The people of Syria deserve the opportunity to build a better future and to live in freedom.

You have a real constitution that protects freedom of religion, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. These protections are among the most far-reaching of any in the region and probably around the world.

The United States stands firmly with courageous men and women struggling for their freedom across the Middle East, including in Syria.

What the people of Iraq have accomplished to date is historic and impressive, and we're confident that they'll put that same commitment and dedication to work in enacting the laws that will enforce this constitution.

They are focused on the future, ... They are focused on the task at hand.

We're delighted to have this opportunity to begin to receive official support from the federal government for the Bush-Cheney transition. This has been a unique time in American political history,