The two leaders compared notes on Iraq's upcoming elections and progress in the training of Iraqi security forces. They exchanged views on the upcoming US-Australia defense and foreign policy ministerial (meeting).

He ... urged the leaders to do everything they can to reduce tensions, restore security and continue to work towards a peaceful settlement of the remaining issues that divide them.

[He said union leaders may have also seen the prospect of a strike as attractive because of approaching elections for union representatives and shop stewards.] The more you protest and show that you are sticking up for the rights of employees, ... the better you will fare in the election.

When religious leaders get involved in elections, it is usually with a reactionary social agenda.

When I spoke to the people from the state Bureau of Elections, they were not sure what security would be available, ... Needless to say, all the parties in this matter have an interest in the security of the ballots.

We shall make the most lasting progress if we recognize that Social Security can furnish only a base upon which each one of our citizens may build his individual security through his own individual efforts.