Washington: The United States is helping the Iraqi people to build a stable, just and prosperous country and is following a clear strategy to achieve that goal, President George W Bush claimed on October 11.

In his weekly radio address to the nation, Bush said, "Six months ago this week, the statue of Saddam Hussein came down in the centre of Baghdad, and Iraq began the transition from tyranny to self- government.

"The goal of our coalition is to help the Iraqi people build a stable, just and prosperous country that poses no threat to America or the world. To reach that goal, we are following a clear strategy."

The American President said coalition forces in Iraq were actively pursuing terrorists and Saddam holdouts, adding international cooperation in the reconstruction and security of Iraq was also being looked at.

"We are working closely with Iraqi leaders as they prepare to draft a constitution, establish institutions of a civil society, and move toward free elections," he claimed.

The US was helping Iraq rebuild its economy after a "long era of corruption and misrule", Bush said adding, "Now that the dictator is gone, we and our coalition partners are helping Iraqis to lay the foundation of a free economy.

"Working with the Iraqi Governing Council, we are establishing a new system that allows foreign investors to confidently invest capital in Iraq's future. We have helped restore Iraq's oil production capacity to nearly two million barrels a day, the benefits of which are flowing directly to the Iraqi people," he said.

"Americans are providing this help not only because our hearts are good, but because our vision is clear. A stable, democratic, and prosperous Iraq will no longer be a breeding ground for terror, tyranny and aggression. And a free Iraq will be an example of freedom's power throughout the Middle East.

"By promoting freedom and hope in other lands, we remove direct threats to the American people. Our actions in Iraq will increase our safety for years to come," he said.

PTI