pd08ap02 The President's Radio Address...

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    The President. He may be doing that; I just don't know. Mr. Arafat, 
he doesn't need a phone call from me. All he's got to do is watch what I 
just said, and that message will be delivered to him.
    Q. Mr. President, have we reached a point where there needs to be a 
more aggressive and more visible and public U.S. effort to quell the 
violence? And will that include greater outreach to the nations in the 
region?
    The President. Well, you may recall the Vice President has just 
returned from the region, which is a significant outreach. We're 
spending a great deal of time, in our capacity as the leader of a 
coalition against the war on terror, to continue not only our war in 
Afghanistan and elsewhere but also continuing to fight terror in this 
region.
    And every phone call I make, I remind people that if you're 
interested in peace--and the leaders I've talked to are interested in 
peace--we have all got to come together to stop terror. Our role is very 
visible, and our role is very active. And I firmly believe that we can 
achieve a peace in the region, but not until--not until--there is a 
concerted, united effort to rout terror out.
    Because what we're seeing is--we're seeing--for example, in South 
Carolina, I remember talking to you all and saying--this was on 
Thursday, saying--or Wednesday, saying that I was optimistic that we had 
a chance to get into Tenet. And by the time I got on the airplane and 
landed in Georgia, there had been this awful suicide bombing. And so it 
is a--it's clear to me the more progress we make toward achieving a 
cease-fire or meaningful security discussions, the more a killer 
organization will try to disrupt the process.
    And therefore, the best way to make sure that we can get some 
meaningful dialog going is to secure the--is to help secure the region, 
in particular, Israel's homeland, by a united front against terror. It's 
essential that we--``we'' meaning those who long for a peace--and again 
I repeat to you, every leader I've talked to said we need peace. But 
there needs to be a focused coalition effort in the region against 
peace--I mean, against terror, for peace.

Preventing Terrorism

    Q. You mentioned a moment ago that Iran and Syria need to do more.
    The President. Yes, I believe they do.
    Q. Can you identify other countries in the region who need to do 
more than they're doing now?
    The President. All the countries in the region must condemn terror, 
speak clearly about terror. I appreciate the fact that the Saudis have 
spoken about a vision for peace. I thought that was a very important 
statement. It recognized Israel's right to exist. And that's essential. 
The corollary to that is, in order for Israel to exist, terror must 
stop.
    I can understand why the Israeli Government takes the actions they 
take. Their country is under attack. Every day there has been a suicide 
bombing, and every day the Government sees the loss of innocent life.
    On the other hand, I understand why some Palestinians feel so 
hopeless. There is a--the loss of innocent life on the Palestinian side 
is too much. But the Palestinians, particularly those who long for a 
peaceful resolution, the independent statehood of the Palestinians--is a 
part of that peaceful solution, but they must do everything in their 
power to stop terrorist activity.
    Q. On Iran and Syria, do you have any evidence that those countries 
are directly involved in the latest series of bombings?
    The President. No, I do not have evidence. But I saw, for example, 
that Syria once again walked out of the U.N. when there was a reasonable 
resolution put forward. That should say something.
    And secondly, I understand the connections between Hezbollah and 
Iran. And there has been no evidence--I don't know who's claiming credit 
for this bombing. I haven't seen Hezbollah's name mentioned. But 
nevertheless, that's terror; that's a terrorist organization, and--but 
no, I have no direct evidence. Nevertheless, I do know their influence 
in the region. And if they are interested in a peaceful resolution, they 
too need to be active about cutting off funds. And as you

[[Page 544]]

may recall, there was a ship that was intercepted by the Israelis, that 
came from Iran full of weapons.
    And so my point is, is that there needs to be a focused 
international effort to condemn--strongly condemn--as well as rout out 
terrorist activities. Otherwise, we will have a difficult problem in 
getting to a peaceful accord.
    There has been a framework laid out, and now the efforts will be 
focused, like they have been, on getting into the framework. In the 
meantime, Israel will defend herself. And again, I understand that.
    You will recall, as I said in my statement, that I hope Israel keeps 
in mind that there needs to be a road for peace. It's in the Israelis' 
interests, in my judgment, not only to defend herself but to keep in 
mind that there has got to be a peaceful resolution in order for her 
people to be able to grow up in a secure and peaceful world.

Israeli Action Against Chairman Arafat

    Q. Can I follow up on that point? Do you think that--it seems as if, 
even if they're not trying to physically harm Arafat, that they're 
trying to undermine him, undermine his leadership with the Palestinians. 
Do you think that serves any purpose?
    The President. I think Mr. Arafat could have done more 3 weeks ago 
and can do more today. I know I have been disappointed in his 
unwillingness to go 100 percent toward fighting terror. That includes 
using his security forces to help prevent suicide bombers from crossing 
certain lands, and that also means speaking out clearly, in his native 
tongue.
    I fully understand the frustrations of the Israeli people. I 
sympathize, and I sympathize with the frustrations of the Palestinian 
people, those who long for normalcy, those who want to send their kids 
to school and go to work. There's got to be a much more concerted effort 
by Chairman Arafat and others to stop terror. Terror is--so long as 
there's this reign of terror, there will be no peace. So therefore, 
stopping terror will make the conditions ripe for peace.
    Q. Mr. President, did we know in advance about the invasion? And 
what's your position now? Should the Israelis get out of the compound? 
Should they continue the military action or quit?
    The President. Israel is a democratically elected government, and 
the Government is responding to the will of the people for there to be 
more security. And Israel will make the decisions necessary to defend 
herself.
    My point to the Israeli Government is: As you do so, keep in mind 
there must be an avenue toward a peaceful settlement. As you defend 
yourself--and you have the right to do so--please keep in mind and work 
with the region to develop a strategy that will end up with a peaceful 
settlement.
    Thank you all for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 12:40 p.m. at the Bush Ranch. In his 
remarks, he referred to Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian 
Authority; U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Gen. Anthony Zinni, 
USMC (Ret.); Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia; President Jose Maria 
Aznar of Spain; and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel. The President 
also referred to the Mitchell report, the Report of the Sharm el-Sheikh 
Fact-Finding Committee, issued April 30, 2001, and the Tenet plan, the 
Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire and security plan of June 13, 2001, 
negotiated by Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet.


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[Page 544]
 
Pages 541-569
 
Week Ending Friday, April 5, 2002
 
Statement on the Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 
of the United Kingdom

March 30, 2002

    Laura and I were deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Her 
Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. On behalf of the American 
people, we send our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 
II and to the people of the United Kingdom for this tremendous loss. She 
was a pillar of strength and inspiration to many people all over the 
world.
    Laura and I and her many admirers throughout this Nation will miss 
her.

[[Page 545]]


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[Page 545]
 
Pages 541-569
 
Week Ending Friday, April 5, 2002
 
Remarks at the White House Easter Egg Roll

April 1, 2002

    Welcome to the White House. Laura and I are so glad that you came 
this year, especially given what happened last year: It rained. But 
today we have beautiful weather, and we hope you have a great time here 
at the traditional Easter egg roll.
    I want to thank all the members of my Cabinet and their family 
members who are here. I want to thank the children's book authors who 
are here. And we hope you listen to those who read books to you. We want 
to encourage you to read a lot. As a matter of fact, we think it's 
important that you read more than you watch TV.
    I want to thank the entertainers who are here. Of course, I want to 
thank the Easter Bunny. [Laughter] We want to thank all the Embassies 
that are highlighting their spring traditions. I want to thank the 
volunteers who have worked so hard to make this a successful Easter egg 
roll.
    You know, one of the things that children say to me all the time--
they say, ``I want to come see your home, Mr. President.'' I said, 
``This isn't our home. This is your home, and you're welcome to the yard 
of your home.'' We're so glad you're here.
    Do you know that since 1878, Presidents have hosted this event. And 
it is our honor to continue this tradition. The first President who did 
so was a guy named Rutherford B. Hayes. He decided to have the Easter 
egg roll here at the White House because the Members of the United 
States Congress said you couldn't be--they wouldn't want to host the 
Easter egg roll anymore on the congressional grounds.
    Just to show you we don't hold a grudge, we've invited Members of 
the U.S. Congress here. And you're welcome, and thank you all for 
coming. [Laughter]
    I also am really looking forward to starting the Easter egg roll. I 
want everybody to have a great time here. It is our honor to host you 
all. And I'd like to end by this simple--this simple statement: May God 
bless your families, and may God continue to bless the United States of 
America.

Note: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.


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[Page 545-547]
 
Pages 541-569
 
Week Ending Friday, April 5, 2002
 
Remarks Following a Meeting With Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor 
Michael Bloomberg and an Exchange With Reporters

April 1, 2002

Governor's Island Transfer

    The President. I have just informed the Governor and the mayor, the 
Governor of New York and the mayor of New York City, that the Federal 
Government will transfer Governor's Island to the people of New York. 
I'll never forget choppering over Governor's Island with George and Rudy 
Giuliani, Mike Bloomberg's predecessor, and the two leaders talking 
about what good use Governor's Island could be put to.
    Since that time, I've studied the statements of Mayor Bloomberg, who 
extensively talked about Governor's Island and how to improve Governor's 
Island and how to make it a center of educational excellence, something 
dear to George Pataki's heart. I looked at the law, looked at the 
circumstances, and decided this morning that this was the right thing 
for the U.S. Government, and it's the right thing for the people of New 
York.
    I appreciate so very much the vision of these two leaders, and I 
appreciate their heartfelt concern for the citizens of New York City and 
the region. And so I want to welcome to the Oval Office with this piece 
of news.
    George, why don't you say a few words?

[At this point, Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg made brief remarks.]

    The President. I know you will. Thanks.
    I'll be glad to answer a few questions.

Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority

    Q. Mr. President, what specifically would you like for Chairman 
Arafat to do, what specific action you'd like him to take in the Middle 
East? And in light of the current situation in Israel, does the Bush 
doctrine on terrorism not apply in this case?

[[Page 546]]

    The President. Well, first of all, there will never be peace so long 
as there's terror. And all of us must fight off--fight terror. And you 
asked about Chairman Arafat. I'd like to see Chairman Arafat denounce 
the terrorist activities that are taking place, the constant attacks.
    We've got a plan that will lead to peace, the security plan called 
Tenet; there's a political plan called Mitchell. Both sides have agreed 
to this plan, and we urge the parties to accept the Tenet plan so that 
we can bring some--a peaceful resolution to an issue that's affecting 
the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike. There's a lot of innocent 
people who hurt in the region because of the senseless violence and 
senseless murder.
    Q. Mr. President, I'd like to follow up on Sonya's [Sonya Ross, 
Associated Press] question. Under your doctrine, a terrorist or someone 
who aids a terrorist is the equivalent of a terrorist. So what's keeping 
Chairman Arafat--what's keeping you from labeling Chairman Arafat a 
terrorist?
    The President. Chairman Arafat has agreed to a peace process. He's 
agreed to the Tenet plan. He's agreed to the Mitchell plan. He has 
negotiated with parties as to how to achieve peace. And of course, our 
hope is that he accepts the Tenet plan. That's what General Zinni is in 
the Middle East doing, working to get this Tenet agreement in place, 
which is a series of concrete steps to reduce the violence in the Middle 
East.

President's Involvement in Middle East

    Q. There were various calls on the Sunday talk shows for you to 
become more actively involved in this process, sir. Is there any way you 
would do that?
    The President. You know, they must have not been with me in Crawford 
when I was on the phone all morning long, talking to world leaders. 
We've just come from a National Security Council meeting where Colin 
Powell was recounting his phone conversations. We've got General Zinni 
in the region. We've got a Tenet plan, a Mitchell plan, a roadmap to 
what will be a peaceful resolution to this issue.
    I hope that the world community will continue to condemn terror, and 
if they haven't condemned terror yet, start condemning terror. It's 
essential for the peace of the region and the world that we rout out 
terrorist activities, that we condemn those activities. Suicide bombers 

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