WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- President Bush praised U.S. troops Thursday during a video teleconference with 42md Infantry Division soldiers in the hometown of Saddam Hussein.
The teleconference, with 10 U.S. soldiers and one Iraqi soldier, came just days before Iraqis are to take to the polls to vote in a constitutional referendum which was expected to coincide with increased terrorist attacks.
"I want you to know that the mission you are on is vital to achieving peace and to protect America," Bush said.
"The enemy understands that a free Iraq will be a blow to their vision and their strategy of spreading dominance throughout the broader Middle East."
Bush asked the soldiers, who were specially chosen for the event, if Iraqi troops were capable of fighting terrorists and received replies in the positive.
Bush has said U.S. troop withdrawal hinges on the ability and will of Iraqi soldiers to take over security in the country.
Bush conducted the teleconference from an auditorium in the Eisenhower Old Executive Office Building, next to the White House.
The soldiers were in Tikrit, the home of Saddam, who faces trial soon on charges of murder.
