*EPF102 04/15/2002
White House Report, April 15: Iraq
(Bush speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) (300)

The United States "must be steadfast not only in routing out al Qaeda terrorists and terrorist organizations who would do us harm," but it also must "draw the line" when" it comes to a nation, for example, that is willing to gas its own people, President Bush said April 15 in a speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Without referring to Iraq by name, Bush said, "we're deliberate, we're patient, I'm in no hurry, but you can rest assured that when it comes time to protecting our freedoms and our country, this government is going to take action."

The United States, Bush explained, cannot let "the world's worst leaders harbor and develop the world's worst weapons." He made clear he will "continue to work with the coalition of leaders and countries" that share America's values.

People in the United States, he said, regardless of their political affiliation, are "united when it comes to defending the freedoms we hold dear."

One of the good things that is going to come out of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States "with the right leadership and the right focus, is a lasting peace all around the world," Bush said. "I believe that as sure as I am standing here," he told the audience at General Mills Headquarters where he spoke.

Bush also discussed U.S. homeland security, domestic tax policy, and a new energy policy so that America is not so dependent on foreign oil.

The President was to return to Washington late April 15, after attending a dinner in Cedar Rapids for Republican Congressman Greg Ganske who is seeking election to the U.S. Senate.

On April 16, Bush is slated to meet at the White House with the President of Finland.

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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