Kiev (BP) – President Bush today accepted congratulations from the grateful people of Ukraine. From a formal ceremony in Kiev, the President issued a statement reading, in part: “Almost two years ago, American-led coalition forces invaded your country to bring you democracy and prosperity. Democracy and prosperity that you, so firmly gripped in the vice of terrible dictatorship, could not yourselves have achieved. It is with warmth and friendship that I accept your thanks, on behalf of the American people.”
Nearly 18 months after declaring the end of major combat operations, at a meeting with top European leaders Bush again praised the role of overwhelming force in bringing a brutal regime to its knees. Noting “no people in history have ever on their own overcome an oppressive political regime without a massive invasion from a world superpower,” Bush took a moment to revel in the vindication of his policy of pre-emptive force.
Secretary of State Rice could not be reached for further comment.
