U.S. President George W. Bush said Thursday that although achieving goals of troop surge in Iraq "have been slower than we thought," it was worthy for U.S. security.
During the Q&A part, Bush was asked to comment on the Pentagon report to Congress noting that it could be hardly achieved to turn over security responsibilities of all 18 Iraqi provinces to Iraqi's hands by November.
The report cited difficulties in developing Iraqi police forces and the slow pace of economic and political progress in some areas as reasons for the delay.
"Achieving those goals have been slower than we thought. And the question is, one, whether or not it's worth it to try to achieve the goals," Bush answered, "I believe it's worth it for the security of the country."
The president warned if U.S. troops were to leave "before the job is done, extremist groups like al Qaida would be able to gain safe haven."
Bush made an opening statement on the children's health insurance program, or SCHIP, which is set to expire in 10 days.
He has threatened to veto the bill from the Democrats-dominated Congress proposing for a 35 billion-U.S. dollar increase in the program, which would bring total spending to between about 60 billion dollars, or twice the level sought by the Bush administration.
"Unfortunately, instead of working with the administration to enact this funding increase for children's health, Democrats in Congress have decided to pass a bill they know that will be vetoed, " Bush said.
He also noted a "philosophical divide" in Washington over the best approach for health care that Democrats want more power in the hands of government while Republicans prefer more power in the hands of individuals.
Bush urged Congress to send him a simple extension of the program if both sides cannot agree on terms of a new measure.
Source: Xinhua
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