2003 Media Releases

Ambassador Lyon Praises Coalition Work in Iraq

Ambassador David Lyon has praised the work of Coalition forces in Iraq. Speaking at the Rotary Club luncheon today Ambassador Lyon said that while the reconstruction work is difficult, there is no doubt Iraq is moving in the right direction in embracing democracy and the rule of law. Ambassador Lyon said that the only goal the coalition forces want to achieve in Iraq is to transform Saddam's Iraq, among the world's worst and most repressive dictatorships, into the most democratic government in the Arab world. He said that the Iraqi Governing Council is assuming more responsibilities in Iraq, and that the U.S. will accelerate its turn-over of responsibilities in Iraq once the elections are held and democratic government has taken power. He said success in Iraq would lead more Middle East countries to bring about democratic reforms and abandon their Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programs. Ambassador Lyon said that, since Saddam Hussain's removal from power, Libya has decided to cease its WMD program and has allowed international scrutiny of its arms program. Also, in Iran the momentum for democratic reforms is increasing day by day.

Ambassador Lyon told the Rotarians that contrary to media reports, the reconstruction process in Iraq is progressing well. As an example the Ambassador said that all schools and medical facilities are open. The Iraqi police forces are operational and are assuming more responsibilities for the security situation in Iraq. More than 150 newspapers have begun publishing without any censorship. Roads, bridges, electricity and water services are now better than during Saddam's regime.

For the first time, the people of Iraq are enjoying their freedom -- which will lead to more entrepreneurship and economic development that will bring immense benefit to the people of Iraq and stability in the region.