Ambassador April H. Foley

Remarks to the United Iraqis Living in Hungary at their Commemoration of the 4th Anniversary of the Liberation of Iraq

April 14, 2007
Budapest

Thank you for inviting me to celebrate this very special event. I am delighted to be here. I would like to thank the Iraqi people and our international partners for their generous support.

Further assistance is still needed in:

• stabilizing Iraq,
• strengthening its economy,
• bolstering moderates,
• and achieving national reconciliation. 

Iraqis throughout the world, U.S. forces, and our Coalition partners can all be proud: 

• The regime of a brutal dictator has ended. 
• A democratically elected government is operating.
• Iraq now has one of the most progressive constitutions in the Arab world.

Much is at stake in Iraq. The international community cannot let Iraq become a base for global terrorism. Together, we must preserve its independence and territorial integrity.

Achieving Our Goals Will Require Patience and Determination.

• Iraqi security forces are stepping up to take control of their country's security. Their commitment and sacrifice are real. 

Almost 329,000 Iraqi Security Force members are now risking their lives to secure their country and allow political progress to continue.

On this day of commemoration, we offer our thanks to the brave men and women from all nations, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, who have worked so hard to bring freedom to the Iraqi people. We greatly appreciate the contributions made by members of NATO. NATO is contributing positively to Iraq's stability, democracy, independence and prosperity. 

Millions of Iraqis have risked their lives to secure a democratic future for their nation, and America will not abandon them. The vast majority of Iraq's citizens want to live in peace. They are showing their courage every day.

Our new strategy builds on what has proven to work in Iraq. It is designed to help Iraqis defeat extremists from all communities. At the same time, it provides the space necessary for advancing meaningful political reconciliation.

To succeed, Iraq's leaders need the international community's help. The United States will continue to support the Iraqi government as it pursues international initiatives to build diplomatic, economic, and security support for its young democracy. 

On this observance of the 4th anniversary of the liberation of Iraq, I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Iraqi people on their many achievements and hard work. I would like to reiterate the U.S. commitment to the Iraqi people and pledge that we will continue to work together with our partners to pursue international initiatives to build diplomatic, economic, and security support for this vibrant young democracy.

Thank you for the invitation to share in your commemoration.