US General Casey view on current situation in Iraq
Iraq-USA, Politics, 5/9/2006

Multinational Force-Iraq Commanding General, US Army Gen. George W. Casey said in remarks to May 14 coming as the second anniversary of Multinational Force-Iraq, and said that this past year, MNF-I soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have made great strides toward our strategic objectives in Iraq: preventing terrorists from creating a safe haven that threatens Iraq and other nations; partnering with Iraq's increasingly effective security forces; fostering conditions for Iraqi's democracy to develop; and helping Iraq create institutions that encourage the free exchange of ideas and respect the fundamental rights of all citizens.

He said : Coalition and Iraqi Security Force partnerships advance all these goals. This cooperation increases operational effectiveness against the terrorists and insurgents who seek to derail progress in Iraq. The coalition will continue to assist increasingly capable Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government in securing their liberty and charting a peaceful, prosperous future for the Iraqi people.

The signs of progress in Iraq are clear. This past year, millions of Iraqis voted on a constitution and elected the first democratic government; children have returned to school; thousands of new businesses have opened; and the vast majority of Iraqis express hope for their future.

About 78 percent of Iraq's almost 16 million registered voters voted in the December 2005 election - that's more than 12 million people. For the first time in Iraq's history, the national government will represent all of Iraq's people. Broad representation and unity make this new government a strong

foundation for progress in Iraq. We will support this new government as it works to bring security and prosperity to Iraq.

There will be challenges. The terrorists will continue attempts to slow democratic progress in Iraq. But the Iraqi people continue to stand firm against terrorist intimidation. Iraqi leaders have pledged to rein in illegal militias and expand the rule of law. Iraqis are continuing to build strong security forces to take the fight to the terrorists and secure Iraq's democratic gains.

Much of the progress in Iraq is because of effective operations against foreign terrorists and their support networks. In places like Mosul, Tal Afar, al Qaim, the Euphrates River Valley and east Baghdad, coalition and Iraqi forces have defeated terrorist cells and denied terrorist infiltration.

Iraq is closer to self-reliance than it was a year ago and coalition units have provided crucial support at every step. On this second anniversary of the founding of MNF-I, every coalition member can be proud of Multinational Force-Iraq's accomplishments and look forward to continued progress in the year ahead.

Previous Stories:
  US pressure for Iraqi government formation   (5/8/2006)
  US pressure for Iraqi government formation   (5/8/2006)
  Grim picture of Iraq's condition   (5/6/2006)
  Iraqi army faces serious problem   (5/3/2006)
  Senator Biden: one Iraq with three regions   (5/3/2006)

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