For Immediate Release
May 6, 2004

Global Message

From President Bush's interviews with Al Arabiya and Alhurra, 5/5/04

President Bush views the Abu Ghraib prison abuses as abhorrent.

What took place at Abu Ghraib does not represent America, which is a compassionate country that believes in freedom. America sent troops into Iraq to promote freedom.

In a democracy, everything is not perfect and mistakes are made. But also in a democracy, those mistakes will be investigated and people will be brought to justice. We are an open society that is willing to fully investigate what took place in Abu Ghraib.

This stands in stark contrast to life under Saddam Hussein. His trained torturers were never brought to justice under his regime. There were no investigations about mistreatment of people.

There are investigations under way to determine how widespread abuse may be occurring.

President Bush has instructed Defense Secretary Rumsfeld to find the truth and then tell the Iraqi people and world the truth. Then, to address the problems in a forthright, up-front manner.

The troops we have overseas are decent, honorable citizens who care about freedom and peace.

American troops are working daily in Iraq to improve the lives of the Iraqi citizens.

These actions of a few people do not reflect the nature of the men and women who serve our country.

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