Osama's death a "momentous achievement": George W Bush

Bush also congratulated Obama and the military and intelligence personnel who "devoted their lives to this mission."

By PTI | Updated: May 02, 2011, 07.21 PM IST

HOUSTON: George W Bush, who was US President at the time of the 9/11 attacks and had wanted Osama Bin Laden dead or alive, today said that the death of the al Qaeda chief was a "momentous achievement" and a victory for America.

In a statement, Bush said Barack Obama called to tell him that US forces had killed bin Laden in Pakistan.

"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001," Bush, who had set the US goal of capturing bin Laden dead or alive soon after 9/11 said.

He also said the US "has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done. "

Bush, who was President from 2001 to 2009, also congratulated Obama and the military and intelligence personnel who "devoted their lives to this mission."

"They have our everlasting gratitude," Bush said.

Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.