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 Home > News & Policies > October 2004

For Immediate Release
October 11, 2004

Global Message

On the Elections in Afghanistan

  • Today, the Afghan people are on the path to democracy and freedom, and this progress is good for the long-term security of us all.
  • More than 10 million Afghan citizens -- over 4 million of them women -- are registered to vote in Afghanistan's first direct presidential election. Legislative elections are scheduled for spring.
  • The Afghan people are showing extraordinary courage under difficult conditions. They are reviving their economy. They've adopted a constitution that protects the rights of all, while honoring their nation's most cherished traditions.
  • Elections in Afghanistan will demonstrate to a volatile region of the world the hope and promise of freedom and democracy.

President Bush's Statement on Terrorism in Egypt, 10/8/04

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vicious terrorist attacks in Egypt yesterday. By targeting Muslims and Jews, Egyptians and Israelis, and women and children, the terrorists have shown their total contempt for all human life and for all human values. These acts show yet again why the civilized world must stand together against the forces of terror and defeat this evil.

On behalf of the American people, I express condolences to all who lost loved ones and to the people of Egypt and of Israel. I commend the cooperation between Israel and Egypt to help the victims and their families. The United States stands ready to provide assistance to the Government of Egypt as it brings the perpetrators of these acts to justice.

Duelfer Report
From remarks by President Bush upon departure, The White House South Grounds, 10/7/04

  • The Duelfer report raised important new information about Saddam Hussein's defiance of the world and his intent and capability to develop weapons.
  • The report showed that Saddam Hussein was systematically working the system, using the U.N. oil-for-food program to try to influence countries and companies to undermine sanctions. He was doing so with the intent of restarting his weapons program, once the world looked away.
  • Based on all the information we have today, America was right to take action, and is safer today with Saddam Hussein in prison.
  • Saddam Hussein retained the knowledge, the materials, the means, and the intent to produce weapons of mass destruction. He could have passed that knowledge to our terrorist enemies.
  • Saddam Hussein was a unique threat, a sworn enemy of America, a state sponsor of terror, operating in the world's most volatile region. In a world after September 11th, he was a threat we had to confront. America and the world are safer for our actions.

    • Afghan Elections
    On Saturday October 9th, the Afghan people will make history when they hold their nation's first direct presidential election. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for next spring. For more information, please visit: /infocus/afghanistan/