U.S. and Coalition Efforts in Iraq

U.S. AND COALITION EFFORTS IN IRAQ

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, with enormous enthusiasm and pride I rise today to commend President Bush and his national security team for the continually strong leadership they are providing in the ongoing global war on terrorism, and particularly as they assist the Iraqi people in their imminent transition to sovereignty.

Almost 1 year ago, a coalition of nations, led by the U.S. Armed Forces, and, indeed, those from Great Britain, liberated the Iraqi people from decades of repressive, tyrannical rule at the hands of Saddam Hussein. That day, April 9, will long be celebrated in the history of Iraq.

Our President did the right thing-he did the right thing-in gathering a coalition of nations to rid Iraq of a leader who had used weapons of mass destruction against his own people, who had a regime of over 30 years of tyrannical oppression, murdered indiscriminately. This individual simply had to be brought to the terms of accountability, accountability to his own people. That orderly process is now under way. He defied international law for over 12 years. Clearly America and the world are safer today, and Iraq is a better place with a hopeful future as a result.

Tragically, the effort to make America and the world safer and to defend freedom around the world is not without an enormous cost to this Nation in terms primarily of lost lives and those who bear the scars and the wounds of war, and their families who must bear these losses. They have our deepest compassion. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the loved ones of those who have died and those who bear the wounds of combat. We are fortunate as a Nation to have dedicated citizens who willingly volunteer to make such great sacrifices to defend this Nation's liberty.

Just weeks ago, together with the distinguished Senator from Alaska and the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, I went to Iraq and Afghanistan and again looked into the faces of those brave young men and women and thanked them on behalf of the people of this Nation.

In just 3 months-91 days to be exact-the sovereignty that has been held in trust by the Coalition Provisional Authority since Iraq was liberated on April 9, 2003, will be returned to the Iraqi people. This will represent an important milestone on Iraq's path to freedom and democracy, but it is a path fraught with continuing dangers.

The recently adopted "Transitional Administrative Law" states that "the work of the [Iraq] Governing Council shall come to an end" upon the assumption of sovereignty by an Iraqi Interim Government on June 30, 2004. The TAL further states that this Iraqi Interim Government "shall be constituted in accordance with a process of extensive deliberations and consultations with cross-sections of the Iraqi people conducted by the Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional Authority and possibly in consultation with the United Nations."

Yesterday, the Armed Services Committee, which I am privileged to chair, received testimony from several Department of Defense officials regarding on-going military operations and activities in Iraq, and preparations for this transition to sovereignty. While some concerns about details of the transition remain, I was greatly encouraged by the testimony the Committee received. A coordinated process of deliberation and consultation with the Iraqi people is underway by the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Governing Council, and representatives of the United Nations to define and select an Iraqi Interim Government.

Much remains to be done in this process, but it is a process that must not be delayed. The moment has arrived for the coalition to move from occupying power to partner. The moment has arrived for the Iraqi people to assume responsibility for their destiny.

The path to full freedom and democracy in Iraq will not be without difficulty and missteps. That is to be expected, but we must not be afraid to continue that journey. Symbolically, much will change on June 30. Iraq, after 30 plus years of isolation, will rejoin the community of nations and resume responsibility for its actions and relations with other nations. In terms of the reconstruction and security efforts initiated by the Coalition Provisional Authority and coalition forces, little will change on July 1. Ongoing training of Iraqi Security Forces, assistance in restoring security, revitalization of essential infrastructure, and institutionalization of democratic processes will continue.

Two weeks ago, I traveled to Iraq, together with Senator STEVENS and Senator HOLLINGS. I was impressed by the progress that has been made since I last visited that nation in July. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the spirit of our men and women in uniform, and that of the Iraqi people, was reassuring and inspiring.

While the progress made in Iraq is substantial, it must be viewed in the context of the entire Middle East. Iraq can serve as an example and a beacon of hope, but much more complex issues must be addressed.

During my recent trip to the region for consultation with both U.S. and foreign leaders, there was a consistent expression of concern about the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The lack of progress toward a peaceful resolution continues to fan the flames of discontent across the entire region. The continuing violence breeds more violence that will undermine positive developments anywhere else in the region. We must redouble our efforts to find common ground on this difficult issue, if we are ever to achieve a peaceful world and triumph over terror and violence.

There are more challenges ahead, and there will be disappointments. That is clear. It is equally clear that President Bush and his national security team are up to the challenge. President Bush has provided steady, strong leadership in troubled times and will lead us to a safer, more secure future.

I yield the floor.