Governor Abdulrahman Mustafa, members of the Kirkuk provincial government, ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues from the ranks of the civil, military and foreign service, thank you very much for joining us today for an event inaugurating a new phase in the relationship between the United States and Iraq.

I am particularly gratified to be able to stand with my British colleague, Ambassador Chaplin, as his treasured flag is raised high beside our own in a few moments.

We are here to open our doors to the people of Kirkuk, this region, and all its communities. We seek to be a friend and supporter of everyone here as you forge your future within the guidelines set by the Transitional Administrative Law and UN Security Council Resolution 1546.

It is never easy to come to terms with the past. We know that in the United States from our own national experience. Reconciliation and cooperation is essential, however. Ethnic and other differences have to be resolved, trust and communication must be developed, and functioning institutions like the Provincial Council and Iraq Property Claims Commission have to be advanced.

This difficult work will have to be undertaken by the people who live here, no one else, but let me emphasize that we are committed to the success of your collective efforts. We are confident that the principles of democracy that have proven their worth in so many countries will serve you well.

Kirkuk and the region surrounding it do have enormous potential and a bright future. Thank you for welcoming us and allowing us to be a friend to one and all. We will do our best to listen, to learn, and to merit your respect and trust.