    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 24 (Monday, June 19, 2006)]
    [Pages 1138-1139]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With the Iraq Study Group

    June 14, 2006

        I want to thank a distinguished group of Americans, led by Jim Baker
    and Lee Hamilton, for your willingness to look at the way forward in
    Iraq and to provide advice to the administration, to the Congress, and
    to the American people about the proper strategies and tactics to
    achieve success.
        Iraq is a complex situation. It is vital that we succeed. And the
    fact that you all are willing to lend your expertise to help chart the
    way forward means a lot. And I can't thank you enough. We've got
    Republicans at the table; we've got Democrats at the table; we've got
    people who've served in the administration, administrations past, our
    court system, and the legislative branch. And you bring a lot of
    expertise and a lot of knowledge, and the fact that you're willing to
    lend your expertise and knowledge to help our country means a lot.
        Once again, you've been called to serve, and once again, you are
    serving, and we thank you for that a lot. Appreciate you very much.

    [[Page 1139]]

    Note: The President spoke at 2:36 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to James A. Baker III and Lee
    H. Hamilton, co-chairs, Iraq Study Group.