Wilson Commends Service of Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki

WILSON COMMENDS SERVICE OF IRAQI PRIME MINISTER AL-MALIKI

WASHINGTON - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today addressed a joint session of Congress regarding the progress being made in Iraq and the work ahead. Congressman Joe Wilson, Co-Chair of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, made the following statement:

"Just three and one-half years ago, Iraq was controlled by a brutal dictator who killed an average of 300 people a day. Iraq has now been liberated, and a fledgling democracy has taken root. The Iraqi people - in the face of terrorist threats - turned out in droves to ratify a constitution and elect their representatives. Today, we were honored to hear from the democratically elected leader of Iraq, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

"The Prime Minister's address was one of hope and progress. The training of Iraqi Security Forces is advancing rapidly. The parliamentary cabinet has been completed. Iraq has become a civil society.

"Having visited Iraq six times, I have witnessed first-hand the progress being made and am proud of the work Prime Minister al-Maliki is doing. While there is still a long road ahead, the United States will continue to stand with the Iraqi people in order to protect American families."

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