2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Hails Iraq's New Government

By Paula Wolfson
White House
22 May 2006

President Bush delivers a speech in Chicago, May 22, 2006   
  
President Bush says the formation of a unity¹ government in Iraq marks a watershed² for the greater Middle East. Mr. Bush pledged continuing U.S. support for the country.

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The president says the Iraqi government is still a work in progress, but if its new leaders seize the opportunity they have been given, they can change the nation and the region.

"This is a free government under a democratic constitution and its formation marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East," said President Bush.

In a speech to representatives of the restaurant industry gathered for a convention in Chicago, Mr. Bush acknowledged Iraq is plagued with problems. But he said it is also a country with abundant natural resources, and an educated population

"Iraq's new leaders understand that so long as they remain united there is no limit to the potential of their country," he said.

President Bush singled out Iraq's prime minister, president and speaker for praise. He said as they gain public support and take on the day-to-day tasks of governing, the U.S. role will change. Mr. Bush made no direct reference to an American troop withdrawal³, but indicated over time adjustments will be made.

"As the new Iraqi government grows in confidence and capability⁴, America will play an increasingly supporting role," said Mr. Bush. "To take advantage of this moment of opportunity, the United States and our coalition⁵ partners will work with the new Iraqi government to adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual⁶ efforts to achieve victory over our common enemies."

President Bush also had a message for war-weary Americans. He acknowledged that three years after the invasion of Iraq, the situation is improving slowly. Once again, he urged patience.

"The progress we have made has been hard fought and it has been incremental," noted⁷ the president. "There have been setbacks and missteps, like Abu Ghraib, that were felt immediately and have been difficult to overcome. Yet we have now reached a turning point in the struggle between freedom and terror."

As the president was traveling to Chicago, the White House announced he would meet in Washington later this week with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mr. Blair paid a surprise visit Monday to Iraq.

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 watershed   

n.转折点，分水岭，分界线

参考例句：

• Our marriage was at a watershed.我们的婚姻到了一个转折关头。
• It forms the watershed between the two rivers.它成了两条河流的分水岭。

3 withdrawal   

n.取回，提款；撤退，撤军；收回，撤销

参考例句：

• The police were forced to make a tactical withdrawal.警方被迫进行战术撤退。
• They insisted upon a withdrawal of the statement and a public apology.他们坚持要收回那些话并公开道歉。

4 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。

5 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

6 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

7 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。