Published: August 29, 2005
U.S. Congratulates Iraq on Completion of Draft Constitution
Iraq to hold national referendum October 15 on ratification of document
In remarks from his ranch in Texas August 28, President Bush congratulated Iraqi political leaders on completing the process for drafting a permanent constitution, calling them "an inspiration to all who share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law" as they "braved the intimidation of terrorists and ... mourn the cowardly assassination of friends and colleagues involved in the process."
The president noted that the draft contains "protections for fundamental human freedoms" and "declares that all Iraqis are equal before the law without regard to gender, ethnicity and religion." He added that he looks forward to the coming months of discussion and debate leading up to October 15, when Iraqis will vote for a national referendum to decide whether to ratify the constitution. If the referendum succeeds, Iraqis will elect a new government to serve under the new constitution on December 15, and that government will take office before the end of the year.
The president acknowledged disagreements amongst the Iraqis about the draft constitution and remarked that "our own constitution was not unanimously received. Some delegates at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 refused to sign it." Bush added that the draft of the U.S. Constitution "was vigorously debated in every state, and the outcome was not assured until all the votes were counted." He pointed out that some members of the Sunni minority have reservations about some provisions of the draft, but other Sunnis believe that "this constitution is good for all Iraqis and that it adequately reflects compromises suitable to all groups."
Bush warned that, as democracy in Iraq takes root, terrorists "will become more desperate, more despicable, and more vicious." He recalled that the terrorists have called "for the death of anyone, including women and the elderly, who supports the democratic process in Iraq" and predicted that terrorist attacks will increase in the coming months "because the enemy knows that its greatest defeat lies in the expression of free people, and freely enacted laws, and at the ballot box."
At the same time, Bush asserted, as democracy unfolds in Iraq "not only will it help make America more secure, but it will affect the broader Middle East. Democracies don't war with their neighbors; democracies don't become safe haven for terrorists who want to destroy innocent life."
"We have hard work ahead of us, but … we're making good progress toward making sure this world of ours is more peaceful for generations to come," he said.
In a statement issued the same day, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also offered her congratulations to the Iraqi people, calling the draft constitution a "critical step forward along the pathway to a free, prosperous, and democratic Iraq." She added that the process of preparing the draft constitution showed "a shared commitment to a common future and identity for all Iraqis."
According to the secretary, the draft constitution can be seen as "a foundation for a democratic system in which all voices may be heard, human rights are protected, rule of law is respected, and women are full political partners." She noted that all Iraqis "now have the opportunity in October to vote on a new constitution," and that the United States "will continue to stand by the Iraqi people as they make important choices about their future."
Source: U.S. Department of State
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