DATE=10/09/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-308420

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says the United States must stay involved in Iraq, and says there has been progress in the six months since Saddam Hussein was removed from power. V-O-A'S Paula Wolfson reports the comments were made in an address to military personnel in the state of New Hampshire.

TEXT: The president says the United States can not walk away from Iraq and cannot be complacent in the face of an ongoing terrorist threat.

Speaking on a day of violence in Iraq, he stressed America's resolve. He said followers of Saddam Hussein and foreign terrorists are testing the nation's will.

/// BUSH ACT ///

They believe that America will run from the challenge. They are mistaken.

/// END ACT ///

While noting there are problems, Mr. Bush stressed there has been progress. He said people need to know the real story about what is happening in Iraq.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We are rebuilding schools. A lot of kids are going back to schools. We are reopening hospitals. Thousands of children are now being immunized.

/// END ACT ///

The speech was part of a White House campaign to build support for the president's Iraq policy. Public opinion polls show there is growing skepticism among Americans about the cost of the military operation in Iraq, both in terms of money and human lives. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE/FC