Charles Skelton: “June 30 should be a proud day for the Iraqi people, but one for which they are continuing to pay a heavy price. Today's…”

“June 30 should be a proud day for the Iraqi people, but one for which they are continuing to pay a heavy price. Today's coordinated bloody attacks demonstrate how much of a challenge they still face. We congratulate the interim Iraqi government on the upcoming assumption of sovereignty. This is a great step, a real step toward a permanent government elected by the Iraqi people. I sincerely hope it works. Lasting peace and political progress will only come when Iraq is secure. This will remain an ongoing partnership between American forces and Iraqis for a long time. I commend our troops; I commend their families. They have given so much and are feeling the real meaning of sacrifice every day. Deputy Secretary Paul Wolfowitz confirmed to our Committee on Armed Services this week that our troops could be in Iraq for years. We need a plan for our partnership with the Iraqis, to move the security of their country to them as soon as they are ready. Until then, I commend this resolution for its reiteration of the full authority of the U.S. commanders in Iraq over American forces. That is so important. I feel strongly that we should have a status of forces agreement.”