Posted on 06/28/2004 2:08:33 PM PDT by SmithPatterson
Collins Predicts New Iraqi Government Will Be Successful
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 28) - With the United States handing sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government two days ahead of the scheduled June 30th date, Georgia Congressman Mac Collins, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, predicted Monday that the new government will work out for the Iraqi people.
"The handover is a key step on Iraq's path to independence and the hopes for a representative form of government. Eight top officials were educated in the United States and nine were educated in the United Kingdom. I have full confidence that the new government will work, but it is going to take time. The Iraqi people have suffered from the consequences of decades of misrule under Saddam Hussein. The United States and the international community should have patience while Iraq goes through a period of adjustment. The Iraqi people have been waiting for this date and are glad that it has come," Collins said.
Collins led a Congressional delegation to Iraq last Thanksgiving to talk with both U.S. and Iraqi government officials and get a personal look at conditions there. Last week, he voted in favor of House Resolution 691 which expresses support for the Iraqi Interim Government in its upcoming assumption of sovereign authority in Iraq. H.Res 691 also calls on the international community to promote the welfare of the Iraqi people by rendering immediate, tangible, and generous assistance in the reconstruction of Iraq.
But, with the transition, Collins said, "The United States and the Coalition forces should continue to stand guard to fend off terrorists who are still determined to destroy Iraq and destroy America's will in the fight against terrorism."
"The Iraqi interim government is strong and capable of completing the task, and we are confident that it will be successful in doing so," Collins said. "United States and Coalition forces will remain in Iraq and will operate under American command as part of a multinational force authorized by the United Nations. However, the nation's sovereignty is now officially under Iraqi control. In fact, some governmental ministries have been in Iraqi control for several weeks."
"We are pleased and proud to welcome Prime Minster Allawi and the country of Iraq into the international community," Collins said. "We look forward to a friendly and prosperous relationship between our two nations."
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