PRESIDENT BUSH IRAQI ELECTION

President Congratulates Iraq

bush iraq

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE IRAQI ELECTION FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Cross Hall 1:00 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.

In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self-government.

Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.

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The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."

Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.

The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. 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. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.

Thank you very much. END 1:05 P.M. EST

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 30, 2005

Iraqi election Embassy Rocket Attack

A billboard at a traffic intersection in Baghdad reads, (How we will provide a better country for our kids; elections of the National Assembly. Elect Iraq.)

Task Force Baghdad Troops Capture Seven Insurgents Responsible for Embassy Rocket Attack

Baghdad, Iraq – Seven insurgents responsible for the Jan. 29 rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy were captured by Task Force Baghdad troops approximately one hour after launching their attack.

Following the 8 p.m. attack on the embassy, the men fled the scene of the rocket launch, but were tracked to a residence in southeastern Baghdad. Task Force Baghdad ground troops descended on the home, detaining all seven suspects.

“This was a great example of quick reaction on the part of some superb cavalry troopers,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Jones, assistant division commander for the 1st Cavalry Division and Task Force Baghdad. “It’s one more example to the insurgents that Iraqi and Multi-National Forces will hunt down those responsible for these acts of terrorism.”

Leading up to the election, Jones said the troops in his task force and the Iraqi security forces in Baghdad are prepared to meet the challenge of security a free election in the Iraqi capital.

“We’re doing all we can, as are all the Iraqi security forces, to make Baghdad as safe as possible so its citizens can vote in this historic election,” Jones said.

The seven captured suspects are being held for further questioning. Release #050130d

جنود قوة مهام بغداد تلقي القبض على سبعة متمردين مسؤولين عن الهجوم الصاروخي على السفارة

بغداد, العراق –ألقت قوة مهام بغداد القبض على سبعة متمردين لعلاقتهم بالهجوم الصاروخي الذي وقع على السفارة ألأمريكية يوم 29 كانون الثاني بعد
ساعة من تنفيذهم للهجوم.

بعد قيامهم بالهجوم في الساعة الثامنة مساءا غادر المهاجمون موقع ألأطلاق و عادوا الى منزل جنوب بغداد, حيث قام جنود قوة مهام بغداد بمتابعتهم و مداهمة المنزل و أعتقال ألأشخاص السبعة المتواجدون فيه.

معاون قائد فرقة الفرسان ألأولى العميد (مايكل جونز) قال : " أن هذا يمثل نموذج لرد الفعل السريع من قبل جنود فرقة الفرسان", و أضاف " و هو أيضا مثال للمتمردين على الكيفية التي ستقبض بها القوات العراقية و المتعددة الجنسيات على المسؤولين عن العمليات ألأرهابية".

(جونز) قال أن جنوده مستعدون لمواجهة التحدي
ألأمني في بغداد أثناء ألأنتخابات لضمان حريتها, حيث قال " أن قواتنا و القوات العراقية تعمل كل ما بوسعها لضمان أمن بغداد كي يتمكن المواطنون من ألأدلاء بأصواتهم في هذه ألأنتخابات التاريخية".

المعتقلون محتجزون لغرض التحقيق.