    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 8, 2004]
    [Pages 341-342]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Completion of the Transitional Administrative Law in
    Iraq
    March 8, 2004

        I congratulate the Iraqi Governing Council and the Iraqi people on
    completing the Transitional Administrative Law for Iraq. This document
    is an important step toward the establishment of a sovereign government
    on June 30. It lays the foundation for democratic elections and for a
    new constitution, which will be written by an elected Iraqi assembly and
    approved by the Iraqi people.
        This law provides a framework for continued cooperation among Iraq,
    members of the international Coalition, and the United Nations as the
    Iraqi people make progress towards democracy. And it provides the
    essential freedoms and rights to all Iraqis regardless of gender,
    religion, or ethnic origin--including freedom of religion, freedom of
    speech and assembly, the right to a fair trial, and the right to choose
    their own representatives.

    [[Page 342]]

        The adoption of this law marks a historic milestone in the Iraqi
    people's long journey from tyranny and violence to liberty and peace.
    While difficult work remains to establish democracy in Iraq, today's
    signing is a critical step in that direction.