Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “On June 30th, Iraq will assume control of its own destiny. Iraq will enter the post-Saddam era with the hope of the…”

“On June 30th, Iraq will assume control of its own destiny. Iraq will enter the post-Saddam era with the hope of the world resting upon them. No longer will the Iraqi people be subjected to a climate of fear and desperation. Saddam's murderous, thieving cronies have been removed. Uday and Qusay's henchmen likewise, will no longer be free to roam the streets, terrorizing their people. The challenge now for the Iraqi people and their new government is to set their future on a course for open thought, popular choice of their leaders, and freedom of action in which to conduct their lives and their futures. The Iraqi people must understand that, with this new-found freedom comes responsibility--a responsibility to remember the interests of all Iraqis. Each and every Iraqi has a stake in that nation's future and now with our transfer of sovereignty to them, that stake can be fully realized. We are thrilled to have played a role in empowering the Iraqi people and supporting them in their efforts to rebuild their country, after decades of corruption and oppression. They have the opportunity to make their nation a shining light for all to see, not only in the Middle East, but around the world. A nation filled with talent beyond imagination, Iraq can create a climate of freedom and opportunity for others to emulate. Problems have arisen. Yet, we must all acknowledge that this opportunity could not have happened without the brave men and women of the United States military.”