For Immediate Release
January 28, 2005

Global Message

From remarks by President Bush in an interview with Al-Arabiya, 1/26/05

Sunday elections will provide a historic opportunity for the people of Iraq to vote for their government.

Courageous Iraqis are willing to step forth and promote democracy.

All citizens in Iraq are urged to vote, and to show the terrorists they cannot stop the march of freedom.

Some Shia leaders have made heartening statements such as: the new Iraqi government must be inclusive; and that for Iraq to reach its ultimate objective - a stable, free society - everyone should be able to participate in the writing of the constitution.

President Bush is confident that Iraqi nationalism, Iraqi pride, and the history and traditions of Iraq will be reflected in the new government.

President Bush says it is important for Iraqis to know that America will stay with them until Iraqi soldiers are trained and have the tools and command structure necessary to fight off the few who want to stop the aspirations of the many.