Rep. Burton Returns from Codel to Iraq

REP. BURTON RETURNS FROM CODEL TO IRAQ
Finds Troop Morale High & Solid Progress on Transition Plans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN-5), Senior Member of the House International Relations Committee, released the following statement today regarding the findings of his Congressional delegation to Iraq:

Said Burton, "I am pleased to say that we had an excellent delegation of Congressmen over in Iraq. It was a great honor and a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the outstanding job our men and women in uniform are doing over there. I found the morale of the soldiers I spoke with to be very high. Of course they would prefer to be at home with their family and friends, but they have a clear understanding of how important their mission is, and they want to get the job done right the first time."

"Contrary to the barrage of negative media reports, I also found that the Iraqi people were very grateful to Coalition troops for deposing their former tyrannical dictator, Saddam Hussein," continued Burton. "For far too long, Saddam held his heel down on the true spirit of peace and democracy that flourishes in the hearts and minds of Iraqi citizens."

Concluded Burton, "I believe we are on the right path to helping the Iraqis establish a legitimate democracy, as evident by their newly drafted constitution. It is not a perfect document, but neither was the initial draft of the U.S. Constitution. More importantly, it contains an essential bill of rights that encompasses the fundamental ideals of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, equal rights, and habeas corpus. I want to commend President Bush and Ambassador Bremer for having the courage and foresight to stick to the task, and see this essential transition through to the finish."