President Bush says more troops headed to Baghdad

July 23, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Tuesday that a plan to bolster Iraqi security forces in Baghdad will better address the violence there as he pledged to be a "strong partner" with Iraq's new democratic government.

Bush thanked Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for his courage and perseverance in the face of sectarian violence as the Shiite politician made his first visit to the White House. Recent violence has sapped political support for the more than 3-year-old war in Iraq, in both the United States and Iraq.

"He comes wondering whether or not we are committed. He hears all kinds of things coming out of the United States," Bush said. "And I assured him that this government stands by the Iraqi people."

Link:

Remarks by President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki of the Republic of Iraq in Press Availability