For Immediate Release
August 20, 2003

Global Message

From President Bush's remarks, 8/19/03

Terrorists in Baghdad turned their violence against the United Nations by bombing its workers on Tuesday.

The UN personnel and Iraqi citizens killed in the bombing were in that country on a purely humanitarian mission, working on reconstruction, medical care for Iraqis, and helping with the distribution of food.

President Bush has directed Ambassador Bremer to provide all possible assistance to the rescue and recovery effort at the United Nations headquarters.

The terrorists have again shown their contempt for the innocent. They showed their fear of progress and their hatred of peace. They are the enemies of the Iraqi people. They are the enemies of every nation that seeks to help the Iraqi people.

Every sign of progress in Iraq adds to the desperation of the terrorists and the remnants of Saddam's brutal regime. The civilized world will not be intimidated, and these killers will not determine the future of Iraq.

The Iraqi people have been liberated from a dictator. Iraq is on an irreversible course toward self-government and peace. America and our friends and the United Nations will stand with the Iraqi people as they reclaim their nation and their future.

Iraqi people face a challenge and a choice. The terrorists want to return to the days of torture chambers and mass graves. The Iraqis who want peace and freedom must reject them and fight terror. The United States and many in the world will be there to help them.

All nations of the world face a challenge and a choice. By attempting to spread chaos and fear, terrorists are testing our will. Across the world, they are finding that our will cannot be shaken. We will persevere through every hardship.