WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (AFP) - Main points from US President George W. Bush's press conference on Wednesday:

IRAQI ELECTIONS
"Terrorists in that country have declared war against democracy itself and thereby declared war against the Iraqi people themselves. Yet the elections will go forward. Millions of Iraqi voters will show their bravery, their love of country and their desire to live in freedom.
"We anticipate a lot of Iraqis will vote. Clearly, there are some who are intimidated. Surveys show that the vast majority of people do want to participate in democracy. And some are feeling intimidated.
"I urge all people to vote. I urge people to defy these terrorists. These terrorists do not have the best interests of the Iraqi people in mind. They have no positive agenda. They have no clear view of a better future. They're afraid of a free society.
"I appreciate the hard work of the United Nations, which is providing good leadership on the ground. And I anticipate a grand moment in Iraqi history.
"People are voting. And this is a part of a process to write a constitution and elect a permanent assembly. And it's exciting times for the Iraqi people.
"It is a grand moment for those who believe in freedom."

US TROOPS IN IRAQ AND IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
"In terms of troop levels, obviously we're going to have the troop levels necessary to complete the mission.
"And that mission is to enable Iraq to defend herself from terrorists, homegrown or terrorists that come in from outside of the country.
"And so our mission is focused on not only an increase in the number of Iraqis in uniform, whether it be army or national guard or border patrol or police, but to make sure that the quality of their ability to fight is enhanced.
"And so, over the next year, we'll be advancing our plan to make sure the Iraqis are better prepared to defend themselves and to fight.
"This problem will eventually be solved when the Iraqis take the initiative and the Iraqi people see Iraqi soldiers willing to defend them.
"And the American people, when they see the Iraqis step up and begin to fight, will be seeing progress being made toward an objective which will make this world a better place.
"We will complete the mission as quickly as possible. And that mission of a secure and stable Iraq will be achieved when the Iraqis are fighting the former regime elements and people like (Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab) Zarqawi).
"I think the Iraqi people are wondering whether or not this nation has the will necessary to stand with them as a democracy evolves.
"The enemy would like nothing more than the United States to precipitously pull out and withdraw before the Iraqis are prepared to defend themselves. Their objective is to stop the advance of democracy. Freedom scares them."

DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
"Because our own freedom is enhanced by the expansion of freedom in other nations, I set out the long-term goal of ending tyranny in our world. This will require the commitment of generations. But we're seeing much progress in our own time.
"I think America is at its best when it leads toward an ideal. And certainly a world without tyranny is an ideal world.
"The spread of freedom is important for future generations of Americans. I firmly believe that free societies are peaceful societies. And I believe every person desires to be free.
"And so I look forward to leading the world in that direction for the next four years.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge. And I'm looking forward to reaching out to our friends and allies to convince them the necessity to continue to work together to help liberate people.
"There won't be instant democracy.
"And so I fully understand developing a democratic society and adhering to the traditions and customs of other nations will be a work in process. That's why I said we're talking about the work of generations.
"And so in my talks, in my discussions with world leaders to solve the problem of the day, I will constantly remind them about our strong belief that democracy is the way forward.
"I firmly planted the flag of liberty for all to see that the United States of America hears their concerns and believes in their aspirations. And I am excited by the challenge and am honored to be able to lead our nation in the quest of this noble goal, which is freeing people in the name of peace."

CHINA
"(In) my meetings with Chinese leadership in the past, in my meetings with Chinese leadership in the future, I will constantly remind them of the benefits of a society that honors their people and respects human rights and human dignity.
"For example, in meetings with the Chinese in the past I have brought up the Dalai Lama, I have brought up concerns of the Catholic Church. I have discussed my belief that a society that welcomes religious freedom ... is a part of a wholesome society and an important part of a society."

RUSSIA
"Vladimir Putin -- I've discussed with Vladimir Putin some of his decisions, as you might remember, in our meeting in Chile. I will continue to do so. I will remind him that if he intends to continue to look West, we in the West believe in Western values."

JORDAN
"I urge my friend, His Majesty (King Abdullah II), to make sure that democracy continues to advance in Jordan.
"I noticed today that he put forth a reform that will help more people participate in future governments of Jordan. I appreciate His Majesty's understanding of the need for democracy to advance in the greater Middle East.
"We visited with him at the G-8 and he has been a strong advocate of the advance of freedom and democracy.
"Obviously we're discussing a process. As I said in my speech, not every nation is going to immediately adopt America's vision of democracy and I fully understand that.
"But we expect nations to adopt the values inherent in a democracy, which is human rights and human dignity, that every person matters and every person ought to have a voice. And His Majesty is making progress toward that goal."

SOCIAL SECURITY
"I'll ask the House and Senate to act soon on the issue of Social Security so that we don't pass a bankrupt system on to our children and our grandchildren. I'm open to good ideas from members of Congress. I'll work with both parties to get results.
"Any solution must confront the problem fully and directly by making the system permanently solvent and providing the option of personal accounts.
"I have said to the American people that our job is to confront issues and not pass them on.
"And we have a serious issue with Social Security. The math shows that we have an issue. And now is the time to come together to solve it."

RICE AND GONZALES NOMINATIONS
"In addition to speedy action on all my nominees, I especially urge the Senate to confirm Condoleezza Rice today (as secretary of state) and to promptly act and confirm Judge Al Gonzalez (as attorney general).
"Dr. Rice is an honorable, fine public servant who needs to be confirmed. She will be a great secretary of state.
"Al Gonzales reflects our policy, and that is: We don't sanction torture. He will be a great attorney general. And I call upon the Senate to confirm him."

BUDGET DEFICIT
"We look forward to working to hold the line with the United States Congress on spending. And as I say, I'll promote a package that will show the budget being cut in half over the next five years."

01/26/2005 17:02 GMT - AFP