Bush: US will not waver in Iraq

US President George Bush said today that the US will not relent in its support of Iraq’s new and fragile democracy despite “acts of staggering brutality” in the country.

“I pledge we will not waver, and I appreciate your same pledge,” he told Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in a news conference in the East Room of the White House. “Iraq will take its place among the world’s democracies.”

Talabani railed against the insurgents in his country and said US forces are still needed in Iraq, despite some calls in the US to start bringing them home.

“We will set no timetable for withdrawal. A timetable will help the terrorists,” Talabani said. He said he hopes that Iraqi security forces will be ready to take responsibility for the country by the end of 2006.

“As soon as possible, of course, we hope that American troops can proudly return home,” he said.

Talabani’s comments came as his country prepares for a referendum next month on the country’s new constitution. Bush, meanwhile, is facing falling support in the polls for his policies in Iraq and at home.

Bush also emphasised efforts to turn over security to Iraqi forces – once they are capable.

“As Iraqis stand up, America will stand down,” Bush said.

Bush also renewed criticism of Iraq’s neighbour Syria, which he accused of not doing enough to control the flow of fighters sneaking into Iraq.

“The Syrian leader must understand we take his lack of action seriously,” he said. “The government is going to be more and more isolated.”

Bush said he would speak with US allies with the aim of getting Syria to change its behaviour.

The Bush administration’s top envoy in Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, warned yesterday that the US is running out of patience with Damascus and refused to rule out a military strike against Syria or punishment through the United Nations.