National Issues

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during the period of March 14-16, 2008.

The President will welcome King Hamad of Bahrain to the White House on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The President looks forward to continuing the discussions begun during his visit to Bahrain in January and covering both the bilateral relationship between the United States and Bahrain, and regional issues. Following his meeting with King Hamad, the President will host the King at a working lunch.

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on March 17, 2008, and continuing.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, Nowruz a tan Mubarak. Secondly, that the people of the United States respects the people of Iran; that we respect the traditions of Iran, the great history of Iran. We have differences with the government, but we honor the people, and we want the people to live in a free society. We believe freedom is a right for all people and that the freer the world is, the more peaceful the world is. And so my message is, please don't be discouraged by the slogans that say America doesn't like you, because we do, and we respect you.

Q Today is the fifth-year anniversary of the U.S. military presence in Iraq. And my first question for you would be: As Commander-in-Chief, what are the areas you are most focused on, and most proud of, as U.S. forces and the Iraqi forces continue to work towards stability and security in Iraq?

THE PRESIDENT: My message to the young in Iran is that some day your society will be free, and it will be a blessed time for you. My message to the women of Iran is that the women of America share your deep desire for children to be -- to grow up in a hopeful society and to live in peace.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Five years ago tonight, I promised the American people that in the struggle ahead 'we will accept no outcome but victory.' Today, standing before men and women who helped liberate a nation, I reaffirm the commitment. The battle in Iraq is noble, it is necessary, and it is just. And with your courage, the battle in Iraq will end in victory."

President Bush on Wednesday said, "We had a good discussion. I admire the President. I admire what Georgia has gone through and what Georgia is doing. We had an interesting talk about a couple of subjects, one of which is the economic opportunities in Georgia. ...We talked about Georgia's contribution to democracy movements...We talked about the need for there to be peaceful resolutions of conflicts, while recognizing the territorial integrity and sovereign borders of Georgia. And finally, we, of course, talked about NATO."

Laura and I join in celebrating the 175th anniversary of relations between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand. The United States and Thailand have long been linked by bonds of trust, appreciation, and friendship. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed on March 20, 1833, solidified our commitment to working together for mutual benefit and marked the first agreement of its kind between the United States and an Asian nation. Over the past 175 years, our two governments have worked together on issues such as economic development, healthcare, and security. Today, we share a commitment to democracy and to free and fair trade as well as a respect for human rights. Our tradition of cooperation and support remains strong.

am pleased to announce that I have selected Kenneth L. Wainstein to serve as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Wisconsin and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by record snow and near record snow during the period of February 5-6, 2008.

For the millions of people who trace their heritage to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the New Year with the arrival of spring. This cherished and ancient festival brings together family and friends to reflect on what has come before and celebrate a season of new beginnings.

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to Kosovo will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.

President George W. Bush today announced that he has named two individuals to serve in his administration.

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual to serve in his Administration.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "I've come here as a vivid reminder to people in Congress who wonder whether or not trade is positive for America. It is. It's economically a good deal for our country. And I do have confidence that Congress will get it right. It may take a little persuading. It's going to take a lot of hard work. ...It may take some of you having to write letters to your senators and congressmen to remind them that trade is good. Confident nations are free traders."

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals, appoint two individuals and designate one individual to serve in his Administration: Philip T. Reeker, Christopher R. Wall, Miguel R. San Juan, Peter Pace, James B. Peake and Peter Schaumber

President Bush on Monday said, "In the long run, our economy is going to be fine. Right now we're dealing with a difficult situation and, Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you very much for your steady and strong and consistent leadership."

President Bush on Monday said, "We discussed a variety of issues. In particular, we talked about Northern Ireland, and the Taoiseach gets a lot of credit for showing a steady hand during a difficult period. And yet, as a result of perseverance and hard work, Northern Ireland is a different place than it was last year. And we congratulate the leaders there. And I just want the folks to know what I told the Taoiseach is true, that the United States will continue to stay engaged and will be very supportive of helping the process move forward."

President Bush on Monday said, "You know, there's an old Irish proverb that says, 'There is no strength without unity.' And so on this St. Patrick's Day, we can all take pride in the way that the United States and Ireland have come together to enrich each other in the world.