[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
[September 25, 2004]
[Pages 2221-2222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



The President's Radio Address
September 25, 2004

    Good morning. This week, I was honored to welcome the Prime Minister 
of a free and sovereign Iraq to the White House. In less than 3 months, 
Prime Minister Allawi and his Government have 
accomplished a great deal, despite persistent violence in parts of Iraq. 
The enemies of freedom are using suicide bombings, beheadings, and other 
horrific acts to try to block progress. We are sickened by their 
atrocities, but we will never be intimidated, and freedom is winning.
    We're making steady progress in implementing our five-step plan 
toward the goal we all want, completing the mission so that Iraq is 
stable and self-governing and American troops can come home with the 
honor they have earned.
    The first step was achieved on June 28th, not only on time but ahead 
of schedule, when the coalition transferred full sovereignty to a 
government of Iraqi citizens.
    The second step is to help Iraq's new Government establish stability 
and security. Nearly 100,000 fully trained and equipped Iraqi soldiers, 
police officers, and other security personnel are working today, and the 
Iraqi Government is on track to build a force of over 200,000 security 
personnel by the end of 2005.
    In Najaf and other important areas, Iraqi military forces have 
performed with skill and success. The Government's strategy is to 
surround and isolate enemy militias, reach out to the local population, 
and negotiate from a position of strength. Serious problems remain in 
several cities. Yet, Prime Minister Allawi 
believes this combination of decisive action and outreach to peaceful 
citizens is the most effective way to defeat the killers and secure the 
peace. And America stands with him.
    The third step in our plan is to continue improving Iraq's 
infrastructure. Today, in most of Iraq, children are about to go back to 
school, parents are going back to work, and new businesses are being 
opened. Electricity has been restored above prewar

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levels. Telephone service has increased dramatically. In the next 
several months, more than $9 billion will be spent on contracts that 
will help Iraqis rebuild schools, refurbish hospitals and health 
clinics, repair bridges, upgrade the electrical grid, and modernize the 
communications system. Prime Minister Allawi and 
I agree that the pace of reconstruction can and should be accelerated, 
and we're working toward that goal.
    The fourth step in our plan is to enlist additional international 
support for Iraq's transition to democracy. The multinational force of 
some 30 nations continues to help secure a free Iraq, and we are 
grateful for the service and sacrifice of all. Our coalition is also 
grateful that the United Nations has reestablished its mission in 
Baghdad. We are grateful to the G-8 countries and the European Union for 
pledging support to the new Iraqi Government. We are grateful to the 
NATO Alliance for help in training Iraqi forces. And we are grateful to 
many of Iraq's creditors, which have agreed to a further reduction of 
Iraq's debt.
    The fifth and most important step in our plan is to help Iraq 
conduct free national elections no later than January. An Iraqi 
electoral commission has already hired personnel and is making key 
decisions about election procedures. Just this week, the commission 
began a public education campaign to inform Iraqis about the process and 
encourage them to become voters. United Nations electoral advisers are 
on the ground in Iraq, and Prime Minister Allawi 
and I have urged the U.N. to send more personnel to help ensure the 
success of the Iraqi elections.
    The war for Iraq's freedom is a fight against some of the most 
ruthless and brutal men on Earth. In such a struggle, there will be good 
days, and there will be difficult days. But every day, our resolve must 
remain the same: Iraq, America, and our coalition will stand firm; and 
Iraq will be free; the world will be more peaceful; and America will be 
more secure.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 9:45 a.m. on September 24 in the 
Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September 
25. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 24 but was embargoed for release until the 
broadcast. In his remarks, the President referred to Prime Minister Ayad 
Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Government. The Office of the Press 
Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.