Bush: Goal in Iraq keep unchanged

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-23-2006 14:03

Special Report:   Iraq in Transition

The US President, George W. Bush, has said he will make "every necessary change" in tactics to respond to spiraling violence in Iraq. But he ruled out withdrawing US troops. Mid-term elections are slated for November the 7th, and discontent with the Iraq war may cost Bush's Republican allies control of Congress. Pressure is growing from lawmakers of both parties for a major shift in strategy in Iraq.

Bush has acknowledged a drive to stabilize Baghdad had not gone as planned. But while insisting he's always open to adjustments in tactics, the president denounced Democrats calling for a course correction.

Bush said, “Our goal in Iraqi is clear and unchanging. Our goal is victory. What is changing are the tactics we use to achieve that goal.”

The president also ruled out the possibility of pulling the US troops from Iraq, a controversial issue that's been dogging the administration.

Bush also said, “There is one thing we will not do: We will not pull our troops off the battlefield before the mission is complete. There are some in Washington who argue that retreating from Iraq would make us safer. I disagree.”

Later on Saturday, Bush met top military officials to review Iraq strategy for a second day. Election-season pressure is on to make dramatic changes to address deteriorating conditions.

At least 73 US troops have been killed in this month alone, a pace that could make October one of the deadliest months for US forces. More than 27-hundred US soldiers have died in Iraq since the 2003 invasion.

Related:
US senators question tactics in Iraq
U.S. lawmakers urge Bush to revise Iraq policy
US troop death reached 2791 since 2003

 

Editor:Sun Luying