Bush: Saddam Will Face Justice

Dec. 14, 2003 — -- In a televised address to the nation, President George W. Bush said that Saddam Hussein will face the justice that he "denied to millions," but that the capture of the dictator does not mean violence in Iraq is over.

He also said that the Iraqi people will never have to fear Saddam Hussein again. Bush spoke to the nation from the White House Cabinet Room at 12:15 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday. He did not take questions from reporters after his remarks.

Here is a transcript of his speech.

Good afternoon. Yesterday, December the 13th, at around 8:30p.m. Baghdad time, United States military forces captured SaddamHussein alive. He was found near a farmhouse outside the city ofTikrit, in a swift raid conducted without casualties. And now theformer dictator of Iraq will face the justice he denied tomillions.

The capture of this man was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq.It marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied andkilled in his name. For the Baathist holdouts largely responsiblefor the current violence, there will be no return to the corruptpower and privilege they once held. For the vast majority of Iraqicitizens who wish to live as free men and women, this event bringsfurther assurance that the torture chambers and the secret policeare gone forever.

And this afternoon, I have a message for the Iraqi people: Youwill not have to fear the rule of Saddam Hussein ever again. AllIraqis who take the side of freedom have taken the winning side.The goals of our coalition are the same as your goals — sovereigntyfor your country, dignity for your great culture, and for everyIraqi citizen, the opportunity for a better life.

In the history of Iraq, a dark and painful era is over. Ahopeful day has arrived. All Iraqis can now come together andreject violence and build a new Iraq.