President comments on Iraq, Liberia and Mideast

President Bush pledged Wednesday that the United States will deal harshly with those who attack American troops in Iraq, and said such violence will not undercut his resolve to keep Americans there until stability is restored.
Speaking about a host of issues at an impromptu news conference at the White House, Bush reiterated his warning that those who attack coalition forces will be dealt with harshly.
Increasing attacks have killed 26 US soldiers since Bush declared major combat over on May 1.
Bush said he would welcome assistance from other countries willing to send troops to help restore peace, but added the US has "the force necessary to deal with the
security situation."
Bush also spoke about human suffering and unrest in Liberia, but he stopped short of saying whether his administration should send peacekeepers to the West African nation - an idea opposed by a US military already committed to other world trouble spots.
The president said he's asked Secretary of State Colin Powell to work closely with the United Nations to determine the best way to keep a cease-fire in place. But he called for Liberian President Charles Taylor to cede power and leave the country.
He also said he had talked on the phone with the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II about progress toward peace in the Middle East.