FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 05, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Statement on Saddam Hussein Verdict

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was convicted in an Iraqi court of crimes against humanity:

“The Iraqi people are to be commended for bringing Saddam to justice in an Iraqi court.  I commend our brave American troops in Iraq as well, for the trial could not have taken place without the security and logistical support they provided.

“Unfortunately, the verdict is a solitary incident in a country wracked by sectarian violence and instability.  Saddam’s conviction and sentencing for the crimes he committed against his own people in the 1980s were expected.  It remains to be seen whether the results of the trial will have any effect in ending the civil war that now engulfs Iraq.

“Nearly three years after Saddam’s capture, the U.S. Central Command said that Iraq is near chaos.  That is clear evidence of the lack of progress in bringing security to Iraq and bringing American troops home.

“The failure of President Bush and his Administration to have a plan in place before the war started to complete the mission successfully was a disservice to our troops, and has come at a huge cost in casualties suffered, the degradation of our military’s readiness and in hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars.  The scope of that failure is not lessened by the results of Saddam’s trial.”

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“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi