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Bush Discusses Iraq, US Economy During Tuesday News Conference
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1171C36:3919ACA President tells
reporters while there is ongoing violence in Iraq, there are also
signs of progress that give him confidence in future of country





George W. BushPresident Bush is discussing the war in Iraq and the
strength of the economy in a news conference in Washington.

Mr. Bush says while there is ongoing violence in Iraq, there are also
signs of progress that give him confidence in the future of the
country.

The president says he disagrees with former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad
Allawi, and does not believe Iraq has fallen into civil war.

Mr. Bush said he believed Iraqis had faced a choice and decided not to
plunge their country into civil war.

Mr. Bush says U.S. officials have a strategy for victory in the
country.

On a key domestic issue, Mr. Bush said the U.S. economy is strong,
with household net worth at an all-time high and unemployment at 4.8
percent.

Mr. Bush also recalled his speech Monday in Ohio, where he said he
understood that Americans are "disheartened," but asked them to look
beyond the bloodshed in Iraq to see the progress.

Recent opinion polls show Mr. Bush's approval ratings at the lowest
level of his presidency.


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