Protester Disrupts Iraqi PM Address To Congress - Video Inside
Protester disrupts Iraqi PM address to Congress
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Published: Wednesday July 26, 2006
As Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki spoke to the U.S. Congress, he was interrupted by an anti-war protester. The protester, a woman wearing a pink shirt that read, "troops home now," was quickly restrained and removed from the room.
Some Democrats have objected to Maliki's address, as the Iraqi government has thus far failed to condemn the actions of Hezbollah, which has captured Israeli soldiers.
A partial transcript of the incident follows the video.
MALIKI: Ladies and gentlemen, in a short space of time, Iraq has gone from a dictatorship, to a transitional administration, and now to a fully fledged democratic government. This has happened despite the best efforts of the terrorists who are bent on either destroying democracy or Iraq. But by the courage of our people, who defied the terrorists every time they were called upon to make a choice by risking their lives for the ballot box, they have stated over and over again with their inked-stained fingers waving in pride that they will always make the same choice. (Applause.)
Hope over fear --
HECKLER: The Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now! Iraqis want the troops to leave! Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now!
REP HASTERT: Our guest would suspend for the -- a moment. The chair notes a disturbance in the gallery. The sergeant of arms will secure order by removing those engaging in disruption.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Iraqis want the troops to leave! Bring them home now! (Unintelligible) -- bring the troops home now!
REP HASTERT: The gentleman may proceed.
MALIKI: Hope over fear. Liberty over oppression. Dignity over submission. Democracy over dictatorship. Federalism over a centralist state. Let there be no doubt. Today Iraq is a democracy which stands firm because of the sacrifices of its people and the sacrifices of all those who stood with us in this crisis from nations and countries. (Applause, cheers.)
