MR. DUFFY: The President was informed of the decision by staff near noon today. His reaction is the same today as it was yesterday, that he wants to get to the bottom of this. He said in September that he welcomes this investigation and has absolute confidence in the ability of the Justice Department to do a good job. He has directed the people of his administration, as he said on September 30th, to cooperate fully with the investigation. And no one more than the President of the United States wants to get to the bottom of this. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: The Justice Department made its decision independently, which is exactly the way it should be. As the Deputy Attorney General mentioned, the Justice Department, as a courtesy, informed the White House this morning. The White House was not consulted on the decision, which, again, is exactly the way it should be. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: That would be a good question for the Justice Department. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any further updates at this point. He gets back later today, I believe. And I assume when we have updates on that, we'll let you know.

Q What brought on the decision today to have a special prosecutor? MR. DUFFY: That would be a question you need to direct to the Justice Department. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: My understanding is that they -- the White House was informed of the decision. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I will have to see what I can do on that.

Q Yesterday you were asked about U.S. policy vis a vis Iran, and you said that there was no change in policy as a result of Iran's acceptance of international aid. Secretary Powell gave an interview yesterday, and was quoted as seeing those results as encouraging, and said that this was a -- there are things happening, and we should be open to the possibility of dialogue. Did Secretary Powell discuss that view with the President, and can you explain your response yesterday? MR. DUFFY: The U.S. has a clear and consistent policy towards Iran, and that policy has not changed. We have made clear to the Iranian government on many occasions our grave concerns regarding its support for terrorism, pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and others of its activities. The Iranians are well aware of the steps, and we look to them to overcome these concerns.

I would remind you that on July 12th, 2002, the President himself said that the future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran. There's a long history of friendship between the American people and the people of Iran. As Iran's people move towards a future defined by greater freedom, greater tolerance, they will have no better friend than the United States of America. That was the President's view in July, and that policy has not changed. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Secretary Powell referenced recent events, including the decision to allow surprise inspections of the nuclear plants. Does this President share the Secretary's view that recent developments are encouraging and warrant being open to greater dialogue with Iran? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Secretary Powell was expressing the views that the President spent -- the views that the President has expressed, that the future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any updates on the President's schedule at this time. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any updates on the President's schedule. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q About the notification on Attorney General...
seen at 14:22, 30 December in Whitehouse Press Briefings.

Q That was a joke.

Q About the notification on Attorney General Ashcroft's decision. Is this the first time the White House has been notified from the Justice Department about a step in this investigation, and if not, what are the updates the White House gets from Justice about the investigation? Can you characterize them daily, weekly, anything? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Yes.

Q Today's economic indicators trend. We have the -- consumer confidence was down, the manufacturing index in Chicago was down, existing home sales were down. What is the White House interpretation of that data? MR. DUFFY: Well, we'll continue to look at all the economic indicators as they come in. Other economic indicators have been positive -- obviously the 8.2 percent growth in the third quarter, the fact that the economy has produced near 300,000 jobs, the fact that retailers are seeing signs of the tax relief working and the American people actually spending the tax relief that was passed.

So the economic indicators need to be viewed in the larger context of the overall economic recovery. It's something that the President remains very focused on, and that he will continue to work towards more job creation and making sure that this recovery takes root.

Q Yesterday we asked you about whether or not the government has made any overtures to President Musharraf since he survived the second of two assassination attempts on -- against him in 11 days. It just would stagger our minds if the United States government hadn't done anything to reach out to the man. I know you would be offended if the circumstances were reversed. (Laughter.) Could you tell us about any overtures whatsoever, from the United States government to President Musharraf since Christmas day? MR. DUFFY: I don't have any updates on calls with world leaders and the President. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any updates on calls with world leaders that the President had. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: We'll have to get back to you on that, Jim. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I will. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q If we could just follow up on the same subject matter. We asked yesterday, did he call or did he not call? That should be a fairly easy thing to be able to assert, you know, a "yes" or "no" answer. We're not getting a "yes" or "no" answer. Should we read something into that? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I will.

Q And the same question yesterday about who was out there at the ranch. You were going to look into other -- MR. DUFFY: Friends and family and senior staff. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have anything further to say about his schedule. We'll update that as necessary. There are currently no plans for that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: They talk on the phone regularly and I know when he returned from his first sets of meetings with European leaders he actually did go to the White House. If there is news to update you there, we will get that to you. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I'll check on the specific manner in which the Envoy will brief the President, but that's all I have at this point.

Q Trent, has there been an update with North Korea on the six-party talks? What state of play are we at this morning? MR. DUFFY: I do, if I brought it with me. Let me get that for you, Suzanne, I don't have it with me.

Q Trent, Robert Novak writes in his column today that requests for proposals for the reconstruction of the $18.6 billion in contacts for reconstruction of Iraq have been delayed, that they were supposed to be going out by February 1st. And he quotes Pentagon sources and others as saying that that's been delayed now. Can you confirm that there has been a delay in the reconstruction money for Iraq? And, if so, what's the holdup? MR. DUFFY: No, I cannot. I would refer those questions to the Pentagon, which is overseeing all the contracting activity in the reconstruction of Iraq. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I'm not, personally, but I can check further.

Q Does the United States share Britain's concerns about a possible terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia pending? MR. DUFFY: I'm sorry? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any specific updates, but the United States is, as you know, on an alerted status of orange, and the United States remains concerned about terrorist activity here and across the globe and is doing everything it can to protect the American people and to work with our coalition partners in the war against terror. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Thanks, Trent. I guess Secretary Ridge is about to announce a new set of directives for international air carriers, ordering them to have armed air marshals on board those flights. Is that a matter that the President was consulted on, did he sign off on it, and is it in any way motivated by any frustration with how the French responded to concerns about those flights being commandeered? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Family? Okay, I'll have to get that. Since there are some questions about homeland security, you all know that Secretary Ridge is having a briefing at 3:30 p.m., so I assume he will answer all these questions in greater detail.

Q Trent, I missed your opening announcements. Did you say whether the President has been updated on mad cow? MR. DUFFY: I did. He has been receiving regular updates on the situation as necessary. He did speak with Secretary Veneman yesterday. And, as you know, Agriculture just concluded a briefing. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Well, the efforts to control and prevent BSE exposure is an ongoing priority for the federal government, it has been for many, many years -- and we have very strong safeguards in place, as evidenced by the fact that we've been able to deal with this current situation. But since the discovery of BSE in Canada in May, the administration has looked at all the options available to the federal government to further strengthen these safeguards so that we can continue to protect public health and the safety of the food supply. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: It's safe to say the administration is looking at options to further strengthen the safeguards for BSE. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Does the administration have a comment about Japan refusing to ease the ban on beef imports because of a lack of tighter regulations that they're asking for? And what about the 10 percent drop in the value of cattle futures since the announcement? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I'll see what I can get, Roger. I don't know if there's going to be anything from us on that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Well, the economy is one of the President's top domestic priorities. So from the extent that anything would impact our economy, the President is concerned. But the fact is, is that we need to do the appropriate things to deal with the situation so that our longer-term and shorter-term economy is not harmed.

But the President is always concerned about the economy, about job creation, about making sure that the recovery that's taking place really takes root and sustains itself into the future. So it's a point of concern for any time something might impact the economy.

Q Has the President spoken to Musharraf since these two assassination attempts? MR. DUFFY: I don't have anything to update you on phone calls with foreign leaders at this point. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I don't have any update from what's been said previously. I don't know what the latest was on that. I'll check. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: I'll be happy to check, sure.

Q Trent, should we expect the President to make a traditional cheese burger stop on New Year's Eve at the Coffee Station, as he has in years past? MR. DUFFY: I have no updates to the President's schedule. But borrowing a line from past gaggles, if we have something to announce, we'll announce it. (Laughter.) I've been waiting all my whole career to say that. (Laughter.) Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q On the Iran aid. Despite the fact...
seen at 13:53, 29 December in Whitehouse Press Briefings.

Q Any updates to his diet?

Q On the Iran aid. Despite the fact that this is a calamity, a catastrophe, is there any opportunity here to increase dialogue with Iran as a result of the aid and the contacts with Iranian officials? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: He is working at the ranch, doing the typical cedar clearing and cutting, I believe, today. I saw him toss a few horseshoes to Barney. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. DUFFY: Barney is a pretty good horseshoe...
seen at 13:53, 29 December in Whitehouse Press Briefings.

Q At Barney? (Laughter.)

MR. DUFFY: Barney is a pretty good horseshoe player.

Suzanne, I did get a North Korea update. The U.S. stands ready to resume the six-party talks at an early date, and without preconditions. And we are working with others to do so. Our goal in the talks is the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of North Korea's nuclear programs.

Anything else?

Q You all have gone to great pains to sort of play down what you hope to get out of Iran. This is a strictly humanitarian mission at this point. But is the administration at all encouraged by the fact you now have the U.S. military warplane that landed supplies there yesterday, the first time in 20 years you've had such a U.S. presence in that country? Is there a hope on the administration's part that this could lead to a greater level of cooperation with the Iranians? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: There's nothing to update you on, on his schedule. They are spending their time in Texas and, obviously, if he makes any - decides to take any trips outside of the ranch property, we will keep you guys posted on that.

Q Has he spoken with anyone in Iran? And what does he make of the situation after the earthquake? MR. McCLELLAN: Well, a couple things. One, this is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured and with the families of those who were killed. And we are offering humanitarian assistance and we will be putting out a statement a little bit later, so we'll get that to you as soon as we have that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We'll be discussing with Iran - again, we'll have a further statement out here shortly. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No updates on phone calls at this point. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I'd have to double-check. Check with State Department on that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: You need to check with State Department on that. He was asking what agency would that come through, humanitarian assistance. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Look, this is a terrible tragedy and we all come together behind the Iranian people at a time like this to assist those who have been injured and those families who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I'll see what else I can find out on that, Mark. I don't know off the top of my head. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We'll get you paper. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, we'll - Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: As soon as we can get it to you. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No updates on world leader calls at this point. Obviously, we'll keep you updated on that. Just a short time ago he completed his briefings, his usual briefings he has in t he morning. And I think that, again, in that instance, it's a reminder that the war on terrorism continues. And President Musharraf has been a strong partner in our global war on terrorism and we are continuing to work with him on our global efforts.

Q Has he spoken with Veneman at all, today or yesterday? MR. McCLELLAN: He has previously spoken with Secretary Veneman a couple of times - Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: -- he has continued to receive regular briefings and updates from senior staff on the case of BSE. Obviously, the Department of Agriculture is continuing to stay on top of it and keeping the public fully informed. They have another briefing going on probably as we are speaking now here on the plane. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: In fact, he's continued to eat beef. I think that Secretary Veneman and the health officials have provided the public assurances about the safety of our food supply, and assured the public about the extremely low risk that is involved in this matter. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: That's right. That's right, he is. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know specifically, but he has eaten beef in the last couple of days.

Q Scott, do you feel there has been enough French cooperation in the war on terror? I've been reading that there are differences between the way French investigators see the Air France incident and the way the U.S. sees it. MR. McCLELLAN: Well, a couple of things on that. One, the federal government, the United States government is continuing to work hard, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect the American people and prevent any possible attacks from happening in the first place. So we continue to work closely with states, with state governments, local communities and the private sector as we are in this higher alert level.

And we also continue to work very closely with our international partners, and we continue to share information with our international partners. You mentioned one, France. You know, we continue working to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect the American people, and we appreciate the assistance that is being provided by our international partners.

Q Should we expect the U.S. government to ask other overseas airlines to stop their flights in the event - MR. McCLELLAN: One, I'm going to leave specific questions like that to the Department of Homeland Security, since they are the lead agency on these matters - and that's because of the ongoing nature of the threat and the continuing efforts that are underway. So I don't want to get into further discussion of any of those specific details. But I think that, again, that we are working to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect the American people and prevent attacks from happening in the first place.

Q Are they expecting any visitors at the ranch while he's there? MR. McCLELLAN: We'll try to keep you posted. We don't necessarily always get into all the friends and families that visit there, but we'll try to keep you posted as we can. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, Steve Hadley is traveling with us, and he will be there. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Scott, on mad cow, he's only spoken with Veneman once?
seen at 11:12, 26 December in Whitehouse Press Briefings.

MR. McCLELLAN: A couple of times. He spoke to her I guess the first day, and then Wednesday, as well. And as I said, he's continued to receive briefings from senior staff and updates. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that Secretary Veneman addressed that just the other day, said it's kind of early to determine the economic impact. So that's a little bit premature to get into that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Those are standard measures that are in place that we may have taken, as well. You know, again, I think that right now the immediate focus is on doing everything we can to learn all the facts about this case of BSE. Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Agriculture recalled the meat that was produced, even though it was cuts that were unlikely to be infected or that would adversely impact public health. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: What do you mean by "special insight"? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Certainly, he certainly has that knowledge, but the special insight is given by those who are in the position - the health experts and those who are responsible for overseeing the strong safeguards that we have in place to prevent the spread of something of this nature. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think his focus is on the public health aspect of this and making sure that - we should always be working to make sure that we're doing everything we can to protect the food supply, and that includes looking at whether or not there are any additional safeguards needed n addition to the strong safeguards we have in place. So his focus is on the public health side of this. There have been strong safeguards that have been put in place since the 1990s. There has been a solid compliance record, as the FDA has pointed out, in terms of the ban on feed. The FDA stated that there is 99 percent compliance record on the feed ban. And there are additional safeguards that were put in place in the 1990s to prevent the spread of the case of BSE. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't. I can see what I can find out.

Q Any indication the leak probe is gaining momentum, about to come to a head? MR. McCLELLAN: I think that those questions you need to direct to the career officials over at the Department of Justice who are overseeing the investigation. The President's view remains the same. No one wants to get to the bottom of this more than the President of the United States, and that' s why he's directed the White House to work cooperatively with the career officials at the Department of Justice as they move forward on this investigation. I think those are questions you have to ask the career officials over there. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Those are questions you need to direct to the investigators.

Q New Year's Eve plans for the President and First Lady. MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't talked to them about it. It's still a few days away - we can't give you too much this far in advance, we'll spread it out. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that process is underway, so I expect he will spend some time working on it. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Mrs. Bush's mother is on the plane, that's the family that's on board. We don't discuss the daughters' plans. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I'll try to keep you posted on what we can about who's at the ranch. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Good evening. As the President has just announced, the Libyan Foreign Minister earlier tonight has stated that his government would disclose and dismantle all weapons of mass destruction in his country.

The Libyan statement, which we can provide to you, noted that Libyan experts had showed to U.S. and UK counterparts materials and equipment, including centrifuges and chemical munitions, and all programs for internationally proscribed weapons.

Libya, in this statement, promises that, "of its own free will has decided to eliminate these materials, equipment and programs so that Libya may be completely free of internationally proscribed weapons." In the statement, Libya also agrees to restrict itself to missiles with the range consistent with the MTCR parameters, which are 300 kilometers in range, with a payload of 500 kilograms.

In the statement, Libya accepts that these steps will be taken in a transparent and verifiable manner, including immediate international inspections.

And, finally, the Libyan statement confirms that Libya will be bound by the NPT, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the safeguards agreement of the IAEA, and the biological weapons convention. And it will accept additional obligations, including the additional protocol to the IAEA safeguards agreements, and the chemical weapons convention.

Colonel Ghadafi has since released a public statement supporting and confirming the statement by the Libyan Foreign Minister. These statements and these commitments follow in-depth discussions held between Libya, on the one hand, and U.S. and UK experts on the other. Discussions or contacts began last March and include two separate visits to Libya by experts -- one held in October, and one in December. Earlier this week, we held policy-level discussions with the Libyans.

Let me go through the progress that I believe we have achieved in four strategic areas. First, on nuclear issues. Libya admitted to nuclear fuel cycle projects that were intended to support a nuclear weapons program, weapons development, including uranium enrichment.

The team was given access in Libya to more than 10 sites connected to Libya's nuclear activities. The team was given access to large amounts of specialized nuclear equipment and related documentation. And the Libyans agreed to eliminate all program elements associated with their nuclear weapons program. The Libyans, as I mentioned, also pledged to declare all of their activities in the nuclear case to the IAEA, to accept the obligations under the additional protocol which allows for expanded inspection rights, and to abide by all of its commitments in the safeguards arrangements and in the NPT.

On chemical weapons, the Libyans showed us a significant quantity of mustard -- a chemical agent -- that was produced near Rabta more than a decade ago. They showed us aerial bombs that were designed to be filled with mustard agent on short notice. They showed us equipment in storage that could be used to outfit a second CW production facility. They showed the team dual use chemical precursors that could be used to produce both mustard and nerve agent. And they reiterated their commitment to complete the Libyan accession to the chemical weapons convention and they committed to destroy all chemical warfare, stocks and munitions.

On biological issues, Libya admitted to past intentions to acquire equipment and develop capabilities related to biological weapons. At the team's request, Libya took our experts to a number of medical and agricultural related research centers that have dual use potentials to support BW-related work. The team was given access to scientists at these facilities, and Libya has committed not to pursue a biological weapons program and to accept the necessary inspections and monitoring to verify that undertaking.

And, fourth, on missile related issues, Libya admitted elements of the history of its cooperation with North Korea to develop extended range scud missiles. They provided us access to this system and related production facilities. The team was given substantial access to Libya's operational scud B missile force and also was able to visit many locations where missile research and development work is conducted. Libya described in detail elements of the history and status of its indigenous missile development efforts. And I think very significantly, Libya agreed to destroy all ballistic missiles with ranges greater than 300 kilometers, and payloads greater than 500 kilometers, the parameters that are set in the missile technology control regime. And, finally, Libya agreed not to develop or deploy missiles beyond those limits.

Just a note on remaining uncertainties. Our experts have assessed that Libya's disclosures about its nuclear, chemical, biological and missile-related efforts are a major step toward revealing and ending those activities. While Libya was forthcoming in many areas and provided considerable detail on past activities, there are a number of issues we continue to explore. We will continue to work to collect additional information and to closely monitor Libya's adherence to the commitments it has made.

In terms of next steps, Libya has pledged to work with the IAEA and the OPCW on the chemical side, and other appropriate mechanisms to declare fully their nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile-related activities, and to provide the necessary information and access to verify that they are not pursuing these programs.

Libya will be required to make a comprehensive and detailed set of declarations in the near future, and we will work with our international partners and with the Libyans to ensure that there is complete fulfillment of the commitments that have been made today, including its commitments to eliminate all program elements associated with its nuclear weapons programs, all CW stocks and munitions, and all missiles beyond 300 kilometers.

These commitments follow in-depth discussions at the expert level, discussions that have proved to be very fruitful. I think that the commitments on the part of Libya to eliminate its WMD programs and limit its missile force clearly is a result of the President's determination to combat weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles.

Let me just note that the President stated earlier that the United States is applying a broad and active strategy to address the challenge of proliferation. As he cited, we use diplomacy, we act through decisive measures that are sometimes needed to make diplomacy credible. We have improved our intelligence capabilities in order to be able to trace the dangerous weapons activity that occurs. The President cited the proliferation security initiative, which is designed at a multilateral level to interdict dangerous materials and technologies in transit.

And we have insisted on a multilateral approach with North Korea and have worked, again, in a multilateral context in the IAEA to ensure that Iran fulfills its commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons.

All of these actions by the United States and our allies -- and we have worked every step of the way with our allies -- have, I believe, sent an unmistakable message to regimes that are seeking or that possess weapons of mass destruction: these weapons do not bring the benefits of security, as the President stated; they bring isolation and unwelcome consequences. But the President also emphasized another message, and I think that message is very clear in the Libyan case: leaders who abandon the pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them will find an open path to better relations with the United States.

In summary, I think this is an intelligence victory, it's a diplomatic victory and it's a victory for allied cooperation. The President's policies on non- and counter-proliferation have achieved a major victory. And they have provided an opportunity to other countries to take the same steps that Libya has taken today, and we hope that those other countries will take the right choice -- because there are two paths: one is cooperation, and that's the path that we see unfolding today; the other we have seen in other circumstances.

Let me stop there. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It's difficult to get into intentions. However, we have long been concerned about the actual capabilities of Libya. We have assessed that Libya has for some time had an active chemical weapons program, and, in fact, we have now seen the stockpiles of both munitions and chemical agents. Why they pursued chemical weapons, that would be speculation on my part. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think a perverse sense that it would bring them greater security and greater prestige. And it brought them neither. And I think the message is very clear from what they've done today that other states should not see WMD as a path to security or prestige. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I can't get into that, specifically. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think we were not surprised on the chemical side. On the nuclear side, I think that -- and you should probably talk to an intelligence expert on this -- but my understanding is that they did have a much further advanced program, including centrifuges. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Can I follow on that point? First of all, how many centrifuges did they show you or did they declare? What kind of centrifuges were they? Were they a familiar design to you? And do you have any indication that they had actually produced HEU and did they say in what quantities? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We did not see a cascade up and running. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm not sure. The answer is no, we did not see an enrichment facility; we saw the components that would make for an enrichment facility. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: They did not declare that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It came from the Libyan side in March. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, any contact with the United States and the United Kingdom at this level on the sensitive issue of weapons of mass destruction, I would assume, would have Mr. Ghadafi's support. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It was mid-March. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I've got to go to the back. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Thank you very much. Two questions, if I may. Were there any indications that any of these weapons Ghadafi possesses, any indication that they belonged to Saddam Hussein, that he'd shipped them over there, and that Ghadafi was storing them or warehousing them for him? And the second question is that a few years ago -- I spent most of my life at the Pentagon -- Libya was building a huge chemical facility in a mountain, in central Libya. Have you had a chance to look at that? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Rabta. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: R-a-b-t-a. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q First, what now for Libya? What does this mean, in terms of the lifting of U.S. sanctions? And as I understand the agreement -- in the Lockerbie agreement, there was an eight-month timetable. And if U.S. sanctions are not lifted, then half the payout that goes to each of the Lockerbie victims, will -- they won't get half that pay-out. So that's the first question about U.S. sanctions.

And, sorry, just to be clear, just so I understand your point about March, it happened in the middle of March, and it was initiated by Libyans, is that correct? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The initial contact was through the UK, but it was to have this discussion with the UK and the U.S. jointly. This has been joint from the beginning. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Again, it was mid-March. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't know. I don't have that. I can probably get that for you. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Just, with regard to the question on sanctions, the President made very clear in his statement that Libya's action today opens the door to the possibility of better relations. And we've indicated to the Libyans all along that we're prepared to talk about the remaining bilateral sanctions that apply. What happened as a result of the Lockerbie settlement, as you know, is that the multilateral sanctions were lifted. And so as the Libyans fulfill their commitments, we'll be prepared to talk to them about the prospect of better relations. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, this is going to depend on how fast the Libyans move in fulfilling their commitments. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: As I mentioned, there was a second visit in December and at that point, with the second visit, we had acquired -- again, jointly -- the U.S. and UK had acquired sufficient information where we were comfortable moving to this point. We had political discussions earlier this week and we were able to, over the last couple of days, come to the point of these announcements. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: He was not in attendance at those discussions. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It was one of the ambassadors in Europe, and it was -- intelligence officials. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I would have to check. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: In London. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I think, as I said, that the outcome today is a response of the policies that we have pursued. We have followed the strategy that has been promulgated by this administration, a strategy that is very realistic in dealing with the challenges of weapons of mass destruction. We have, I think, along with our friends and allies and others, made very clear that weapons of mass destruction are not the path to security and prosperity and prestige. In fact, weapons of mass destruction will bring quite the contrary. And part of our strategy is to create this opportunity, an opportunity that Libya has taken today, to voluntarily give up their weapons of mass destruction. And we hope that the Libyan actions will be an example for others. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, on the weapons side we will have the IAEA on the nuclear, the OPCW on the chemical, and other mechanisms to deal with the biological and the missiles to have the full declaration, to have in-depth inspections, and to begin the elimination process. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't have anything on that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: These were teams made -- comprised of intelligence experts in the areas of nuclear, chemical, biological and missiles from both the United Nations and the United Kingdom. The first visit was in October, and the second in early December. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't have that specific dates. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm sorry? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yes, yes. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: With the political discussions following that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The Libyans were quite open. They provided access to facilities. They provided substantial documentation about their programs. And we were able to take samples and to take photographs and other evidence. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't want to get into that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't want to get into that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It is yet to be worked out. Clearly, it includes -- because of their agreement to sign up to the additional protocol -- a more intrusive set of inspections by the IAEA. They're going to join the CWC, which will bring in the OPCW -- both for inspections, as well as for elimination. And then there will be other means pursued. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Which could include U.S., UK, perhaps other member of the P5. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: It just worked out that way. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Yes, my question was just to be very, very clear -- does the administration believe that Libya was paying attention, very close attention, to what has happened in Iraq, and has decided, we better own up to what we've got? Is that what we're looking at here? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We hope that other countries will. We hope that other countries will take advantage of this opportunity, will pursue cooperative disarmament. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Could I follow on that? Did any Libyan official say that, or is that the interpretation that you're making? Did anyone from Libya say, we've watched Iraq, we've watched this policy, and we're making this move in response to the choice that you've given us? Or is that the way you interpret it? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Can I just follow up on whether -- you wouldn't answer David's question about whether the designs came from other countries. Can you say whether there were political discussions or any political pressure being brought to bear on other countries related to this commitment by Libya? Any countries who may have provided designs or may have aided and abetted their development? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm not going to get into that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I'm just saying I'm not going to comment on it. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, we have long assessed that Libyan -- Libya has received assistance from North Korea, both in the form of complete missiles and technology cooperation. We learned much more about that -- the nature of that cooperation. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Scott, if I could follow. Sharon also said, however, that if the Palestinians don't make some headway within several months on the U.S. backed road map, he's calling for implementing what he's calling "severance procedure," a procedure he said that is pursued in maximum coordination with the United States, including moving some settlements, drawing new security lines, and altering the deployment of Israeli forces. Is this a plan the administration endorses? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: The United States believes that a settlement must be negotiated, and we would oppose any effort -- any Israeli effort to impose a settlement. Unilateral steps can help the road map move forward if they are part of the road map and steps under the road map, or they can block the road map. It depends on what they are. And Israeli action to remove unauthorized outposts or to remove isolated settlements are consistent with the road map, I would point out. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Let's be clear here, Scott. The President believes that if Sharon makes good on his pledge to essentially cut Israel off from the Palestinians, he believes that that would not be consistent with the ideals of the road map, is that fair? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: And under the road map, Israel must undertake a settlement freeze and eliminate unauthorized outposts. We're pleased that the Prime Minister flatly stated that unauthorized outposts will be dismantled, period. Those were his words. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think you are cherry picking. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We look forward to immediate action on that pledge that I just mentioned. We are also pleased that for the first time, he said flatly that there would be no new settlements, no confiscation of land for construction, no special economic incentives for settlers and no construction beyond present construction zones. We believe that these are elements of a settlement freeze. And we will soon be discussing those details and implementation of such a freeze with Israeli officials. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q I recognize that those are significant steps. But if Sharon is saying that he is prepared to take a step that essentially negates all of the rest, complete separation from the Palestinians, and this President says, no, we would oppose that, well, what's he going to do about it? Because he has opposed the fence for some time, and the result has been, in the face of U.S. opposition, Sharon is ratcheting up the steps he's willing to take to deal with the problem that he sees. So what's the U.S. going to do about it, besides say that you oppose it? ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: What I made -- well, what he outlined was that the road map was the best way to achieve the vision that was outlined by the President, two states living side-by-side in peace and security. That's the best way to get there. That's where our focus remains. That's why we've remained actively engaged with the parties. That's why a number of administration officials have been visiting with the parties, some in person, and some over the phone. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: He said only if there is no progress on the road map. And I think I made it very clear that we would oppose any unilateral steps that block the road toward a negotiation between the parties under the road map that will lead to the two-state vision the President outlined. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Right. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: That's why I said some unilateral steps, if they're consistent with the road map and taken under the road map, can be helpful. There are others that cannot be. We want the parties working with each other and moving forward on the road map. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we've said that we've had concerns about the fence. It's not that we necessarily oppose construction of the fence, but we oppose a route that interferes with the normal Palestinian life, or what makes building a viable Palestinian state impossible. We have said that the fence should not be or appear to be a pretext for taking land, and it should not be something that presses undue burdens on the Palestinian people. That remains our view. That's what we've said all along. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: The Israelis have claimed that it is purely a security measure, but we've made it clear that we have some concerns about some of the steps that were taken. And again, that is that if it led to a pretext for taking land unnecessarily or it unduly burdened the Palestinian people. We want steps to be taken to ease the plight of the Palestinian people. We have been deeply concerned about the conditions of life for the vast majority of Palestinians who seek peace and oppose violence. And we are glad that Prime Minister Sharon addressed that issue and promised steps to allow more freedom of movement and freer economic activity. Those are essential steps and they should be taken now. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I described it the way I did, that we are working very closely with Israelis and the Palestinians to make progress under the road map. We're pleased that Prime Minister Sharon reiterated his commitment and support for the road map as the best way to achieve the President's vision. So that's where things are. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: You want to stay on this? Let's stay on this, and then we'll go to the next topic. Go ahead, Connie. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, those discussions we'll have with the Israelis as we move forward on the President's -- the plan that was outlined to achieve the President's vision. That's the road map. And the road map calls for some of the steps that Prime Minister Sharon talked about today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Do they get reinstated? That remains in place. We've already had this discussion and the State Department is the one that oversees that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the road map spells out all those details. I mean, first and foremost, the President has talked about the need for the Palestinians -- for new Palestinian leadership to take steps to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. It's also important for Israel to recognize they have steps to take, and I think Prime Minister Sharon talked about some of that today. And we're pleased with a number of things that he said in his remarks, particularly his commitment to moving forward on the road map.

Anything else on this? Anything else on this? And I'll be glad to move to the next topic. Okay. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, let's remember what we're talking about. We're talking about an individual who was involved in seeking to do harm to the American people. And the President has repeatedly said that his most solemn obligation and responsibility is to protect the American people. And the 2nd Circuit's ruling is really inconsistent with the clear constitutional authority of the President and his responsibility that I just mentioned, and with previous circuit and Supreme Court rulings. The 4th Circuit previously ruled on a similar matter, and it upheld the authority of the President to designate enemy combatants. So let's keep all that in mind.

The President is going to continue aggressively pursuing the war on terror and do everything he can to prevent an attack from happening in this country. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President directed the Justice Department to seek a stay and further judicial review. So that's the next step. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'll let the lawyers determine the best course forward. But the President has made his views very well-known. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I said, and further judicial review. So we will continue to -- Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, if that's necessary. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think that that's the case, if you're suggesting that, that that would be the case. That's why, one, we're seeking a stay; and two, seeking further judicial review. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: It's my understanding that would not be the case at this point. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: It's my understanding that would not be the case. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We believe the Justice Department is doing a great job. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Any more on this? Anything else -- Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We can go to a different matter. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I would not speak for Mr. Kay. I will let him speak for himself. But regardless, the work of the Iraq Survey Group continues, and they will complete that work. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't seen his exact remarks. As you know I've been -- Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sure you did. I've been with the President at Walter Reed. But I think that the points I made are still applicable to your question. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that there were some comments made, and then the report may have gone a step further. I'm not going to speak for Chairman Kean, but you might want to ask him. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Q Well, I have talked to his office, and they're saying that he was quoted accurately. But he did say, apparently there's no question about it, he did say it was preventable. He did say, when asked specifically, are there people who failed to prevent it who are still in authority, his answer was, yes, and we'll find out who those people are. ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Oh, yes. That process began shortly after all the agreements were reached. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, I don't want to speak for Chairman Kean, but I just didn't quite walk away with that same impression that Ken described. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Of which claims? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, the commission is continuing to do its work. And it's important that they complete their work. And that's why we're working closely with them, to help them complete their important work. I don't want to do anything that would get in the way of them completing their work. I mean, I think I'll let them describe, in terms of where they are in conducting their work and completing their work. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Which part of what he suggested? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: As we have previously said, there is nothing that we have seen that leads us to believe that September 11th could have been prevented. We previously said that. That still stands. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, not at all, for the reasons I've just stated. And like I said, he ran over Thanksgiving, and ran on the treadmill and ran outside at the ranch in Crawford. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Hold on. Anything else on this? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, you have the medical summary, both from his previous physicals and today. And that's where it is. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, you have all the medical summary there, so I would leave it where it is. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, he saw him earlier today while he was at Walter Reed. And he reported that the Secretary is doing well. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: They had some private time together. The President wasn't there very long because he was primarily there to go and visit our troops who had been wounded defending freedom and making America more secure. So that's the reason he was there. But Secretary Powell was there, and so the President dropped by to wish him well and say hello. And so that was really the purpose of it. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, I typically don't read out his discussions with Secretary Powell here at the White House, and I don't do it at Walter Reed, either. But it was a good private discussion, primarily just the President dropping by. He wasn't in there very long with the Secretary. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: You've had questions. I'll come back to you. I'll come back to you. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think made it very clear that this is an important priority -- there are a number of important priorities we have. This is one of them -- and that that work will continue -- they will complete their work. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, there's -- and I don't recall off the top of my head -- there's some specific things outlined there. And I know the President made some designations to speed up that process for some of those that were serving in our military. I just don't recall the specifics of that right this second. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I would just say that he will be brought to justice. We will find him. And as the President said the other day, he remains on the run, but he will be brought to justice. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Do you ever have a one-part? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: But Jim was being very nice. He had a smile on his face today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: This administration doesn't believe in pointing fingers, Les. Let's try to raise the tone in here, too. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, they were two good questions, Les. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Again, the Supreme Court tried to bring some clarity to this issue in the recent ruling, but I think that the President has always been someone who believes that there should be full disclosure. And that's why, during the campaign previously, we rapidly disclosed his campaign contributors. He set the example. It went beyond what was required. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Again, you've seen what he has proposed. We're going through the budget process for the '05 budget and we will be coming out with that in February, as you're well aware. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we've made if very clear what our views are and what North Korea needs to do. They need to end their nuclear weapons program in a verifiable and irreversible way once and for all.

And so we are continuing to work with the other parties to seek a multilateral resolution to this issue. We are continuing to pursue a peaceful resolution, and we are prepared to go to the next round of talks without any precondition. We've made that very clear. But I would remind you that five of the six parties in these talks share one important goal, and that is a nuclear-free peninsula. And so that's what we continue to talk about. We've made it very clear, also, that we are prepared to offer a multilateral security assurance to North Korea as they commit and achieve benchmarks on ending their nuclear program. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: That is what we are all trying to achieve. That's what all the parties are working to achieve. And we've already made clear that, look, we'll put forward a multilateral security assurance if that's what they need. But we expect them to achieve benchmarks toward ending that nuclear program. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, I would say that our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, those who were so needlessly harmed in that incident. And second, I would just say that it's important to make sure that the concerns of those who were injured and their families are heard. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Look, let's let the MRI take place and we'll try to keep you posted. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: It's really the right knee that -- occasional pain when he runs. And so he hasn't been running like he used to. He's been doing more of the elliptical training and I guess water jogging, those types of activities. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, I didn't see him walking down the stairs, but I didn't notice anything while we were there. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: He hasn't been running, because -- I mean, I think he's tried occasionally here and there, but more of doing the elliptical training. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: The calf strain? No, the calf strain I think was the right knee, too. I believe it was the same leg -- sorry. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: He's still working out regularly. But he does enjoy running. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, after the MRI, he and Dr. Tubb and the orthopaedic surgeon, they'll visit. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Let's let the MRI take place. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think, as you've seen from previous physicals, that he's showing the wear and tear of someone who's active and someone of his age. And it's important, as he has always said, or as he has said, particularly going back to the calf strain, that it's important for someone his age to listen to his body and to heed the signals which your body is telling you. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. Well, first of all, I mean, he's got a full schedule to get back to in the White House, from briefings that he has as well as receptions. Second of all, I mean, it's really an opportunity for the people who are attending the event to enjoy that part of the ceremony and they'll be able to fully enjoy that, I think. He's got a full schedule back at the White House.

Any time the President travels somewhere, it can take away from certain activities. But really the reason is because of the schedule. He's got to get back to the White House. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: If he's still there, I suspect he will probably drop by. He had a good conversation with the Secretary yesterday. And if he's still there, I suspect he would. Later yesterday, in the afternoon. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Let's see, we have Secretary Mineta, Josh Deckard -- no, I'm kidding. Secretary Mineta, Secretary Norton, Secretary of the Navy, Administrator O'Keefe. Hang on, I've got -- okay. Here's my list.

I'm sorry, Secretary Norton must already be there. Secretary Mineta, Secretary James Roche, Secretary Gordon England, Administrator O'Keefe, and those are the notables. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Oh, gosh. Now you're asking me to remember that. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I can get that for you. We can get that for you. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: That's correct. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I can't comment on the FDA. I’ve got a conflict -- no, I'm kidding.

Well, as required by law, that is still going through the review process by the FDA. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, understood. I saw the vote. The company petitioned to take it from prescription status to over-the-counter status, and so it’s going through the FDA process, as required under the law. And that's the way it stands right now. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think it's a matter decided by the FDA under the law. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We'll let you know, we're finalizing all those details. We'll get you more information as that's finalized, but it will be in the Washington area.

The bill signings reflect a time of bipartisan accomplishment on important priorities for the American people, and the President looks forward to participating in all these bill signings over the course of the next week.

With that, I'll be glad to go into questions. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: It continues to be under view, and we have been listening to the views of others and of all interested parties, and we continue to. So, yes. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I've seen those reports, and we have no confirmation of that at this point. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: That's right. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: I will leave it where her press secretary addressed it yesterday. I think Mr. Johndroe did able job of addressing that yesterday. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Anything else? Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me double check. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MR. McCLELLAN: We continue to -- as I noted, Assistant Secretary of State Burns has been in the region meeting with officials of both parties, and working on ways to move forward on discussions between the government of Israel and the new Palestinian cabinet. And so we continue to remain actively engaged in working with the parties to move forward on the road map that was agreed to by a number of entities and countries. Read more Comment (0), Email this.