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I have just had the privilege of presenting my credentials to President Ghazi Al-Yawar, who graciously welcomed me to his country as U.S. Ambassador. Yesterday's restoration of full sovereignty to Iraq cleared the way for establishment of normal diplomatic relations between two free, independent nations.
I brought President Al-Yawar President Bush's greetings and shared with him the guidance President Bush has given me. The goal of the U.S. Embassy is to support the fully sovereign government of Iraq as it seeks to build a strong and free society. Three mutually reinforcing objectives underpin this goal:
- Helping the Iraqis defeat the terrorists and criminal elements who oppose a free Iraq,
- Promoting reconstruction and economic development,
- And supporting Iraq's democratization and the rule of law.
The way ahead presents many challenges, but the government and people of Iraq have the courage and ability to succeed. The future is in their hands. America's policy is to be Iraq's respectful and supportive friend. The Iraqi people deserve nothing less from the United States and the world at large.
Thank you very much.
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