White House Gaggle

By Sogomon Tarontsi
THE PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE: President Bush had his usual briefings this
morning. He will tape his Radio Address shortly. At 11:00, the president
will meet with the prime minister of Canada, followed by remarks in the Rose

Garden at 11:45. The president and the prime minister will talk about the
progress on the war on terrorism as well as about bilateral and regional
issues. The president will have lunch in his residence with the prime
minister. At 1:45, President Bush will sign an executive order creating an
interagency working group on American Indian and Alaskan Native education.
The president will meet the president of Guatemala at 2:30.

IRAQ: The president will talk about Iraq in his Radio Address. Responding
to a question about the progress of the American objectives in Iraq, Press
Secretary Scott McClellan said that "the vital objective was the removal of
the regime, and our troops performed superbly, with skill and courage, in
meeting that objective." McClellan also said that the administration
welcomes Iraqis "being involved in the fight against those who are trying to
take the freedoms that are taking root in Iraq." McClellan expressed
confidence that the coalition forces working with Iraqis will secure
Fallujah. Answering a question about the position of the Russian government
on the situation in Iraq, McClellan said the American side finds it
important to pass a new Security Council resolution to encourage more U.N.
participation in Iraq once sovereignty is transferred back to the Iraqis.

THE WEEK AHEAD: On Wednesday, the president’s schedule includes a meeting
with the prime minister of Singapore, remarks on Cinco de Mayo, and an
attendance of National Republican Committee Gala in Washington. On
Thursday, the president will make remarks on the National Day of Prayer and
meet with King Abdullah of Jordan. On Friday, the president will participate
in a bus tour and make remarks in Dubuque, Iowa, followed by "Ask President"
event in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, and remarks at a rally La Crosse,
Wisconsin.