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Skriven 2005-01-29 23:33:44 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050129) for Sat, 2005 Jan 29
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
January 29, 2005

President's Radio Address


˙˙˙˙˙Audio

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.

Tomorrow the world will witness a turning point in the history of Iraq, a
milestone in the advance of freedom, and a crucial advance in the war on
terror. The Iraqi people will make their way to polling centers across
their nation. On the national ballot alone, voters will choose from nearly
19,000 candidates competing for seats in the Transitional National
Assembly, in the country's 18 provincial councils, and in the Kurdistan
National Assembly.

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This historic event will be overseen by the Independent Election Commission
of Iraq, and will mark the first genuine, nationwide elections in
generations. The terrorists and those who benefited from the tyranny of
Saddam Hussein know that free elections will expose the emptiness of their
vision for Iraq. That is why they will stop at nothing to prevent or
disrupt this election.

The terrorist Zarqawi -- who plans and orders many of the car bombings and
beheadings in Iraq -- recently acknowledged the threat that democracy poses
to his cult of hatred. "Of democracy in Iraq," he said, "we have declared a
fierce war against this evil principle." He denounced as infidels all who
seek to exercise their right to vote as free human beings.

Yet in the face of this intimidation, the Iraqi people are standing firm.
Tomorrow's elections will happen because of their courage and
determination. All throughout Iraq, these friends of freedom understand the
stakes. In the face of assassination, brutal violence and calculated
intimidation, Iraqis continue to prepare for the elections and to campaign
for their candidates. They know what democracy will mean for their country:
a future of peace, stability, prosperity and justice for themselves and for
their children. One resident of Baghdad said, "This election represents
what is possible. To me, it's the start of a new life."

This election is also important for America. Our nation has always been
more secure when freedom is on the march. As hope and freedom spread, the
appeal of terror and hate will fade. And there is not a democratic nation
in our world that threatens the security of the United States. The best way
to ensure the success of democracy is through the advance of democracy.

Tomorrow's vote will be the latest step in Iraq's journey to permanent
democracy and freedom. Those elected to the transitional National Assembly
will help appoint a new government that will fully and fairly represent the
diversity of the Iraqi people. This assembly will also be charged with
drafting a permanent constitution that will be put to a vote of the Iraqi
people this fall. If approved, a new nationwide election will follow in
December that will choose a new government under this constitution.

As democracy takes hold in Iraq, America's mission there will continue. Our
military forces, diplomats and civilian personnel will help the
newly-elected government of Iraq establish security and train Iraqi
military police and other forces. Terrorist violence will not end with the
election. Yet the terrorists will fail, because the Iraqi people reject
their ideology of murder.

Over the past year, the world has seen successful elections in Afghanistan,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Palestinian territories. In
countries across the broader Middle East, from Morocco to Bahrain,
governments are enacting new reforms and increasing participation for their
people.

Tomorrow's election will add to the momentum of democracy. One Iraqi,
speaking about the upcoming vote, said, "Now, most people feel they are
living in darkness. It is time for us to come into the light." Every Iraqi
who casts his or her vote deserves the admiration of the world. And free
people everywhere send their best wishes to the Iraqi people as they move
further into the light of liberty.

Thank you for listening.

END

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