*EPF401 09/13/01
Bush Continues to Rally International Support Against Terrorism
(Talks with world leaders, visits New York City Sept. 14) (840)
By Wendy S. Ross
Washington File White House Correspondent

Washington -- President Bush is continuing work to build a global coalition against terrorism in response to the attacks on New York City and Washington earlier in the week.

He told White House correspondents the morning of September 13 that he had already been on the phone, like the day before, with leaders from around the world who express their solidarity with the United State's "intention to rout out and to whip terrorism."

These leaders, he said, fully understand, "that an act of war was declared on the United States of America. They understand as well that that act could have easily been declared on them."

He said they join him "in solidarity" about holding those responsible who fund terrorists, harbor them, and encourage them, Bush said.

The terrorists, he pointed out, "can't stand freedom. They hate our values. They hate what America stands for. Many of the leaders understand it could have easily happened to them."

White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters that Bush arrived in the Oval Office at approximately 7:10am and "made a series of phone calls to world leaders, including Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan, Prime Minister Berlusconi of Italy, Lord Robertson of NATO, and Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

"All four expressed their condolences and deepest sympathies to the people of the United States over this terrorist attack, and all four told the President that they stand united with the people of the United States in combatting terrorism, said Fleischer.

There has been an "outpouring of support" for the United States, Bush said, noting phone conversations with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Jiang Zemin and added that he had had "a great" conversation this morning with His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

"There is universal support for the American people," he said, and an "understanding that we have just seen the first war of the 21st century. And there is universal approval of the statements I have made, and I am confident there will be universal approval of the actions this government takes," Bush said.

He also said that he appreciated the statement "that the Pakistani leader gave about...his willingness to work with the United States. And I appreciated that statement. And now we'll just find out what that means, won't we?" he said.

"We will give the Pakistani government a chance to cooperate and to participate as we hunt down those people who committed this unbelievable, despicable act on America."

The President spoke with reporters following a televised phone conversation from the Oval Office with New York Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Bush thanked them both for the heroic efforts the people of New York City are making to deal with the aftermath of the attacks on the Twin Towers, and said he plans to visit New York September 14, following a prayer service at Washington's National Cathedral.

"I want to let you know there is a quiet anger in America that really is real," said the President.

Bush said he looked forward to joining with both Pataki and Giuliani "in thanking the policemen and firemen, the construction trade workers, the restaurant owners, the volunteers, all of whom have really made a huge display for the world to see of the compassion of America and the bravery of America and the strength of America.

"Every world leader I've talked to in recent days has been impressed by what they have seen about our nation and the fabric of our nation," the President said.

"But make no mistake about it, my resolve is steady and strong about winning this war that has been declared on America. It's a new kind of war, and I understand it's a new kind of war. And this government will adjust, and this government will call others to join us, to make sure the people who conducted these acts, and those who harbor them, are held accountable for their actions. Make no mistake."

Bush also urged tolerance towards the thousands of Arab-Americans who live in New York City "who love their flag just as much as the three of us do."

He said "we must be mindful that as we seek to win the war, that we treat Arab-Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve. I know that is your attitude as well, certainly the attitude of this government, that we should not hold one who is a Muslim responsible for an act of terror," said Bush.

The President left the White House immediately following his Oval Office phone call to go to Washington Hospital Center to visit victims of the attack on the Pentagon. Accompanying him was First Lady Laura Bush.

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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