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.”