WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Iraq which recognizes the importance of the upcoming elections to Iraq’s future. The resolution also recognizes the enormous sacrifices that American soldiers and diplomats have made in Iraq and expresses the ongoing commitment of the United States to the Iraqipeople. Senators Lugar, Lieberman, McCain, Casey, and Graham co-sponsored the resolution with Senator Kerry.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) issued the following statement:
“For seven years, Iraq was our most divisive war since Vietnam and at critical moments, all sides were quick to point out the mistakes of others and too slow to recognize our own. That time is over. Today, we in the Senate speak with one voice. America’s involvement in Iraq will change, but our commitment to the people of Iraq will not end. We are sending a strong bipartisan message that America remains deeply invested in Iraq’s stability, democracy, and well-being as Iraqis enter a new phase in their country’s political life.
“While we will continue to debate and sometimes differ, we are hopeful that an era of bitter disagreement is finally coming to an end. We all agree that while America cannot solve all of Iraq’s problems, we can and must play a vital role in helping Iraqis tackle the most pressing ones.
“Recent events in Afghanistan and Iran show that, while elections are vital to building legitimate institutions, they are also moments of vulnerability. We are watching closely to ensure that Iraq’s elections are free and fair.
“The President, Vice President, and the entire Administration have worked tirelessly to ensure that Iraq doesn’t become a forgotten front. They have struck a tough balance between direct and continuous engagement while recognizing that Iraqis—not Americans—will determine the country’s future.”
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