World | USA
Bush calls for faith in the US economy in State of Union address
US President George W Bush calls for the American people to have faith in their economy, says Al Qaeda is on the run and asks Iran to come clean on its nuclear programme.
- Agencies
- Published: 07:44 January 29, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- President Bush said Al Qaeda was on the run in Iraq and urged Iran's leaders to stop sponsoring terrorism
Washington: US President George W Bush has used his final State of the Union address to call for the American people to have faith in their economy.
He also said that Al Qaeda was ‘on the run' and would be defeated, that the troop surge in Iraq was working and warned of the consequences of an early pullout of soliders from Iraq.
The President called on Iran to stop supporting terrorism but re-iterated that he had no problem with the Iranian people.
Bush mostly focused on the ailing US economy and admitted that the country was going through "a period of economic uncertainty".
But he said a $150bn emergency package, which was passed by Congress, would help.
“In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth,'' he added, "We must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy.''
Turning his attention to Iraq, he said that the troop surge was working, adding “Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated"
The President then turned his fire onto the Iranian government, saying: “Iran's rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it.''
He called on them to stop sponsoring terrorism abroad and to “come clean'' on their nuclear programme.
Mr Bush also spoke about the importance of reducing the American dependence on oil and called for legislation banning unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting or cloning of human life.
The President also vowed to clamp down on ‘earmarks'- late additions which are tagged onto bills which are being passed.
MAIN POINTS OF ADDRESS
Iraq
"Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and we can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. ...
"Any further drawdown of US troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the 'disintegration of the Iraqi Security Forces, Al Qaida-Iraq regaining lost ground, (and) a marked increase in violence.' Members of Congress: Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen."
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Iran
"Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear: Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment, so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions, stop your oppression at home, and cease your support for terror abroad. But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops, we will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Arabian Gulf."
Economy and housing crisis
"As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. ... In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing. So last week, my Administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment."
Immigration
"America needs to secure our borders - and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. ... Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy.... We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals."
Energy and environment
"Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future...
"And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride."
International trade
"Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods, crops, and services all over the world. So we are working to break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We are working for a successful Doha round of trade talks, and we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we are pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements. ... I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea."
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