, he'll be thanking the men and women of all the U.S. and coalition forces who have served in Iraq. Let's listen to the introduction.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning to you all. Can I have an "Air assault?" UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Air assault.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good. That sounds great.

Distinguished members of Congress, officials from the great states of Kentucky and Tennessee, and the communities around Fort Campbell, fellow soldiers, families, civil employees and friends, thank you all for being here this morning.

Since returning from Iraq, we have repeatedly expressed our appreciation to four groups, all well represented here today. First and foremost, our soldiers, who performed so magnificently this past year in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and here at Fort Campbell.

Second...

(APPLAUSE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. Second, our families, who demonstrated enormous strength during our absence.

Third, Fort Campbell Civilian Work Force, some members of which deployed with us, and the rest of which, once again, stepped in and filled numerous gaps while we were gone.

And fourth and finally, our wonderful neighbors from the communities around Fort Campbell, who did so much to support those of us deployed and the families we left behind.

Today, we are honored to host the ultimate VIP and the ultimate first lady to thank you all as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

(APPLAUSE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a loud and thunderous Fort Campbell welcome back for our commander in chief, President George W. Bush.

(APPLAUSE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm glad to be back.

(APPLAUSE)

Thanks for having me. Thanks for inviting Laura.

(APPLAUSE)

I am proud to be here once again with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st.

(APPLAUSE)

With the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group.

(APPLAUSE)

And with the Night Stalkers.

(APPLAUSE)

Many of you have seen action in the global war on terror. Some of you just returned to Fort Campbell from your deployments. Thank you for a job well done. Welcome home.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura and I are honored to be with all the personnel at Fort Campbell and with all the family members who live here.

BUSH: Each one of you serves our nation by giving your love and support to our soldiers.

Here at one of America's vital military bases, you've built a strong community of people who care about each other and share the challenges and rewards of Army life.

America's grateful. America is proud of our military families.

(APPLAUSE)

All who serve at Fort Campbell and all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at a crucial hour in the history of freedom. In the first war of the 21st century, you're defending your fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. And by your sacrifice, you're making our country more secure.

(APPLAUSE)

You have delivered justice to many terrorists, and you're keeping the rest of them on the run.

You've helped to remove two of the most violent regimes on earth.

With daring and skill and honor, you've held true to the special forces motto: To liberate the oppressed.

(APPLAUSE)

America's indebted to you.

BUSH: We're also indebted to the men and women of the National Guard and the reserves who are serving abroad, and those called up for homeland security assignments. Hundreds of Guard and reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war. These fine citizens and their families and their employers have put duty first, and our nation is grateful to them as well.

(APPLAUSE)

We got a lot of veterans with us today, veterans who have served our armed forces worldwide and who now live near Fort Campbell. Thank you for the great example you've set for today's soldiers. Thank you for your service to our nation.

I want to thank General Petraeus for being such a strong leader and a good man.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to thank General Ellis for being with us today.

Oh, I forgot. I want to thank Holly (ph) Petraeus as well.

(APPLAUSE)

She deeply cares about the men and women from this base. It's clear when you talk to her, she's got a lot of love in her heart.

General Ellis is with us, commanding general of the U.S. Armed Forces Command.

General Ellis, thank you for being here.

Today I traveled down from Washington with two members of the United States Congress who care a lot about the people stationed at Fort Campbell and who live around the Fort Campbell area; that would be Congressman Ed Whitfield from Kentucky, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.

Thank you all for coming.

(APPLAUSE)

Laura and I regret the fact that we didn't get here in time for the entertainment.

BUSH: We want to thank Lane Brody (ph) and Mark Wills (ph) and Darrel Wooley (ph) and Jackie Velasquez (ph) for your work, your care and your support of the United States military.

(APPLAUSE)

I have the privilege of saying hello to a fellow named Billy Colwell (ph). Billy (ph) has, by the way, served for 20 years in the 101st. He's served our nation, doing two tours of duty in Vietnam.

You're probably wondering why I'm bringing up Billy (ph). Well, I'll tell you why. A lot of times people say, well, America's strong because of our military. And that's one reason we're strong. And, by the way, we're going to keep our military strong.

(APPLAUSE) Or they say, well, we're strong because we've got a great economy, and the economy is strong and it's getting stronger. But the true reason we're strong is because of the hearts and souls of the American people. That's why we're strong. We're a compassionate, decent country, where neighbors care for neighbors.

Billy (ph) volunteers at the Fort Campbell YMCA. He takes time out of his life to help junior enlisted officers, or people who are getting deployed. Billy's (ph) there to help welcome people home, and to wish people well as they leave.

Billy takes time out of his life to love a neighbor, just like you'd like to be loved yourself.

No, the strength of this country is the fact that we've got citizens from all walks of life who care deeply about our fellow citizens.

Billy (ph), thank you for your service. Thank you for what you do.

(APPLAUSE)

Fort Campbell was the first Army post I visited in the weeks after our country was attacked.

BUSH: It was around Thanksgiving. I will never forget eating turkey with the Screaming Eagles.

I remember telling you, the men and women of Fort Campbell, that you had once again had a rendezvous with destiny. That's what I said when I was here last.

And when the orders came, you carried out your missions. You made history once again.

Since we last met, you deployed over 5,000 vehicles, 254 aircraft and 18,000 soldiers in Kuwait in the fastest deployment in the history of the 101st.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, the 101st liberated the cities of Najaf, Karbala and Hillah. You secured southern Baghdad and sent 1,600 soldiers by helicopter to Mosul in the longest air assault in military history.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, the sons of the dictator went into hiding until they were found and dealt with by the 101st and special operations.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, soldiers from Fort Campbell have helped to organize the first truly free local election in Iraq in 30 years.

(APPLAUSE)

Since we last met, you helped to build medical clinics and to rebuild schools.

By your decency and compassion, you are helping the Iraqi people to reclaim their country.

BUSH: Because you care, you're helping the Iraqis live as free people.

(APPLAUSE)

One year ago tomorrow, the armed forces of the United States entered Iraq to end the regime of Saddam Hussein. After his years of defiance, we gave the dictator one final chance. He refused. And so in one year's time, Saddam Hussein has gone from a palace, to a bunker, to a spider hole, to jail.

(APPLAUSE)

Because America and our allies acted, one of the most evil, brutal regimes in history is gone forever. The dictator of Iraq committed many atrocities, and he had many more in mind. This was a regime that tortured children in front of their parents. This was a regime that used chemical weapons against whole villages. This was a country in which millions of people lived in fear and many thousands disappeared into mass graves. That was the life in Iraq for more than a generation, until the Americans arrived.

Because America and our allies acted, a state sponsor of terror was put out of business. The Iraqi regime gave cash rewards to the families of suicide bombers and sheltered terrorist groups.

BUSH: But all that's over. When Saddam Hussein went down, the terrorists lost an ally forever.

(APPLAUSE)

Because America and her allies acted, an aggressive threat to the security of the Middle East, and to the peace of the world, is now gone. September the 11th, 2001, taught a lesson I will never forget: America must confront threats before they fully materialize.

In Iraq, my administration looked at the intelligence information -- and we saw a threat. Members of Congress looked at the intelligence -- and they saw a threat. The United Nations Security Council looked at the intelligence -- and it saw a threat.

I had a choice to make: either to take the word of a madman or take such threats seriously and defend America. Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

(APPLAUSE) Because America and our allies acted, it is clear to everyone: When America makes a pledge, we keep our word. By speaking clearly, by speaking consistently, and by meaning what we say, it is more likely the world will be more peaceful.

Because America and our allies acted, all the world is now seeing democracy rising in the heart of the Middle East. A year ago Iraq was ruled by the whims of one cruel man. Today, Iraq has a new interim law that guarantees basic rights for all, freedom of religion, the right to cast a secret ballot and equality under the law.

And these historic changes are sending a message across the region from Damascus to Tehran; freedom is the future of every nation.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: The Iraqi people are achieving great things and serving and sacrificing for their own future. Today, more than 200,000 Iraqis, including 78,000 new police, are protecting their fellow citizens. They're building a country that is strong and free, and America is proud to stand with them.

All over Iraq today, as that nation moves closer to self- government, Iraqis can be certain that in the United States of America they have a faithful friend. And in our military they're seeing the good heart of America.

They see people like Pfc. Amanda Thompson-Cummings (ph), who volunteered to serve in Iraq. She's an Army cook, who also works on security patrol. She said this to a reporter: "They know I can shoot. I'm one of the best in my battalion. But hey, I'm a redneck, what do you expect?"

(APPLAUSE)

Those are her words, not mine.

(LAUGHTER)

This soldier also describes how the children of Iraq look at her, especially the young girls. As Amanda (ph) puts it, "When those girls look at a female soldier they think, 'Maybe I can be something, too.'"

Pfc. Cummings (ph) says, "We made a difference in their lives. And their faces, when they looked at us, that made it all worthwhile right there."

Soldiers of Fort Campbell, every one of you is making a difference. You've seen hard duty, and the defense of freedom is always worth it. Because of your service, because of your bravery, because of your dedication, the world is better off and the American people are more secure.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: You have done your duty. America owes those who do their duty -- our military -- our gratitude. We owe you more than gratitude. We also owe you the material support you need to do your job. As commander in chief, I've been proud to sign into law three pay increases for the military.

(APPLAUSE)

You deserved every one. We've increased support for base housing in schools. We have a duty in Washington, D.C., to make sure our families are taken care of.

Our military has had strong supporters in the House and the Senate. I want to thank the Congress for standing up. I want to thank every member of Congress who voted in favor of the $87 billion supplemental that is meeting the needs of our troops in the field right now.

When your government gives you a mission, we must accept serious responsibility of our own. And here's my pledge: I'll work to make sure you have every resource and every tool you need to fight and win the war on terror.

(APPLAUSE)

The war continues. It's a different kind of war, but it goes on. As we saw again yesterday, the terrorists are fighting desperately to undermine Iraq's progress toward freedom.

That attack showed, once again, the cruelty of our enemies. The terrorists and Baathist holdouts know that a free and stable Iraq will be a major defeat to the cause of hatred and terror. They can't stand the thought of a free society. They know that the rise of democracy and hope in the Middle East will mean the decline of their appeal and influence.

BUSH: So the terrorists understand that Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. They're testing our will. And day by day, they are learning our will is firm. Their cause will fail.

We will stay on the offensive. Whatever it takes, we will seek and find and destroy the terrorists so that we do not have to face them in our own country.

(APPLAUSE)

Not long ago, we intercepted a planning document being sent to the leaders of al Qaeda by a terrorist named Zarqawi. He's in Iraq.

Along with the usual threats, he had a complaint. "Our enemy," said Zarqawi, "is growing stronger and his intelligence data are increasing day-by-day. This is suffocation."

Zarqawi's getting the idea. For the terrorists in Iraq, we are making sure there is less oxygen every day.

(APPLAUSE) The terrorists hate and target a free Afghanistan and a free Iraq. They also hate and target every country that stands for democracy and tolerance and freedom in the world.

The murders in Madrid have revealed once again the agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the innocent. They killed children and their mothers on a commuter train without conscience, without mercy.

They cause suffering and grief and they rejoice in it. This terrorist enemy will never be appeased because death is their banner and their cause.

There is no safety for any nation in a world that lives at the mercy of gangsters and mass murderers. Eventually, there's no place to hide from the planted bombs or the far worse weapons the terrorists seek.

BUSH: For the civilized world, there's only one path to safety. We will stay united, and we will fight until this enemy is broken.

(APPLAUSE)

The United States is committed to defeating terrorism around the world. It's a solemn commitment. We lead in this cause. We're fighting in this cause. And we are sacrificing in this cause.

The 101st Airborne has known greater losses than any other division- sized unit. Each of these Americans brought pride to our country. We pray for their families. We will honor their names forever.

(APPLAUSE)

The 101st Airborne Division has earned its place in the history of our country. Sixty years ago, on the night before D-Day, General Eisenhower went down to the airfield where the 101st was loading into 747s for the flight to Normandy. Eisenhower told the men not to worry because they had the best leaders and equipment. One of them look at him and said, "Hell, General, we ain't worried. It's Hitler's turn to worry."

(APPLAUSE)

That spirit carried the American soldier across Europe to help liberate a continent. It's the same spirit that carried you across Iraq to set a nation free.

(APPLAUSE)

Like your fathers and grandfathers before you, you have liberated millions from oppression. You've added to the momentum of freedom across the world. You have helped keep America safe. You make us all proud to be Americans. And you have made me proud to be your commander in chief.

May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States.

Thank you all.

(APPLAUSE)

BLITZER: The president of the United States receiving a very, very enthusiastic reception from the 101st Airborne Division. Now you know why they're called the Screaming Eagles. They're very happy, clearly, to receive the president of the United States.

The president saying 9/11 taught him a lesson he will never forget. And as a result, the U.S. went to war against terrorism. He said the intelligence information that he, the Congress, the allies, the U.N. Security Council saw suggested that this was a war that was required.

But even as the president was speaking, we're getting this in from Warsaw: The Associated Press quoting the Polish president -- Poland being one of the key allies of the Bush administration, the U.S. in this war against Saddam Hussein -- President Alexander Kwasniewski telling reporters, "Naturally, one may protest the reasons for the war in Iraq." He says, "I personally think that today, Iraq, without Saddam Hussein, is a truly better Iraq than with Saddam Hussein."

But then he goes on to say this: "But, naturally, I also feel uncomfortable due to the fact that we were misled with the information on weapons of mass destruction." This, according to a transcript released from his comments, President Alexander Kwasniewski, a key U.S. ally in the war against Saddam Hussein.

Let's get some more insight now, what's happening Iraq right now. For that, we're joined live from Baghdad. The foreign minister of Iraq, Hoshyar Zebari, is joining us.

Mr. Foreign Minister, thanks very much for joining us.

Your quick reaction, first of all, to what we just reported from President Alexander Kwasniewski in Warsaw, saying that he was misled about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, which have not yet been found. Were you misled?

HOSHYAR ZEBARI, IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER: No. As far as we are concerned, we are not misled. In fact, we have suffered from the use of those weapons directly.

Saddam Hussein had those weapons. He developed weapons of mass destruction. And he used those weapons 16 years ago.

He used chemical weapons against the Kurdish town of Halacha (ph), which we have just recently commemorated, where 5,000 innocent people died of the poison gases. And on numerous other occasions. So as far as we are concerned as Iraqis, indeed, we are not misled at all.

BLITZER: Have you been surprised, Minister, by the fact that no significant stockpiles of chemical or biological weapons have been found in the year since the war started?

ZEBARI: No, I'm not surprised. Again, really, Saddam Hussein had so many ways to hide those weapons, to conceal them. And over the last decade or so, he played cat-and-mouse games with inspectors, with everybody else.

And he and his regime have not denied that they had those weapons, that they had developed them. But still, I think there is some time to establish the truth and the full truth about the fate of these weapons. But for us, as Iraqis, really, we don't need any conviction about the record of this regime regarding development, usage of those weapons.

BLITZER: Foreign Minister, we were all horrified by that bomb blast yesterday at the Mount Lebanon Hotel in Baghdad, another car bombing, apparently, in Basra today. Are these two incidents, based on what you know, related?

ZEBARI: Well, I think that terrorists are embarked on a campaign to stop us from moving forward. And as we get closer to that date of June 30th, for the handover of sovereignty and independence to a representative Iraqi interim government, we think those terrorists and evildoers will continue to try to carry out these attacks on innocent people. I mean, last night's bombing was a senseless bombing against innocents, where there was no military security targets whatsoever, but for the sheer sake of terrorizing the people of Iraq at this critical stage in their history.

BLITZER: Was this the work of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Ansar al-Islam terrorist who's been associated with al Qaeda in the past, do you believe he was responsible for this?

ZEBARI: I really don't know at this stage who was responsible. But these attacks have all the hallmarks of these terrorist groups. I mean, today, in Iraq, we have an international coalition of terrorists who are collaborating, who have infiltrated Iraq from outside. And they're trying to settle scores with the United States and make life dificult and more difficult for us, for Iraqis, to establish democracy and freedom in this part of the world.

BLITZER: Will the Iraqi people, your coalition, your Governing Council be ready to take over responsibility on June 30th, when the U.S.-led coalition withdraws?

ZEBARI: I think we are ready, and the Governing Council and other Iraqi leaders, in fact, who would be involved in this process. The new government, or the new Iraqi administration, would be as broad as possible to be truly representative. And in this process, we need involvement and reengagement of the United Nations in this process to help us identify the mechanisms for the transfer of authority and sovereignty to a representative of the Iraqi government. And only yesterday, the Governing Council has officially, formally invited the United Nations, and have asked for their help and assistance and advice in this process.

BLITZER: As you know, the Spanish government, the new Spanish government elected on Sunday says it will withdraw its 1,300 Spanish troops from Iraq unless there's a new U.N. Security Council resolution. Do you believe there will be such a resolution before June 30th ?

ZEBARI: I believe it would be essential to have a new Security Council resolution to legitimize the process and to engage the international community in this process, political process. So we will do everything we can to have a new resolution to legitimize the new Iraqi interim government and also to establish -- or to identify the statutes of the international forces here.

And whatever decision the Spanish government can take is theirs, definitely. We have every respect. But we believe at this stage, international solidarity and commitment is more important than anything else. And our enemies, the terrorists and those hostile elements, should not get the wrong message that the result has been weakened because of this or that incident.

BLITZER: Hoshyar Zebari, the foreign minister of Iraq. Mr. Minister, thanks for joining us. Good luck to you, good luck to all the people of Iraq as they begin this difficult transition.

ZEBARI: Thank you.

BLITZER: We appreciate your time.

BLITZER: And from Iraq, let's go to Pakistan right now. CNN's Aaron Brown is joining us on the phone. Aaron has just had an interview with the Pakistani president, Perfuse Musharraf.

Aaron, I understand some significant news relayed to you from the Pakistani president. Update our viewers.

AARON BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is the potential of something very significant, but it is only that at this point, the potential. For the last couple of days, Pakistani armed forces and militia have been working that border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where it is believed that al Qaeda fighters and perhaps Osama bin Laden are in hiding.

They have, for the last two days, been involved in a very fierce fight. And they now believe, the president now believes that they have surrounded this group of al Qaeda fighters, and that this group of al Qaeda fighters is protecting what President Musharraf describes as a high-value target.

We all understand what or who that could be, that we could be talking about bin Laden, we could be talking about Zarqawi, we could be talking about someone else. Or we could in the end be talking about none of the above. But it is the belief of the president, based on the ferociousness of the fight itself, how hard the al Qaeda fighters are fighting, their refusal to give ground -- they normally melt into the mountainside -- that there is some significant person they are protecting.

BLITZER: Aaron, is there any indication that U.S. Special Operations Forces, U.S. troops are also participating in this battle?

BROWN: Well, officially, the United States government and the Pakistani government will tell you that there are no American Special Forces on the Pakistani side of the border.

BLITZER: All right. I understand that you're saying. That's the official line. Unofficially, there may be some U.S. troops. Is that what you're suggesting?

BROWN: I'm not -- honestly, Wolf, I am not suggesting one thing or another. I can't honestly answer that.

Is it possible? Sure, it's possible. But what I can tell you is that the Pakistani government acknowledges that when this fight began two days ago, they did not see it as significant. And, in fact, they were routed.

They lost a number of troops. A number of troops have been taken prisoner. It was only after that, that they realized they had something bigger on their hands than they first came to realize.

As you know, this is a very complicated area. It is futile. You're talking about something out of the 14th century, not the 21st century. It's an area where the Pakistani government literally has not been allowed in until the last few months by the tribal leaders who own it.

But now they're in there. Now they're fighting. And now they believe at least is there a possibility -- a possibility -- enough of a possibility that the president of the country would state it, that they have a high-value target in their sights.

BLITZER: So, clearly, he's potentially enthusiastic, excited about this. Give us your impressions, Aaron, of President Musharraf right now. U.S. officials warmly praising him for his cooperation. But he's facing a tough domestic battle inside Pakistan itself; he's been the target, at least twice, of assassination attempts in recent months.

BROWN: In fact, we drove by the spots of both those assassination attempts on our way to his residence today. It's hard to imagine, Wolf, there is a leader in the world with a more complicated political position than President Musharraf.

He allied himself with the United States after 9/11. A poll done here recently showed that 65 percent of Pakistanis have a favorable impression of Osama bin Laden. This is an Islamic state.

There is enormous sort of about whether it will become an extremist state, like Afghanistan, across the border, or whether it will follow its president and become a moderate state. And so he walks this delicate line in every action he takes, including the ones we're talking about now. It is not a position that would be much fun for any political leader anywhere in the world.

BLITZER: A key ally in the U.S. war against terrorism, perhaps arguably the key ally in the U.S. war against terrorism. Aaron Brown reporting from Islamabad.

And this note to our viewers: the full interview, Aaron's complete interview with Pervez Musharraf will air tonight on "NEWSNIGHT." That's at 10:00 p.m. Eastern, 7:00 p.m. Pacific. "NEWSNIGHT" tonight with Aaron Brown from Islamabad, 10:00 p.m. Eastern.

Aaron reporting, quoting President Musharraf, that Pakistani forces have surrounded a "high-value target" in the ongoing fighting in western Pakistan.

We're going to take a quick break. When we come back, we'll speak with the British ambassador to the United Nations.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The U.S.-led coalition is preparing a handover of power to the Iraqis by the end of June. And the Iraqi Governing Council has asked the United Nations to help form a caretaker government and prepare for elections down the road. How big a role will the U.N. have in the new Iraq?

Here to talk about that and more, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations, Emyr Jones Parry.

Thanks very much, Mr. Ambassador, for joining us.

Will there be a new U.N. Security Council resolution, as the new Spanish government is seeking, in order to take charge of the forces in Iraq?

EMYR JONES PARRY, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: I don't think we need a new resolution at this time. The important thing now is to see how, in response to the letter yesterday from the Governing Council, how can the U.N. react to that very quickly.

What the U.K. would very much like to see is that the team who are going to go in and help with the preparation of the elections, that they should go in very soon. And that Ambassador Brahimi (ph), a very distinguished man with a good record in Iraq already, that he should go back in and help facilitate the process, actually, to establish a transitional government.

I don't think that requires a Security Council resolution. What it does require is for the coalition to ensure, which it will do, do its utmost to ensure the safety and security of the team going back in, and they should know what they're going to do. I think that, too, is clear, to facilitate the formation of a government and to prepare for the elections.

BLITZER: Mr. Ambassador, would it be, though, possible, or would it be impossible to bring consensus among the 16 members of the U.N. Security Council, the five permanent members and the 10 rotating members? Are you suggesting finding that consensus is not necessarily going to be possible?

PARRY: No. I'm not suggesting that at all.

What I'm suggesting is, at the moment, that a resolution is not needed. I think there is sufficient agreement out there. But the last resolution adopted on Iraq was adopted by unanimity.

My perception is, that within the counsel, there's a strong wish. One to do everything possible to ensure that by the 30th of June we have a transitional government, that we can give full responsibility to it and formally end the occupation. And secondly, the common interest we all feel to make a success of Iraq. That the international community should come together and do everything to possible to ensure that.

BLITZER: Mr. Ambassador, as we speak right now, we're getting reports only within the past few minutes of more explosions and sirens being heard in Baghdad once again, reminiscent perhaps of what we witnessed yesterday. We have no details. We don't know the nature of these explosions; we don't know the nature, why these sirens are on alert.

We do know that Baghdad is an especially dangerous place right now. In fact, Basra, as well, where British troops are in charge. What have you heard, by the way, about what happened in Basra earlier today?

PARRY: I don't think I'm in a position really to comment on the individual cases. What I will say is, of course the security situation is a source of major concern. That's why we're doing everything possible to try and stabilize it. But remember, a few fanatics can wreak havoc in this sort of situation.

At a time of war -- this is a truism -- at a time of war, the strong are actually powerful. At a time of peace, when you're trying to build peace, it's actually the weak that become powerful. And actually getting at these fanatics is proving difficult. But we're doing our very best at that and trying to ensure actually that it doesn't undermine all the good things happening in Iraq.

I could give you a list of the number of jobs created, the schools that are now open, the freedom that people enjoy. There's an awful lot of good news out there which -- I mean, the Iraqis, themselves, in polls recently, have confirmed their belief that they are that much better off. So I don't want the security situation, however worrying it is, to actually detract from the fact that the fundamentals are getting better.

BLITZER: Were you surprised -- I don't know if you're familiar with what President Alexander Kwasniewski of Poland just said in Warsaw, saying that he was misled about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. Have you been surprised, the British government, that no significant stockpiles have been found?

PARRY: We went into this conflict for the best of reasons, a very difficult decision. But did so because resolutions were being flouted. There was grave concern about the situation in Iraq and the record of Saddam Hussein himself, what he had done.

With hindsight, we would still do the same thing. We believe we were justified. But the jury is still out on the question of the location or otherwise of weapons of mass destruction.

And at this stage, I don't want to speculate too much whether, in fact, he hadn't got as much as he thought he'd got, whether he very carefully destroyed some of the stockpiles but kept the capability to, if need be, move forward to get new stocks (ph) very quickly. None of us quite know the answers to those questions, but we're still at it. But what's clear is that the threat was there and the perception of that threat was widely shared.

BLITZER: Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the British ambassador to the United Nations, welcome to the United States. Thanks very much for spending a few moments with us here on CNN.

PARRY: Thank you very much.

BLITZER: And I'll be back later today, every weekday, 5:00 p.m. Eastern for "WOLF BLITZER REPORTS." Will Donald Trump tell me to find a new job elsewhere? The star of "The Apprentice," he'll be among my guests. That's at 5:00 p.m. Eastern today.

Until then, thanks very much for watching. I'm Wolf Blitzer in New York.

"LIVE FROM" with Kyra Phillips and Miles O'Brien is up next.

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Speaks to Troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky>