    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 40 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
    [Pages 2151-2152]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    The President's Radio Address

    September 25, 2004

        Good morning. This week, I was honored to welcome the Prime Minister
    of a free and sovereign Iraq to the White House. In less than 3 months,
    Prime Minister Allawi and his Government have accomplished a great deal,
    despite persistent violence in parts of Iraq. The enemies of freedom are
    using suicide bombings, beheadings, and other horrific acts to try to
    block progress. We are sickened by their atrocities, but we will never
    be intimidated, and freedom is winning.
        We're making steady progress in implementing our five-step plan
    toward the goal we all want, completing the mission so that Iraq is
    stable and self-governing and American troops can come home with the
    honor they have earned.
        The first step was achieved on June 28th, not only on time but ahead
    of schedule, when the coalition transferred full sovereignty to a
    government of Iraqi citizens.
        The second step is to help Iraq's new Government establish stability
    and security. Nearly 100,000 fully trained and equipped Iraqi soldiers,
    police officers, and other security personnel are working today, and the
    Iraqi Government is on track to build a force of over 200,000 security
    personnel by the end of 2005.
        In Najaf and other important areas, Iraqi military forces have
    performed with skill and success. The Government's strategy is to
    surround and isolate enemy militias, reach out to the local population,
    and negotiate from a position of strength. Serious problems remain in
    several cities. Yet, Prime Minister Allawi believes this combination of
    decisive action and outreach to peaceful citizens is the most effective
    way to defeat the killers and secure the peace. And America stands with
    him.
        The third step in our plan is to continue improving Iraq's
    infrastructure. Today, in most of Iraq, children are about to go back to
    school, parents are going back to work, and new businesses are being
    opened. Electricity has been restored above pre-war levels. Telephone
    service has increased dramatically. In the next several months, more
    than $9 billion will be spent on contracts that will help Iraqis rebuild
    schools, refurbish hospitals and health clinics, repair bridges, upgrade
    the electrical grid, and modernize the communications system. Prime
    Minister Allawi and I agree that the pace of reconstruction can and
    should be accelerated, and we're working toward that goal.
        The fourth step in our plan is to enlist additional international
    support for Iraq's transition to democracy. The multinational force of
    some 30 nations continues to help secure a free Iraq, and we are
    grateful for the service and sacrifice of all. Our coalition is also
    grateful that the United Nations has reestablished its mission in
    Baghdad. We are grateful to the G-8 countries and the European Union for
    pledging support to the new Iraqi Government. We are grateful to the
    NATO Alliance for help in training Iraqi forces. And we are grateful to
    many of Iraq's creditors, which have agreed to a further reduction of
    Iraq's debt.
        The fifth and most important step in our plan is to help Iraq
    conduct free national elections no later than January. An Iraqi
    electoral commission has already hired personnel and is making key
    decisions about election procedures. Just this week, the commission
    began a public education campaign to inform Iraqis about the process and
    encourage them to become voters. United Nations electoral advisers are
    on the ground in Iraq, and Prime

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    Minister Allawi and I have urged the U.N. to send more personnel to help
    ensure the success of the Iraqi elections.
        The war for Iraq's freedom is a fight against some of the most
    ruthless and brutal men on Earth. In such a struggle, there will be good
    days, and there will be difficult days. But every day, our resolve must
    remain the same: Iraq, America, and our coalition will stand firm; and
    Iraq will be free; the world will be more peaceful; and America will be
    more secure.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 9:45 a.m. on September 24 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September
    25. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 24 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. In his remarks, the President referred to Prime Minister Ayad
    Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Government. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.