Bush Says U.S. Committed To Iraq's Success

U.S. President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on June 13 (epa) June 14, 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush said today he has told the government in Baghdad that the United States is committed to helping revitalize Iraq's economy.

Speaking in Washington a day after visiting Iraq, Bush said he believes Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has the determination to succeed.

"I saw first-hand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself, and defend itself," Bush said.

Bush also said he has directed U.S. justice and law enforcement officials to work with the new Iraqi government on establishing a more efficient judicial system in Iraq.

On another subject, Bush said he would like to close down the U.S.-run prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But, Bush stressed, the detainees being held there were picked up at battlefields and represent a danger to Americans.