I congratulate the Iraqi people on having arrived at this historic moment. The U.S. is proud of the role we have played in helping Iraqis achieve this success.

It is important that the Iraqi people have confidence in the election results and that the voting process, including the process for vote counting, is free and fair.

It is a moment of danger but also a moment of opportunity.

This is a critical moment for Iraq. We call on all Iraqis to unite against terror and violence. Coming together in unity to condemn this barbaric act, and working for Iraq's salvation will be the right response. This desperate and despicable act shows that terrorists stop at nothing and care for nothing.

The U.S. and Iraq will work together next year to shift Iraqi resources from unproductive subsidies to productive uses that enable Iraqis to earn livelihoods.

There is movement across its borders of people and matériel used in violent acts against Iraq.