26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

WASHINGTON, Sept 25: President George Bush on Saturday called US opponents in Iraq some of the most brutal men on Earth and acknowledged that serious problems remain in many Iraqi cities.

But he said in his weekly radio address that he still hopes to secure international support for US forces fighting guerillas in Iraq, where they have suffered more than 1,000 deaths since the invasion.

"The war for Iraq's freedom is a fight against some of the most ruthless and brutal men on Earth," Mr Bush said.

"In such a struggle, there will be good days and there will be difficult days. But every day, our resolve must remain the same."

Iraq has become the focus of the US presidential election and Mr Bush has sought to use a visit this week by Iraq's interim prime minister Iyad Allawi to boost his message that stability is being slowly established. But he acknowledged that guerillas "are using suicide bombings, beheadings, and other horrific acts to try to block progress. We are sickened by their atrocities, but we will never be intimidated, and freedom is winning".

He said once Iraq is stable and self-governing "American troops can come home with the honour they have earned".

The president said there are nearly 100,000 fully trained and equipped Iraqi soldiers, police and other security personnel and the Iraqi government is on track to build a force of over 200,000 security personnel by the end of next year.

Mr Bush also acknowledged that "serious problems remain in several cities" but said the Iraqi government strategy of surrounding and isolating enemy militias, reaching out to the local population, and negotiating "from a position of strength" was working.

"Prime Minister Allawi believes this combination of decisive action and outreach to peaceful citizens is the most effective way to defeat the killers and secure the peace. And America stands with him."

Mr Bush also highlighted improvements in the country's infrastructure, but added that he and Mr Allawi "agree that the pace of reconstruction can and should be accelerated, and we're working toward that goal".

He said more than nine billion dollars will be spent in coming months on contracts to rebuild schools, refurbish hospitals and health clinics, repair bridges, upgrade the electrical grid, and modernize communications.

"The fifth and most important step in our plan is to help Iraq conduct free national elections no later than January.

"An Iraqi electoral commission has already hired personnel, and is making key decisions about election procedures.

"Just this week, the commission began a public education campaign to inform Iraqis about the process and encourage them to become voters.

"United Nations electoral advisors are on the ground in Iraq, and Prime Minister Allawi and I have urged the UN to send more personnel to help ensure the success of the Iraqi elections," said Mr Bush. -AFP