Posted on 09/25/2007 5:39:58 PM PDT by Kaslin
This morning President Bush addressed the United Nations General Assembly
transcript here
Later on the president met with Iraqi Prime Minister Malaki at the Waldorf –Astoria Hotel in New York City
The Waldorf-Astoria
New York, New York
11:33 A.M. EDT
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. Prime Minister, it's good to see you again. We generally meet via TV screens, and now it's good to see you in person. And I appreciate your delegation coming. You brought a very distinguished delegation -- ministers in this government, foreign ministers, the Speaker of the Assembly is with us today -- Mr. Speaker, thank you.
We talked about a lot of issues, and spent time talking about reconciliation and law. And the Prime Minister and the Speaker are dedicated to getting good law out of the assembly. And the political parties in Iraq must understand the importance of getting these laws passed. Some politicians may be trying to block the law to gain special advantage. And these parties have got to understand that it's in the interests of Iraq to get good law passed. And so I want to thank you for you're dedication and your commitment to laws that will help this young democracy reconcile and move forward.
The Prime Minister and I have talked about a variety of concerns. And I assured him we want his security forces well-trained, mobile and capable of handling Iraqi security on their own. I have made it clear to the American people that our troop levels will depend upon success. When General Petraeus reported to the country, you know, I talked about troops coming home based upon success. And success in Iraq is important to the future of our country, it's obviously important to the people of Iraq.
You're sitting in a vital region and when you succeed -- which I'm confident you will -- it'll send a message to other people who believe in peace. It'll make it easier for people to grow up with a hopeful future in the Middle East. When that happens, it makes America more secure. If we were to leave before the job is done, chaos could ensue, innocent people would lose their life, extremists would be emboldened; nations that are worried about the United States would -- about our commitment, would lose their nerve; the countries of the Middle East would be endangered, and that would cause America to be endangered, as well.
And so we're with you, Prime Minister. We thank you for the courage of the Iraqi people. We expect there to be reconciliation and law, just like you expect there to be reconciliation and law. And I appreciate your time today. Appreciate your remarks yesterday; I thought they were strong remarks about a hopeful Iraq. It's good to be with you.
PRIME MINISTER MALIKI: (As translated.) Thank you very much, Mr. President. I am grateful to be here with you. I thank you for the meeting with your distinguished delegation and with my delegation.
During the meeting with the President we have reviewed a number of issues. We have discussed a variety of issues. All of them are common issues that we strongly believe that they represent the mutual goal that we have, the mutual goal of confronting and defeating terrorism, as well as building and continuing to build the Iraqi institutions and the Iraqi government.
The Iraqi side is fully prepared to assume all the responsibilities and to work for a better future for all of Iraq. We have made it very clear and emphasized that the future of Iraq goes through the gates of national reconciliations, of political agreements. That is the way to make the states and that's the way to ensure and assure the future of Iraq.
The task before us is gigantic. We have succeeded in ridding Iraq of the dictatorship and the regime that governed there. Now we have another challenge, which is to get rid of terrorism, terrorist organizations. The road will be long; it requires cooperation and the international community in order to uproot terrorism and secure a better future for everyone.
We believe and we feel that there is a development and progress that's happening every day in our political life, in the way to manage and administer the country in the security situation. Of course, as the President referred, also we have some spending legislations that we will continue to exert every possible efforts to have those spending legislations passed. They've been sent to the Iraqi parliament. But also we continue to work on the basis of the existing law and we continue to work to have those legislations passed.
We also discussed the importance of the region where we live. It is a vital region. It is important for Iraq and the region to be away from conflicts, to have a safer region and a safer Iraq, and to uproot terrorism in that part of the world and in that country. Iraq's security is very important and we have talked about the importance of mutual respect between our two sides and working together for our mutual goals. We have a great deal of confidence that we will be victorious.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Shukran.
END 11:41 A.M. EDT
Statement by the President on 2007 Nation’s Report Card
Earlier today, the 2007 Nation's Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, was released. The news is outstanding. Eighth graders achieved their highest scores ever in math, while fourth graders set records in both reading and math. African-American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs in a number of categories, which represents progress toward closing the achievement gap.
These scores confirm that No Child Left Behind is working and producing positive results for students across the country. Since No Child Left Behind became law in 2002, the states have been setting standards and holding schools accountable for ensuring that every child can read and do math at grade level. We are successfully challenging the soft bigotry of low expectations and continuing to make significant progress in reforming our schools.
As we commemorate the integration 50 years ago of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, we are reminded of the sacrifices students and their families have made in pursuit of a better education. Today's results demonstrate America's progress in making their dreams a reality, but we have more work to do. Now is not the time to turn back the clock on educational accountability and real options for parents, which No Child Left Behind provides.
The successes detailed in the Nation's Report Card highlight the importance of reauthorizing No Child Left Behind. I have proposed a number of ways to improve the law, by increasing flexibility, helping struggling schools, and empowering parents with more choices. I look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers of both parties to strengthen this important law.
This afternoon President Bush participated in Roundtable on Democracy at the United Nations Headquarters
Text
1:34 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. This is a meeting of people who love liberty and who understand that freedom is universal. I appreciate the ability to share thoughts about how to embolden those who seek reform to stand with those who are willing to fight tyranny, and ways for us all to be effective.
As you know, there are people around the world who are desperate to live in free societies. I think, for example, of those in Burma. And it's incumbent upon those of us who live in free societies to help them. I can think of no better way to work toward freedom than to strategize with leaders from around the world who are willing to take the harsh steps necessary to spread liberty.
And so I'm looking forward to our strategy session. I appreciate your time. I want to thank you very much for your interest in this vital subject. Thanks.
END 1:35 P.M. EDT
President Bush also participated in the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Africa at the United Nations Headquarters
You can read the transcripts here
Enoy your visit to Sanity Island
Quotes of the day
With the commitment and courage of this chamber, we can build a world where people are free to speak, assemble, and worship as they wish; a world where children in every nation grow up healthy, get a decent education, and look to the future with hope; a world where opportunity crosses every border. America will lead toward this vision where all are created equal, and free to pursue their dreams. This is the founding conviction of my country. It is the promise that established this body. And with our determination, it can be the future of our world.
"This great institution must work for great purposes -- to free people from tyranny and violence, hunger and disease, illiteracy and ignorance, and poverty and despair. Every member of the United Nations must join in this mission of liberation."
Photos Of The Day
Photos Of The Day
President George W. Bush is greeted Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after arriving at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki of Iraq, shake hands after their meeting Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The President told his Iraq counterpart, "...We're with you, Prime Minister. We thank you for the courage of the Iraqi people." White House photo by Eric Draper
Hi.
President George W. Bush speaks before the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, in New York City. Said the President, "With the commitment and courage of this chamber, we can build a world where people are free to speak, assemble, and worship as they wish; a world where children in every nation grow up healthy, get a decent education, and look to the future with hope; a world where opportunity crosses every border... It is the promise that established this body. And with our determination, it can be the future of our world." White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush addresses the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, in New York City. President Bush told the 62nd Assembly, "This great institution must work for great purposes -- to free people from tyranny and violence, hunger and disease, illiteracy and ignorance, and poverty and despair. Every member of the United Nations must join in this mission of liberation." White House photo by Eric Draper
Hello
President George W. Bush participates in an official greeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, right, and Dr. Srgjan Kerim, President of the General Assembly, after arriving Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush is greeted Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after arriving at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki of Iraq, shake hands after their meeting Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The President told his Iraq counterpart, "...We're with you, Prime Minister. We thank you for the courage of the Iraqi people." White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush shakes hands with Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikweta during their participation in a Roundtable on Democracy Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at the United Nations in New York. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush meets with Latvia President Valdis Zatlers during their participation in a Roundtable on Democracy Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, at the United Nations in New York. White House photo by Eric Draper
You're first :)
OMG that is horrible. Does the store have any security cameras, that might have caught the crime?
U.S. President George W. Bush addresses the 62nd United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 25, 2007.
President Bush addresses the United Nations General Assembly session at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007
President Bush addresses the United Nations General Assembly session at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.
President Bush addresses the United Nations General Assembly session at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) smiles at U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim (C) and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after Bush addressed the 62nd United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) talks to U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim (C) and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon after President Bush addressed the 62nd United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 25, 2007
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) talks to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (C) and U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim after President Bush addressed the 62nd United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) meets with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (L) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (center R) meets with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (center L) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, September 25, 2007
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) meets with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (L) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) meets with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) meets with Mauritania's President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi (C) and Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai during a meeting on democracy near the site of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) meets with Mauritania's President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdellahi (C) and Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai at a Roundtable on Democracy session after Bush addressed the 62nd United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) speaks with Kim Howells (L), Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council during the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (front right) gestures towards Kim Howells (L), Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as he confers with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (C) at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, part of the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2007.
President Bush speaks during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Africa at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. Looking on are British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East Kim Howells, left, and Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, right.
U.S. President George W. Bush (C) talks next to Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Kim Howells (L) and Belgium's Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt during a UN Security Council meeting on Africa at the UN in New York, September 25, 2007
President Bush addresses the United Nations Security Council with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sitting behind him at the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush talks during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Africa at the UN in New York, September 25, 2007.
While the dems want to perpetuate the myth that “Bush” is losing “Bush’s war” Iraqi diplomats travel to NYC and their presience hardly makes the news - except here on the most thorough review of the day’s events on the web!
President Bush talks with Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Kim Howells during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Africa at the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2007.
President Bush speaks with Kim Howells (L), Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council during the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 25, 2007
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) talks with Britain's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Kim Howells during a UN Security Council meeting on Africa at the UN in New York, September 25, 2007.
President George Bush speaks with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at a security council meeting during the 62nd General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) talks to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) during a UN Security Council meeting on Africa at the UN in New York, September 25, 2007. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley (top) looks on
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) talks to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) during a UN Security Council meeting on Africa at the UN in New York, September 25, 2007
President Bush, right, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attend a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Africa at the United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.