LOC09:20
06:20 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 17 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met
late on Tuesday with Iraqi women provincial leaders and said she looks forward
to the formation of an inclusive Iraqi government.
"I look forward to Iraqs transition to a new government that is inclusive
and representative of the interests of all the Iraqi people. In the coming
months, we will work together as our partnership continues its transition to a
primarily civilian focus, with the goal of building a long-term,
multidimensional relationship between our two nations a partnership that
will contribute to stability in the Middle East and growing peace and
prosperity in Iraq", said Clinton in a statement.
She noted that she had "the privilege of meeting with twenty-two Iraqi
women provincial council leaders and an influential civil society leader from
Anbar. These women are visiting the United States to participate in an
exchange of ideas on public service in the U.S. and in Iraq".
"Some of these women ran in the March 7 national elections and I commend
their courage and commitment to the development of democracy, civil society
and economic growth in Iraq, with the full participation of Iraqi women. All
of these leaders demonstrate the important role of women in creating strong
societies that are peaceful, stable, and tolerant", concluded Clinton. (End)
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