U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess today issued the following statement on the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:

“I first want to congratulate our Armed Services and their commitment, through much adversity, to fighting the insurgency in Iraq. Their bravery and fortitude have won freedom for the Iraqi people, enabled a new Iraqi government to be established, and slowly but surely, to chip away at the forces that wish to harm us and all those people who believe in democracy.

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi marks a significant day of achievement in the War on Terror. His death is a testament to the will of the Iraqi people to secure their own country and an acknowledgement of their strong relationship with the United State’s forces. An embodiment of the true malevolence, terror and cruelty, al-Zarqawi’s demise brings us all a step closer to safety and a leap forward to eradicating terrorism at all levels.

In addition, the appointments of the Ministers of Defense and the Interior in Iraq are concrete political steps that further improve the security situation in the country.

The battles have been grueling and the costs high, but the United State’s is working to bring a new, democratic partner into the global community. Iraq will be a beacon of hope to those in the Middle East that seek to have justice and freedom."