For Immediate Release
April 19, 2004

Global Message

From remarks by President Bush in a press availability with Britain's Prime Minister Blair, 4/16/04

America and Britain, sharing the loss of September 11th, joined in a global manhunt for terrorist killers.

Together, we removed terrorist camps of Afghanistan and the brutal government that sheltered them; enforced the United Nations' demands in Iraq and removed a threat to the region and the world; worked to end Libya's WMD programs and bring that country back into the community of nations; and we are helping Iraqis build their own democracy.

Iraq will be a free, independent, and peaceful nation and America and Britain will not waver in the face of fear and intimidation.

The past few weeks have been hard, and the days ahead will surely bring challenges. Extremists and terrorists attempting a power grab will fail because the coalition won't allow Iraq's future to be stolen by a violent few.

In Iraq, these extremists will fail because they are not widely supported by the Iraqi people. They have no desire to trade one tyrant for another.

Iraqis will control their own country. Neither American nor British citizens would want the governments of their nations in the hands of others, and neither do the Iraqis.

The June 30th date for the transfer of sovereignty will be kept, demonstrating to the Iraqi people that our coalition has no interest in occupation.

A free Iraq will stand as an example to the Middle East, encouraging reform and hope by demonstrating what life in a free society can be like.

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