In his radio address to the nation Saturday, three days after the regime in Baghdad collapsed, Bush said: "As Saddam's regime of fear is brought to an end, the people of Iraq are revealing the true hopes they have always held.

"It should surprise no one that Iraqis, like all people, resent oppression and welcome their own freedom," Bush said.

"It should surprise no one that in every nation and every culture, the human heart desires the same good things: dignity, liberty, and a chance to build a better life."

"As people throughout Iraq celebrate the arrival of freedom, America celebrates with them. We know that freedom is the gift of God to all mankind, and we rejoice when others can share it.

"The nightmare of Saddam Hussein's rule in Iraq is ending. Soon, the good and gifted people of Iraq will be free to choose their leaders who respect their rights and reflect their character.

"In all that is to come, they will have the goodwill of the entire world. And they will have the friendship of the people of the United States," Bush said.

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