*EPF303 11/10/2004
White House Report, November 10: Iraq, Cabinet Personnel, Iftar, Guest Workers
(Securing Fallujah part of strategy to make elections possible, McClellan says) (660)

ATTACK ON FALLUJAH PART OF INTEGRATED POLITICAL-MILITARY STRATEGY AGAINST INSURGENTS

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has been moving forward with an "integrated political military solution" to defeat terrorists and insurgents who seek to thwart Iraq's transition toward democracy.

Speaking at the November 10 White House press briefing, McClellan said the effort by U.S. and coalition forces to secure and stabilize Fallujah is "one part" of that strategy. He added that "great progress" has also been made in a number of areas including Najaf and Samarra.

McClellan also said Iraqis are registering to vote and are responding positively to the political process.

"I think we've seen that [Iraqis] want to move forward as quickly as they can to hold free and fair elections. And we remain committed to helping them accomplish that goal," McClellan said.

Elections are set for the end of January 2005, and McClellan said that while security challenges need to be addressed, "we believe we are on schedule."

BUSH NAMES ALBERTO GONZALES AS NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL

President Bush announced his nomination of Judge Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General of the United States. Gonzales currently serves in the White House as Counsel to the President.

"As the top legal official on the White House staff, he has led a superb team of lawyers and has upheld the highest standards of government ethics," President Bush said November 10 at the White House. "My confidence in Al was high to begin with; it has only grown with time."

ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT, COMMERCE SECRETARY EVANS SUBMIT RESIGNATIONS

Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary of Commerce Don Evans have submitted their resignations to President Bush.

In a November 9 statement released by the White House, President Bush praised Ashcroft for making the fight against terrorism the top priority at the Department of Justice.

"I applaud his efforts to prevent crime, vigorously enforce our civil rights laws, crack down on corporate wrongdoing, protect the rights of victims and those with disabilities, reduce crimes committed with guns, and stop human trafficking," said Bush, as well as expressing appreciation for Ashcroft's efforts to fight Internet pornography.

In a separate statement, Bush praised outgoing Commerce Secretary Evans for his work "to advance economic security and prosperity for all Americans."

"To encourage job creation here at home, Don has worked closely with me to reduce taxes, open markets for American goods and services, and promote a level playing field abroad," Bush said November 9.

PRESIDENT BUSH AND FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH TO HOST IFTAR DINNER

President Bush and Mrs. Bush will host ambassadors and Muslim American leaders for an Iftar dinner at the White House as they break their Ramadan fast at sundown November 10.

"[T]onight is really a time to honor all Muslims. ... [T]he Muslim community makes America stronger and more hopeful because of their contributions," Press Secretary McClellan said.

The Iftar dinner is held to "honor the traditions of this great faith" and McClellan said President Bush is expected to discuss Ramadan and its significance as a "time of reflection and fasting and charity."

GUEST WORKER PLAN IS NOT "A BLANKET AMNESTY," SAYS MCCLELLAN

President Bush's proposed temporary guest worker program is "not an amnesty" for illegal aliens, but is a means to strengthen U.S. control over its borders while helping to provide more humane treatment for illegal workers who do not have legal protection.

"The president does not support a blanket amnesty," McClellan said. "The plan that he outlined was aimed at matching willing workers with willing employers and giving them temporary legal status as part of a temporary worker program."

The president remains committed to the plan, he said, saying its implementation would also help to meet an important domestic economic need.

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

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