WASHINGTON (AFX) - President George W Bush on Saturday promised the Iraqi people the US would not 'abandon them after we have come this far,' even as the US lawmakers debate pulling out troops.
In his weekly radio address, Bush referred to his visit to Iraq Tuesday, his first since November 2003, saying he '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,' Bush added. '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.'
Bush spoke after the US House of Representatives on Friday endorsed his 'war on terror' strategy, refusing to set a deadline on US troop withdrawal from Iraq. newsdesk@afxnews.com afp/ra COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited