For Immediate Release
January 17, 2005

Global Message

The Iraqi Interim Government and the Iraqi Election Commission want to move forward with the elections on Jan. 30.

The U.S. government believes the Iraqi elections are historic and a very important development for the Iraqis.

This is the beginning of a year-long process that will include a constitution, then elections to stand up a full-time government.

Those who have called for a postponement of the Jan. 30 elections have no program to put into effect during the period that they would delay the elections.

The elections can't be delayed because that will mean a victory for terrorists, murderers, and former regime elements who are trying to stop the elections from happening.

U.S. officials have had very deep consultations about this with Iraqi Interim President Yawar and Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Allawi on the timing of the elections. There is no question the elections are moving forward, and it is what the Iraqi people expect to happen.