    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [April 19, 2004]
    [Page 603]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Nomination of John D. Negroponte To Be Ambassador to Iraq
    April 19, 2004

        The President. Today I'm announcing my intention to nominate
    Ambassador John Negroponte as the Ambassador to Iraq. Ambassador
    Negroponte now serves our Nation at the United Nations as the Ambassador
    there. He has done a really good job of speaking for the United States
    to the world about our intentions to spread freedom and peace. John
    Negroponte is a man of enormous experience and skill. Therefore, I'm
    comfortable in asking him to serve in this very difficult assignment. No
    doubt in my mind he can handle it. No doubt in my mind he'll do a very
    good job. And there's no doubt in my mind that Iraq will be free and
    democratic and peaceful.
        So, John, thank you for agreeing to serve your country yet once
    again. I'm proud of your service. Good luck to you. Thank you.
        Ambassador Negroponte. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank
    you.
        The President. You bet.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:51 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.