On my
trip, I also met with the new Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki, and I was
able to see firsthand his strong character and his determination to
succeed. We held a joint meeting of our two Cabinets, with members of my
Cabinet participating by video teleconference from Camp David. The Prime
Minister briefed us on his plan to take immediate steps in three key
areas: improving security, building up Iraq's economy so Iraqis can see
real progress in their lives, and reaching out to the international
community to secure support for Iraq's new government. Then we discussed
how my administration can help the Prime Minister accomplish these vital
objectives.
His top priority is securing Baghdad, so Coalition and Iraqi forces
have launched Operation Together Forward, a joint effort to restore
security and the rule of law to high-risk areas of the city. To help the
Prime Minister improve security, we will continue embedding Coalition
transition teams in Iraqi army and police units, and we will help the
new Iraqi Ministers of Defense and Interior improve their command and
control, root out corruption, and investigate and punish human rights
violations. We will also support the Prime Minister as he works to rein
in illegal militias, build a judicial system that will provide equal
justice to all, and promote reconciliation among the Iraqi people.
To aid the Prime Minister in revitalizing Iraq's economy, we will
send additional experts to help the Iraqi government develop an economic
framework that will promote job creation and opportunity for all Iraqis.
We will also help the Prime Minister increase oil and electricity
production by working together on ways to protect key infrastructure
from attacks, and to quickly restore oil and electricity production when
attacks do occur.
Finally, America will help the Prime Minister engage the
international community in Iraq's success. We will encourage other
nations to fulfill the monetary pledges they have already made to help
the new Iraqi government succeed. We will also support the Prime
Minister's efforts to forge a new international compact. Under this
compact, Iraq will take a series of steps in the political, economic,
and security areas, and in return, the international community will
provide Iraq with more robust political and economic support.
During my trip, I was impressed with the Prime Minister, the team he
has assembled, and the plan he has set for his government. I appreciate
his determination, and the determination of his Cabinet, to make his
agenda work. I told them that the future of Iraq is in their hands. And
I told them that America is a nation that keeps its word, and America
will stand with them as we work toward our shared goal: a free Iraq that
can govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself. By seizing this
moment of opportunity, we will defeat our common enemies and build a
lasting democracy in the heart of the Middle East, and that will make
Americans, Iraqis, and the world more secure.
I traveled to Baghdad to personally show our Nation's commitment to a
free Iraq, because it is vital for the Iraqi people to know with
certainty that America will not abandon them after we have come this
far. The challenges that remain in Iraq are serious. We face determined
enemies who remain intent on killing the innocent, and defeating these
enemies will require more sacrifice and the continued patience of our
country. But our efforts in Iraq are well worth it, the mission is
necessary for the security of our country, and we will succeed.
Thank you for listening.