Washington, Dec 15, 2003 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, issued the following statement today on the continuing US occupation of Iraq:

“With Saddam Hussein captured it is time for the US to end the occupation of Iraq. The Administration’s stated goal of removing him from power has now been accomplished. The United States must now focus on a new policy of ending the military and administrative occupation of Iraq.

“The Administration must seize this moment. The United States must reach out to the world community with a new plan to stabilize Iraq, bring UN peacekeepers in, and bring US troops home.”