Bush, Blair Offer No Timetable for Removal of Coalition Forces From Iraq

FoxNews ^ | Thursday, May 25, 2006 | Carl Cameron

[do the dhue]

WASHINGTON — President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are going to work with their new partners in Iraq to determine when the Iraqis can sustain themselves and coalition forces can drawdown, the president said in a press conference with Blair on Thursday night.

"I have said that our commanders on the ground will make that decision. I will talk to General Casey once he has conferred with the new government in Iraq. They are in the process of getting a defense minister, they don't have a defense minister yet ... it probably makes a lot of sense for our commander on the ground to wait until their defense structure is set up before we discuss with them and he with me the force levels necessary to reach our objective," Bush said.

Blair came away from his visit to Iraq speaking very positively and optimistically about its new government and new Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He said "it is the duty of the whole international community" to confront the forces that are trying to destroy the hopes of Iraqis who want to live the same type of life as those in free and democratic nations.

"I'm more than ever convinced that what is important for them in Iraq is to know that we will stand with them in defeating these forces of reaction," Blair said.

[do the dhue]

I have not wavered, tired, faltered or failed. And I ain't gunna.

[malia]

President Bush ....... "I have said that our commanders on the ground will make that decision."

Prime Minister Blair ......."I'm more than ever convinced that what is important for them in Iraq is to know that we will stand with them in defeating these forces of reaction," Blair said".

[do the dhue]

Bush was referring to the number of US troops on the ground. Commanders are making that decision. Like when there are enough Iraqis to start standing our troops down and so on.

Blair was referring to how the Iraqis defend themselves and that we will be there to support them. It is important to let the Iraqis know that we will be there and we will not pull out. The Iraqi people know the resolve of Al Quada. It is necessary for us to show that same resolve. This will help give the Iraqis confidence in us and then they will be more willing to help us rather then our enemy.

[steel_resolve]

I thought they both did a great job tonight. More so Blair, though he is the better speaker. But would it kill Bush to lay off the wise cracks for like an hour?

[do the dhue]

I think they both did great. I am glad to see them standing up for the war. The media has just about beat the war into the dirt.

[malia]

I listened to the interview. I understood. I agree.

[OESY]

Text of Bush-Blair Press Conference, May 25, 2006