US President Barack Obama Saturday
congratulated Iraqis on their "significant" and peaceful election of
local officials, calling it an "important step" as the country takes
control of its future, dpa reported.
Obama said that Iraq's Electoral Commission had "performed professionally
under difficult circumstances," with vital assistance from the United
Nations, and from Iraqi police and military forces who "helped secure the
polling sites and protected voters as they cast their ballots."
"This important step forward should continue the process of Iraqis taking
responsibility for their future," Obama said in a statement.
...