George Bush: The day of your liberation is near

This is an edited version of George Bush's televised address to the nation:

Events in Iraq have now reached the final days of decision ... Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed again and again because we are not dealing with peaceful men ... The danger is clear. Using chemical, biological or – one day – nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, terrorists could fulfil their stated ambitions and kill thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of innocent people in our country, or any other. The United States and other nations did nothing to deserve or invite this threat but we will do everything to defeat it. Instead of drifting along toward tragedy, we will set a course toward safety. Before the day of horror can come, before it is too late to act, this danger will be removed ...

Today, no nation can possibly claim Iraq has disarmed. And it will not disarm so long as Saddam Hussein retains power. For the last four-and-a-half months, the United States and our allies have worked within the Security Council to enforce that Council's long-standing demands, yet some permanent members of the Council have publicly announced they will veto any resolution that compels the disarmament of Iraq. These governments share our assessment of the danger, but not our resolve to meet it ...

All the decades of deceit and cruelty have now reached an end. Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing. For their own safety, all foreign nationals including journalists and inspectors should leave Iraq immediately. Many Iraqis can hear me tonight in a translated radio broadcast, and I have a message for them. If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country and not against you. As our coalition takes away their power, we will deliver the food and medicine you need. We will tear down the apparatus of terror, and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free ... The tyrant will soon be gone. The day of your liberation is near