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.