Obama hails agreement on Iraqi elections

President Barack Obama heralded the passage of an overdue election agreement in Iraq on Sunday, saying that the compromise flaunted the success of the country’s forming democracy in the face of terrorist and insurgent attacks.

On Sunday members of the Iraqi parliament came to an agreement over an election law, which, having been stalled for weeks in debates, had put prospects of next year’s elections on hold indefinitely.

Obama called the passage “a significant breakthrough,” but warned that “there’s much more work to be done” as he spoke to reporters at the White House Rose Garden on Sunday.

The agreement, ironed out between competing political factions, established that voter registration would be based on 2009 records and that a committee would oversee and review the votes cast during the Jan. 16 elections. The lawmakers also agreed that if corruption or fraud was suspected, then the elections would be held again in 2011.

“This is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future,” Obama said.

“Their flexibility and commitment to their country sends an important signal to the world about Iraq’s democracy and national unity and I look forward to prompt approval of this law by Iraq’s presidency council.”

But local journalists reported that it remained uncertain if the passage of the law would allow for enough time to print ballots and prepare for elections, which are less than 10 weeks away, to be held on time.

The Iraqi elections are a cornerstone of America’s ability to hold to its scheduled withdrawal of combat forces from the country next year. And if the elections are delayed, it may put off the draw down.

But Obama remained confident that both the elections and the U.S. troop removal would continue as planned.

“Tough challenges remain and I’m sure there will be difficult days to come but this agreement advances a political progress that can bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq and allow for the orderly and responsible transition of American combat troops out of Iraq by next September,” he said.

“In the past several weeks we’ve seen that there are still those who would kill innocent men, women, and children to deny the Iraqi people the future they deserve. Today’s step forward is another reminder that these enemies of the Iraqi people will fail.”