*EPF103 12/15/2003
Text: Rumsfeld Says Saddam Hussein's "Terrorist Regime Is Finished"
(Iraqi people have been liberated "in spirit ... in fact") (450)

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Saddam Hussein's "terrorist regime is finished."

In a December 14 statement following the announcement in Baghdad that the former Iraqi leader was in coalition custody, Rumsfeld said now the Iraqi people "can dare to believe what we have said from the beginning: that the era of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein is over."

The Iraqi people, he said, have been "liberated in spirit, as well as in fact."

While challenges will continue to face the coalition in Iraq, Rumsfeld reiterated the point made by President Bush: "the United States will see this mission through."

Following is the text of Rumsfeld's statement:

(begin text)

[U.S. Department of Defense]
NEWS RELEASE
December 14, 2003

Statement by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the Capture of Saddam Hussein

Today is a momentous day for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people have now been liberated in spirit, as well as in fact. As they celebrate, we also stop to remember the many U.S. and coalition forces who gave their lives to make this moment possible including many brave Iraqis who served in their new security forces and who have died fighting for their country. Thanks to all of them, the Iraqi people face a future, not of terror, but of freedom. Today, many Iraqis can dare to believe what we have said from the beginning: that the era of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein is over. His terrorist regime is finished.

Yesterday's successful capture was the result of close coordination of intelligence and a rapid, skillfully executed military action by U.S. forces. It reflects hard work, the courage and the determination of U.S. and coalition forces serving in Iraq. Americans can be enormously proud of them. And, it is important to remember, that each is a volunteer. Each stepped forward to serve and to help fight the global war on terror.

Challenges remain, to be sure. But, as President Bush said today, the United States will see this mission through.

We also give thanks for all the brave young men and women in uniform, from 34 nations, who are serving in Iraq today as well as those stationed in Afghanistan and across the world, defending freedom in the global war on terror. Though they are far from home during this holiday season, they are serving a truly great cause the cause of liberty. As the American people celebrate the holidays, we do so with gratitude in our hearts for the forces and for their families, who sacrifice for us all.

(end text)

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

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