    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 13 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
    [Pages 437-438]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    The President's Radio Address

    March 20, 2004

        Good morning. One year ago this week, ground forces of a strong
    coalition entered Iraq to liberate that country from the rule of a
    tyrant. For the Iraqi people, it was the beginning of their deliverance.
    For the world, it was the moment when years of demands and pledges
    turned to decisive action.
        The liberation of Iraq was good for the Iraqi people. It was good
    for America and good for the world. The fall of the Iraqi dictator has
    removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability from the
    Middle East. The worst regime in the region was given way to what will
    soon be among the best. The demands of the United Nations were enforced,
    not ignored with impunity. Years of illicit weapons development by the
    dictator have come to an end. The Iraqi people are now receiving aid
    instead of suffering under sanctions. And men and women across

    [[Page 438]]

    the Middle East, looking to Iraq, are getting a glimpse of what life in
    a free country can be like.
        Helping Iraq emerge as a free nation is a global responsibility, and
    the nations of the world are meeting their responsibilities. Troops from
    Britain and Poland and Japan are securing important areas of the
    country. Special Forces from El Salvador, Macedonia, and other nations
    are helping to find and defeat Ba'athist and terrorist killers. In all,
    more than 50 nations are helping the Iraqi people emerge from decades of
    tyranny and realize a democratic future.
        There are still violent thugs and murderers in Iraq, and our
    coalition is dealing with them. Not long ago, we intercepted a planning
    document being sent to leaders of Al Qaida by a terrorist named Zarqawi.
    Along with the usual threats, he had a complaint: ``Our enemy,'' said
    Zarqawi, ``is growing stronger, and his intelligence data are increasing
    day by day. This is suffocation!'' Zarqawi is getting the idea. The
    resolve of our coalition is firm. We will never turn over Iraq to
    terrorists who intend our own destruction. We will not fail the Iraqi
    people, who have placed their trust in us. Whatever it takes, we will
    fight and work to assure the success of freedom in Iraq.
        The terrorists hate and target a free Iraq. They also hate and
    target every country that stands for democracy and tolerance and freedom
    in the world. The murders in Madrid have revealed, once again, the
    agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the innocent--
    they kill children and their mothers on a commuter train--without
    conscience or mercy. They cause suffering and grief and rejoice in it.
        The war on terror is not a figure of speech. It is the inescapable
    calling of our generation. The terrorists are offended not merely by our
    policies. They are offended by our existence as free nations. No
    concession will appease their malice. No accommodation will satisfy
    their endless demands. No course of therapy will cure them of their
    hatred. There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy.
    Whatever it takes, we will seek and find and destroy the terrorists.
        Earlier this week, I traveled to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where I
    met with Green Berets and Special Force soldiers and members of the
    101st Airborne, the ``Screaming Eagles.'' These men and women are
    defending their fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. They have
    liberated millions from oppression and added to the momentum of freedom
    across the world. Like all of their brothers and sisters in uniform,
    they are making America safer and more secure. Because of their service
    and sacrifice, I know that justice and freedom will prevail over terror
    and tyranny.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 10:36 a.m. on March 19 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 20. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 19 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    remarks, the President referred to senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab
    Al Zarqawi. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.