Statement on Iraq

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: I have a press statement that the Security Council members agreed upon on Iraq that I would like to read.

"The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the attack on the holy Shrine of Imams Ali al-Hadi and al Hasan al-Askari in Samarra this morning and ensuing attacks on other religious sites. They note with concern that these criminal and sacrilegious acts were carried out with the aim of igniting intercommunal and sectarian tensions and undermining prospects for peace and stability.

The members of the Security Council understand the anguish caused by the attacks, but urge the people of Iraq to defy its perpetrators by showing restraint and unity. They call on the people of Iraq to come together against violence and terror and in support of the peaceful political process, national dialogue and unity. To this end, the members of the Security Council again call on Iraq’s political leaders to work with resolve towards the formation of a fully inclusive Government, which will strive to build a peaceful, prosperous, democratic and united Iraq."

And now I’ll take a few questions.

REPORTER: (inaudible) where do you stand in the next few months? You’ve got the Secretary General, the scale of assessments, the reform issue coming up. (inaudible)

AMBASSADOR BOLTON: Yes, I do have a broader strategy, it’s to institute an ongoing pattern of reform that will be self-sustaining. We’ve said repeatedly that reform is not a one-night stand. It’s a continuing process – it’s perpetual. And I think the importance of pursuing the reform on as many fronts as we can, as far and as fast as we can, is part of that. People have to appreciate that the reforms we are seeking are very far-reaching, and that that means not just a little change here, and a little change there, but fundamental change across the board. So that’s the strategy, and by talking about all these issues, we help underline them.