[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.