2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Meets Maliki in Baghdad, Praises Troops

By Paula Wolfson
White House
13 June 2006

President Bush is on his way home after a surprise trip to Baghdad designed to show support for the new Iraqi government.  Mr. Bush also met with some of the more than 130,000 US troops serving in Iraq.

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The public was told the president would speak Tuesday with Iraqi leaders via videoconference from his Camp David retreat.  Instead, they met face to face in Baghdad.

 

President Bush meets new Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, at Bush's left, as seen on a video teleconference screen   
  

"I've come to not only look you in the eye," said Mr. Bush.  "I've also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it keeps its word."

It was a show of support for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his fledgling government.  Seated around a table in the secure green zone of Baghdad, they talked about the problems facing Iraq and the challenges ahead.

"I have expressed our country's desire to work with you, but I appreciate you recognize the fact that the future of the country is in your hands," he added.

Prime Minister Maliki learned the president was in Baghdad just five minutes before they met in the U.S. diplomatic compound.   He told Mr. Bush that Iraqis are determined¹ to succeed.

Speaking in Arabic, the prime minister said Iraq will stay united and it will stay strong.   He spoke² of his appreciation³ for U.S. efforts in Iraq, and expressed the hope American troops will be able to go home soon.  God willing, he said, all the suffering will be over and all the soldiers will be able to return to their countries.

President Bush also met with Iraq's president and the speaker of the Iraqi parliament.   But his only extended public comments came at his last stop, an emotional meeting with Americans serving in Iraq.

"Thought I would stop by say hello," said Mr. Bush.

He offered praise for the troops, and told them that they are making history.  He said there has been progress in Iraq, but acknowledged dangers remain.   Mr. Bush made specific mention of the killing⁴ last week of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

"Our military will stay on the offense⁵.  We will continue to hunt down people like Mr. Zaqawi and bring them to justic," he added.

The president left Baghdad with a message for the Iraqi people.  Seize the moment, he said, urging them to build a government of, by and for the people.

1 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

2 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

3 appreciation   

n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨

参考例句：

• I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to you all.我想对你们所有人表达我的感激和谢意。
• I'll be sending them a donation in appreciation of their help.我将送给他们一笔捐款以感谢他们的帮助。

4 killing   

n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财

参考例句：

• Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.投资者准备清仓以便大赚一笔。
• Last week my brother made a killing on Wall Street.上个周我兄弟在华尔街赚了一大笔。

5 offense   

n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪

参考例句：

• I hope you will not take any offense at my words. 对我讲的话请别见怪。
• His words gave great offense to everybody present.他的发言冲犯了在场的所有人。