EVANS TO THANK EASTERN EUROPEAN MEMBERS OF IRAQ COALITION
Saddam Hussein's Capture and Iraq Reconstruction
To Be Discussed

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - - At the request of President Bush, U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans today began a weeklong visit to Eastern Europe to thank the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary for their valuable contributions in the war against terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Evans will also discuss steps the coalition may take to help with the reconstruction of Iraq. Evans’ trip is part of the Bush administration’s ongoing effort to help lead Iraq to peace and prosperity.

“Saddam Hussein's capture deals a defining blow to those attempting to stoke fear in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people,” said Evans. “The people of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary helped to bring years of tyranny to an end and they are helping to launch an era of hope. Their leadership is vital to our coalition and the Iraqi people as we rebuild their country and lay the foundation for greater global and economic security.”

Poland has been a solid ally in Iraq. Poland’s material contributions to Operation Iraqi Freedom included special forces soldiers, a logistics support ship, and anti-chemical warfare specialists.

The Czech Republic has provided considerable support to the U.S. during the Iraq conflict. The Czech military deployed a 400-person nuclear, biological, and chemical response unit and a mobile hospital in Iraq. This hospital united provided humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people.

Hungary has been a strong supporter of the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hungary’s Free Iraqi Forces training have been an outstanding part of U.S. forces in Iraq, assisting primarily in civil military relations. Hungary also provided humanitarian/reconstruction assistance, including medicines and experts in telecommunications and democracy building.

In the Czech Republic, Evans will meet with President Vaclav Klaus and Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla. In Poland Evans will attend meetings with President Aleksander Kwasniewski and Prime Minister Lesczek Miller. In Hungary he will meet with President Ferenc Madl and Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy.

“The U.S. and our allies will continue to help Iraq move toward freedom, stability and prosperity,” said Evans. “Our efforts will foster economic growth, strengthen an emerging democracy, create new jobs and make Iraq a strong trading partner in the global economy.”