He says the elections for provincial councils were significant and peaceful. The president calls the voting an important step forward as Iraqis continue taking responsibility for their future.

Obama notes that the U.S. provided technical assistance to the Iraqi electoral commission, as did the U.N. and other international groups.

Obama said in a statement Saturday that it is important that provincial councils are seated, select new governors and begin work for the Iraqi people.

The elections were conducted without major violence. But there were claims of flaws and threats of challenges.
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