[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Pages 1130-1131]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Bombing in Najaf, Iraq

August 29, 2003

    I strongly condemn the bombing today outside the Imam Ali mosque in 
Najaf, Iraq, that killed dozens of innocent Iraqis. This vicious act of 
terrorism was aimed at Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim, at one of 
Shi'a Islam's holiest sites, and at the hopes of the people of Iraq for 
freedom, peace, and reconciliation.
    I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and 
my hopes for a quick recovery for the injured. I have instructed 
American officials in Iraq to work closely with Iraqi security officials 
and the Governing Council to determine who committed this terrible 
attack and bring them to justice. I also extend my sympathies to all 
Iraqis and to Shi'a Muslims around the world.
    Ayatollah Hakim had been jailed and tortured for his religious 
beliefs by the regime of Saddam Hussein, and he had spent many years in 
exile. He returned to his native land this year after its liberation. 
His murder today, along with the murder of many innocent men and women 
gathered for prayer, demonstrates the cruelty and desperation of the 
enemies of the Iraqi people.
    The forces of terror must and will be defeated. The united efforts 
of Iraqis and the international community will succeed in achieving 
peace and freedom.

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Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.