SENATOR COLLINS STATEMENT ON PRIME MINISTER ALLAWI’S ADDRESS BEFORE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

Washington, DC – Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi addressed a joint session of Congress today. Prime Minister Allawi thanked America for support, stated that Iraq is determined to put democracy and liberty in Iraq, and that Iraq is growing in strength and determination to defeat the terrorists. Senator Collins made the following statement after attending the Prime Minister's address:

"I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister express his deep and enduring gratitude to the American people for their sacrifices in freeing Iraq from Saddam''s brutal dictatorship. Those words needed to be said.

"Prime Minister Allawi reminded us that progress is being made in Iraq despite the very difficult challenges that the country faces in its transition to a free and democratic country. His strong commitment to holding elections in January illustrates the resolve of the Iraqi people to move forward to a full democracy."

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