"My fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces are in the early stages of militaryoperations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.
"On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance toundermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war.
"These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign.
"More than 35 countries are giving crucial support, from the use of naval and air bases, to help withintelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units.
"Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honour of serving in ourcommon defence.
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"To all of the men and women of the United States armed forces now in the Middle East, the peace of atroubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you.
"That trust is well placed.
'Final atrocity'
"The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate willwitness the honourable and decent spirit of the American military.
"In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for conventions of war or rules ofmorality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocentmen, women and children as shields for his own military; a final atrocity against his people.
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"I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spareinnocent civilians from harm.
A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult thansome predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustainedcommitment.
"We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religiousfaiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of thatcountry to its own people.
Prayers for safety
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely andsoon.
"Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protectionof the innocent.
"For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people and you can know thatour forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.
"Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United Statesand our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace withweapons of mass murder.
"We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we donot have to meet it later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.
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"Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. And Iassure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures and we will accept no outcome but victory.
"My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass throughthis time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom toothers.
"And we will prevail.
"May God bless our country and all who defend her. "
