This time the Iraqis sent out the Color guard meet him.
U.S. President George W. Bush (R) walks with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (second right) during an arrival ceremony at Salam Palace in Baghdad December 14, 2008.
(Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
The AP reported:
President George W. Bush says the work in Iraq has been hard, but is necessary for U.S. security and world peace.
Bush arrived in Baghdad Sunday for an unannounced farewell trip. The visit comes just 37 days before President-elect Barack Obama takes office.
Bush says he’s grateful he had the chance to return to Iraq a final time before his presidency ends.
Bush & Maliki Will Sign the SOFA within hours.
Voices of Iraq reported:
“A joint press conference will be held after signing the pact,” the source told Aswat al-Iraq.
Earlier today, Bush arrived on a surprise visit to the capital Baghdad and met with President Jalal al-Talabani.
Bush’s visit comes only 17 days ahead of the beginning of the implementation of the long-term security pact with Iraq, known as the status of forces agreement (SOFA), scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2009.
On November 27, the Iraqi Parliament approved SOFA with a majority of 144 votes to 35 lawmakers, 29 of them are members of parliament from the Sadrist bloc of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr.
U.S. President George W. Bush shakes hands with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani (2nd R) and vice presidents Adel Abdul Mahdi (L) and Tareq al-Hashimi (R) during a meeting at Salam Palace in Baghdad, December 14, 2008. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
President Bush will hold a rally with US troops later in the day.
Jules Crittenden has more on Bush’s victory lap.
