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CNN Sunday Morning

White House Takes Steps to Reward Pakistan

Aired September 23, 2001 - 08:06   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.
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Now, keeping track of the president this weekend, up at Camp David is our own Kelly Wallace. She joins us from Camp David, near Camp David, this morning, with the latest. Kelly, the president obviously reaching out to reward Pakistan for stepping up in this showdown with Afghanistan.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Definitely, John. We're seeing the administration taking a number of steps. The president, in that memorandum to the secretary of state on Saturday night, easing sanctions on India and Pakistan. Again, a reward to the Pakistanis for their cooperations. The U.S. certainly asking Pakistan for any intelligence it might have on Osama bin Laden and his network and also for the possibility for using Pakistani airspace for the U.S. to mount any retaliatory attack.

We're also seeing, John, other sort of diplomatic steps, the administration very pleased to see the United Arab Emirate severe all diplomatic ties with the Taliban. Certainly, the administration will be watching and would hope to see Saudi Arabia follow suit. Administration saying very pleased with the cooperation it is getting from Saudi Arabia so far.

Also, pleased to see other pledges of public support. Over the weekend, we saw that Turkey announcing that it would allow U.S. transport plans to use Turkish air bases and Turkish airspace, again, for any U.S. response to the deadly terrorist attacks now 12 days ago.

Also, John, on the diplomatic front, we saw the president having a very lengthy phone conversation, about 45 minutes to an hour, Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As you know, the U.S. has been working very closely with Russia, trying to get any intelligence Russia might have on bin Laden and his network. And, also, John, of course, trying to get that countries experience after its 10-year conflict in Afghanistan.

That diplomacy, John, to continue. The president this week to meet with the leaders of Canada and Japan, maybe possible meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan. Also, John, we're likely to see the president maybe do some traveling this week. The administration very much wanting to get out there and educate the public day after day about, again, who the enemy is and just what this long and possibly costly battle against terrorism will mean -- John.

KING: Well, Kelly, at a time the president is well aware the entire world is watching, the White House is very careful in choosing just how we see the president in public. A bit later this morning, we will see him at a flag raising ceremony at Camp David. The White House choosing to do that public event for any particular reason?

WALLACE: Absolutely, John. An important message to be sent. The president, joined by members of the U.S. Marine Corp at a ceremony at the presidential retreat, at which point the flag at Camp David, which is now at half staff, and has been that way since the attacks on September 11th, will be returned to full staff, and all federal buildings will follow suit.

Of course, we did see that the White House did that on Saturday. The message here, John, is it is time for Americans to try to achieve some sense of normalcy, that the mourning, of course, will continue, the grieving will continue, for Americans to get back with their daily lives.

As you know, John, a delicate balancing act, though, because at the same time the country, federal buildings, remain at a heightened state of alert, continues to be a threat out there and also, of course, the administration preparing the American people for what could be a long -- and a war that could come with some sacrifices. So, a delicate balancing act, but the message will be for Americans to try to move on while they continue to grieve. John.

KING: Kelly Wallace near Camp David, the presidential retreat. Thank you for that this morning.

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