We've got major challenges in Iraq. It's (an issue) that occupied me when I was up there as ambassador, and continues to be one of great concern to me in this new position.

The lifting of sanctions marks a momentous event for the people of Iraq. After more than a decade of being frozen out of the world economy, it is time for the Iraqi people to benefit from their natural resources.

The transitional arrangements that come into being will also allow the people of Iraq to benefit from their natural resources in a manner that will be transparent, and where the secretary-general and his representative will play an important role,

hastens the day when the people of Iraq are in full command of their own affairs.

Nothing more vividly sums up the horrific situation in Iraq than what happened on Wednesday of this week when American helicopters attacked a wedding party in the west of Iraq killing 40 mostly women and children, a massacre. How long is the world going to stand for this? When I say the world I'm talking about civilized humanity.

Ginny Brown-Waite is marching in lockstep with President Bush every step of the way. On Medicare, on Iraq, she's right there with the administration.