Bush: U.S. 'Will Not Waver' On Iraq

13 September 2005 -- U.S. President George W. Bush said today the United States will not relent in its support of Iraq's fragile democracy despite acts of what he called "staggering brutality" in the country.

Bush spoke at the White House during a visit of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

"I pledge that we will not waver, and I appreciate your same pledge. Iraq will take its place among the world's democracies. The enemies of freedom will be defeated," Bush said.

The meeting of the two leaders comes as Iraq is preparing for an 15 October public referendum on the constitution, which has been strongly criticized by a number of Sunni leaders.

(CNN/AP)