For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 22, 2006
President Extends Condolences and Condemns Bombing of the Golden
Mosque in Samarra to Iraqi People
On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest condolences to
the people of Iraq for the brutal bombing of the Golden Mosque in
Samarra, one of the holiest sites in Shi'a Islam. The terrorists in Iraq
have again proven that they are enemies of all faiths and of all
humanity. The world must stand united against them, and steadfast behind
the people of Iraq. This senseless crime is an affront to people of
faith throughout the world. The United States condemns this cowardly act
in the strongest possible terms.
I ask all Iraqis to exercise restraint in the wake of this tragedy,
and to pursue justice in accordance with the laws and constitution of
Iraq. Violence will only contribute to what the terrorists sought to
achieve by this act.
The United States stands ready to do all in its power to assist the
Government of Iraq to identify and bring to justice those responsible
for this terrible act. And the American people pledge to work with the
people of Iraq to rebuild and restore the Golden Mosque of Samarra to
its former glory.
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