SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY IRAQ AND CHALABI

JUNE 4, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY -
IRAQ AND CHALABI

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) issued "The Bush Administration Misstatement of the Day" on the relationship between President Bush and Ahmad Chalabi, the Iraqi leader accused of turning over classified U.S. intelligence to Iran.

During a news conference at the White House, President Bush said "I haven't had any extensive conversations with [Chalabi]...I don't remember anybody walking into my office saying, Chalabi says this is the way it's going to be in Iraq." (President Bush, 6/1/04)

However, less than four months ago, during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, President Bush stated:

"They're not going to develop [an Islamic extremist government in Iraq]. And the reason I can say that is because I'm very aware of this basic law they're writing. They're not going to develop that because right here in the Oval Office I sat down with Mr. Pachachi and Chalabi and al-Hakim, people from different parts of the country that have made the firm commitment." (President Bush, 2/13/04)