MR. MCCLELLAN: Good afternoon, everyone. I want to begin with a preview of tomorrow's remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars here in Washington, D.C. The remarks tomorrow are part of a continuing -- well, I would say the remarks are part of continuing the dialogue the President initiated with the American people in December. In those series of speeches, as you recall, the President talked in greater detail about our strategy for victory in Iraq. He gave a series of speeches in December that described the nature of the enemy we face, our strategy to defeat them and how we have adapted and learned from experience. Tomorrow the President will also discuss what to expect in Iraq in 2006 in key areas. Two thousand six will be a time of more testing and sacrifice. The terrorists and Saddam loyalists want to continue to try to derail the transition to democracy. They are fighting progress. They target innocent civilians; they target the infrastructure; they target democratic institutions that are taking hold in Iraq. The elections were a stinging defeat for the terrorists; they continue to be marginalized -- more and more people are choosing the political process -- and they will not succeed. The President will also talk about how 2006 will be a time of more progress toward a democratic Iraq that can defend itself, that will not become a safe haven for terrorists, and that will serve as an example of freedom for a troubled region. He will focus on three key areas and discuss the expectations in each of those areas. He will talk about the political process and consolidating democratic gains of the past year in helping to build the democratic institutions for a lasting democracy. He will talk about the security process and the importance of staying on the defensive against terrorists and Saddam loyalists, and continuing to strengthen the capability of the Iraqi security forces, so that they can take control of more territory and take the lead more and more in the fight. And he will also talk about the reconstruction efforts and our continuing efforts to support the Iraqis as they build a modern economic system. And he will talk about how in each of these areas we have learned from experience; we're fixing what's not working and we're adapting as necessary to complete the mission. In the area of the security forces, I think one thing the President will do is talk about how there has been much progress made on the training of the Iraqi army. In terms of the Iraqi police, there's going to be more of a focus on the Iraqi police in 2006 and making sure that we're improving the training and capability of the police forces and expanding those police forces. And I think one area that the President will talk about is the steps that we're taking to make sure that the police forces adhere to the highest ethical standards. We've seen some recent news reports of a few, or some, who have engaged in abuses of the prison system. And I think the President will talk about the training that we are providing to the police forces, and human rights, and rule of law. And he will talk about how we're increasing the forces, too. And in terms of another area, the international community, the President will call on the international community to fulfill its commitments quickly. There's been more than $13 billion pledged by the international community. There are a number of countries that have not fulfilled those commitments. And they need to be fulfilled to help the Iraqi people move forward. Debt relief -- some countries have moved forward on providing a hundred percent debt relief; there are others that can do more, as well. And, finally, as I mentioned, the President will be speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars -- their leadership and members -- here in Washington. And last week, the VFW passed a resolution that said, "It is critical that the U.S. succeed in Iraq, which will result in stability and security in the region." The President appreciates their recognition of the stakes involved and understanding of how important it is to help lay the foundations of peace in a troubled region of the world. And with that, I will be glad to go to your questions.

seen at 12:18, 9 January in Whitehouse Press Briefings. Email this to a friend.
Next item; Original source; Previous item;