President Bush Reaffirms Commitments in Iraq
Statement by the President
The Pentagon
11:55 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary, thank you for your hospitality, and
thank you for your leadership. You are courageously leading our nation
in the war against terror. You're doing a superb job. You are a
strong Secretary of Defense, and our nation owes you a debt of
gratitude.
I've just completed a meeting here at the Pentagon with members of
my national security team, as well as a meeting with generals on the
ground in Iraq. We discussed the needs of our military personnel, the
status of current operations in Iraq, and the progress of that nation
towards security and sovereignty.
The United States has a vital national interest in the success of
free institutions in Iraq as the alternative to tyranny and terrorist
violence in the Middle East. As we carry out this mission, we are
confronting problems squarely, and we are making changes as needed.
Our priorities, however, remain the same: the protection of our
country, the security of our troops, and the spread of freedom
throughout the world. Like other generations of Americans, we have
accepted a difficult and historic task.
We have made clear commitments before the world, and America will
keep those commitments. First, we will take every necessary measure to
assure the safety of American and coalition personnel, and the security
of Iraqi citizens. We're on the offensive against the killers and
terrorists in that country, and we will stay on the offensive. In and
around Fallujah, U.S. Marines are maintaining pressure on Saddam
loyalists and foreign fighters and other militants. We're keeping that
pressure on to ensure that Fallujah ceases to be an enemy sanctuary.
In northern sectors of the city, elements of the 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force are prepared to strike at terrorist fighters and
prevent a resurgence of violence and chaos. South of the city, the
Marines are disrupting enemy attacks on our supply routes and routing
out anti-coalition fighters.
In the towns of Ramadi and Husabayah and Karmah, Marines are on the
offensive, conducting hundreds of patrols and raids every day. The
enemy in Fallujah is hiding behind an innocent civilian population, and
calculating that our coalition's use of force will alienate ordinary
Iraqis. Yet, every day our troops are responding with precision and
discipline and restraint. We're taking every precaution to avoid
hurting the innocent, as we deliver justice to the guilty.
We're helping to build Iraqi forces that can take responsibility
for security. And our forces are also helping to ensure the delivery
of humanitarian supplies to families that suffer as a result of the
chaos in certain communities created by the terrorists and those who
want to halt the advance of freedom.
In Najaf, a major Shia population center and a holy site, our
military is systematically dismantling an illegal militia that has
attempted to incite violence and seize control. Soldiers from the 2nd
Light Cavalry Regiment are conducting reconnaissance to learn the
precise strength and location of enemy forces. The 1st Armored
Division is steadily defeating these enemy forces, while seeking to
protect the people and holy sites of that city.
Elements of this militia have been ejected from the Najaf
governor's office, and a legitimate governor has been appointed. The
people of Najaf and Shia leaders oppose the occupation by this illegal
militia and are putting pressure on the militia to withdraw. We're
encouraged to see more Iraqs [sic] take responsibility for resolving
the standoff in Najaf.
In all these ongoing operations, our troops continue to face
serious danger, and this government is giving them every means of
protecting themselves and every means necessary to gain victory. We're
fielding the most technologically advanced military forces ever
assembled -- forces that are agile and flexible, able to strike in
darkness and in light.
Supplying and protecting our forces in Iraq is a long-term
responsibility. So I've asked Congress to provide an additional $25
billion for a contingency reserve fund that can be used for ongoing
operations in Iraq. I have pledged, as has the Secretary of Defense,
to give our troops everything that is necessary to complete their
mission with the utmost safety -- and I urge Congress to join me in
fulfilling this important commitment.
Our military, from this building to the streets of Fallujah, is
performing with exceptional skill and courage. They and their families
are making tremendous sacrifices for the security of our nation and for
the freedom of others. And all the hardships and sacrifices are not
behind us. Our nation is caring for the wounded and grieving for the
lost, praying for families who live in sorrow. We will always remember
the ones who have died, and we will honor their sacrifice by completing
the mission.
Our second great commitment in Iraq is to transfer sovereignty to
an Iraqi government as quickly as possible. Decades of oppression
destroyed every free institution in Iraq, but not the desire to live in
freedom. Like any proud country, the Iraqi people want their
independence. The Iraqi people need to know that our coalition is
fully committed to their independence, and we're fully committed to
their national dignity. This is a reason the June 30th transfer of
sovereignty is vital. The Iraqi people, and men and women across the
Middle East, are watching closely, and they will see America keep its
word.
The United Nations special envoy, Mr. Brahimi, is now back in Iraq,
consulting with diverse groups of Iraqis. In the next few weeks,
important decisions will be made on the make up of the interim
government. As of June 30th, Iraq's interim government will assume
duties now performed by the coalition, such as providing water and
electricity and health care and education. A key strategic goal of our
coalition is to help build a new Iraqi army and civil defense corps and
police force and facilities protection service, and a border guard
capable of defending and securing the country.
Major General Dave Petraeus, who commanded the 101st Airborne in
Iraq, has returned to oversee the training and equipping of these
all-Iraqi forces. Once constituted, they will protect a free Iraq from
external aggression and internal subversion. Yet, the vital mission of
our military in helping to provide security will continue on July 1st
and beyond. Having brought freedom to Iraq, America will make sure
that freedom succeeds in Iraq, a nation we will be proud to call a
friend and partner in the pursuit of peace.
Third, because America is committed to the equality and dignity of
all people, there will be a full accounting for the cruel and
disgraceful abuse of Iraqi detainees. The conduct that has come to
light is an insult to the Iraqi people, and an affront to the most
basic standards of morality and decency. One basic difference between
democracies and dictatorships is that free countries confront such
abuses openly and directly.
In January, shortly after reports of abuse became known to our
military, an investigation was launched. Today, several formal
investigations led by senior military officials are underway.
Secretary Rumsfeld has appointed several former senior officials to
review the investigations of these abuses. Some soldiers have already
been charged, and those involved will answer for their conduct in an
orderly and transparent process. We will honor rule of law. All
prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to make certain
that such offenses are not repeated.
Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well
beyond the walls of a prison. It has given some an excuse to question
our cause and to cast doubt on our motives. Yet, who can doubt that
Iraq is better for being free from one of the most bloodiest tyrants
the world has ever known? Millions of Iraqis are grateful for the
chance they have been given to live in freedom -- a chance made
possible by the courage and sacrifice of the United States military.
We have great respect for the people of Iraq and for all Arab
peoples -- respect for their culture and for their history and for the
contribution they can make to the world. We believe that democracy
will allow these gifts to flourish. But freedom is the answer to
hopelessness and terror; that a free Iraq will lead the way to a new
and better Middle East; and that a free Iraq will make our country more
secure.
I understand the difficulty of the mission of our men and women in
uniform. They're facing an enemy in sand and heat and blasting winds,
often unable to tell friend from foe. I know how painful it is to see
a small number dishonor the honorable cause in which so many are
sacrificing. What took place in the Iraqi prison does not reflect the
character of the more than 200,000 military personnel who have served
in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
All Americans know the goodness and the character of the United
States Armed Forces. No military in the history of the world has
fought so hard and so often for the freedom of others. Today, our
soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines are keeping terrorists
across the world on the run. They're helping the people of Afghanistan
and Iraq build democratic societies. They're defending America with
unselfish courage. And these achievements have brought pride and
credit to this nation.
I want our men and women in uniform to know that America is proud
of you, and that I'm honored to be your Commander-in-Chief.