Bush , SecGen discuss PLC elections/Transcript – White House press release

Bush, Secretary-General Annan Discuss Sudan, U.N. Reform

President tells Annan of February 10 meeting with Rebecca Garang

President Bush and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan discussed Sudan, the Middle East and reform efforts at the United Nations in a White House meeting February 13.

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Annan also called for the Palestinian group Hamas to transform itself “into a political party and work with the international community and the Israeli government.”

Hamas won a majority in the recent Palestinian elections. (See related article.)

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Following is the transcript of remarks by Bush and Annan:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
February 13, 2006

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BUSH AND U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN
IN PRESS AVAILABILITY

The Oval Office
2:06 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BUSH:  Mr. Secretary General, thank you.  As usual, we had a very constructive dialogue.  I always enjoy visiting with the Secretary General.  It gives us a chance to talk about our common interests and our desire for peace and liberty around the world.

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We talked about the broader Middle East.  And there's a lot to talk about.  I am very optimistic, however, that democracy and liberty will prevail.  And so I want to thank you for your interest and leadership on those particular issues.