President Congratulates Iraqis on Successful Elections, The South Grounds, 12:47 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: On behalf of the American people, I'd like to congratulate the people of Iraq for the successful completion of a vote on their draft constitution. By all indications, the turnout was greater than the turnout from the last January election, which is good news. By all indications, the Sunnis participated in greater numbers in this election than last time. And that's good news. After all, the purpose of a democracy is to make sure everybody is -- participates in the process.
I'm also pleased, from the initial indications, that the level of violence was considerably less than the last election. That's a tribute to the Iraqis -- forces who we've trained, as well as coalition forces that worked hard to make sure that democracy could move forward in Iraq.
This is a very positive day for the Iraqis and, as well, for world peace. Democracies are peaceful countries. The vote today in Iraq stands in stark contrast to the attitudes and philosophy and strategy of al Qaeda and its terrorist friends and killers. We believe, and the Iraqis believe, the best way forward is through the democratic process. Al Qaeda wants to use their violent ways to stop the march of democracy because democracy is the exact opposite of what they believe is right.
We're making progress toward peace. We're making progress toward an ally that will join us in the war on terror, that will prevent al Qaeda from establishing safe haven in Iraq, and a country that will serve as an example for others who aspire to live in freedom.
So, again, I congratulate the Iraqi people. I thank you for meeting this milestone. Thank you for doing what is right, to set the foundations for peace for future generations to come.
Appreciate it.
END 12:51 P.M. EDT, Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, October 16, 2005
 | BAGHDAD — Iraqi citizens young and old display their ink-dipped fingers after the adults cast their ballots during the Constitutional Referendum Oct. 15 near Khadamiyah. |
Caption: An election official checks the registrar for a man's name. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi is handed his ballot by an election official. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi folds his ballot before placing it in the ballot box. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi places the finished ballot inside the ballot box. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi proudly shows off his ink-stained finger. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi man places his ballot into the ballot box. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi proudly shows off her ink-stained finger. Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi woman places her ballot into the ballot box. Taken On: 10/15/2005 Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi proudly shows off his ink-stained finger. Taken On: 10/15/2005 Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi proudly shows off his ink-stained finger Taken On: 10/15/2005, Photographer: Combat Camera
Caption: An Iraqi proudly shows off his ink-stained finger. Taken On: 10/15/2005 Photographer: Combat Camera
more at President Bush and Iraqi Constitution or Iraq and Iraq Draft Constitution or Iraq National Assembly and Middle East ir iraqi referendum or Draft Constitution and Iraqi Constitutional Referendum
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