For Immediate Release
December 17, 2003

Global Message

The Iraqi people will not have to fear the rule of Saddam Hussein ever again.

For the vast majority of Iraqi citizens who wish to live as free men and women, the capture of Saddam brings further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever.

The capture of the former Iraqi dictator is crucial to the rise of a free Iraq. It marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied and killed in his name.

Whatever justice is meted out to Saddam Hussein needs to stand up to international scrutiny. It will be up to the Iraqi people how he will be treated.

In the history of Iraq, a dark and painful era is over. A hopeful day has arrived. All Iraqis can now come together and reject violence and build a new Iraq.

Iraqis can count on America remaining there until the job is done. There will probably be some who will continue to test our will, but we will stay the course.

A free Iraq will serve the peace and security of America and the world.

The goals of the coalition and of the Iraqi people are the same - sovereignty for Iraq, dignity for the great culture, and an opportunity for a better life for all Iraqi people.