US still committed to fighting terrorism, vows Bush
Speaking hours after the latest suicide bombing in Israel, the president joined with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to recommit the US and its allies to fighting terrorism across the globe.
“This is still a dangerous world we live in, and clearly the attack in Saudi Arabia means we have to be alert here at home,” he said.
Ms Arroyo, a staunch US ally in the war on terror and in Iraqi reconstruction, was welcomed with the pomp of a state visit. It is only the third such visit of Mr Bush’s presidency, and the first by the head of state of an Asian nation.
At their East Room news conference, the president called Ms Arroyo “a friend of America and a friend of freedom”. He also named the Philippines a major “non-NATO ally” a designation that gives the country greater access to US defence equipment and supplies.
Mr Bush said there would soon be another deployment of US forces to support Philippine-led anti-terrorism missions. Ms Arroyo said while some nations feel hostile toward the US, she believes “US leadership and engagement with the US makes the world a safer place for all of us to live in”.
Bombings in Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Israel have raised questions about Mr Bush’s ability to stem global terrorism.
He spoke shortly after a Palestinian riding a bicycle blew himself up near a military jeep, in the fourth Hamas suicide bombing in two days.
“We’re still on the road to peace,” Mr Bush said. “It’s just going to be a bumpy road. But I’m not going to get off the road until we achieve the vision.”
The argument over how to rein in the militants and halt violence has been holding up implementation of Mr Bush’s plan to bring peace to the Middle East. The so-called “road map” calls for parallel steps in the first stage, including a Palestinian crackdown on militants, an Israeli troop pullback from Palestinian towns and a construction freeze in Jewish settlements.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insists the Palestinians make the first move. He was to have discussed his objections with Mr Bush this week, but cancelled his trip after Sunday’s bus bombing. The Palestinians have accepted the plan.
Mr Bush, who plans to visit the Philippines in the autumn, was also feting the Philippine leader with a state dinner in the evening.
The president considers a formal state visit a high honour, and has bestowed it on only the leaders of two other countries: Mexico and Poland.
The visit was seen as a payback for Ms Arroyo’s loyal support in the fight against international terrorism.
Ms Arroyo was among the first world leaders to call Mr Bush and express condolences after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Ms Arroyo and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore were the only two Southeast Asian leaders to support the US-led war in Iraq. The Philippines is also sending a 175-member humanitarian mission to postwar Iraq.
Ms Arroyo is seeking duty-free privileges for Philippine products, such as dried mangoes, pineapple juice and tuna. She also wants Philippine businesses to get reconstruction contracts in Iraq and is trying to lure US firms to invest in operations on the islands.
The bombings this week in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, as well as the possibility of terror attacks in Southeast Asia, add to the urgency of her request for more US military aid.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
