For Immediate Release
February 24, 2003
President's Remarks to Governors 2/24/03
Click here for full transcript.
The war on terror is more than just chasing down shadowy terrorist
networks. The war on terror is recognizing that weapons of mass
destruction, in the hands of brutal dictators, also threatens the
American people. I've come to the conclusion that the risk of doing
nothing far exceeds the risk of working with the world to disarm Saddam
Hussein.
I came to that conclusion because of the new realties we all face
as American citizens who love freedom and who aren't going to change.
Today we're going to submit a resolution to the U.N. Security Council
that spells out what the world has witnessed the last months. The Iraqi
regime is not disarming. The Iraqi regime is not disarming as required
by last fall's unanimous vote of the Security Council.
Saddam Hussein's refusal to comply with the demands of the
civilized world is a threat to peace, and it's a threat to stability.
It's a threat to the security of our country. It's a threat to the
security of peace leaving -- peace-loving people everywhere.
We're going to work with the members of the Security Council in the
days ahead to make it clear to Saddam that the demands of the world and
the United Nations will be enforced. It's an interesting moment for the
Security Council and the United Nations. It's a moment to determine for
this body, that we hope succeeds, to determine whether or not it is
going to be relevant, as the world confronts the threats to the 21st
century. Is it going to be a body that means what it says? We certainly
hope it does.
But one way or the other, Saddam Hussein, for the sake of peace and
for the security of the American people, will be disarmed. (Applause.)
We face common challenges. I look forward to working with you all
to meet those challenges. The country expects leaders to lead. And
that's exactly what we all are going to do for the good of mankind, for
the good of the American people.
Thank you very much.
