    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [November 30, 2006]
    [Pages 2141-2142]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nuri al-
    Maliki of Iraq
    November 30, 2006

        We were pleased to continue our consultations on building security
    and stability in Iraq. We are grateful to His Majesty King Abdullah
    II of Jordan for hosting these meetings here
    in Amman.
        Our discussions reviewed developments in Iraq, focusing on the
    security situation

    [[Page 2142]]

    and our common concern about sectarian violence targeting innocent
    Iraqis. In this regard, the Prime Minister affirms the commitment of his
    government to advance efforts toward national reconciliation and the
    need for all Iraqis and political forces in Iraq to work against armed
    elements responsible for violence and intimidation. The Prime Minister
    also affirms his determination with help from the United States and the
    international community to improve the efficiency of government
    operations, particularly in confronting corruption and strengthening the
    rule of law.
        We discussed the plague of terrorism in Iraq which is being fomented
    and fueled by Al Qaeda. The people of Iraq, like the people of the
    United States and the entire civilized world, must stand together to
    face this common threat. The Prime Minister affirmed that Iraq is a
    partner in the fight against Al Qaeda. We agreed that defeating Al Qaeda
    and the terrorists is vital to ensuring the success of Iraq's democracy.
    We discussed the means by which the United States will enhance Iraq's
    capabilities to further isolate extremists and bring all who choose
    violence and terror to full justice under Iraqi law.
        We agreed in particular to take all necessary measures to track down
    and bring to justice those responsible for the cowardly attacks last
    week in Sadr City. The Prime Minister has also pledged to bring to
    justice those responsible for crimes committed in the wake of this
    attack.
        We discussed accelerating the transfer of security responsibilities
    to the Government of Iraq; our hopes for strengthening the future
    relationship between our two nations; and joint efforts to achieve
    greater cooperation from governments in the region and to counter those
    elements that are fueling the conflict.
        We received an interim report from the high-level Joint Committee on
    Accelerating the Transferring of Security Responsibility, and encouraged
    the Committee to continue its good work. We agreed that reform of the
    Iraqi security ministries and agencies and addressing the issue of
    militias should be accelerated. The ultimate solution to stabilizing
    Iraq and reducing violence is true national reconciliation and capable
    and loyal Iraqi forces dedicated to protecting all the Iraqi people.
        We are committed to continuing to build the partnership between our
    two countries as we work together to strengthen a stable, democratic,
    and unified Iraq.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this joint statement. An original was not available for
    verification of the content of this joint statement.