Hastert Comments on the Iraqi Elections

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Speaker
Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) released the following
statement in response to today's parliamentary
elections in Iraq:

"These elections were a victory for freedom and
democracy and a sign of the accomplishments of U.S.
forces in Iraq. The Iraqi people are free of the
dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. U.S. forces are
battling terrorists and protecting our citizens. And
now, the Iraqi people have a democratically elected
government.

"To those who would argue that the United States
should immediately retreat from Iraq, I would urge
them to look at the faces of the once oppressed Iraqi
people. They are optimistic, and they finally have a
voice in their future. We are making progress.
American vigilance and resolve are the reasons for
these gains. Now more than ever, we must remain on the
offensive in this War on Terror."

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