Bush meets Iraqi-Americans and comments on democracy

(29 Mar 2005) SHOTLIST 1. US President George W. Bush enters Rose Garden, walks up to lectern, starts talking 2. Pull out as audience member takes photograph 3. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, President of United States: "On behalf of the American people, Laura and I offer our condolences to the victims of yesterday's earthquake in Indonesia. This earthquake has claimed lives and destroyed buildings in a part of Indonesia that is only now beginning to recover from the destruction caused by the tsunami three months ago. Our officials have offered initial assistance and are moving quickly to gather information to determine what additional relief is needed." 4. Wide shot of Bush and honourees 5. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, President of United States: "I commend the more than eight million Iraqis who defied the car bombers and assassins to vote that day." (applause) 6. Wide shot of Bush being applauded 7. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, President of United States: "Today, Iraqis took another step on the road to a free society when the assembly held its second meeting. We expect a new government will be chosen soon and that the assembly will vote to confirm it. We look forward to working with the government that emerges from this process. We're confident that this new government will be inclusive, will respect human rights, and will uphold fundamental freedoms for all Iraqis." 8. Wide shot of audience 9. Bush shakes hands with honourees STORYLINE US President George W. Bush on Tuesday offered the condolences of the American people to the victims of Monday's earthquake in South Asia. Bush said that US officials, already in the region helping with the recovery from another earthquake and resulting tsunami, are moving quickly to offer assistance and gather information on what relief aid is needed. The 8.7-magnitude quake hit off Indonesia's Nias island on Tuesday, triggering tsunami fears and killing at least 330 people. Bush's quick and public response on Tuesday to the new quake was in sharp contrast with his reaction to the December 26 earthquake and tsunami when he was criticised for responding slowly. Bush's comments came as he opened a speech on Iraq in the White House's Rose Garden. The president congratulated the Iraqi people on their steps toward democracy and pledged American support to work with the new government selected by the National Assembly. Bush said he expected a new government to be "chosen soon and that the assembly will vote to confirm it". Bush's comments came as Iraq's politicians failed to choose a parliament speaker during a session that brought underlying tensions to the surface and sparked concerns about the future of the country's new government, yet to be formed two months after Iraq's historic elections. Bush was surrounded by several Iraqi exchange students and students in the United States for short term seminars in law. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...