    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 24 (Monday, June 19, 2006)]
    [Page 1120]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With the Interagency Team on Iraq in Camp
    David, Maryland

    June 12, 2006

        I want to thank Generals Abizaid and Casey, as well as Ambassador
    Khalilzad for the last--for the briefing for the last 3 hours. I thought
    your assessment of the situation in Iraq was very realistic. I think
    your recommendations to us on how to win in Iraq, to have an Iraq that
    can govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself are--your
    recommendations are valid.
        I look forward to continuing to visit with you later on this
    afternoon about how we can help this new Government succeed. Zal, you've
    been--I just want to thank you all very much for remaining in theater
    and working as hard as you are. You're making a significant difference.
        And again, please give my best congratulations to the troops on the
    ground for bringing Zarqawi to justice. I fully recognize that's not
    going to end the war. On the other hand, it was a major blow to Al Qaida
    and the killers and terrorists that are trying to spread violence and
    suffering, and stop the emergence of a new democracy.
        Zal, we left off where you were talking about the way forward in
    Iraq and your perception of this new Government.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:33 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, combatant commander, U.S. Central Command;
    Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., USA, commanding general, Multi-National
    Force--Iraq; U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad; and senior Al
    Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, who was killed in Baquba, Iraq, on
    June 7. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.