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Rice Says Remarkable Day for Iraqi People
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B4745B:2AB91D3

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says election was not perfect,
but overall, Iraq has taken a huge step forward





Condoleezza RiceU.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Iraqis
turned out in larger numbers than expected to vote in their national
elections, defying threats of violence.

The new secretary of state says she has talked to President Bush about
the election. She says the president is encouraged by the Iraqi
people, and their commitment to a better future.

"Well, he just said, this is a great day for the Iraqi people," said
Ms. Rice.

Speaking on the Fox News Sunday television program as polls were
closing, Condoleezza Rice said the election was not perfect, and there
were scattered acts of violence. But she stressed that, overall, Iraq
has taken a huge step forward.

"This election is, of course, a first step," she said. "And what it
really says is the Iraqi people are not prepared to be fearful and
intimidated and kept from their right to exercise their voice."

Ms. Rice said U.S. military commanders in Iraq report Iraqi security
forces are performing well, and said the aim now is to reach the point
where the Iraqi people can protect themselves.


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