*EPF503 07/16/2004
White House Report, July 16: Iraq, Army Deserter, Week Ahead
(Iraq moves to improve security, U.S to seek custody of army deserter Jenkins, week ahead) (550)

IRAQ ����TAKES STEPS' TO IMPROVE SECURITY

Iraq is taking steps to address security threats and "assuming full responsibility for their country's future," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters July 16.

When asked about Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's recent announcement on a new Iraqi intelligence service, McClellan responded, "Allawi has made it very clear that they will defeat the terrorists, that the terrorists will not prevail."

In a July 15 news conference, Allawi announced the creation of an intelligence service, the General Security Directorate, designed to fight the ongoing insurgency in the country. The announcement included a warning about the possibility for increased violence in Iraq over the coming weeks.

"The Iraqi interim government is now in place and is taking responsibility for their future," said the spokesman, "They are determined to build a free and peaceful future, and they are determined to defeating the terrorists who are in their country. And we're there to work with them."

McClellan said that continued opposition to the Iraqi government is not surprising "because [terrorists] know [the transition] will be a significant blow to their vision."

"The most important step that we're focused on is helping to train and equip the Iraqi security forces, so that they can provide for their security in the long-run," he said, "And you're seeing those Iraqi security forces take steps to go after those terrorists that are in their country.

UNITED STATES SEEKS CUSTODY OF ALLEGED ARMY DESERTER

The White House spokesman confirmed that the United States intends to ask the Japanese authorities to turn over custody of former U.S. soldier Charles Jenkins once he is in Japan.

Jenkins, accused of deserting the Army and fleeing to North Korea in 1965, is scheduled to travel to Japan for medical treatment this weekend.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said July 15, "We intend to request custody when we have the legal opportunity to do so."

"That's the administration's position," McClellan said, "They've expressed our views."

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, July 19: President Bush will meet with the president of Chile and, later that afternoon, with the prime minister of Malaysia. The president will also participate in a photo opportunity with the winner of the 2004 Indianapolis 500 car race.

Tuesday, July 20: President Bush will attend campaign events at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and St. Charles, Missouri.

Wednesday, July 21: The president will address the 2004 National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee's President's Dinner in Washington.

Thursday, July 22: President Bush will sign the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 at the White House. Then he will go to Glenview, Illinois, where he will tour the Northeastern Illinois Public Training Academy and address the local Homeland Security office. He will attend a Victory 2004 dinner in Winnetka, Illinois.

Friday, July 23: The president will address the 2004 Urban League Conference in Detroit, and then travel to Crawford, Texas, to address a Victory 2004 dinner.

Saturday, July 24: Thursday, July 29: President Bush will be at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. No public events are scheduled.

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

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