Enceladus
2003-09-23 16:52:16 UTC
Bush Challenges U.N. to Back Iraq Plan
By BARRY SCHWEID
The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 23, 2003; 11:03 AM
UNITED NATIONS - President Bush, again facing skeptical world leaders,
challenged the United Nations to support his plan for steady transition to
democratic rule in Iraq, saying the wartorn nation "needs the help of
friends."
"This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis - neither hurried
nor delayed by the voices of other parties," Bush said, in a jab at France
and others demanding an immediate end to the U.S. occupation.
"So let us move forward," said Bush, who also invited the United Nations to
play an expanded role in Iraq's reconstruction. He said the world body
should assist in preparing a constitution for Iraq, help train civil
servants and conduct free and fair elections.
"Every young democracy needs the help of friends," Bush said.
Second, Bush called for a worldwide drive to stop the spread of weapons of
mass destruction. 'The deadly combination of outlaw regimes, terror networks
and weapons of mass murder is a peril that cannot be ignored or wished
away," he said.
In the audience, at the General Assembly, sat Ahmed Chalabi, this month's
president of the Iraqi Governing Council, and President Jacques Chirac of
France, who opposes Bush's plan for Iraq.
Bush told world leaders they must stand with the people of Iraq and
Afghanistan as they build free and stable countries.
"The terrorists and their allies fear and fight this process above all,
because free people embrace hope over resentment," he said.
Bush still faces opposition from France and other countries that want a
quick end to U.S. occupation of Iraq and transfer of authority to Iraqis.
The president faced similar opposition earlier this year in trying to
marshal the United Nations to support war with Iraq.
Bush acknowledged that differences over the war persist.
French President Jacques Chirac has called for quick symboblic transfer of
civilian control to the Iraqis, with full control being handed over within
six to nine months.
By BARRY SCHWEID
The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 23, 2003; 11:03 AM
UNITED NATIONS - President Bush, again facing skeptical world leaders,
challenged the United Nations to support his plan for steady transition to
democratic rule in Iraq, saying the wartorn nation "needs the help of
friends."
"This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis - neither hurried
nor delayed by the voices of other parties," Bush said, in a jab at France
and others demanding an immediate end to the U.S. occupation.
"So let us move forward," said Bush, who also invited the United Nations to
play an expanded role in Iraq's reconstruction. He said the world body
should assist in preparing a constitution for Iraq, help train civil
servants and conduct free and fair elections.
"Every young democracy needs the help of friends," Bush said.
Second, Bush called for a worldwide drive to stop the spread of weapons of
mass destruction. 'The deadly combination of outlaw regimes, terror networks
and weapons of mass murder is a peril that cannot be ignored or wished
away," he said.
In the audience, at the General Assembly, sat Ahmed Chalabi, this month's
president of the Iraqi Governing Council, and President Jacques Chirac of
France, who opposes Bush's plan for Iraq.
Bush told world leaders they must stand with the people of Iraq and
Afghanistan as they build free and stable countries.
"The terrorists and their allies fear and fight this process above all,
because free people embrace hope over resentment," he said.
Bush still faces opposition from France and other countries that want a
quick end to U.S. occupation of Iraq and transfer of authority to Iraqis.
The president faced similar opposition earlier this year in trying to
marshal the United Nations to support war with Iraq.
Bush acknowledged that differences over the war persist.
French President Jacques Chirac has called for quick symboblic transfer of
civilian control to the Iraqis, with full control being handed over within
six to nine months.