"President Bush presented a well reasoned case for the need for greater international cooperation in the war against terror, and specifically, in the rebuilding of Iraq. I was pleased to hear the President ask the nations of the UN for their support of a new Security Council resolution to expand the UN's role in Iraq. Our work in Iraq is far from finished, but we need to broaden the role of the Iraqi people and the international community in completing it. Having said that, the President was right to note that the goal of Iraqi self-government must occur on a timetable that meets the needs of the Iraqis.
"I agree with the President that French government's suggestion that the Iraqi government be provided with more autonomy before the country has held an election or written a constitution would be impractical and ill-advised.
"Greater support from the international community is vital in the war against terror and our efforts in Iraq. It is my hope that the President's speech and related meetings in New York today will lead to this additional support."