I know that without the right to speak freely, other rights will be denied and democracy will wither.

I assured them that the United States believes strongly that the Iraqi constitution should provide equal rights before the law for all Iraqis regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sect, ... There can be no compromise.

The draft constitution has moved in the right direction and is moving toward becoming the national compact Iraq needs.

This decision, the formation of a government of national unity is extremely important. If they (Iraqi leaders) make the right decision forming a national unity government -- competent ministers, good process with a good program governing from the center -- it will put Iraq on the right trajectory; it will be a major step forward for Iraq.

The Kurds say they will not come back unless Iraq is federal.

right for Iraq at the present time.