Global Message, April 8, 2003

[David]

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.