Crapo: Iraq Government Hopeful, Determined

Washington, DC â?? After attending a joint session of Congress this morning to hear from Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Avad Allawi, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo had praise for the courage of Iraqi citizens who are working to bring democracy to their country. During the 40 minute speech, Allawi thanked America for its sacrifices in freeing Iraq and promised to fight terrorism and hold scheduled elections in his country. â??Prime Minister Allawi struck a hopeful and determined tone today,â?? Crapo said. â??While recognizing the ongoing challenges in Iraq, the Prime Minister vowed that his country is making the transition to democracy. He promised that the many sacrifices the people of the United States have made in Iraq are not in vain, and that Iraq will be a determined ally of the U.S. I was pleased to hear that progress continues to be made by the coalition, and that a stable Iraq is an asset to the U.S. and the world in the fight against terrorism. â?? â??I was particularly moved as Prime Minister Allawi spoke about the loss of so many of his countrymen during Iraqâ??s brutal past. It provided a stark contrast to his vision of hope for the future, his determination to provide stability in a country that has been the scene of so much horror for decades. His courage is mirrored by so many Iraqi citizens who desire nothing more than the opportunities of freedom that we in the United States already enjoy.â?? Allawi was chosen by the Iraqi Governing Council as Prime Minister on May 28, 2004. He is in Washington meeting with President Bush and senior officials to discuss the reconstruction of Iraq and efforts to ensure elections will proceed in early 2005. # # #