    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [December 5, 2003]
    [Page 1689]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Announcing the Appointment of James A. Baker III as the President's Personal Envoy on the Issue of
    Iraqi Debt
    December 5, 2003

        Iraq is moving toward freedom, stability, and prosperity. In order
    to support this effort, I am pleased to announce today that in response
    to a request from the Iraqi Governing Council for assistance, I have
    appointed James A. Baker III to be my personal envoy on the issue of
    Iraqi debt. Secretary Baker will report directly to me and will lead an
    effort to work with the world's Governments at the highest levels with
    international organizations and with the Iraqis in seeking the
    restructuring and reduction of Iraq's official debt. The future of the
    Iraqi people should not be mortgaged to the enormous burden of debt
    incurred to enrich Saddam Hussein's regime.
    This debt endangers Iraq's long-term prospects for political health and
    economic prosperity. The issue of Iraq debt must be resolved in a manner
    that is fair and that does not unjustly burden a struggling nation at
    its moment of hope and promise. James Baker's vast economic, political,
    and diplomatic experience as a former Secretary of State and Secretary
    of the Treasury will help to forge an international consensus for an
    equitable and effective resolution of this issue.