I congratulate the Iraqi Council of Representatives for reaching agreement on a law to govern the January parliamentary elections. I commend the Iraqi leaders for finding ways to resolve complex, important issues so that the elections can go forward and look forward to prompt confirmation of this legislation by Iraq’s Presidency Council. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) will now be able to move ahead and implement the procedures for Iraq to hold credible and legitimate elections in accordance with international standards. The elections will be a major step forward in the development of Iraq's democracy.