![]() ![]() He declared he would lead a transparent Iraq, where government is open and accountable, and corruption is not tolerated. He pledged to work for a prosperous Iraq that welcomes foreign investments and accelerates reconstruction and lays the foundations for economic growth and opportunity. He committed himself to a free Iraq that will uphold international standards of human rights and respect the role of women in Iraqi society. ![]() He promised to work for a sovereign Iraq that will assume responsibility for the security of its people. This weekend, Prime Minister Maliki laid out his plan for a new Iraq. (Applause.) The unity government must now seize its moment and pursue a common agenda for the future. They also understand that representing all Iraqis and not just narrow sectarian interests, they will be able to make a decisive break with the past and make a future of progress and opportunity for all their people a reality. Iraq's new leaders know they have a great deal of work ahead to broaden the base of their government and to unite the people. The government is still a work in progress, and overcoming longstanding divisions will take time. And the only way the enemy will be defeated is if they stand and act as one. They know that the strategy of the terrorists and the insurgents is to divide Iraq along sectarian lines. This common vision is critical to the new government's success.Īlthough Iraq's new leaders come from many different ethnic and religious communities, they've made clear they will govern as Iraqis. (Applause.) He says Iraq's new leaders must govern by common vision. It was said to me that he wouldn't have taken my phone call a year ago. And by agreeing to serve in a prominent role in this new unity government, he's demonstrating leadership and courage. He rejects the use of violence for political ends. The Speaker is a Sunni who originally opposed America's presence in Iraq. He'll preside over Iraq's new Council of Representatives. Iraq's new government has another able leader in Speaker Mashhadani. He says, "It's our duty, all of us, to work hand-in-hand to protect our people and to support Iraqi unity." He's made clear that a democratic Iraq must reject sectarian violence as strongly as it rejects terrorism. He's proved that he's not afraid to take the lead. He's a Kurd who distinguished himself by his service in the transitional government and in his long fight against Saddam Hussein. Iraq's new government has another strong leader in its President, President Talabani. Prime Minister Maliki said this weekend, "Just as we did away with the tyrant and the days of oppression and despotism, we will do away with terrorism and sabotage, backwardness, poverty, and ignorance." The Iraqi people are blessed to have a leader like Prime Minister Maliki, and I'm proud to call him, ally and friend. He's shown courage and wisdom by surrounding himself with strong leaders who are committed to serving all the people. He's an Iraqi patriot who for years was part of the resistance to Saddam Hussein. The new government is led by Prime Minister Maliki. ![]() I thanked them for being courageous and strong and standing for the belief that liberty will help transform their troubled nation. I called them this weekend to congratulate them. The unity government has strong leaders that will represent all of the Iraqi people. As this new unity government takes office, it carries with it the hopes of the Iraqi nation, and the aspirations of freedom-loving people across a troubled region. And now they have a government of their own choosing under a constitution that they drafted and they approved. In three elections last year, millions of Iraqis cast their ballot in defiance of the terrorists. This is a free government under a democratic constitution, and its formation marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East. This Saturday in Baghdad, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced a national unity government. So I've come to talk to you about an historic event that took place halfway around the world this weekend. THE PRESIDENT: We face challenges at home and we face challenges abroad. BushĪrie Crown Theater at Lakeside Center - McCormick PlaceĮxcerpts from address and question and answer session. Iraq's National Unity Government President George W. ![]()
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