    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 12, 2004]
    [Page 854]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Death of Nicholas Berg
    May 12, 2004

        I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of
    Nicholas Berg. Nicholas Berg was an innocent civilian who was in Iraq to
    help build a free Iraq. There is no justification for the brutal
    execution of Nicholas Berg--no justification whatsoever.
        The actions of the terrorists who executed this man remind us of the
    nature of the few people who want to stop the advance of freedom in
    Iraq. Their intention is to shake our will. Their intention is to shake
    our confidence. Yet, by their actions, they remind us of how desperately
    parts of the world need free societies and peaceful societies, and we
    will complete our mission. We will complete our task.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House
    prior to his departure for Bethesda, MD. American hostage Nicholas Berg
    was killed in Iraq in early May by senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab
    Al Zarqawi.