JOINT STATEMENT (Feb. 13, 2008) - We warmly congratulate the Government of Iraq and the Council of Representatives on the parliamentary actions taken today to pass enabling legislation for the 2008 Budget, a law on Provincial Powers, and an Amnesty law.
The passage of the 2008 Budget provides a basis for distributing resources for the needs of all Iraq’s people, and to promote sustainable economic progress. After many months of careful preparation, negotiation and debate, the Provincial Powers Law represents an important step toward framing the balance the Iraqi people seek between central government authority and the strengthening of local governments. In passing this landmark law, Iraqi legislators have reached an historic compromise. Finally we applaud the passage of the Government of Iraq’s General Amnesty Law, which may further encourage reconciliation and respect for the rule of law.
There is still much important work ahead for the people of Iraq and their government. There is also still more to learn about how this legislation will be implemented. Nevertheless, today’s legislative actions reflect a significant commitment to address important issues and find political bases on which to move forward.
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