    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [August 15, 2005]
    [Pages 1334-1335]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Iraqi Progress Toward a Draft Constitution
    August 15, 2005

        Iraqi leaders have announced that they have made substantial
    progress toward a draft constitution. They have indicated that their
    deliberations will continue beyond today to refine the text and build an
    enduring consensus. I applaud the heroic efforts of Iraqi negotiators
    and appreciate their work to resolve remaining issues through

    [[Page 1335]]

    continued negotiation and dialog. Their efforts are a tribute to
    democracy and an example that difficult problems can be solved
    peacefully through debate, negotiation, and compromise. We wish the
    Iraqi leaders and the Iraqi people well as the negotiators complete the
    constitutional drafting process.