Hakim Blesses Successful Elections

The leader of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, congratulated the Marjaiya (Shia religious authority) for a successful election. Wide participation by voters will positively reflect on the region and on Iraq, he said. Hakim declared that his coalition (the United Iraqi Alliance, which now controls parliament) is open to different political powers in Iraq and will work to fulfill Iraqis' hopes and expectations. He praised the Iraqi people for defying terrorists who tried to stop them from voting.