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In just three years, Iraq has achieved immense progress. It has had three successful elections in which 80% of their citizens voted, even while being threatened with death.

Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.

In 2005 in Iraq, the constitution was written. A new government was elected. That government was trying to take office in 2006.

Last month, the Iraqi people went to the polls, voting in their first free election in more than 50 years.

I think the Iraqi people have shown extraordinary patience and courage in the last few months. They have really put a political system on the way to success, to a real democracy here.

The view that we hold in Iraq now is this - that democracy is associated with elections. I believe that elections are possible.

On Jan. 30, millions of Iraqis will cast ballots in the country's first fair and free election in decades, marking continued progress in Iraq's transition toward a country built on the pillars of democracy and freedom for all.

If it does not serve the Iraqi people, there are only political means that must be followed to reform the government - a new government that we must give a chance to prove that it is there to serve the people.

We got rid of a terrible dictator. We gave the Iraqi people an opportunity for a new life under a representative form of government.

Just two weeks ago, millions of Iraqis defied the threats of terrorists and went to the polls to determine their own future. I congratulate the Iraqi people for the courage they've shown in making these elections so successful.