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U.S. stands by you, Bush tells Iraqis

American President in surprise Baghdad visit

BAGHDAD: U.S. President George W. Bush assured Iraqis in a surprise visit to Baghdad on Tuesday that the U.S. stood by them and ``the future of your country is in your hands.''

Mr. Bush discussed next steps in the troubled three-year-old Iraq war in a meeting with newly named Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. ``I've come to not only look you in the eye,'' Mr. Bush told Mr. Al-Maliki. ``I also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it keeps its word.''

The dramatic move came as Mr. Bush sought to bolster support for Iraq's fledgling government and U.S. war policy at home.

Mr. Bush travelled to violence-rattled Baghdad less than a week after a U.S. air strike killed terror chief Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He was expected to be in Baghdad a little more than five hours. It was his second unannounced visit to Baghdad since the 2003 invasion. ``It's in our interest that Iraq succeed,'' Mr. Bush said. ``I am impressed with the Cabinet you have assembled,'' he added.

The Prime Minister said Iraq was ``determined to succeed, and we have to defeat terrorists and defeat all the hardships. God willing, all the suffering will be over. And all the soldiers will return to their country with our gratitude for what they have offered, the sacrifice,'' said Mr. Al-Maliki through a translator.

The two leaders were seated at a table in a room with two large television screens, one showing Mr. Bush and Mr. Al-Maliki and the other showing Mr. Bush's aides and advisers at Camp David in the U.S.

Mr. Bush was flanked at the table by Mr. Al-Maliki and Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

Earlier, beginning a strategy session on Iraq at the Camp David presidential retreat, Mr. Bush said democracy in West Asia is worth the high price to the U.S. He also said Iraq's neighbours should be doing more to help.

AP

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