[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 21, 2004]
[Page 2994]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Paris Club Agreement To Reduce Iraq's International 
Debt
November 21, 2004

    I congratulate the Iraqi Interim Government and the Paris Club of 
creditor nations for today's agreement to reduce dramatically Iraq's 
international debt. The Iraqi people have an historic opportunity to 
build a free and democratic Iraq after more than two decades of 
political oppression and economic devastation under the brutal regime of 
Saddam Hussein. The Paris Club agreement 
represents a major international contribution to Iraq's continued 
political and economic reconstruction. I encourage non-Paris Club 
creditor nations to agree to comparable debt reduction for Iraq.
    The Paris Club leadership deserves particular thanks for its efforts 
in making this agreement possible. I also commend Secretaries 
Powell and Snow and 
Special Presidential Envoy James Baker 
for their tireless efforts in working with creditor nations to reach 
this agreement.