For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 1, 2003
Statement by the Press Secretary
The United States believes the just-concluded meeting of the Iraqi
opposition Advisory Committee in Salahudeen, Northern Iraq was a
welcome opportunity for many courageous Iraqis to continue planning for
a future democratic Iraq.
The U.S. delegation--headed by Presidential Special Envoy for Free
Iraqis Zalmay Khalilzad--reaffirmed America's commitment to a
democratic, representative, broad-based future Iraqi government that
respects the principles of justice, the rule of law, and the human
rights of Iraq's people; maintains Iraq's territorial integrity; is at
peace with Iraq's neighbors; forswears weapons of mass destruction;
fights terrorism; and fulfills its international obligations.
The United States is committed to working in partnership with the
people of Iraq to bring this vision to life. We will continue this
work in the days ahead, both with those represented at Salahudeen as
well as others from throughout the broad community of free Iraqis, and
with those Iraqis who have yet to be freed. Iraq's people are ready to
begin the challenging road toward democracy. We salute the brave
members of the Iraqi opposition and all Iraqis now suffering in silent
captivity. Many freedom-loving nations throughout the world look
forward with them to the day of their liberation.
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