US President George W. Bush vowed to use "all tools" at his disposal to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein but declined to say whether that goal would be achieved by the end of his first term.
Speaking to reporters, the U.S. leader said that the world would be a safer place once Saddam had been overthrown and added he was personally engaged in "all aspects" of planning to achieve that goal.
"It's a stated policy of this government to have regime change. And it hasn't changed. And we'll use all tools at our disposal to do so," Bush said in a press conference. But the US leader declined to answer the question of whether regime change in Iraq will be a reality before the end of his first term, in late January 2005, saying: "It's hypothetical."
Bush indicated that there is no urgency to act against Iraq and that while the military option is one of a number being considered, there are "different ways to do it." "But in my remarks to the American people, I remind them I'm a patient person," he said.
"But I do firmly believe that the world will be safer and more peaceful if there's a regime change in that government." Bush highlighted his personal engagement in the planning for Saddam's ouster.
"I am involved. I mean, I'm involved in the military plan, diplomatic planning, financial planning -- all aspects of -- reviewing all the tools at my disposal," he aired. (Albawaba.com)
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