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Bush Hails Iraqi Constitutional Vote
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=F62FBA:3919ACA

President says vote on new constitution is a critical step forward in
the nation's march toward democracy





George W. BushPresident Bush says Saturday's vote in Iraq on a new
constitution is a critical step forward in the nation's march toward
democracy.

In his weekly radio address, Mr. Bush said that by casting their
ballots, the Iraqi people deal a severe blow to terrorists and send a
message to the world - that Iraq will decide its future through
elections, not violence.

Mr. Bush described a letter obtained by the United States from
al-Qaida's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri to his chief deputy in
Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The letter said establishing al-Qaida's
control over Iraq is the first step toward imposing Islamic radicalism
across the Middle East. Mr. Bush said the letter shows al-Qaida plans
to make Iraq a terrorist haven.

The president promised the United States will stand by Iraq until it
has established itself as a free nation that can govern, defend and
sustain itself.


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