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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (January 12, 2008) - President George W.
Bush made a stop in Kuwait Saturday during his Middle East tour to
meet with key U.S. leaders and speak to service members deployed to
the Third Army/U.S. Army Central area of operations in support of
Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Bush met with the U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, and Gen.
David Petraeus, commander, Multi-National Forces Iraq, to discuss
the situation in Iraq as well as the progress made and the
challenges ahead.
"We discussed the fact that whatever happens in Iraq impacts
everything else in the entire region," Bush said. He then discussed
the changes and improvements that came from the troop surge and the
strategy change in Iraq over the last year.
"Iraq is now a different place from one year ago," Bush said.
"Much hard work remains but levels of violence are significantly
reduced. Hope is returning to Baghdad and hope is returning to
towns and villages throughout the country."
Bush also spoke about how the Iraqis are taking control of their
own government and coming together despite religious differences to
build a common future and diminish violence.
In his statement Bush spoke about U.S. forces returning home due
to the changes in Iraq. He stated that any additional reduction
will be based on Petraeus' recommendations, based on the conditions
on the ground in Iraq.
"I have believed all along that if people are given a chance to
live in a free society they will do the hard work necessary to live
in a free society," he said.
He also spoke about the importance of the concerned citizen
groups who are stepping up to help provide local security in
addition to the Iraqi surge of 100,000 local police and Iraqi
troops.
"We must do all we can to ensure 2008 brings even greater
progress for Iraq's young democracy. Long-term success in Iraq is
vital to our friends here in the region and to America's national
security" Bush said. "In a place where Saddam Hussein once menaced
the world, the new U.S., Iraqi relationship will strengthen a
democracy that serves its people, fights terrorists and serves as a
beacon of freedom for millions across the Middle East."
Bush then moved on to speak with several thousand service
members gathered at the Zone 6 stage on Camp Arifjan. He encouraged
the service members to continue their work in supporting the
mission. During his speech he thanked Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace,
commander, Third Army/ USARCENT, and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines and civilians serving for their hard work in completing the
support and logistical mission in Kuwait.
"In the long term, the best way to defeat the ideology of hate
is one with an ideology of hope and that is one with liberty at its
fundamental core," Bush said. The assembled troops responded with a
loud, "hooah."
"It's hard work but it is necessary work," he continued. "I
thank you for what you are doing. There is no doubt in my mind that
when the history is written, the final page will say, 'Victory was
achieved by the United States of America for the good of the
world.'"
Following the speech to the troops Petraeus and Crocker spoke to
media about the meeting they had with the President. They
highlighted the importance of political reconciliation in Iraq.
"Reconciliation is more than national legislation," Crocker
said. "It's also what we are seeing in provinces around the
country. There is more cross-sectarian political activity. As
security improves and some of the tensions reduce we are seeing
more political activity and more steps toward reconciliation. There
is still a long way to go. We are seeing some encouraging steps now
at both the national and local levels."
Petraeus said troop withdrawals would depend on whether things
get better, stay the same or decline as U.S. troops pull out and
Iraqi Security Forces take over. He stated that Iraqi citizens and
security forces are preparing to take on the security of their own
country. He said recommendations for continued withdrawal will be
based on the situation in the country.
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