Bush considers visit to Iraq ‘successful’, says U.S. spokesperson

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Baghdad said on Monday that President George Bush described his visit to Iraq as ‘successful’, despite the incident he faced during the press conference with the Iraqi premier before signing the joint statement between the two countries. “President Bush described his visit to Iraq as successful after meetings with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, his two deputies, Chief of Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council Abdulaziz al-Hakim and the Kurdish President Massoud Barzani and signing the U.S. troops withdrawal agreement and the strategic framework agreement,” Suzanne Ziyada told IraqiNews.com. “Bush said the agreement will enhance the democratic progress in Iraq and to recognize its sovereignty for one side and to establish Iraqi-U.S. relations on strong bases from the other side,” she added. Regarding the incident Bush faced at the press conference on Sunday, she said it was regrettable, however, she said, Bush was not annoyed, noting that such incidents happen in countries enjoying freedom and democracy. SH (P) 1