Bush seeks people's support for Iraq war

Washington, Mar 20: US President George W Bush has sought Americans' continued support for his government's Iraq policy, saying that "the fight in Iraq is difficult, but it can be won." In a brief statement marking the fourth anniversary of the US-led invasion, he acknowledged the toll the war has taken and urged patience, saying "success in Iraq will take months, not weeks.

President Bush said the latest security sweep in Baghdad and al-Anbar province was showing signs of progress. At the same time, "fewer than half the troop reinforcements we are sending have arrived in Baghdad. The new strategy will need more time to take effect. And there will be good days, and there will be bad days." He said, "Four years after this war began, the fight is difficult, but it can be won. It will be won, if we have the courage and the resolve to see it through." He criticised the Democratic party-controlled Congress for trying to set a deadline for US troops to withdraw from Iraq by September 2008, as part of an emergency funding bill.

He urged lawmakers to approve his request for emergency funding to meet this year's war expenses without conditions and without delay.

President Bush said, "it could be tempting to look at the challenges in Iraq, and conclude our best option is to pack up and go home. That may be satisfying in the short run. But, I believe the consequences for American security would be devastating." Earlier, the President had a closed-door meeting on Iraq with members of his national security team, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

He also spoke via teleconference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

UNI