    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 8, 2004]
    [Pages 830-831]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    May 8, 2004

        Good morning. In recent days, America and the world have learned of
    shocking conduct in Iraqi prisons by a small number of American service
    men and women. These individuals had been given the responsibility of
    overseeing Iraqis in American custody and doing so in a decent and
    humane manner consistent with U.S. law and the Geneva Conventions.
    Instead we have seen shameful images of prisoners being subjected to
    abuse and humiliation. Such practices do not reflect our values. They
    are a stain on our country's honor and reputation.
        Shortly after reports of abuse became known to our military, an
    investigation was launched. Today, several formal investigations, led by
    senior military officials, are underway. Some soldiers have already been
    charged with crimes. We will learn all the facts and determine the full
    extent of these abuses. Those involved will be identified. They will
    answer for their actions. All prison operations in Iraq will be
    thoroughly reviewed to make certain that similar disgraceful incidents
    are never repeated.
        What took place in that Iraqi prison was the wrongdoing of a few and
    does not reflect the character of the more than 200,000 military
    personnel who have served in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi
    Freedom. America is a compassionate country that believes in justice and
    in freedom. Americans believe in the worth and rights and dignity of
    every person.
        Our country has sent troops into Iraq to liberate that country,
    return sovereignty to the Iraqi people, and make America and the world
    more secure. In this cause, our troops perform a thousand acts of
    kindness, decency, and courage every day. More than 700 Americans have
    given their lives. The

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    brave and honorable soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and
    marines who are serving and sacrificing in Iraq, not the few who have
    let us down, show the true character of America. The men and women of
    our military have my complete confidence as they carry on with their
    mission.
        This has been a difficult few weeks. Yet our forces will stay on the
    offensive, finding and confronting the killers and terrorists who are
    trying to undermine the progress of democracy in Iraq. To address the
    violence in Fallujah, our marines are working with Iraqis to conduct
    operations in and around the city. They are using targeted force to
    strike former Ba'athists and other militants, surrounding the city to
    prevent the escape of enemy fighters, and taking every precaution to
    avoid hurting the innocent.
        In the city of Najaf, an illegal militia is attempting to incite
    violence and seize control. The 1st Armored Division is steadily and
    systematically defeating these enemy forces while seeking to protect the
    people and the holy sites of that city. Elements of this militia have
    been ejected from the Najaf Governor's office, which they had been
    occupying.
        The vast majority of Iraqi people want a free society, and next
    month they will take another historic step forward when they regain
    sovereignty. On June 30th, a sovereign Iraqi interim government will
    assume authority, and Iraqis will take over the functions of their
    state, from basic services to law enforcement to diplomacy. On that day,
    the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist, and relations
    with a new Iraqi Government will be conducted through our new embassy.
        Our mission in Iraq will continue on July 1st and beyond. We have no
    intention of leaving that nation at the mercy of thugs and murderers.
    We're determined to help build a free and stable Iraq, a nation at peace
    with its neighbors and with the world.
        Our Nation is grateful to the men and women of our military and to
    their families who face hardship and long separation. Our people in
    uniform are the best of America.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:24 a.m. on May 7 in the Cabinet Room
    at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May 8. The transcript
    was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 7 but was
    embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.