Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=07/06/2003

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-10723

TITLE=EDITORIAL: THE COALITION IN IRAQ

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: The transition from tyranny to freedom often requires overcoming severe difficulties. While major combat operations have ended in Iraq, remnants of the Saddam Hussein regime remain. They are trying to sabotage the reconstruction effort. But they cannot succeed. With the help of the U.S.-led coalition, the people of Iraq will rebuild, says President George W. Bush:

(ACT :16 DALET/POLICY/EDITORIALS)

"For the first time in over a decade, Iraq will soon be open to the world. And the influence of progress in Iraq will be felt throughout the Middle East. Over time, a free government in Iraq will demonstrate that liberty can flourish in that region." (END ACT)

The U.S. is one of many nations involved in providing security in Iraq. By September 25th, a multi-national division, headed by Poland, is scheduled to take over from the U.S. Marines. The international force will provide security and participate in reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the Iraqi cities of Babil, Karbala, An Najaf, and Wasit.

Seventeen countries will take part in the multi-national division, including Lithuania, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Thailand, Spain, and Slovakia. They will join remaining U.S. forces in Iraq along with military personnel from Australia, Britain, Italy and the Netherlands.

Representatives of many of the nations of the multi-national division are already in Iraq. As Colonel Janusz Adamczak [YAH-noosh ah-DAHM-chahk], chief of the Polish team of the multi-national division, said, "We are starting to form a good basis for the future we will spend together in Iraq. It will take time, but with a common will we can accomplish our goals."

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.