Mike Pence: “just three weeks from the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the battle for Baghdad is drawing to a close. Less than 2…”

“just three weeks from the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the battle for Baghdad is drawing to a close. Less than 2 hours ago, amidst the cheers and grateful smiles of the newly freed people of Iraq, the 3rd Army met the 1st Marine expeditionary force at the Tigris River. Thanks to U.S. and coalition courage and leadership, liberty has reached the center of Baghdad, darkened by tyranny for more than a quarter of a century. Soon we will turn this body's attention to reconstruction, to interim governments, to the creation of a free and democratic Iraq, and as the President said in Belfast yesterday, the United Nations will play a vital role in helping to stand up our humanitarian efforts. Despite the fondest wishes of the President of France, I would offer, Mr. Speaker, since the U.N. chose against being central to the war, the U.N. should not and will not be central to the peace.”