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Bush to Form 'Vast Coalition' Against Iraqi Regime
Thursday, October 3, 2002
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

Calling on Congress to get a defense appropriations bill on his desk before they recess, the president noted that he's asked for the largest increase in defense spending since President Reagan was president. His goal is to provide America's troops the best pay, training and equipment possible.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
U.S. President George W. Bush intends to put together a vast coalition of countries that understand the threat of Saddam Hussein.

"Military option is my last choice, not my first," the president said Thursday. "But Saddam has got to understand -- the United Nations must know -- that the will of this country is strong."

Bush talked about the economy and jobs, the need for terrorist insurance, and the war against terrorism in an address to Hispanic leaders at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. "War on terror is more than just al Qaeda," the president stressed. "The war on terror has to deal with nations who have terrorized their own people and who have intention(s) to terrorize us."

Bush said he has decided to deal with Iraq within the international community. He has called on other nations to join the United States in the effort to disarm Iraq.

"My intent, of course, is for the United Nations to do its job," Bush said. "I think it will make it easier for us to keep the peace." The president said he wants the world to understand that its Saddam Hussein's obligation to disarm like he said he would.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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