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04 August 2004

Multinational Force in Iraq Affirms Resolve to Fight Terrorism

Statement says force will seek to bring perpetrators to justice

The 31-member Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq condemned the intensified campaign of kidnappings and executions of foreigners in the country and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Iraqi people, pledging to continue its efforts to "establish a democratic government, to enhance security, to provide humanitarian assistance, and to facilitate economic reconstruction."

According to an August 4 statement released to the press by State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher, the MNF members, operating under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546, "are united in our resolve to make no concessions to terrorists nor succumb to terrorist threats."

The MNF statement blamed "terrorists and former regime elements" for the attacks against foreigners, with the aim of weakening the international community's resolve to help the Iraqi government.

"We are committed to making sure that the perpetrators of terrorist acts against our citizens and soldiers are brought to justice," said the statement.

Following is the text of a statement by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher that includes the MNF's statement on terrorism:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
August 04, 2004

Statement by Spokesman Richard Boucher

The following is a Multinational Force Statement on Terrorism:

Multinational Force Statement on Terrorism

Terrorists and former regime elements have intensified their campaign of kidnappings and executions aimed at weakening the resolve of the international community from assisting the Iraqi government.

We strongly condemn the kidnapping and murder of innocent civilians. We share the suffering of the families and sacrifices of those governments whose citizens have been kidnapped and so brutally treated. We also reaffirm our solidarity with Iraqi people who have been the main target of fanaticism and terrorist attacks.

As members of the Multinational Force in Iraq operating under UN Security Council Resolution 1546, we are united in our resolve to make no concessions to terrorists nor succumb to terrorist threats. We are committed to making sure that the perpetrators of terrorist acts against our citizens and soldiers are brought to justice.

We understand that conceding to terrorists will only endanger all members of the Multinational Force, as well as other countries contributing to Iraqi reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.

We have joined the Multinational Force in Iraq authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 1546. We are there at the invitation of the Iraqi Government to support the Iraqi people in their efforts to establish a democratic government, to enhance security, to provide humanitarian assistance, and to facilitate economic reconstruction.

Our resolve to achieve these objectives will not be shaken. We remain committed to enabling the Iraqi people to attain their aspirations for a new future.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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