Victory In Iraq Caucus Congratulates Iraqis on Successful Elections

Today, Victory in Iraq Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmen Mark Green (WI-08) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) praised the successful elections in Iraq:"In a courageous display of national pride and unity, this weekend millions of freedom-loving Iraqis braved the threat of attack to head to the polls and vote on a constitution drafted by their fellow countrymen. It was a truly historic day, and another clear indication that democracy is taking hold in Iraq. The referendum marked another victory for the Iraqi people, the Iraqi security forces tasked with securing a safe and successful vote, and the U.S. troops who continue to perform with honor and bravery," said Congressman Mark Green (WI-08). "Saturday's election in Iraq was a shining example of democracy in action and continued proof that the Iraqi people are bravely determining the fate of their nation. After Iraqi security forces and Coalition troops worked together efficiently to provide security for the landmark event, the day was calm and the election was extremely successful. Millions of Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and Turkmen cast their ballots for a constitution that will protect their rights and serve as a blueprint for their nation's future. I am honored to congratulate the Iraqi National Assembly and the Iraqi people on this historic accomplishment," said Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02). Coverage of the event continues to prove that Iraqi security forces and Coalition troops were successful in ensuring safe elections: • "Officials at Iraq's election commission said that the early count pointed to a turnout as high as 65 percent of the country's 15.5 million voters, a showing that would exceed the 58 percent turnout in the January election that chose a transitional government.""Iraqi Officials Count Ballots Following Saturday's Vote," The New York Times, 10/16/2005• "Nationwide security was a ‘resounding success,' with all of the 13 recorded attacks aimed at election targets failing, Lt. Col. Steve Boylan, a spokesman for the U.S. Military, said in Bagdad.""Sunni Turnout is High in Vote on Iraqi Charter," The Washington Post, 10/16/2005• "During January's poll, insurgents killed at least 50 people in a wave of attacks against polling stations, but many of those voting early Saturday said they felt safer this time around....‘The security is better and the police have more experience." "Deeply Split Iraqis Vote On Constitution," The Chicago Tribune, 10/16/2005 • "I have seen pictures of citizens who are proud to be shown on camera having voted,' said Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite, referring to TV coverage from the two cities. ‘There were no such pictures from these places in the last election...The victory for Iraq is that they are voting.""Referendum in Iraq," The Los Angeles Times, 10/16/2005• "The day went smoothly with few attacks, from the time whole families began trickling into the polling stations early in the morning until voting ended at 5 p.m.""Iraqis vote with little violence," The Washington Times, 10/16/2005###