U.S. democracy "inspires" Iraqis, says ambassador
- 12 years ago
A muted response as guests at an election party organised by the U.S. embassy in Iraq watch President Obama's victory speech.
The president addressed thousands of supporters at a convention centre in his hometown of Chicago after winning his second presidential term.
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq says it's not about the winner, but that the process itself will have an impact here.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ, ROBERT STEPHEN BEECROFT:
"I think what's most important is elections in democratic countries are reaffirming. And so one country watching another country have its elections and carry out its elections successfully like the United States did yesterday, last night, again inspires the Iraqi people, I would hope. Just as their elections inspire us."
During his first term, President Obama brought home U.S. combat troops in Iraq and oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2011 - nearly nine years after the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
The president addressed thousands of supporters at a convention centre in his hometown of Chicago after winning his second presidential term.
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq says it's not about the winner, but that the process itself will have an impact here.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ, ROBERT STEPHEN BEECROFT:
"I think what's most important is elections in democratic countries are reaffirming. And so one country watching another country have its elections and carry out its elections successfully like the United States did yesterday, last night, again inspires the Iraqi people, I would hope. Just as their elections inspire us."
During his first term, President Obama brought home U.S. combat troops in Iraq and oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2011 - nearly nine years after the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.