Bush asks EU leaders to support new Iraqi government

[mrbowler]

Bush asks EU leaders to support new Iraqi government

[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, Ireland (CNN) -- President Bush asked NATO and the European Union to put disagreements over the war behind them and help the U.S. rebuild Iraq, saying "the bitter differences are over."

In Ireland for a EU-U.S. summit, Bush said people in Iraq are looking for freedom and reform. "We are listening to their voices," he said.

During a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and EU Commission President Romano Prodi, Bush said he looks forward to an increased international effort in Iraq.

He also said he hopes NATO responds "in a positive way" to Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's request for help in training Iraqi security forces.

Speaking four days before the scheduled handover of sovereignty to Iraqis, Bush said Iraqi leaders remain aware that their forces and police must be "well trained and well prepared to meet the threat of the few who want to derail the ambitions of the many."

Bush vowed that the U.S. will "complete the mission" in Iraq before leaving and labeled terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi a problem "because he is willing to kill innocent people in order to shake our will and shake our confidence.

He is willing to use death to stop the advance of freedom."

Bush said al-Zarqawi wants Allawi to lose his will and surrender but Allawi is "a man of courage and backbone" who believes in the "aspirations of the Iraqi people."

Bush points to N. Ireland
Bush cited the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland -- a peace deal that Bush's predecessor Bill Clinton helped broker -- as a "model for resolution of conflict" and an example for others of how "long simmering disputes can be put behind them."

Asked about his low opinion in polls in Europe, Bush quipped that the only poll he was interested in is "the one that will take place in early November of this year" -- the presidential elections at home.

"My job is to do my job," he said.

The leaders also released a joint statement on Iraq.

In it they said they would work to help Iraq with its financial obligations.

"Debt reduction is critical if the Iraqi people are to have the opportunity to build a free and prosperous nation," the statement said. (Text of statement)

Thousands protested near the summit site in Shannon, in the southwest of the island, as Bush met with EU leaders in Dromoland Castle.

Officials deployed more than one-third of Ireland's security forces to the summit.

Bush left Ireland on Saturday afternoon and headed to Turkey where he will attend a NATO summit beginning Monday.

The president asked the EU leaders before departing to consider Turkey for membership. "Turkey is a proud nation that successfully blends a European identity with the Islamic traditions," Bush said. (Full story)

Irish leader concerned for prisoners
Ahern raised concern with Bush over the treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay.

"This is an area in which our views are well known to the U.S. government," Ahern said.

Ahern also welcomed Bush's "personal commitment" to deal with the scandal at Abu Ghraib.

"President Bush is very much aware of the abhorrence that the people of Ireland and of Europe felt at the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by coalition forces," Ahern said.

Ahern noted that "Ireland is absolutely committed to playing its part in supporting the people of Iraq to build a truly sovereign and secure country."

"It is vital that we move forward together in the coming days as the transfer of sovereignty approaches," Ahern said.