http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/12/20011214-5.htmlPrime Minister of Thailand Reiterates Full Support to U.S.
Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand in Photo Opportunity
The Oval Office
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 14, 2001
<snip>Steve.
Q Sir, what do you expect Americans to get out of the bin Laden tape? And what do you say to some of the Islamic world who contend it's a farce or a fake?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, for those who contend it's a farce or a fake are hoping for the best about an evil man. I mean, this is bin Laden unedited. This is bin Laden -- the bin Laden who has murdered people. This is the man who sent innocent people to their death by -- this is a man who is so devious and so cold-hearted that he laughs about the suicide, so-called suicide bombers that lost their lives.
It is preposterous for anybody to think that this tape is doctored. That's just a feeble excuse to provide weak support for an incredibly evil man.
And, you know, I had mixed emotions about this tape because there's a lot of people who suffered as a result of his evil. And I was hesitant to allow there to be a vivid reminder of their loss and tragedy displayed on our TVs. On the other hand, I knew that it would be -- that the tape would be a devastating declaration of guilt for this evil person.
Ron.
Q Sir, two things. Is Osama bin Laden cornered? And when you weigh the pros and cons of either option, would you rather take him alive so you can question him, or dead so you don't have to deal with him?
THE PRESIDENT: I don't care. Dead or alive, either way. I mean, I -- it doesn't matter to me.
Secondly, I don't know whether we're going to get him tomorrow, or a month from now, or a year from now. I really don't know. But we're going to get him. And I -- the American people must understand that I have no timetable in mind. There's no -- I don't have a calendar that I say, well, gosh, if he's not gotten by this certain moment, then I'll be disappointed. Because I am pleased with the progress that we're making in Afghanistan. I mean, there is no such thing as a Taliban. We have liberated, literally liberated village after village from incredible barbaric behavior toward women and children.
I think one of the joyous parts of this war, if there is such a thing as a joyous part of a war, is to see the -- is to see what it means for our country and our alliance to free people. We're achieving a lot of our objectives. But we're chasing a person obviously who is willing to send suicide bombers, on the one hand, and hide in a cave. Somebody who is -- encourages young people to go kill themselves, and he, himself, refuses to stand and fight. And so he may hide for a while, but we'll get him.
Anybody care to talk to the Prime Minister?
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