Bush Makes Surprise Visit in Iraq

US president George Bush and his delegation conducted a lightning visit in Baghdad yesterday, the second one since US forces launched the war in Iraq, a few days after the death of al-Qaeda Iraqi leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and on a background of intense violence due to a series of bomb attacks that left at least 24 people dead.


Bush reinforced his country's support and assistance for the newly-elected Iraqi government and stated that the US forces would continue to stay in Iraq as long as it is necessary, until Iraqi security forces will be able to ensure peace and safety of the country's citizens on their own.

The US president held a meeting with Iraqi cabinet ministers, especially with those that are responsible for defense and interior affairs, at the US embassy in Baghdad and issued an official statement at a news press conference saying "God willing, all the suffering will be over, all the soldiers will return to their countries with our gratitude for their sacrifices. I have come to not only look you in the eye, I've also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it keeps its word".

He added that it is in his country's best interest to see positive results in Iraq and that he has been impressed with what Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki and his government did.

In reply, al-Maliki promised Bush that he would do his best to achieve his political goals in Iraq because he is determined to succeed.

Bush also met with the spokesperson of the Iraqi parliament, other national political leaders, like Jalal Talabani, the official president of Iraq and US troops stationed in Baghdad.

In the meantime, very strict security measures have been imposed in Baghdad, following last Friday's curfew. At 06.00 Wednesday morning local Baghdad time, around 40,000 troops have been deployed on the streets of the capital to set up new checkpoints in order to secure road travel inside and outside the city. This marks the begining of the biggest security crackdown ever to be launched in Iraq, called "Operation Forward Together".