    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 13, 2005]
    [Pages 227-228]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Announcement of Provisional Results of the Iraqi
    Election
    February 13, 2005

        Two weeks ago, more than 8 million Iraqis defied terrorists and went
    to the polls. The world saw long lines of Iraqi men and women voting in
    a free and fair election for the first time in their lives. The United
    States and our coalition partners can all take pride in our role in
    making that great day possible.
        Today the provisional results of the election have been announced.
    We still await their review and certification. I congratulate the Iraqi
    people for defying terrorist threats and setting their country on the
    path of democracy and freedom. And I congratulate every candidate who
    stood for election and those who will take office once the results are
    certified.

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