'Get back to work,' Bush urges

©Associated Press,
published September 17, 2001

WASHINGTON -- President Bush urged Americans to return to work on Monday and put the U.S. economy back on track even as they remain alert to the possibility of more terrorist acts.

[AP photo] Bush asks the nation to get back to work Sunday from the south lawn of the White House in front of Marine One. He spent some of the day in security meetings at Camp David.

He said there was "no question" that Osama bin Laden and his followers are the prime suspects in last week's hijackings. The government will "find them, get them running and hunt them down," Bush said on the south lawn of the White House.

He praised Pakistan for its agreement to aid the United States and said he was pleased by the positive response from India and Saudi Arabia as well.

Bush spent the weekend at Camp David, consulting with advisers and talking on the phone with foreign leaders.

The president said he has a job to do -- finding those who planned the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that killed thousands -- and so does the public.

"When you get back to work, work hard like you always have," Bush said. "I understand that there are some businesses that are hurting as a result of this crisis."

"People will be amazed at how quickly we will rebuild New York, how quickly people come together and really wipe away the rubble. I have great faith in the resiliency of our economy."

He brushed off a statement attributed to bin Laden denying a role in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. "No question, he is the prime suspect. No question about that," Bush said.

Before returning to Washington, Bush spoke Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who offered condolences and a promise of support after last week's terrorist attacks. India could play an important role if the United States undertakes a military response in and around Afghanistan.

He also spoke Sunday with Jordan's King Abdullah II and, for the second day straight, with Mexican President Vicente Fox. Bush spoke with Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Saturday.

Said Bush: "The leader of Pakistan has been very cooperative."

Earlier in the day, the president went jogging, took a long walk and went to church at the Camp David chapel.

He met with Vice President Dick Cheney and had lunch with aides.

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