[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 9 (Monday, March 5, 2001)]
[Pages 335-341]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
<R04>
The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Blair at Camp David
February 23, 2001
President Bush. Welcome. It's my honor to welcome the Prime
Minister, from our strongest friend and closest ally, to Camp David.
We've had a couple of formal visits. More importantly, we had a nice
walk around Camp David, and got to know each other. And as they told me,
he's a pretty charming guy. He put the charm offensive on me. [Laughter]
And it worked. No, we're delighted, and tonight we'll have a dinner,
just the four of us, and Mrs. Blair and Laura and the two of us, and I'm
really looking forward to it.
This is a chance for me to tell the Prime Minister how dedicated my
administration will be to an alliance that has made a huge difference in
the world, an alliance that I firmly believe will make a difference in
the years to come.
We discussed trade. We discussed defenses. We discussed the Prime
Minister's vision of a strong NATO. We discussed a lot of subjects. The
thing I want to leave people with the impression of is that ours will be
a strong and good personal relationship and a alliance that will stand
the test of time.
Mr. Prime Minister, welcome.
Prime Minister Blair. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Well, I
was delighted to come here, and I've been really enthusiastic about our
meetings so far. They've been absolutely excellent, very productive, as
I hoped and expected. We discussed a whole range of issues. I think
we've been through all the issues that you would expect, plus
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some more. And I've found it a very, very useful meeting, indeed.
And I just want to make one point by way of introduction, which is
that our countries have stood together in some very difficult times,
very hard times, some of the most testing times the world has ever
known. And the reason we've come through those times together and
stronger is because we share the same values; we share the same
interests; we have a lot of common history; but I think, most of all, we
have the same perception of the world and the belief in freedom and the
belief in standing up for what is right and just. And everything that
I've heard today confirms for me in my view that that relationship will
carry on and strengthen in the years to come.
I thank you very much, indeed.
President Bush. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.
Fournier [Ron Fournier, Associated Press].
Missile Defense System
Q. Mr. President, have you received a commitment from the Prime
Minister to support your missile defense plan, including building
missile defense sites in Britain?
And Mr. Prime Minister, do you think that there is a threat that
requires a missile defense shield, and would you allow missile defense
sites to be built on your--in your country?
President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, before we answer that, generally
when I ask for one question, we only get one question coming. Well done.
[Laughter]
We had a long discussion about missile defense. I will, obviously,
let the Prime Minister speak for himself. I made the case, like I will
do to all the leaders with whom I meet, that we need to think
differently about the post-cold-war era, that there are new threats that
face people who love freedom.
There is the threat of an accidental launch of a missile. There are
the threats of potential blackmail when one of these nations develops
weapons of mass destruction and be willing to point at America, Britain,
our allies, our friends, people with whom we've got commitments. And
we've got to deal with those in a realistic way. And the Prime Minister
asked a lot of really good questions, and he can answer what you asked,
Ron.
But we're in the process of coming up with a realistic way to deal
with the true threats. It makes a lot of sense to explore options. It
makes a lot of sense to develop defenses to face the true threats. It
also makes sense for us to send the message to the world that in the
post-cold-war era, the United States will handle its responsibilities to
keep the peace in a constructive way, by reducing our offensive weapons,
as well. And I'm now talking to the Pentagon to come up with a level of
nuclear weaponry that will help us keep the peace. As to whether or not
there will be sites or no sites, that's too early to determine, because
I have yet to propose to the Prime Minister what will work.
Prime Minister Blair. First of all, let me say, I understand and
share the concerns of the President and the American administration
about weapons of mass destruction and nuclear proliferation. And I think
it's very important in that context that we discuss all the ways that we
can deal with this threat, which is a real threat and a present threat,
both in relation to offensive and defensive systems.
And I said to the President, and I want to repeat to you, that I
welcome very much the approach that the administration has taken, which
is to be very open about this, which is to talk to people about it, to
make sure that allies are consulted properly. These are very, very big
and important issues. But we welcome the dialog that there has been on
it. And I think if you look at the world today and you see those
countries that are developing weapons of mass destruction, I think it is
a debate, that it is right to have.
Q. Can I ask you both about missile defense? Mr. President, can I
ask you, if you fail to get agreement among your key allies, including
Britain, are you prepared then to go ahead alone with some form of
missile defense system? And if I can ask the Prime Minister, are you
prepared to say in principle now you could back an American missile
defense system?
President Bush. I don't think I'm going to fail to persuade people.
I think it makes--it's commonsensical to say to our friends, let's come
together, work together, to develop a
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defense against the true threats of the 21st century. And so, I don't
accept your hypothesis.
Prime Minister Blair. Well, I'm sure, for my part, that this is a
debate that is important to have, for the very reasons that the
President gave earlier. And I think if you look at the weapons of mass
destruction that people are trying to develop in nuclear proliferation,
that it's important that we look at every single way we possibly can of
dealing with this threat.
Now, as the President said a moment or two ago, we don't have a
specific proposal on the table yet. But I understand and share the
American concerns, as I've said many times before. And I think what is
important is that if we take this forward in a constructive way and have
the right discussion with allies, then we can find a way through this.
I've always believed that, incidentally, and I believe that even more
firmly having talked to the President today.
President Bush. I'll give you a followup answer.
I thought it interesting that Mr. Putin talked about missile
defenses. I know there are some concerns in Europe about Russian
reaction to the development of defenses that will make the world more
peaceful. And Mr. Putin has started talking about the need for folks to
develop--think about developing systems that will intercept missiles on
launch, for example, theater-based systems that will keep the peace.
We found that to be a breakthrough of sorts, a recognition that the
cold war has passed, that we are not Russia's enemy--I don't view Russia
as our enemy, either--and that there will be new threats that we have to
deal with. If we are peaceful, loving people, we must use our
technologies to appropriately deal with the threats that we'll be
facing. And I thought that was a positive breakthrough.
Steve Holland [Reuters].
Situation in Iraq
Q. Yes, sir. Could both of you explain how you keep the Iraqi
sanctions from crumbling, and how do you explain how the Iraqi sanctions
could be reconstituted to keep them from--to help ease the strain on the
Iraqi people?
President Bush. We spent a lot of time talking about our mutual
interests in Iraq and the Persian Gulf, and from our perspective, as you
know, I made the famous statement that our sanctions are like Swiss
cheese. That means they're not very effective, and we're going to work
together to figure out a way to make them more effective.
But I think the Prime Minister and I both recognize that it is going
to be important for us to build a consensus in the region to make the
sanctions more effective. Colin Powell left today, after lunch, to move
around the Middle East, collect thoughts and to listen, with a policy of
strengthening our mission to make it clear to Saddam Hussein that he
shall not terrorize his neighbors and not develop weapons of mass
destruction.
Prime Minister Blair. Yes, if I can just add to that, I think that--
I mean, of course, we've looked the whole time to see how we can make
sanctions more effective. But don't be under any doubt at all of our
absolute determination to make sure that the threat of Saddam Hussein is
contained and that he is not able to develop these weapons of mass
destruction that he wishes to do.
And as I constantly point out to people, I mean, this is a man with
a record on these issues, both in respect to the murder of thousands of
his own people, in respect to the war against Iran, in respect to the
annexation of Kuwait. And we know perfectly well, given the chance, he
will develop these weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, he's trying to
do so and will get as much technology as he can to do so.
Now, of course, we've got to--we're all conscious of the fact that
our quarrel is not with the Iraqi people, who in many ways suffer under
the yoke of Saddam Hussein. But--and therefore, it's important that we
make sure that the sanctions hit him, Saddam, as effectively as they
possibly can. But we need to contain that threat, and that's why the
action that we took is right and justified.
President Bush. BBC guy [Stephen Sackur, BBC], as promised.
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European Rapid-Reaction Force
Q. Thank you, Mr. President. If I can pick up on what we were
discussing yesterday, now that you've had a chance to talk to the Prime
Minister, do you share the concerns of many in your party that the
European plan for a rapid-reaction military force could seriously
undermine NATO? And I'd like to hear first your response and then the
Prime Minister's.
President Bush. The Prime Minister and I spent a lot of time on this
subject, as well, and I support his point of view. He assured me that
NATO is going to be the primary way to keep the peace in Europe and that
the United States--and I assured him the United States will be actively
engaged in NATO, remain engaged in Europe with our Allies.
But he also assured me that the European defense would no way
undermine NATO. He also assured me that there would be a joint command,
that planning would take place within NATO, and that should all NATO not
wish to go on a mission, that would then serve as a catalyst for the
defense forces moving on their own.
And finally, I was very hopeful when we discussed the Prime
Minister's vision that such a vision would encourage our NATO allies and
friends to bolster their defense budgets, perhaps. And so I support what
the Prime Minister has laid out. I think it makes a lot of sense for our
country.
Prime Minister Blair. Well, I was very grateful for what the
President had to say on that issue. And the important thing to remember
is that, as the President has just outlined to you, this is in
circumstances where NATO as a whole chooses not to be engaged. It is
limited to the peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks that are set out. It
is not a standing army. It is a capability that Europe should have, but
the sovereign decision of each nation is necessary for each operation.
And speaking together as the founders of NATO, we would never do
anything to undermine NATO. But where NATO as a whole chooses not to be
engaged, it is important that we have the capability, where it's right
and within these limited tasks that I've set out, to be able to act,
should we choose to do so ourselves.
And I think, done in that way, it is something that can strengthen
NATO, give us an additional string to our bow in circumstances where
NATO doesn't want to be involved. And I think the President is
absolutely right in a sense to put it up to us in Europe and say,
``Well, if we are going to do this, then let us make sure that our
capabilities match our aspirations.'' And I think done in that way it is
good not just for Europe, but it's good for NATO and the U.S., as well.
And I think that the discussion we had on it was very useful and very
constructive.
Bush-Blair Relationship
Q. How much an obstacle is it to this special relationship you say
you want to have on behalf of your two countries that you are
ideologically poles apart? A tax cutter versus a tax raiser; a pro-death
penalty versus an anti-death penalty; America first versus an
interventionist--[inaudible]----
President Bush. [Inaudible]--you shouldn't be slandering in that
way. [Laughter] He can handle his politics in Britain, and I'll handle
mine in America. But we've got a lot of common interests. We agree on
trade. We agree on ways to keep the peace. But most important, both of
us recognize that this is a special relationship, the relationship
between America and Britain, and we're going to keep it that way.
It is--the Prime Minister referred to the great history of the
relationship between our two countries, and this is a fantastic legacy
for both of us to inherit. And it's a legacy I take seriously, and it's
a legacy that I will work hard to protect. I can assure you that when
either of us get in a bind, there will be a friend on the other end of
the phone.
Prime Minister Blair. Well, I endorse that completely. And I think
it's important to recognize, as well--I mean, you know from the work
that we do in Europe, as well, there are very strong alliances that can
be formed with people across so-called ideological divides of that type.
But I think what is important is that what we have in common, our two
countries and our interests, are so much more important for us in the
work that we do.
And I should say also that I don't think if you look at the problems
that are on the
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President's agenda, even his domestic agenda now in terms of the
economy, in terms of some of the things--we actually had a brief
conversation about education policy when we were on our walk together--I
think there are some interesting things happening that--there's a good
dialog on some of these things, too. So I'm sorry to disappoint you.
President Bush. John [John King, Cable News Network].
China and Iraq
Q. Mr. President, you spoke yesterday about sending a message to
China if it is proven that the Chinese Government was helping the Iraqis
at those missile sites--the air defense sites, excuse me. Mr. Prime
Minister, I'm interested in what British intelligence tells you about
any Chinese involvement, and if Chinese involvement is proven, what
specific steps are each of you prepared to take beyond just publicly
voicing your displeasure?
President Bush. If I can answer that first, because we had a little
bit of news today that the Chinese responded to our inquiry. And you're
going to have to ask Condi Rice what specifically they said, but if I
could paraphrase, it was: If this is the case, we'll remedy the
situation. But we did get a response. As I told you yesterday, that we
filed a complaint and they responded this morning.
Q. Do you trust that they will keep their word in that regard?
President Bush. I think you've always got to begin with trust until
proven otherwise.
Mr. Prime Minister, you may want to----
Prime Minister Blair. I've got nothing to add to that, actually. I
think that's the sensible approach, and it's the one we took, too.
Clinton Pardons
Q. Prime Minister, having stood squarely behind President Clinton
for the last 4 years, through thick and thin, do you feel any
embarrassment today on his behalf, as his Presidency clearly ended in
scandal and sleaze?
Prime Minister Blair. You know, Trevor, as I've said over the last
few days when I've been asked about this, Bill Clinton is a friend of
mine and will remain a friend of mine. But I am not getting into what
has been in the newspapers and media over here. I don't think it's
appropriate for me; I don't think it's right.
President Bush. Campbell [Campbell Brown, NBC News].
Northern Ireland Peace Process
Q. Mr. President, your administration has yet to become actively
engaged in the peacemaking process, particularly in Northern Ireland.
Are you planning to become more engaged?
And Mr. Prime Minister, based on what you've observed so far, do you
expect that President Bush will be as engaged as President Clinton?
President Bush. Well, we talked about the peace process and I, like
I did in the campaign, want to again praise President Clinton for his
involvement. I asked the Prime Minister, ``Did the President have a
positive effect?'' He said, ``Absolutely.'' I then asked for him to let
me know if I could ever help.
As you know, our position on any peace process, is it takes willing
parties to come together, and if there is a way that I can help, I'd be
more than willing to do so. I'm going to wait to be asked by the Prime
Minister. He's got a better handle on it than I conceivably could as to
when and if the prestige of the United States is needed to make the
process work better.
But we spent a lot of time discussing the issue. The Prime Minister
deserves a lot of credit, as well, for working hard to bring a peace to
Northern Ireland. And progress is being made, and we will--I will be
standing by, anxious to help, if I'm needed.
Prime Minister Blair. Well, I was very grateful for that offer by
the President. And it's difficult to perceive the exact circumstances in
which I might pick up the phone and ask the President to help. But the
fact that I know he is there and willing to do that is very important,
because President Clinton was a great assistance during difficult parts
of the Northern Ireland peace process.
And it's a very difficult process. I mean, it goes on the whole
time, and we make progress, day by day, week by week, month by month,
and there are still some very, very tricky issues to sort out. So I
can't exactly foresee the circumstances in which the
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American President can come in and be of help, but I was very grateful
for the offer of that. And I think people in Northern Ireland will be,
as well, because whatever the difficulties of the process there, my
goodness, Northern Ireland is a different place today from what it was a
few years back. And for people to know that there is that interest in
the outside world, for people in Northern Ireland to know that, it gives
them tremendous heart and hope.
Yes.
Bush-Blair Relationship
Q. A question for both of you. There has been a lot said about how
different you are as people. Have you already in your talks found
something maybe that you--some personal interest that you have in
common, maybe in religion or sport or music?
President Bush. Well, we both use Colgate toothpaste. [Laughter]
Prime Minister Blair. They're going to wonder how you know that,
George. [Laughter]
Q. I also wanted to ask you--you come up with a lot of nicknames for
people. I wondered if you already had one for the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Blair. Well, I'm getting even embarrassed about all
the ones I choose in this press conference. [Laughter]
President Bush. I'm still open for suggestions.
Well, we like sports. The Prime Minister informed me this morning
that he exercised at the gym prior to meeting Vice President Cheney. I
informed him after this press conference, I'm going to go exercise in
the gym. We've both got great wives. I think probably the place we're
going to find a lot of common ground is we're both dads, and proudly so,
and recognize that as our most important responsibility--is to be loving
dads.
I don't know if you found any common ground or not. [Laughter]
Prime Minister Blair. I think that's enough to be going on with.
President Bush. Jim [Jim Angle, Fox News].
Sanctions Against Iraq
Q. Mr. President, you talked about Secretary of State Powell going
to the Middle East looking for consensus on how to handle Saddam
Hussein. We do know that there is a consensus that sanctions hurt the
people of Iraq too much and perhaps Saddam Hussein not enough. Did the
two of you discuss ways of changing the sanctions to make them tougher
on him and a little less punishing for the people of Iraq? And if not,
how do you hope to keep the coalition together? You already have some
NATO Allies, even, who are questioning the value of the sanctions.
President Bush. Well, that's the work we've got to do. First, our
beef is not with the people of Iraq; it's with Saddam Hussein. And
secondly, any time anybody suffers in Iraq, we're concerned about it.
And I would, however, remind you that Saddam's got a lot of oil money,
and it would be helpful if he would apply it to helping his people.
Having said that, to the extent that sanctions are hurting the Iraqi
people, we're going to analyze that.
Colin is really going to listen. He's going to solicit opinion from
our friends and folks in the Middle East. And prior to the formulation
of any policy, we will have listened, and then I will, of course,
consult with friends and allies such as the Prime Minister here, as we
develop a policy that we hope and know will be more realistic.
The Prime Minister said something interesting, though. A change in
sanctions should not in any way, shape, or form, embolden Saddam
Hussein. He has got to understand that we are going to watch him
carefully, and if we catch him developing weapons of mass destruction,
we'll take the appropriate action. And if we catch him threatening his
neighbors, we will take the appropriate action. A change in the sanction
regime that is not working should not be any kind of signal whatsoever
to him that he should cross any line of--and test our will, because
we're absolutely determined to make that part of the world a more
peaceful place by keeping this guy in check.
Q. Thank you very much.
President Bush. See you at the gym.
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Note: The President's third news conference began at 4:45 p.m. in the
Green Top Camp Dining Hall. In his remarks, he referred to Prime
Minister Blair's wife, Cherie; President Vladimir Putin of Russia; and
President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. This item was not received in time for
publication in the appropriate issue.