Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/28/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ (S/L) (CQ)

NUMBER=2-315444

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// MUST CORRECTION IN SENTENCE BEFORE THIRD BUSH ACT -- ADDING DROPPED WORD -- PLEASE MAKE IT READ ". . . A FEW REASONS FOR HOPE." (ADDS THE WORD "A")

INTRO: President Bush says U-S forces in Iraq will do what is necessary to secure the besieged city of Fallujah. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from the White House.

TEXT: The president says the coalition will deal with those who - in his words - want to stop the march of freedom in Iraq.

///FIRST BUSH ACT///

And that is exactly what is happening in Fallujah. Our commanders on the ground have got the authority necessary to take action to help the Iraqi people realize a free and peaceful society.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush says the insurgents know the coalition is transferring sovereignty back to the Iraqis on June 30th and are getting more and more desperate as the date draws closer.

///SECOND BUSH ACT///

They want to kill innocent life to try to get us to quit and we are not going to.

///END ACT///

He spoke after talks at the White House with the prime minister of Sweden (Goeran Persson). The Swedes opposed the invasion of Iraq but are now supplying humanitarian aid.

////REST FOR USE IN LONG CR////

When asked by reporters if the violence in Fallujah might set back the transfer of sovereignty, the president was adamant. He said he had assured the prime minister that the hand-over will take place as planned, and added it will be successful.

Mr. Bush noted that earlier in the day he had met with General John Abizaid, who commands U-S forces in Iraq. He indicated the report he received from the general contained a few reasons for hope.

/// THIRD BUSH ACT///

He was reporting that there will be joint patrols with Iraqi police in Fallujah. Most of Fallujah is returning to normal. There are pockets of resistance and our military along with the Iraqis will make sure it is secure.

////END ACT///

The president has been getting regular updates from his commanders in the field on Iraq, although a face-to-face meeting is relatively rare. Most of their discussions take place by videoconference. (signed)

NEB/PW/RH/FC