Thursday, July 12, 2007

Report In   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

The Initial Benchmark Assessment Report is available in HTML format on the White House website. It can be accessed at [here.]

STATEMENT BY PRESS SECRETARY TONY SNOW

"Today's report provides an interim assessment of developments in Iraq just as the final US forces have arrived and begun operations in support of the Baghdad security plan. The report describes satisfactory progress in a number of key security areas — including the deployment of Iraqi forces in Baghdad, the establishment of joint security stations in Baghdad, and the increased capability and independence of Iraqi military units. These security measures have helped reduce levels of violence in Baghdad and Anbar province — and should provide some space for the government of Iraq to make progress on key political benchmarks. It also shows important progress in economic and political matters.

The report also describes unsatisfactory progress toward a number of political benchmarks. These include the passage of a hydrocarbon law, a de-Ba'athification statute, and electoral reforms. It also highlights the challenges of disarming militias and ensuring full Iraqi government control of security operations in Baghdad neighborhoods. The report is balanced and sober. It documents the challenges faced by US and Iraqi forces and provides a basis for measuring progress as the surge enters the stage of full implementation. Gen. Petraeus and Amb. Crocker will report back to Congress in September, not just with their latest assessments, but with any recommendations they consider necessary for achieving our economic, political and security goals in Iraq."

 

07/12 09:29 AMShare