White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
President’s Schedule

The President this morning received his daily security briefings. He then will welcome the King and Queen of Norway to the White House. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Norway’s independence. President and First Lady Bush will then travel to Pittsburgh and visit the Providence Family Support Center. The Bushes will talk about the need to empower parents and students to help young people make the right decisions for their future. This visit is part of the administration’s Faith Based Initiative called Helping America’s Youth.

Social Security

The President continues to welcome all ideas on reforming Social Security. A solution is needed "sooner rather than later" Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated. The President wants to foster a climate whereby all ideas and suggestions are welcome, the Press Secretary continued. The President will continue to meet with members of congress interested in solving this problem.

Tuesday’s Speech at National Defense University (NDU)

The President will deliver a speech on Tuesday at NDU to discuss the Global War on Terror. The President wanted to update the American public given the political changes currently taking place in the Middle East, McClellan noted. The Press Secretary will provide more detailed information during his afternoon briefing after reviewing the draft of the speech.

Italian Journalist Shooting

The President telephoned Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Friday to extend his condolences on the killing of an Italian agent that helped secure the freedom of an Italian journalist held captive in Iraq by insurgents. The White House views the episode as a tragic incident, McClellan stated. Yet, he continued, it is "absurd" to state that the U.S. military purposefully targeted the journalist’s vehicle. The Press Secretary noted that the highway to the Baghdad International Airport is one of the most dangerous roads in Iraq. "It is a combat zone," he stated, and added that troops must make split second decisions. He noted that many suicide attacks against U.S. forces have also occurred on that highway.

Syrian Troop Withdrawal Out of Lebanon

Scott McClellan stated the Syria’s intention to withdraw troops to the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon is a half measure taken by the Assad government. "We stand with the Lebanese people," McClellan stated. The International Community is also demanding a full withdrawal in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. McClellan was also asked to comment upon remarks made by Hezbollah’s leadership in support of Syria. "I am not interested in responding to Hezbollah," McClellan concluded.