    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [January 24, 2007]
    [Pages 56-57]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Combatant
    Commanders
    January 24, 2007

        It's my pleasure to welcome Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs, and the combatant commanders to the
    White House. First of all, it's an honor to be in the presence of such
    fine citizens, men who are doing their duty to protect this country. And
    we have no more solemn duty than to protect America in this war against
    extremists and radicals.
        I'm looking forward to our discussion about the theaters in which
    you are representing America. I'm looking forward to discussion about
    the new way forward in Iraq. I thank you for your service.

    [[Page 57]]

        I also call upon the Senate to move quickly to confirm Lieutenant
    General Petraeus as the commander of the
    Multi-National Forces--Iraq, Admiral Fallon as the commander of Central Command, and General
    Casey as the Army Chief of Staff. It is
    important to get these three fine individuals in their posts as soon as
    possible so that we have continuity as we do our duty to protect the
    American people.
        We'll have a good, wide-ranging discussion here, and then
    Laura and I have the high privilege of welcoming
    you and your spouses to dinner tonight. Welcome, and thank you for
    coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:06 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of Defense Robert M.
    Gates; Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA, commanding general, U.S. Army
    Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth; and Gen. George W. Casey,
    Jr., USA, commanding general, Multi-National Force--Iraq.