On the recordDecember 14, 2005
today we are on the eve of Iraq's first election for a 4-year government based on their newly adopted constitution. We stand with the Iraqi people as they choose freedom and democracy over terrorism and oppression. In less than 3 years, they have gone from a brutal dictatorship to electing 275 representatives based on province and population, who will then select a prime minister, a presidency cabinet, and a cabinet of ministers. We congratulate the people of Iraq. We stand beside them, and we thank them for their courage, their bravery and their vision. However, we must acknowledge, as they do, that the path will not be easy, but they are truly a miracle in the journey they have undertaken. We are proud of their progress and hopeful for the future for Iraq, the Middle East and the defeat of terrorism around the world. ____________________
Source
govinfo.gov
