Bush Welcomes Announcement of Political Timetable in Iraq
Presidential statement follows announcement by Iraqi Governing Council
President Bush November 15 welcomed an announcement by the Governing Council in Iraq of a timetable for future Iraqi
political developments, and said the United States is ready to help Iraqis "translate this new timeline into political
reality." Following is the text of Bush's statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2003
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I welcome the announcement by the Iraqi Governing Council of a political timetable as called for by the United Nations
in UN resolution 1511. This statement is an important step toward realizing the vision of Iraq as a democratic,
pluralistic country at peace with its neighbors.
The plan outlined by the Governing Council meets a key mutual objective of the Coalition and the Iraqi people: the
restoration of sovereignty to a body chosen by the citizens of Iraq and based in a legal framework. It also commits Iraq
to a process for drafting a permanent, democratic constitution that protects the rights of all citizens.
The U.S. stands ready to help the Governing Council and all Iraqis translate this new timeline into political reality.
The American people are committed to the future of an Iraq that is democratic and prosperous.