Iraq

Secretary Powell (January 2): "[T]he people of Iraq have made it clear they want to vote. They want to vote on the 30th of January.... People know that this is their chance to decide how they will be led." [more]

Iraq is preparing for elections on January 30, 2005. See photos.

Secretary Powell (December 8): "The Iraqi people want freedom. They want to choose their own leaders. They want to vote, and they want to vote without delay.... The prospect for success in Iraq is there, it's real." [more; see additional remarks from trip]

Fact sheet: "Iraqis, with help from the Coalition and many partners, are rebuilding their country and offering freedom, new opportunities and much needed services to their people. Security problems remain a major challenge for the Iraqi people and for development in various parts of the country. Nevertheless, real progress has been made in many key areas." [more]  

Section 2207 report to Congress provides a quarterly update on the use of Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Funds. The funding aims to improve security, increase Iraqi employment, and support the democratic transition in Iraq.

President Bush: "Chief weapons inspector Charles Duelfer has now issued a comprehensive report that confirms the earlier conclusion of David Kay that Iraq did not have the weapons that our intelligence believed were there. The Duelfer report also raises important new information about Saddam Hussein's defiance of the world and his intent and capability to develop weapons." [more]

--Visit the U.S. Embassy Web site.
--The Commerce Department has created a task force to help U.S. companies participate in the economic rebuilding of Iraq.
--Information on U.S. Government Iraq reconstruction contracts.