Bush to Speak on Iraq Elections; White House Cites Encouraging Turnout

President George W. Bush was scheduled to address the Iraqi elections at 1:00 p.m. Sunday (1800 GMT), the White House announced.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appeared on Fox News Sunday ahead of the remarks, telling viewers that Bush had been "incredibly encouraged" by how many Iraqis went to the polls.

Rice said she had spoken with the president several hours before voting ended in Iraq. He expressed strong enthusiasm for what she described as a better-than-expected level of participation, particularly given the circumstances.

Insurgents had waged a campaign of violence and intimidation in the lead-up to the vote, attempting to keep voters away from polling stations. Despite those efforts, turnout exceeded expectations.

Rice credited Iraqis for the outcome, saying Bush was moved by their determination to participate under difficult conditions.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in January 2005, in its own words.