White House Gaggle

By Victoria Jones
October 17, 2006

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings. At 9.35 he will sign S3930 the Military Commissions Act 2006. There will be policy time at 10.50. There will be a ceremonial swearing in for the Secretary of Transportation. At 2.30 the President will meet with the Prime Minister of Croatia.

Military Commissions Bill

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow was asked if there would be a review of the prisoners at Guantanamo, some of whom have been there 5 years and never been charged. He said there is a consistent review. There is a problem with some nations who have been critical of Guantanamo, yet will not take their own citizens back One of the key things is to send them to countries where there are human right guarantees for them.
The bill is being signed today because there is a spot on the calendar, Snow said. In addition, members of Congress who have been involved in the process can attend.

Snow was asked if there was guidance on the executive order. He replied that there was not. There will be notification in the federal register. He did not know if it would be classified.

Snow was asked whether there are currently any detainees being held in secret prisons around the world. He replied that that is not public record and it will not be made public record.

North Korea

Snow was asked if there was evidence that North Korea is plotting another nuclear test. Snow said the North Koreans have made no secret of their desire to be provocative. The first test had a low yield. It would not be unreasonable to expect the North Koreans to want to try something again to be provocative. It would not be a good thing for them. It is reasonable to expect the government of North Korea to do what it can to test the will, determination and unity of the United Nations, the UN Security Council and the other members of the 6 party talks.

Chapter 7 sanctions under UN Resolution 1718 are already in place, and if the North Koreans believe people will give them a pass on this, they will find out that they are wrong, Snow said.