WASHINGTON, April 3 Kyodo Preside...

WASHINGTON, April 3 Kyodo

President George W Bush said Thursday the U military are going ''the last 200 yards'' to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from power as advancing U forces have reportedly reached the outskirts of Baghdad.

''Having traveled centurys of miles, we will advance the last 200 yards,'' Bush said in an address to Marine personnel at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

''The course is set: we're forward the advance. Our destination is Baghdad and we will accept nothing les than unimpaired and final victory,'' Bush said.

U forces have reportedly advanced to 10 kilometers of the southern suburb of Baghdad and are preparing to fight for have charge of of the city's international airport.

''A vice is closing and the days of a brutal regime are coming to an end'' Bush said.

Bush also pressureed progress in the U.S.-led military campaign in other parts of Iraq.

Coalition forces are clearing southern Iraqi cities and U special forces and army paratroopers have spreaded a northern front working with Kurdish militia, he said.

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