PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 31, 2009
CENTCOM commander sends congratulations on Iraqi elections
By None , U.S. Central Command

Jan. 31, 2009

CENTCOM commander sends congratulations on Iraqi elections MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. – Statement of Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, and former Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq on provincial elections held in Iraq on 31 January 2009: Congratulations to the Iraqi Government, the Iraqi Security Forces, the Iraqi people, the United Nations, the international observers, and Coalition elements for their concerted efforts in making today’s provincial elections an event of which all Iraqis should be proud and an effort the world should applaud.While not without incident, today’s elections are a cause for celebration as we salute the millions of Iraqi citizens who took to the streets to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination. As we honor the courage and resolve of the Iraqi people who walked miles to a polling station and braved long lines and security concerns, I know that I can speak for all those who have been privileged to work with our Iraqi partners in the “Land of the Two Rivers” in saying to the people of Iraq, “Mabruk!” (Congratulations!).