Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Honors One-Year Anniversary of Handover of Iraq to Iraqis
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Honors One-Year Anniversary of Handover of Iraq to Iraqis
Today, on the one year anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) recognized the successes of the Iraqi people in reclaiming their country after years of despotic rule during the Saddam Hussein regime.
"One year ago today, the Iraqi people took over sovereignty of their liberated country," Diaz-Balart said. "The Iraqi people are increasingly participating in the social, economic, and political components of Iraqi society. Media reports may downplay this truth, but it is clear that the Iraqis have made enormous progress in the last twelve months. We applaud the Iraqis' tenacity as they go about the difficult task of rebuilding their nation,"
During this time, the Iraqi people have accomplished the following:
Iraqis held a landmark election in January where over eight million Iraqis voted in direct defiance of the threats issued by the terrorists.
The elected Iraqi officials are now drafting a Constitution that will be voted on by the Iraqi people in a national referendum.
Over 168,000 Iraqi Security Forces have been trained and equipped and are actively engaged in providing security throughout their country.
Critical infrastructure is being upgraded and built and the Iraqi economy is growing - with a stock market and stable currency.
"Unfortunately," added Congressman Diaz-Balart, "the insurgency comprised of foreign terrorists spilling over the Iranian and Syrian borders still exists and continues to target innocent Iraqi citizens in addition to coalition troops. However, just as they poured out by the millions to vote in January, Iraqis remain resolute and brave as they confront the heinous murderers who seek to dismantle the progress that has been made.
"I applaud the enormous accomplishments that the Iraqi people have achieved during this past year which have been made possible, of course, by our courageous and amazing troops."
http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2005news/062805_iraqhandoveroneyearanniv.htm