USA: PRESIDENT BUSH WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE

(23 Feb 2001) English/Nat U-S President George W. Bush gave his first White House news conference on Thursday, a month after his inauguration. He said one of his early goals was to “change the tone“ in Washington and “encourage civil discourse“, something he believed he was making good progress towards. Bush said he’s looking forward to meeting Columbian President Andres Pastrana in Washington next week. The President also said he hopes Mexican President Vicente Fox can serve as “a stabilising influence“ in Latin America. Bush met Fox last Friday in Mexico. Bush said he expects Congress will soon give him “fast-track“ authority for negotiating trade agreements so he can better promote free trade between North and South America. SOUNDBITE: (English) “I’m looking forward to the meeting with President Pastrana. I’m looking forward to the briefing he’ll be bringing from Colombia. And I too am worried, about ever committing the U-S military to an engagement in the part of the world. I know we’re training and that’s fine, but the mission ought to be limited to just that and so I share the concern of those who are worried that at some point in time the United States might become militarily engaged.“ SUPERCAPTION: George W. Bush, US President SOUNDBITE: (English) “In terms of the success of the mission the president is going to bring me his first hand account of what’s taking place in the country. I am concerned about the amount of acreage and cultivation for the growth of coca leaves, we have got to do a better job of working with the Colombian government in its eradication program. I had a long talk about the Andes with President Fox. I am convinced President Fox will be a stabilising man for that part of the world. Fortunately we have a good relationship so he would share with me his insights as things develop. He’s had meetings with Mr. Pastrana, , and I believe Vicente Fox will be a stabilising influence and a positive influence in the Andes generally.“ SUPERCAPTION: George W. Bush, US President SOUNDBITE: (English) “I appreciate that question. I’d love to have fast track approval. I guess it’s going to be important to work with our neighbours to the South and Canada to the North to promote free trade throughout the Hemisphere. I spoke with the Prime Minister of Canada this morning and that subject came up at the summit, the upcoming summit. And so, we are going to bring the process in congress and ambassador Zoellick will be working with members of congress to lay the groundwork for the ability for the president to have what they call fast track negotiating authority.“ SUPERCAPTION: George W. Bush, US President Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: