[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            COMMENDING IFES

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, we are all very impressed by the results 
of the Iraqi elections in January. The results exceeded our 
expectations, and I am hopeful it is evidence that Iraq is moving 
toward democracy. I wanted to add my voice to the letter sent by 
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice commending IFES. Without the 
tremendous work of our troops who provided security at over 10,000 
polling places around Iraq and the work of IFES, these historic 
elections would not have happened. I ask unanimous consent that the 
letter from Secretary Rice to IFES President Richard Soudriette dated 
February 28, 2005, be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the, material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                       The Secretary of State,

                                Washington, DC, February 28, 2005.
     Mr. Richard Soudriette,
     President, International Foundation for Election Systems, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Soudriette: On behalf of the Department of State, 
     I would like to offer my thanks for the International 
     Foundation for Election Systems' role in supporting the 
     recent elections in Iraq. On January 30 we saw millions of 
     Iraqis brave intimidation and threats of death to demonstrate 
     their commitment to democracy. We are heartened by this 
     process for the future of vibrant, thriving democracy in 
     Iraq.
       The success of this first step in Iraq's transition to 
     democracy is due in no small part to your organization's 
     diligence and the dedication of your highly skilled staff. 
     IFES's guidance on election regulations and operations, 
     complaints adjudication, and public information not only 
     helped to ensure transparency but also served to buoy 
     confidence that these historic elections were indeed credible 
     and transparent. Additionally, IFES's continuing role in 
     building the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq's 
     capacity for future electoral events will buttress Iraq's 
     evolving democratic institutions.
       Thank you again for your great contribution to the future 
     of Iraq. Together, we will help the Iraqi people realize 
     their dream of living in a free and democratic society.
           Sincerely,
     Condoleezza Rice.

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