Posted on 07/25/2006 12:17:19 PM PDT by pissant
Text of Tuesday's news conference by President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:
BUSH: Thank you all. Please be seated.
Mr. Prime Minister, welcome to the White House.
I just had a very constructive meeting with the leader of a government that has been chosen by the Iraqi people in free and fair elections.
I appreciate your vision for a free Iraq, and I appreciate your briefing me on a strategy to reduce violence and to rebuild your country.
You have a strong partner in the United States of America, and I'm honored to stand here with you, Mr. Prime Minister.
It's a remarkable, historical moment, as far as I'm concerned, to welcome a freely elected leader of Iraq to the White House.
We discussed a lot of issues. The prime minister's laid out a comprehensive plan. That's what leaders do: They see problems, they address problems and they lay out a plan to solve the problems.
The prime minister understands he's got challenges. And he's identified priorities.
Our priority is to help this government succeed. It's in the national interests of the United States that a unity government, based upon a constitution that is advanced and modern, succeed.
And that's what I told the prime minister. You know, he comes wondering whether or not we're committed. He hears all kinds of stories here in the United States.
And I assured him that this government stands with the Iraqi people.
We're impressed by your courage, Mr. Prime Minister, and we're impressed by the courage of the Iraqi people. And we want to help you.
We talked about security in Baghdad. There's no question the terrorists and extremists are brutal.
These are people that just kill innocent people to achieve an objective,
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
let's let al-maliki rest and enjoy the air of Freedom for a couple of days. It will re-invigorate him.
Not too long, he may decide to stay (like everyone else). He's got a big job in front of him.
Good, Maybe Allawi will be elevated to take his place. ;o)
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