[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.