For Immediate Release April 8, 2003
Global Message
President Bush's Trip to the United Kingdom
President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair are discussing
the progress in the war in Iraq, the status of the ongoing military
operation, and humanitarian relief efforts.
They will also work to help Iraqis build a post-war Iraq that is
whole, free, and at peace within itself and with its neighbors.
They will discuss the role of the United Nations and other
international organizations.
The President and the Prime Minister will also talk about the
peace process in Northern Ireland, and discuss efforts to bring
peace to the Middle East.
Update on Liberation of Iraq
Coalition forces are operating in and around Baghdad, on the
ground and in the air. The regime's leaders are increasingly
isolated. The circle is closing, and options are running out.
Coalition forces have come a long way in a short time. But there
is dangerous and difficult work ahead.
Iraqi regime death squads have used schools and armories and
hospitals as military headquarters. They have executed POWs. They
use children as human shields. And they have forced civilians to
fight at gunpoint, executing those who refused. They are moving
their artillery into residential neighborhoods in Baghdad, hoping to
draw coalition fire.
By contrast, Coalition forces have demonstrated their respect for
the Iraqi people, going to extraordinary lengths to protect innocent
lives and to safeguard Muslim holy sites, delivering humanitarian
aid, and fixing schools where Iraqi children returned to their
classrooms last week.
As the Coalition makes progress, the Iraqi people are losing
their fear of the regime. We want to assure all Iraqis that life
without Saddam Hussein is not a distant dream. Coalition forces will
not stop until they have accomplished their mission, remove Saddam
Hussein from power, and give Iraq back to the Iraqi people.
Just as we've planned for military victory, we're planning to win
the peace. The Coalition is committed to helping Iraqis create a
broad-based, representative government, based on democratic
principles, that serves their interests and is worthy of their
hopes.
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