In comments from London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair also seemed touched by events in Iraq today. Despite divided opinions over the war in Iraq, Blair said he knows people throughout the world "will want to embrace the birth of Iraq's new democracy."
"It may have been the force of arms that removed Saddam that created the circumstances in which Iraqis could vote," he said, "but it was the force of freedom that was felt throughout Iraq today."
The prime minister said he found it "moving and humbling, for those of us lucky enough to live in a democracy and take it for granted." Blair spoke of "the enthusiasm, the simple determination, the clear sight of courage of millions of Iraqis that came out to vote for the first time in their lives despite the terrorism, despite the threats, despite the dangers."
Bush praised international assistance that made elections in Iraq possible. "The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process," the president said. "The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day."
Blair echoed those sentiments. "I would like to pay tribute to the United Nations staff and the electoral commission of Iraq for their steadfastness in organizing the elections, and I would like to express, of course, my admiration for the work of the Iraqi and the multinational forces," he said. "Without them, there would be no election."
Source: Defenselink
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