1. Wide shot of U.S. President George W. Bush speaking
2. Close-up recipients
3. SOUNDBITE (English) George W. Bush, U.S. President:
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civil award given to men and women of exception merit, integrity and achievement. Today this honour goes to three men who have played pivotal roles in great events and in whose efforts have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty."
4. Pull back view of First Lady Laura Bush in the audience
5. L. Paul Bremer being given medal
6. Pan of Retired General Tommy Franks standing next to President Bush
7. Close-up Bush giving Franks medal
8. Wide shot of room
9. Close-up George Tenet standing next to President Bush, being given medal
10. Wide shot of all recipients standing with President Bush
STORYLINE:
US President George W. Bush has awarded the nation's highest civilian honour Tuesday to three men who played central roles in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, and in formulating the administration's Iraq policy.
At the White House ceremony, Bush presented the Medal of Freedom to former CIA chief George Tenet, former Iraq administrator Paul Bremer and retired General Tommy Franks.
George Tenet was CIA director for seven years. He left the spy agency in July this year citing "personal reasons."
However the CIA has been at the heart of criticism over faulty intelligence in the run-up to the Iraqi war and over whether 9/11 could have been prevented.
President Bush has supported Tenet throughout the criticism, saying he was a "strong and able" leader.
L. Paul Bremer oversaw the creation of the interim Iraqi government. He was based in Iraq for over a year and worked to set up new government agencies and security forces. However, he oversaw the disbanding of the Iraqi army - a move that has been heavily criticised by many. Just yesterday Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer called the quick dissolution of the army a mistake.
Franks was the four-star Army general who commanded the U.S. invasion force.
After retiring, he endorsed Bush for re-election and campaigned on his behalf.
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