WASHINGTON, March 19 AFP - Text of speech by US President George
W Bush tonight announcing the start of war against Iraq:

"My fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces
are in the early stages of military operations 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 to undermine 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 with intelligence 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 our
common defence.
"To all of the men and women of the United States armed forces
now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes
of an oppressed people now depend on you.
"That trust is well placed.
"The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and
bravery. The people you liberate will witness 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 of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed
Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use
innocent men, women and children as shields for his own military; a
final atrocity against his people.
"I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition
forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from
harm. A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as
California could be longer and more difficult than some predict.
And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will
require our sustained commitment.
"We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great
civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no
ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of
that country to its own people.
"I know that the families of our military are praying that all
those who serve will return safely and soon.
"Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of
your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent.
"For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the
American people and you can know that our 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 States and our friends and allies
will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the
peace with weapons of mass murder.
"We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy,
Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later
with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets
of our cities.
"Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration
is to apply decisive force. And I assure 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 through this time of peril and carry
on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring
freedom to others. And we will prevail.
"May God bless our country and all who defend her."
AFP