02 November 2001

Nigerian President Obasanjo Holds Talks with Bush at White House

Washington -- "Terrorism must be fought and it must be fought to a standstill," Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo told reporters November 2 following talks at the White House with President Bush.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Bush, Obasanjo also pledged that Nigeria "will remain steadfastly part" of the U.S. led coalition against terrorism."

He noted that his nation has the largest population of Muslims in Africa, but is evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. "It is up to us to let our people, the citizens of our country, know that whatever faith they belong to, they are not safe as long as we allow terrorism to take hold of the world," he said.

The coalition, Obasanjo noted, has "the challenge to fight terrorism. It is also a challenge to make the world wholesome, more equitable, fairer and safer for all of us to live in. I believe that the coalition should not relax until that objective is achieved," he said.

Olusegun and Bush spoke with reporters in the Rose Garden, against a backdrop of Nigerian and U.S. flags.

It was the second meeting between the two leaders, but the first since terrorists hijacked commercial airliners and slammed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killing thousands of innocent civilians on September 11.

Obasanjo said he met with President Bush November 2 "to express solidarity, to express support, to express condolence for the terrorist attack on this country, on innocent people of all faiths and of all races on the 11th of September."

Bush said he and Obasanjo discussed "the totality of a war against terror," and ways to reinforce the message that innocent Muslims are not the target of such a war.

Obasanjo, he said, "has been a steadfast friend of the United States government and the United States people, before and after September 11th, and for that we're most grateful."

He told reporters that he had assured Obasanjo and the large Muslim population of Nigeria "that our war that we now fight is against terror and evil. It's not against Muslims. We both understand that the Islamic faith teaches peace, respects human life, is non-violent."

Bush thanked Obasanjo for his leadership in sending a message of tolerance and respect, and for understanding that the struggle against terrorism is going to be long and difficult.

"But we will prevail. We will win. Good will overcome evil," Bush said.

The ruling Taliban in Afghanistan, Bush said, are now paying a price for not meeting his demands to hand over the leaders of al Qaeda, to release the detainees, and to destroy the terrorist training camps.

The objective goes beyond just Afghanistan, Bush added. "That's why we're working on the financial front to cut off money. That's why I have encouraged nations all around the world to apprehend those who are known terrorists, and over 280 have been arrested thus far.

"That's why this coalition is so important, that it remain strong, to raise the risk for those who would like to conduct terrorist activities. That's why we're standing in solidarity with the Philippines, for example, that's working hard to get rid of Abu Sayef.

"In other words, this is a global battle. There happens to be two known fronts, two visible fronts: one, Afghanistan; and the other, the United States of America. And we're making good progress on both fronts," Bush said.

Bush told reporters that both he and Obasanjo recognize that economic prosperity throughout the world is more likely to make people appreciate rule of law and appreciate other people's points of view.

"That's one reason why I've been such a strong supporter of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), Bush said. "That's why I believe we ought to start a new round at Qatar, a new round for world trade. I believe prosperity can best be enhanced by a world that trades in freedom. And I think that's a significant part of making sure people are able to rise out of poverty," he said.