Iraq

Fact sheets: The Iraqi people demonstrated their commitment to democracy during elections on January 30. In a historic accomplishment, they voted for a Transitional National Assembly, provincial councils, and a Kurdistan regional government. Iraqi officials organized the election and Iraqi security forces protected the polling places. Read more in these Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 fact sheets.

Fact sheet: The UN Oil-for-Food Program was implemented in December 1996 and ended in November 2003. The United States is committed to ensuring that the serious allegations of fraud, abuse, and corruption related to the program are investigated fully and transparently. Read more in this Feb. 3 fact sheet.

President Bush (Jan. 30): "The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success.... This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government.... We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security. There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge." [more]

Secretary Rice (Jan. 30): "This is the start of a new day for Iraq. It's not perfect. There are parts of the country where people have been intimidated and where the violence is very high. ... [W]hat we are seeing is that Iraqis are voting in large numbers. I think everybody believes it's better than expected. There are parts of the country where we expected a low turnout, but this election is, of course, a first step; and what it really says is that the Iraqi people are not prepared to be fearful and intimidated and kept from their right to exercise their voice." [full text of Fox interview] Also see ABC, CBS, CNN interviews; remarks outside CBS studio; view photos.

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.