A Decade of Defiance and Deception (Text Only)

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Excerpts from the Press Briefing by Ari Fleischer, January 20, 2003 (Full transcript)

MR. FLEISCHER: Let's do it real quick. This is the gaggle.

Just one announcement for you, in terms of events this week. In addition to the three principals who were out on the Sunday shows yesterday on the topic of Iraq, I just want to draw your attention to two noteworthy speeches that will be given this week. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage tomorrow will give remarks dealing with the deceptive ways of Iraq. He will discuss the nature of the regime. And on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz will give remarks in a speech about what disarmament actually looks like. There is a body of evidence and history of other nations that have showed the world that they disarmed -- principally South Africa, Kazakhstan --

Q: Where are these speeches?

MR. FLEISCHER: The speech tomorrow will be at the Institute of Peace. You may want to check with State for the exact time -- I was not able to get it before we came out here today. Check with State for the exact time and check with Defense for exact time and place of Thursday's remarks.

Q: Wolfowitz, as far as you know, is in town?

MR. FLEISCHER: That's correct, they're both in town.

Q: And what's your reaction to the Iraqi statement or agreement last night that they'll turn over scientists?

MR. FLEISCHER: We're only interested in actions. After 11 and 12 years of watching Saddam Hussein give his word and not keep it, his word is not as meaningful as his actions.

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