Saddam-regime die-hards will not deter America's commitment to assist the Iraqi people in establishing a new, prosperous, free Iraq, said President Bush July 1 at a White House ceremony.
Bush was hosting a re-enlistment ceremony for 30 U.S. service members in observance of the 30th anniversary of the all-volunteer force.
Recent attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, Bush said, is the work of "former Baath Party and security officials who will stop at nothing to regain their power and their privilege" enjoyed under the deposed Hussein dictatorship. The former Iraqi leader and his regime were kicked out of power April 9, 2003, when U.S. and coalition forces liberated Baghdad.
"But there will be no return to tyranny in Iraq," Bush vowed. He emphasized that those seeking to sabotage Iraq's transformation to democracy "will face ruin, just as surely as the regime they once served."
About 230,000 U.S. troops are now serving in and around Iraq, Bush remarked, noting, "We appreciate their service under difficult circumstances, and their willingness to fight for American security and Iraqi freedom."
Any attacks on U.S. forces, Bush vowed, "will be met with direct and decisive force."
Story by Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
Date Taken: | 07.02.2003 |
Date Posted: | 07.04.2025 01:49 |
Story ID: | 532756 |
Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
Web Views: | 2 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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