04 December 2002

Bush Says Al Qaeda Involved in Kenya Attacks, December 4, 2002

(Speaks to reporters following a bill signing ceremony)

BUSH SAYS AL QAEDA INVOLVED IN TERRORIST ATTACKS IN KENYA

President Bush says he believes that al Qaeda was involved in the November 28 terrorist attacks in Kenya on the Paradise Hotel near Mombasa, and the failed attempt to shoot down an Israeli-chartered airline as it took off from Mombasa airport.

In the attacks, a car packed with explosives detonated at the hotel, killing the occupants of the car as well as 10 Kenyans and three Israelis. Several minutes earlier, two missiles narrowly missed the plane filled with Israeli tourists.

Speaking to reporters at the White House December 4 following a bill signing, Bush said, "I believe that al Qaeda was involved in the African bombings, in Kenya. I believe al Qaeda hates freedom. I believe al Qaeda will strike anywhere they can in order to disrupt a civil society. And that's why we're on the hunt. And we're making progress, slowly but surely we're dismantling the al Qaeda network."

"It doesn't matter how long it takes to find them, we'll find them. And we're going to bring them to justice," Bush said. "And the good news is, is that the free world ... recognizes the threats that we all face, and therefore, we're more bound together than we've ever been, in cutting off money, in sharing intelligence, and bringing people to justice."

BUSH SAYS TERRORISM DISRUPTS MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

President Bush, in his December 4 remarks to reporters, said he is "concerned that terrorists have disrupted the ability for peace-loving people" to move the Middle East peace process forward.

"And so I fully understand the Israeli government's attempt to stamp out terror, because we'll never have peace so long as terrorists are able to disrupt," he said.

"I'm also concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people. I'm concerned about suffering that has taken place as a result of the activities of terrorists," said Bush.

"We're working with the Sharon government to allow for tax receipts to be redistributed amongst the Palestinian people. And there are a lot of non-governmental organizations doing work within the Palestinian territory to make sure that people don't starve.

"But the net effect of terrorism is to not only stop the peace process, but is to cause suffering amongst all the people of the region," he said. "And that's why our war against terror must -- must remain steadfast and strong, wherever terror exists."

BUSH SIGNS AFGHAN AID BILL

President Bush December 4 signed into law legislation authorizing the United States to spend approximately $3 billion over the next four years for reconstruction and peacekeeping in Afghanistan, the White House said.

BUSH TO LIGHT MENORAH IN HONOR OF HANUKKAH, ATTEND EID CEREMONY

In the early evening December 4, Bush was scheduled to light a menorah in honor of Hanukkah, one of many events scheduled for this week to kick off the holiday season at the White House. The Jewish holiday, which began November 29, celebrates the Festival of Lights.

On December 5, Bush will attend an Eid ceremony, marking the end of Ramadan, at the Islamic Center in the nation's capital.

BUSH: "WE FIGHT NOT A RELIGION, BUT A GROUP OF FANATICS"

In his December 4 question and answer session with reporters, Bush was asked to comment on a new report from the Pew Global Project on Attitudes that shows a sharp deterioration in public approval of the United States, particularly among Muslim nations and key allies like Turkey and Pakistan.

Following was Bush's response:

"Well, I haven't seen the report. As you know, I remain skeptical about polls. I don't run my administration based upon polls and focus groups. I'm running this war against terror based upon freedom and doing my obligation to make sure our children can grow up in a free and safe society.

"I hope the message that we fight not a religion, but a group of fanatics which have hijacked a religion is getting through. I understand the propaganda machines are cranked up in the international community that paints our country in a bad light. We'll do everything we can to remind people that we've never been a nation of conquerors; we're a nation of liberators. And I would ask the skeptics to look at Afghanistan, where not only this country routed the Taliban, which was one of the most barbaric regimes in the history of mankind, but thanks to our strength and our compassion, many young girls now go to school for the first time.

"General McNeil, who is our general in Afghanistan, was in today in the Situation Room and gave me a briefing about the human condition in Afghanistan. It's improving dramatically. There are projects after projects after projects going forward with the United States and other NGOs involved to improve the human condition.

"The Muslim world will eventually realize, if they don't now, that we believe in freedom, and we respect all individuals -- unlike the killers, we value each life in America. Everybody is precious. Everybody counts.

"And to the extent that we need to continue to make that message work, we will try to do so. But the best thing we can do is to show results from our activities, and be able to point to the fact that not only did we liberate Afghanistan from the Taliban, we remain in place, with a lot of aid and a lot of help. And the suffering of the human condition is improving, and suffering is less because of the United States of America."