Bush Calls Iraq a 'Turning Point' Three Years After 'Mission Accomplished'

President George W. Bush said Monday that Iraq had reached a turning point in building security and democracy, even as he acknowledged difficult days remain ahead. Speaking on the White House lawn on the third anniversary of his aircraft carrier address, Bush said the United States and its coalition partners would work alongside Iraq's new leadership to advance stability.

Bush was joined by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who had made a surprise visit to Baghdad the previous week. Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace also appeared at the White House event.

The president praised incoming Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, describing the new government as a fresh start for Iraqis and calling its leaders energetic and eager. Bush said a stable, self-sufficient Iraq would benefit both Iraqis and Americans, calling it "a strategic opportunity for America."

Topics covered during Rice and Rumsfeld's Baghdad meetings included reining in militias, enforcing the rule of law, rebuilding infrastructure, and strengthening the Iraqi economy. Bush pledged continued US support on all those fronts.

The anniversary rekindled scrutiny of the original 2003 speech, in which Bush, wearing a flight suit aboard the USS Lincoln, declared major combat operations over. The "Mission Accomplished" banner displayed that day has drawn sustained criticism as violence persisted.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.