Obama congratulates Iraq on election

U.S. President Barack Obama is praising the Iraq election as an important milestone in that country's history. He made the comment at the White House, while commending Iraqi security forces and repeating his goal of removing all U.S. troops from the country in 2011.

U.S. President Barack Obama said, "On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Iraqi people on their courage throughout this historic election. Today, in the face of violence from those who would only destroy, Iraqis took a step forward in the hard work of building up their country. The United States will continue to help them in that effort as we responsibly end this war and support the Iraqi people as they take control of their future."