[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 28 (Monday, July 16, 2007)]
[Pages 958-959]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Briefing By Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders 
and Brigade Combat Commanders

July 13, 2007

    As part of our strategy to succeed in Iraq, I not only reinforced 
our military efforts with more troops, we also surged civilians to work 
with our military to help the reconciliation efforts in a country that 
is still recovering from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein.
    And today my Security Council here had a opportunity not only to 
speak with our Ambassador in Iraq but also five members of Provincial 
Reconstruction Teams, three civilians and two military--colonels. They 
have briefed us on the grassroots effort to improve services, to improve 
the economy, to encourage local government, all aiming at enhancing this 
concept of reconciliation from the bottom up.
    We heard from the PRT leader in Anbar. I had the honor of speaking 
to him months ago, and now he has briefed us on the progress that he has 
seen. Listen, there is still a lot of work to be done. But these people 
at the grassroots understand that most Iraqis want to live in peace and 
that, with time, we'll be able to help them realize that dream.
    And so I want to thank you once again for your outstanding service 
to our Nation in the cause of peace. What happens in Iraq

[[Page 959]]

matters to the United States of America. A violent, chaotic Iraq will 
affect our security at home. An Iraq that can self-govern, provide basic 
services to its people, and be an ally in the war on terror will mean 
that all of us have accepted a great challenge and laid a foundation of 
peace for our children and grandchildren.
    And so, thank you for your service. I appreciate your--I want to 
thank your families who are supporting you in this just and noble cause. 
And may God bless you all. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan 
C. Crocker.