If you don't keep your eye on the Department of State's website, perhaps you should!

On January 30, 2005, more than 8 million Iraqi people went to the polls in national elections, 18 provincial elections, and the Kurdistan regional government election.

Feb. 22 fact sheet: U.S. funding for Iraqi reconstruction in 2003 and 2004 included nearly half a billion dollars to support democracy-building programs in Iraq, including projects that specifically help women with democratic organization and advocacy.

Feb. 17 fact sheet: The U.S. and the European Union are committed to a federal, democratic, pluralistic, and unified Iraq. They cooperate closely on the full range of political, economic, development, and security issues affecting Iraq.

Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 fact sheets: The Iraqi people demonstrated their commitment to democracy during the January 30 elections, voting for a Transitional National Assembly, provincial councils, and a Kurdistan regional government. Iraqi officials organized the election and Iraqi security forces protected the polling places.

Feb. 3 fact sheet: The UN Oil-for-Food Program was implemented in December 1996 and ended in November 2003. The United States is committed to ensuring that the serious allegations of fraud, abuse, and corruption related to the program are investigated fully and transparently.

President Bush (Jan. 30): "The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success.... This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government.... We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security. There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge." [more]

Secretary Rice (Jan. 30): "This is the start of a new day for Iraq. It's not perfect. There are parts of the country where people have been intimidated and where the violence is very high. ... [W]hat we are seeing is that Iraqis are voting in large numbers. I think everybody believes it's better than expected. There are parts of the country where we expected a low turnout, but this election is, of course, a first step; and what it really says is that the Iraqi people are not prepared to be fearful and intimidated and kept from their right to exercise their voice." [full text of Fox interview] Also see ABC, CBS, CNN interviews; remarks outside CBS studio; view photos.

Posted by Michael at February 26, 2005 11:58 PM