State of the Union AddressesBush, George W. (George Walker)
History
State of the Union Addresses
Bush, George W. (George Walker)
Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right. And America
has always been willing to do what it takes for what is right. Last
January, Iraq's only law was the whim of one brutal man. Today our
coalition is working with the Iraqi Governing Council to draft a basic
law, with a bill of rights. We are working with Iraqis and the United
Nations to prepare for a transition to full Iraqi sovereignty by the
end of June. As democracy takes hold in Iraq, the enemies of freedom
will do all in their power to spread violence and fear. They are trying
to shake the will of our country and our friends - but the United
States of America will never be intimidated by thugs and assassins. The
killers will fail, and the Iraqi people will live in freedom.
Month by month, Iraqis are assuming more responsibility for their own
security and their own future. And tonight we are honored to welcome
one of Iraq's most respected leaders: the current President of the
Iraqi Governing Council, Adnan Pachachi. Sir, America stands with you
and the Iraqi people as you build a free and peaceful nation.
Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for
the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to
disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction
programs, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons.
Colonel Qadhafi correctly judged that his country would be better off,
and far more secure, without weapons of mass murder. Nine months of
intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain
succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not.
And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be
credible - and no one can now doubt the word of America.
Different threats require different strategies. Along with nations in
the region, we are insisting that North Korea eliminate its nuclear
program. America and the international community are demanding that
Iran meet its commitments and not develop nuclear weapons. America is
committed to keeping the world's most dangerous weapons out of the
hands of the world's most dangerous regimes.
When I came to this rostrum on September 20th, 2001, I brought the
police shield of a fallen officer, my reminder of lives that ended, and
a task that does not end. I gave to you and to all Americans my
complete commitment to securing our country and defeating our enemies.
And this pledge, given by one, has been kept by many. You in the
Congress have provided the resources for our defense, and cast the
difficult votes of war and peace. Our closest allies have been
unwavering. America's intelligence personnel and diplomats have been
skilled and tireless.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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