18 August 2005
Iraq Progressing on Constitution, Rebuilding, U.S. General Says
Defense Department Report, August 18: Iraq update
Washington -- The ongoing work of Iraqis to finish a draft constitution is "truly a shining example of democracy in action," a U.S. general in Iraq says.
Army Major General Rick Lynch briefed journalists in Baghdad August 18, congratulating the Iraqi people for the progress being made on writing a constitution. Lynch, the deputy chief of staff of Multinational Force Iraq, said, "We are confident that the Iraqi people will complete this process and continue on the path toward elections for a permanent government at the end of this year."
Lynch noted that the drafters "have not given up, have not walked out, nor have they tried to go around the process." He quoted Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's caution to his colleagues: "we should not be hasty regarding the issues, and the constitution should not be born crippled."
The general emphasized the constitutional issues that have already been decided upon: a parliamentary governmental system, headed by a prime minister; a judiciary separate from executive and legislative branches; and a name for the country reflecting the kind of government envisioned.
"So they're making great progress," Lynch said, "and we're very optimistic and confident that over the course of the next several days, they will continue to produce a document that meets the needs of the people of Iraq."
Turning to Iraqi reconstruction, Lynch focused on the progress being made in the former combat zone of Fallujah. In November 2004, Fallujah was the scene of intense and prolonged combat operations, as U.S. and Iraqi forces methodically cleaned out nests of insurgent Iraqis and foreign terrorists. He said that by November Fallujah will have 438 completed reconstruction or refurbishing projects with a total value of $71.3 million. Moreover, the work will continue beyond November, with 19 additional projects, worth more than $65 million, scheduled.
Fallujans now have reliable access to electricity, potable water, and the opportunity for their children to use 49 schools soon to open, Lynch said. "Soon they'll have their own TV and radio station," he added.
Lynch noted that the multinational force has added a feature to its Web site, "This Week in Iraq" (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/). "That link," he said, "will give audiences worldwide simple access to the amazing number of good-news stories across Iraq."
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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