    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [December 16, 2003]
    [Page 1736]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Agreed to by President Bush, President Chirac, and Chancellor Schroeder
    December 16, 2003

        Debt reduction is critical if the Iraqi people are to have any
    chance to build a free and prosperous Iraq. Therefore, France, Germany,
    and the United States agree that there should be substantial debt
    reduction for Iraq in the Paris Club in 2004, and will work closely with
    each other and with other countries to achieve this objective. The exact
    percentage of debt reduction that would constitute ``substantial'' debt
    reduction is subject to future agreement between the parties.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.