[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 20 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Pages 846-847]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

May 8, 2004

    Good morning. In recent days, America and the world have learned of 
shocking conduct in Iraqi prisons by a small number of American service 
men and women. These individuals had been given the responsibility of 
overseeing Iraqis in American custody and doing so in a decent and 
humane manner consistent with U.S. law and the Geneva Conventions. 
Instead we have seen shameful images of prisoners being subjected to 
abuse and humiliation. Such practices do not reflect our values. They 
are a stain on our country's honor and reputation.
    Shortly after reports of abuse became known to our military, an 
investigation was launched. Today, several formal investigations, led by 
senior military officials, are underway. Some soldiers have already been 
charged with crimes. We will learn all the facts and determine the full 
extent of these abuses. Those involved will be identified. They will 
answer for their actions. All prison operations in Iraq will be 
thoroughly reviewed to make certain that similar disgraceful incidents 
are never repeated.
    What took place in that Iraqi prison was the wrongdoing of a few and 
does not reflect the character of the more than 200,000 military 
personnel who have served in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. America is a compassionate country that believes in justice and 
in freedom. Americans believe in the worth and rights and dignity of 
every person.
    Our country has sent troops into Iraq to liberate that country, 
return sovereignty to the Iraqi people, and make America and the world 
more secure. In this cause, our troops

[[Page 847]]

perform a thousand acts of kindness, decency, and courage every day. 
More than 700 Americans have given their lives. The brave and honorable 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and marines who are serving 
and sacrificing in Iraq, not the few who have let us down, show the true 
character of America. The men and women of our military have my complete 
confidence as they carry on with their mission.
    This has been a difficult few weeks. Yet our forces will stay on the 
offensive, finding and confronting the killers and terrorists who are 
trying to undermine the progress of democracy in Iraq. To address the 
violence in Fallujah, our marines are working with Iraqis to conduct 
operations in and around the city. They are using targeted force to 
strike former Ba'athists and other militants, surrounding the city to 
prevent the escape of enemy fighters, and taking every precaution to 
avoid hurting the innocent.
    In the city of Najaf, an illegal militia is attempting to incite 
violence and seize control. The 1st Armored Division is steadily and 
systematically defeating these enemy forces while seeking to protect the 
people and the holy sites of that city. Elements of this militia have 
been ejected from the Najaf Governor's office, which they had been 
occupying.
    The vast majority of Iraqi people want a free society, and next 
month they will take another historic step forward when they regain 
sovereignty. On June 30th, a sovereign Iraqi interim government will 
assume authority, and Iraqis will take over the functions of their 
state, from basic services to law enforcement to diplomacy. On that day, 
the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist, and relations 
with a new Iraqi Government will be conducted through our new embassy.
    Our mission in Iraq will continue on July 1st and beyond. We have no 
intention of leaving that nation at the mercy of thugs and murderers. 
We're determined to help build a free and stable Iraq, a nation at peace 
with its neighbors and with the world.
    Our Nation is grateful to the men and women of our military and to 
their families who face hardship and long separation. Our people in 
uniform are the best of America.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 7:24 a.m. on May 7 in the Cabinet Room 
at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May 8. The transcript 
was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 7 but was 
embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Press 
Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.