George Bush asked the Congress to quickly approve a funding bill, insisting any early exit of American troops will create a 'security vacuum'.
WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush on Saturday asked the Congress to work with the administration and quickly approve a funding bill for the Iraq war, insisting any early exit of American troops from the insurgency-wracked country will create a 'security vacuum' there.
"I call on Congress to work with my Administration and quickly craft a responsible war spending bill. We must provide our men and women in uniform with the resources and support they deserve. I'm confident that leaders of goodwill can deliver this important result," Bush said in his weekly radio broadcast.
"If we were to leave Iraq before the government can defend itself, there would be a security vacuum in the country. Extremists from all factions could compete to fill that vacuum, causing sectarian killing to multiply on a horrific scale," he said.
Observing that Republicans and Democrats need not agree on everything, he said law makers should keep in mind that when it comes to Iraq, the consequences of failure are very 'clear'.
"If radicals and terrorists emerge from this battle with control of Iraq, they would have control of a nation with massive oil reserves, which they could use to fund their dangerous ambitions and spread their influence. The Al Qaeda terrorists who behead captives or order suicide bombings would not be satisfied to see America defeated and gone from Iraq."
"They would be emboldened by their victory, protected by their new sanctuary, eager to impose their hateful vision on surrounding countries, and eager to harm Americans," Bush said.
Earlier this week Bush vetoed the $124.2 billions spending supplemental for Iraq as Congress along with the legislation had placed specific time-tables for the withdrawal from Iraq, a position Bush has long maintained that he will not agree to.
Soon after the legislation was vetoed, Bush had a meeting with a group of Republican and Democratic law makers with a view to iron out the differences.
"I've appointed three senior members of my White House staff to negotiate with Congress on this vital legislation, my Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, National Security Advisor Steve Hadley and Budget Director Rob Portman. By working together, I believe we can pass a good bill quickly and give our troops the resources and flexibility they need," Bush said.
"I recognise that many Democratic leaders saw this bill as an opportunity to make a statement about their opposition to the war. In a democracy, we should debate our differences openly and honestly. But now it is time to give our troops the resources they are waiting for," Bush said.
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