Resolution 1701 authorizes an effective international force to deploy to Lebanon, which is essential to peace in the region, and

An international force requires international commitment. Previous resolutions have failed in Lebanon because they were not implemented by the international...

Deployment of this new international force will also help speed delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our Nation is wasting no time in helping the people...

I’ve directed that an oil spill response team be sent to assist the Lebanese Government in cleaning up an oil slick that is endangering coastal communities;...

America is making a long-term commitment to help the people of Lebanon because we believe every person deserves to live in a free, open society that...

I’ll be glad to answer some questions, starting with you, Terry [Terence Hunt, Associated Press].

No. I am aware that extremists and terrorists are doing everything they can to prevent Iraq’s democracy from growing stronger. That’s what I’m...

The final history in the region has yet to be written. And what’s very interesting about the violence in Lebanon and the violence in Iraq and the...

Yes, thank you. I like to remind people about how this started, how this whole—how the damage to innocent life, which bothers me—but again, what...

Let me finish—let— ma’am, let me—ma’am, please let me finish the question. It’s a great question, to begin with. The followup was a little...

Yes. [Laughter] It’s kind of like dancing together, isn’t it? [Laughter]

Yes. Yes, Martha [Martha Raddatz, ABC News]. Sorry.

Iraq

You know, Martha; you’ve covered the Pentagon; you know that the Pentagon is constantly adjusting tactics because they have the flexibility from the...

The strategy is to help the Iraqi people achieve their objectives and their dreams, which is a democratic society. That’s the strategy. The tactics—now,...

Sounded like the question to me.

If I didn’t think it would work, I would change the—our commanders would recommend changing the strategy. They believe it will work. It takes time...

Yes. No, listen—all the more reason why we need to help our friends and allies get the forces necessary to help the Lebanese forces keep the cessation...

Well, we’re pressing on all. I was asked about the French the other day at Camp David, and I—listen, France has had a very close relationship with...

I certainly hope so. In order for the U.N. to be effective, there must be consequences if people thumb their nose at the United Nations Security Council....

You know, I don’t know. I certainly want to solve this problem diplomatically, and I believe the best chance to do so is for there to be more than...

I’m not—I do remember the meeting; I don’t remember being surprised. I’m not sure what they meant by that.

Oh. No, I think—first of all, to the first part of your question, if you look back at the words of Zarqawi before he was brought to justice, he made...

Frustrated? Sometimes I’m frustrated—rarely surprised. Sometimes I’m happy. This is—but war is not a time of joy. These aren’t joyous times....

The truth of the matter is, if 1559, that’s the United Nations Security Council resolution number, had been fully implemented, we wouldn’t be in...

Not really. I mean, yes, eventually, you’re right. But in the meantime, there will be a—there’s a security zone, something to—where the Lebanese...

Good to see you. Yes, it’s good to see you. Sorry we didn’t spend more time in Crawford. I knew you were anxious to do so.

That’s good. [Laughter] That’s why we love seeing you.

You know, I don’t have the criterion in front of me, Mark, but we have a strict criterion that we utilize—‘‘we’’ being the Justice Department...

I’ve been talking about gas prices ever since they got high, starting with this—look, I understand gas prices are like a hidden tax—not a hidden...

Yes, thanks. You know, I went to New Orleans, in Jackson Square, and made a commitment that we would help the people there recover. I also want the...

Let me finish. Thank you. We provided about $1.8 billion for education. That money has gone out the door. We want those schools up and running. As I...

I was concerned at first about how much Congress and the taxpayers would be willing to appropriate and spend. I think $110 billion is a strong commitment,...

Well, let me address that, and I promise you can ask that other one. As I mentioned to you, the strategy from the get-go was to work with the local...

That’s not—wait a minute. [Laughter]

I think the best way to do this is for the Federal Government’s representative, Don Powell, to continue to work with Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco...

Well, counterfeiting U.S. dollars is an issue that every President ought to be concerned about. And when you catch people counterfeiting your money,...

You’re welcome. What all of us in this administration have been saying is that leaving Iraq before the mission is complete will send the wrong message...

I already have.

I’m going to stay out of Connecticut. [Laughter]

Shhh. [Laughter] I may be the only person—the only Presidential candidate who never carried the State in which he was born. Do you think that’s...

That is—so I’m not going to say it——

I don’t want anybody to know that I think it’s ridiculous. Look, I’m not through yet.

And by the way, I’m staying out of Connecticut because that’s what the party suggested, the Republican Party of Connecticut. And plus, there’s...

Right. I’ve listened to them very carefully. I’m a thoughtful guy. I listen to people. [Laughter] I’m openminded. I’m all the things that you...

I don’t need to, now that you’ve stood up and everybody can clearly see for themselves. [Laughter]

Thank you. Look, I mean, Presidents care about whether people support their policies. I don’t mean to say, I don’t care; of course I care. But I...

Let me finish. On the other hand, Ken, I don’t think you’ve ever heard me say—and you’ve now been covering me for quite awhile, 12 years—I...

I square it because, imagine a world in which you had Saddam Hussein who had the capacity to make a weapon of mass destruction, who was paying suiciders...

What did Iraq have to do with what?

Nothing, except for it’s part of—and nobody has ever suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a—the lesson...

Oh, good. I’m glad you found work. [Laughter]

I believe that Plan B ought to be—ought to require a prescription for minors; that’s what I believe. And I support Andy’s decision. Thanks for...

They may be a little too fancy for you.

Absolutely, you’re coming back.

Coming back to the bosom of the White House. [Laughter] I’m looking forward to hugging you when you come back, everybody. When are you coming back?

May, is that when it is scheduled?

What do you think this is, a correspondents dinner or something? [Laughter]

Thank you all.

No. [Laughter]