2001 US press briefings
The James S. Brady Briefing Room
2:20 P.M. EDT
MR. FLEISCHER: Good afternoon. The President today spoke with South Korean President Kim early this morning. President Kim reiterated the deep condolences of the Korean people and the government, and said that South Korea will fully cooperate in the antiterrorist effort in the spirit of the United States/Republic of Korea Mutual Defense Treaty. He also noted South Korea's readiness to participate in the international coalition.
President Bush thanked President Kim for South Korea's support and concerns for American people, and said we will stay in consultation about the war against terrorism. They both look forward to meeting in Seoul next month.
The President also spoke this morning with President Mbeki of South Africa. President Bush expressed his appreciation for South Africa's offer of search and rescue teams and medical assistance to help in America's recovery. President Mbeki offered his condolences and said that President Bush has taken on an important task to mobilize a global coalition against terrorism. The Presidents acknowledged the common threat of terrorism to both the United States and South Africa, and President Bush explained that his effort to go after terrorist sanctuaries, as well as countries who sponsor such evil.
Earlier today, as well, the President had a meeting with his National Security Council. He met with the President of Indonesia, and the two Presidents condemned the attack on the United States and pledged that they would strengthen existing cooperation in the global effort to combat international terrorism. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of religious freedom and tolerance and relations within and among nations.
As the leader of the world's largest Muslim population and the third largest democracy in the world, President Megawati joined President Bush in underlining the importance of differentiating between the religion of Islam and the acts of violent extremists, which has taken place in New York and here at the Pentagon in Washington, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace that neither teaches hatred nor condones violence.
President Megawati encouraged President Bush in his stated purpose of building a broad coalition across religious lines and cultures to deal with these new and dangerous threats. And noting also, President Bush noted also that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States. President Bush assured President Megawati that the American people respect Islam as one of the world's great religions, and that the United States would join hands with freedom-loving people around the world of all religions to combat international terrorism.
The President will meet with the Foreign Minister of Russia this afternoon. He will meet with the Foreign Minister of Germany this afternoon. And he will also meet with a bipartisan leadership group coming down from the Congress, including Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader Daschle, Minority Leader Gephardt and Minority Leader Lott, to discuss recent developments with the attack on the United States, as well as to discuss the important issues on the domestic agenda, particularly concerns about the American airline industry and a possible economic stimulus package, as well as whatever else may be on the minds of congressional leaders.
Finally, the President has noted the speech of President Musharraf today in Pakistan. The United States is very pleased with the cooperation of Pakistan, and President Musharraf's speech is an indication of the strong relationship between the United States and Pakistan to counterterrorism.
With that, Mr. Fournier?
Q Is the President definitely for a stimulus package, and it's just a matter of what it is? And does he think it's time now to give businesses a tax break after giving individuals tax breaks earlier in the year?
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, the President, first and foremost, wants to work with Congress, and work closely with Congress. And that's why he's looking forward to this meeting with the leaders. And he wants to hear what the Democrats say, what the Republicans say, and he wants to see how narrow or how wide the differences may be, because we are in a new era where the differences, really, between the two parties are narrowing out of a sense of trying to help the country.