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I am honored to serve as the first U.S. ambassador to a free Iraq. My role here is the same as that of other U.S. ambassadors around the world: to represent the President and American people before the people of Iraq to the best of my ability. The U.S. Embassy will support the sovereign, democratic rights of the Iraqi people to govern themselves, defend their country, and rebuild their economy. Iraq's future is in Iraqi hands. America's policy is to be Iraq's respectful and supportive friend.
My staff and I will work with the sovereign Iraqi government as it builds a stable, free and prosperous Iraq. President Bush has said many times that America is committed to assisting Iraqis on their path to democracy. This will be accomplished by continuing to build upon the progress that has been made to date in establishing respect for rule of law; continuing investment and assistance programs aimed at rebuilding the nation's infrastructure; encouraging more international involvement and support in Iraq's political and economic transformation; and maintaining the momentum that will lead to national elections.
Iraq now faces a critical moment in its history. As the Iraqi people move to governing themselves, terrorists and those who fear freedom are likely to become more active and more brutal. Iraqi, American, and Multinational forces are sharing the burden of defeating the enemies of a free and prosperous Iraq and bringing stability to the country. The American people, through their unstinting contributions to Iraq and their presence working side-by-side with Iraqis, are dedicated to improving the lives of Iraqis across the nation. We will not abandon our commitment to help provide security and to improve the key areas of infrastructure, governance, health, education, and economic opportunity.
I am confident that the Iraqi people will choose to live free and prosperous lives, and that their children will be provided a world full of opportunities that were once denied under Saddam Hussein. I am pleased and excited to help facilitate these efforts and look forward to sharing in this progress with the people of Iraq. As President Bush said, "America's task in Iraq is not only to defeat an enemy, it is to give strength to a friend -- a free, representative government that serves its people and fights on their behalf." The United States Embassy is a symbol of the unshakeable relationship between our two nations that will stand for generations to come.
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