2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Repeats Call for Iraq Unity Governmen

By Paula Wolfson
Washington
10 April 2006

 
President Bush delivers remarks on the global war on terror at the John Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington Monday, April 10, 2006
  
President Bush says there has been progress in Iraq in the three years since the fall of  Baghdad. But he makes clear resolving the current struggle to come up with a unity¹ government is crucial. 

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The president acknowledges the task of forming a unity government is difficult, saying Iraqis are trying to build a democracy on what he calls, "the rubble² of tyranny."

"They are undertaking³ a difficult process, with little democratic experience and with the scars of nearly three decades of Saddam Hussein still fresh on their mind," said Mr. Bush.

He says differences are understandable, but stresses Iraq's leaders must demonstrate the will to overcome these obstacles as soon as possible.

"Moving beyond past divisions to build a strong democracy requires strong leadership, and, now is the time for Iraqis to step up and show the leadership," he noted⁴.

In a speech to foreign policy students in Washington, Mr. Bush emphasized that many people have taken great risks and given their lives, in order to bring freedom to Iraq. He said their sacrifices should not be in vain.

"Americans have made great sacrifices to help Iraq get to this point. Iraqi voters risked their lives to go to the polls. Iraqi soldiers and police have given their time to make this moment possible," he added. "And, so, Americans and Iraqis alike are waiting and watching to see what this sacrifice will produce, and we both expect results."

The president told his audience at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies that the success of democracy in Iraq is crucial to the region. And he urged Arab leaders to show greater support for the effort.

"Arab leaders need to recognize that the choice in Iraq is between democracy and terrorism, and there is no middle ground," reminded President Bush. "Success of Iraqi democracy is in their vital interests."

Mr. Bush went on to note that the broader international community has already pledged more than $13 billion in assistance to Iraq. He said many governments have been slow to make good on their commitments, and he urged them to follow through on their promises as quickly as possible.

1 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

2 rubble   

n.（一堆）碎石，瓦砾

参考例句：

• After the earthquake,it took months to clean up the rubble.地震后，花了数月才清理完瓦砾。
• After the war many cities were full of rubble.战后许多城市到处可见颓垣残壁。

3 undertaking   

n.保证，许诺，事业

参考例句：

• He gave her an undertaking that he would pay the money back with in a year.他向她做了一年内还钱的保证。
• He is too timid to venture upon an undertaking.他太胆小，不敢从事任何事业。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。