    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [July 23, 2003]
    [Pages 908-910]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Coalition Activities in Iraq
    July 23, 2003

        It is my pleasure to welcome Ambassador Paul Bremer back to the White House. I'm also pleased to
    be joined by Secretary Rumsfeld and
    General Myers. Thank you all for coming.
        Ambassador Bremer is doing
    a fine job in an essential cause. The nations in our coalition are
    determined to help the Iraqi people recover from years of tyranny. And
    we are determined to help build a free and sovereign and democratic
    nation.
        The coalition provisional authority, led by Ambassador
    Bremer, has a comprehensive
    strategy to move Iraq toward a future that is secure and prosperous. We
    are carrying out that strategy for the good of Iraq, for the peace of
    the region, and for the security of the United States and our friends.
        Saddam Hussein's regime spent more than
    three decades oppressing Iraq's people, attacking Iraq's neighbors, and
    threatening the world's peace. The regime tortured at home, promoted
    terror abroad, and armed in secret. Now, with the regime of Saddam
    Hussein gone forever, a few remaining holdouts are trying to prevent the
    advance of order and freedom. They are targeting our success in
    rebuilding Iraq;

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    they're killing new police graduates; they're shooting at people that
    are guarding the universities and powerplants and oil facilities.
        These killers are the enemies of Iraq's people. They operate mainly
    in a few areas of the country. And wherever they operate, they are being
    hunted, and they will be defeated. Our military forces are on the
    offensive. They're working with the newly free Iraqi people to destroy
    the remnants of the old regime and their terrorist allies.
        Yesterday, in the city of Mosul, the careers of two of the regime's
    chief henchmen came to an end. Saddam Hussein's sons were responsible for
    torture, maiming, and murder of countless Iraqis. Now more than ever,
    all Iraqis can know that the former regime is gone and will not be
    coming back.
        As our work continues, we know that our coalition forces are serving
    under difficult circumstances. Our Nation will give those who wear its
    uniform all the tools and support they need to complete their mission.
    We are eternally grateful for the bravery of our troops, for their
    sacrifice, and for the sacrifices of their families. The families of our
    service men and women can take comfort in knowing that their sons and
    daughters and moms and dads are serving a cause that is noble and just
    and vital to the security of the United States.
        A free, democratic, peaceful Iraq will not threaten America or our
    friends with illegal weapons. A free Iraq will not be a training ground
    for terrorists or a funnel of money to terrorists or provide weapons to
    terrorists who would willingly use them to strike our country or our
    allies. A free Iraq will not destabilize the Middle East. A free Iraq
    can set a hopeful example to the entire region and lead other nations to
    choose freedom. And as the pursuits of freedom replace hatred and
    resentment and terror in the Middle East, the American people will be
    more secure.
        America has assumed great responsibilities for Iraq's future. Yet,
    we do not bear these responsibilities alone. Nineteen nations are
    providing more than 13,000 troops to help stabilize Iraq, and additional
    forces will soon arise--arrive. More than two dozen nations have pledged
    funds that will go directly towards relief and reconstruction efforts.
    Every day, we are renovating schools for the new school year. We're
    restoring the damaged water, electrical, and communication systems. And
    when we introduce a new Iraqi currency later this year, it will be the
    first time in 12 years that the whole country is using the same
    currency.
        Our greatest ally in the vital work of stabilizing and rebuilding a
    democratic and prosperous Iraq is the Iraqi people themselves. Our goal
    is to turn over authority to Iraqis as quickly as possible. Coalition
    authorities are training Iraqi police forces to help patrol Iraqi cities
    and villages. Ambassador Bremer and General Abizaid are
    working to establish as quickly as possible a new Iraqi civilian defense
    force to help protect supply convoys and powerplants and ammunition
    depots. Offices have been established in major Iraqi cities to recruit
    soldiers for a new Iraqi army that will defend the people of Iraq
    instead of terrorizing them.
        Most importantly, 10 days ago, Iraqis formed a new Governing
    Council. The Council represents all of Iraq's diverse groups, and it has
    given responsible positions to religious authorities and to women. The
    Council is naming ministers to establish control over Iraq's ministries,
    and the Council is drawing up a new budget. The process of drafting a
    constitution will soon be underway, and this will prepare the way for
    elections.
        Yesterday in New York, members of Iraq's Governing Council
    participated in a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. They
    heard a report from U.N. Secretary-General Annan
    which welcomed the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council as a
    broadly representative Iraqi

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    partner with whom the U.N. and the international community can engage to
    build Iraq's future.
        Now that we have reached this important milestone, I urge the
    nations of the world to contribute militarily and financially towards
    fulfilling Security Council Resolution 1483's vision of a free and
    secure Iraq. The U.N. report also urges a swift return to full Iraqi
    sovereignty.
        And this morning, Ambassador Bremer briefed me on our strategy to accelerate progress toward
    this goal. He outlined a comprehensive plan for action for bringing
    greater security, essential services, economic development, and
    democracy to the Iraqi people. The plan sets out ambitious timetables
    and clear benchmarks to measure progress and practical methods for
    achieving results.
        Rebuilding Iraq will require a sustained commitment. America and our
    partners kept our promise to remove the dictator and the threat he posed
    not only to the Iraqi people but to the world. We also keep our promise
    to destroy every remnant of that regime and to help the people of Iraq
    to govern themselves in freedom. In the 83 days since I announced the
    end of major combat operations in Iraq, we have made progress, steady
    progress, in restoring hope in a nation beaten down by decades of
    tyranny.
        Ambassador Bremer is
    showing great skill and resourcefulness and is demonstrating fine
    leadership and the great values of our country. Mr. Ambassador, thank
    you for what you're doing for America. I appreciate you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:16 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to L. Paul Bremer III, Presidential
    Envoy to Iraq; Uday and Qusay Hussein, sons of former President Saddam
    Hussein of Iraq, who were killed July 22 by U.S. military forces in
    Mosul, Iraq; Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, combatant commander, U.S.
    Central Command; and Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks.