White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
April 18, 2006

President’s Schedule

President Bush had his usual intelligence briefings this morning. At 9.20 am in Rose Garden, he will announce his nominee for Director for Office of Management and Budget. At 11.10 am, the President hosts Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of Lebanon. This afternoon, the President departs for Rockville, Maryland, where he will visit the Parkland Magnet Middle School for Aerospace and Technology. He will also make remarks on the American Competitiveness Initiative. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan briefs the press at 12.45 pm today.

Announcement: Jim Towey, head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiative will resign and is announcing his new position as President at St. Vincent University, PA.

Meeting with Prime Minister of Lebanon

When asked about the agenda for the meeting between President Bush and Prime Minister Siniora, McClellan replied that the President will reiterate the strong commitment of the United States towards Lebanon’s freedom, prosperity, and sovereignty. They are expected to discuss a range of issues, in particular democratic reform in Lebanon and the Middle East as well as making sure that UN Security Council resolutions are adhered to. "We stand with the Prime Minister and we support his efforts and the people of Lebanon, as they work to build a peaceful and democratic future", McClellan stated. He also said that, "We will continue to talk about the importance of making sure that there is no outside interference to destabilize Lebanon."

Nepal

McClellan was asked to comment on the violence in Nepal and he replied that the White House has expressed concerns and made their views very clear. "The King’s call for dialogue with the constitutional political parties is an acknowledgement of the path that must be taken to overcome the current crises, but we don’t believe that is goes far enough," McClellan said.