CB
Here are some talking points (unclassified pap version) for the initial Bush meeting with the Crown Prince:
1. We are honored to have you come such a long distance to stay a spell with us.
2, Our countries have had a long and mutually-beneficial relationship that has spanned the terms of seven American presidents. My administration wants to keep it that way.
3.We have important common interests.
We both desire a peaceful Middle East; we both desire an end to the actions of those who would use what we Americans term as terror. We wish to see your country prosper.
4. As you know, the bombing, the outrage, of the WCT and the killing of more than 3,000 people, including, as you know, several score people of your faith who worked in those buildings, prompted me to take vigorous action against those who wish us ill, wherever they are. I would have been remiss had I not taken strong and definitive action against the Taliban regime.
5. One our goals to see that Saddam Hussain, an evil man, never has the opportunity again to threaten your country, as he did 12 years ago--or any other country. We quickly went to your assistance then and that of Kuwait and defeated the Iraqi forces.
6. We are grateful for your wholehearted actions as our partner to defeat Saddam Hussain. I have been told that your country may be reluctant to assist us this time. I would like your views on the future level of assistance we can expect from Saudi Arabia but we can save that for tomorrow if you wish. You know my feeling about Saddam; I've made no secret of them. As long as he remains in power, he is a threat to your country and others in the ME. He has the ability to engulf the region in war.
7. I know you and your people are mightily concerned about the events affecting Palestinians at this difficult time. In this regard, I salute you for your far your brave proposal at the Arab League summit to reach a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. You should know now--and this comes from me and all the members of my government--that we wholeheartedly support the creation of a Palestinian state led by whomever the people of Palestine support (or chose from a ballot) as their leader.
8. You should know as well that the United States has had a long relationship with the state of Israel. We look with sympathy and admiration for its achievements over the years. It is a relationship that we hope will last for another half century and beyond.
9. We have been able to maintain productive relations with your country and that of Israel, despite the occasional tensions that arise. Mr. Sharon is now the leader of Israel and he appears to have overwhelming support from his people, At the same time, both Secretary Powell and I have spoken with Mr. Sharon and he assures us that he accepts UN resolution 242 as the basis for a settlement. He has told me he is interested in your proposal and intends to pursue it. Chairman Arafat likewise reports he seeks a political solution.
10. So now is the time to move. Secretary Powell (nods to Powell) will be discussing with your aides on ways to move this along. He is drafting now a set of principles--guidelines--that could serve as an outline for a final settlement negotiations. We would like your input. I believe you will be pleased that we are engaged intensively and you may be pleased to know what we plan, including the designation of a prominent American who will have my full backing.
11. I have many bilateral matters to discuss with you--and I know you have issues you would like to raise with me. In the meantime, I know you have had a long trip and we can save these matters for a later time.
points to be discussed:
--More cooperation required from Soudis on investigations of the Saudi terrorists involved in WTC. Need to know Saudi input on Islamist sitn there and knowledge of Saudi Al Qada's elsewhere. Fat chance.
-- Saudi assurance that there will be no break in Saudi oil shipments despite possible further ME disturbances.
--Assurances that Saudi students are welcome and safe here, but we will screen more carefully than we have in the past and wwould welcome Saudi cooperation in this matter. Don't export your trouble makers here.
--Move Saudis to use influence--do they have any?--to seek restraint on Hesbullah, Lebanon and Syria and the rest of the gang that threatens Israel's northern border.
--We'd like you to buy more big-ticket US goods. |
