White House Report, July 23: Iraq, Argentina, Iran and Al-Qaeda, Medal of Freedom

President Bush praised Ambassador Paul Bremer, the chief U.S. administrator in Iraq, and gave examples of progress in stabilizing and rebuilding "a democratic and prosperous Iraq" in the July 23 speech Bremer gave in the White House's Rose Garden.

Some examples of progress that Bush cited include the deaths of Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay, renovation of Iraqi schools, restoration of damaged water, electrical and communications systems, and the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council.

Bush said that now the Iraqi Governing Council is in place, he urges "the nations of the world to contribute, militarily and financially, towards fulfilling Security Council Resolution 1483's vision of a free and secure Iraq."

"Nineteen nations are providing more than 13,000 troops to help stabilize Iraq, and additional forces will soon arrive," Bush said. "More than two dozen nations have pledged funds that will go directly towards relief and reconstruction efforts."

Even though some nations are contributing towards stabilizing and rebuilding Iraq, the Bush administration would like more nations to help. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan in his afternoon briefing said the United States appreciates the support from nations around the world and will continue to reach out to other countries and ask for help.

"We welcome more help and support from other countries in this effort, and I think that Resolution 1483 at the United Nations provides the authority for them to provide that help," McClellan said.

"We're in discussions with countries about how they can help, absolutely, on a regular basis, and how they can contribute to this important cause, which is bringing freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people," McClellan said. "This is about a better future for the Iraqi people, and despite whatever your view may have been before we took action, we can all work together on this important cause, which is crucial to stability and peace in the Middle East."

PRESIDENT BUSH WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA TO WHITE HOUSE

President Bush welcomed Argentine President Nestor Kirchner July 23 for a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House.

Bush and Kirchner discussed the global war on terrorism, bilateral partnership between America and Argentina, global and hemispheric trade and ways to work together to advance economic growth and prosperity and promote peace, freedom and stability, according to the White House Office of the Press Secretary.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClelland said Bush "supports President Kirshner's efforts to return Argentina to a path of sustainable growth, and the President will also underscore the importance of Argentina working constructively with international financial institutions."

U.S. WANTS IRAN TO HAND OVER SENIOR AL-QAEDA MEMBERS IF THEY HAVE THEM

McClellan said if Iran has senior members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization in its custody, then they should turn them over to the United States. He said he could not confirm press reports saying Iran has senior Al-Qaeda members in its custody.

"If they're in custody, they have them, they need to turn them over," McClellan said. "We've made that very clear."

"I'm not in a position where I can confirm the accuracy of those statements by the Iranians, nor am I exactly sure what the term 'custody' means," McClellan said. "The statements would appear to confirm what we and others believe to be a significant Al-Qaeda presence in Iran, to include members of its senior leadership. These terrorists, we've made very clear, must be brought to justice. We, along with a number of our allies, have called on Iran to turn these terrorists over to the United States or to their countries of origin so that they will face justice for their terrorist activities."

"What I can say is that we have expressed concerns about their support and harboring of terrorists," McClellan said. "We have expressed concern about Al-Qaeda terrorists in Iran. I think the Iranians know who they are, they know what they need to do".

BUSH AWARDS PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO 11 RECIPIENTS

President Bush presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 11 recipients July 23 in the East Room of the White House.

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is America's highest civil award," Bush said. "It is conferred upon men and women of high achievement in the arts and entertainment, public service, science, education, athletics, business and other fields."

The 11 recipients were Jacques Barzun, Julia Child, Roberto Clemente Walker, Van Cliburn, Vaclav Havel, Charlton Heston, Edward Teller, R. David Thomas, Byron Raymond White, James Q. Wilson, and John R. Wooden.

Bush met with Medal of Freedom recipient Vaclav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic, before the afternoon awards ceremony. McClellan said the two "had a very good visit."

"The President was very pleased to welcome a great friend, statesman and strong leader for freedom to the White House, President Havel, the former President of the Czech Republic," McClellan said.