*EPF302 05/05/2004
White House Report, May 5: Iraq, Singapore
(Bush seeks "strong steps" against prisoners abusers, meets with Singapore prime minister) (500)

BUSH WANTS "STRONG STEPS" AGAINST PRISONER ABUSERS

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters May 5 that the people responsible for alleged abuses of Iraqi prisoners will be held accountable.

"These images are appalling and the actions are inexcusable. What occurred was wrong and we will not tolerate it," McClellan said. "These actions do not represent what the U.S. stands for."

The spokesman said that President Bush received a briefing from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld May 5 on the investigation.

According to McClellan, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a press release January 16 about allegations of prisoner abuse and noting that investigations were under way.

"It is important that the investigation is carried out in an open and transparent way, and the president wants to know the facts and that strong steps are being taken against those who are responsible," the spokesman said.

At a May 4 speech to the Anti-Defamation League, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice said, "We are sorry for what occurred and what happened to the detainees, and we are deeply sorry for what their families must be feeling and going through."

The NSC Advisor reiterated the U.S. commitment to "get to the bottom of what happened."

The press secretary said that strong steps are being taken to make sure this does not happen again.

When asked about congressional reaction following a May 4 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, McClellan said. "The president believes it is important to keep Congress informed."

The press secretary said, "There is a real difference here between the way the United States addresses matters like this when they come to light and the way an oppressive brutal regime like Saddam Hussein handled matters of this nature.

"The former regime encouraged and tolerated this kind of activity, we don't tolerate it. We take steps to prevent it from happening and we take action against those who are involved in these shameful acts."

"That is why you are seeing strong actions taken by military leaders to address the matter," the press secretary said. "The vast majority of our men and women in the military are committed to holding high standards of conduct, and they are serving with honor and distinction."

BUSH MEETS WITH SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER

President Bush met with Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in the Oval Office May 5.

"They discussed the war on terrorism and the importance of reaching out to the Muslim world to help in the war against terror," the spokesman said. "They also discussed the Middle East peace process, Prime Minister Sharon's recent proposal, and the president's vision for a two-state solution."

McClellan noted that the two leaders also discussed regional issues, including issues related to trade and economic ties, North Korea, and China.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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