Transcript: Political Authority Handover Ceremony

Statements made by Ghazi Yawar, interim president of Iraq and Ayad Allawi, interim prime minister of Iraq, at Iraq's political authority handover ceremony in Baghdad.

YAWAR (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Good evening. Congratulations to the ministers. We have exchanged kisses, so you can claim your share of kisses so that we live up to equality amongst all people and citizens.

(APPLAUSE)

In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful, brethren and sisters, the citizens of Iraq, peace be upon all of you.

It pleases me in this blessed day that God willing to stand before congratulating you and myself that we regain sovereignty that we've always longed for. This Iraq that was in the forefront of people to take independence in the '30s of last century and the cradle of the oldest of civilization that coexisted and continue to coexist, where all people coexist together.

Before us there's a challenge and a burden, and we ask God Almighty to give us the patience and guidance to take this country, whose people deserve all goodness, and this work has to be collective amongst people and government in the spirit of one family, protecting our country and take care of our own wounds and overlook and overcome the grievances.

We in the government, we ask God Almighty to fill our hearts with mercy and clarity of vision and steadfastness.

YAWAR (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We remember and recall the Koranic verse that says, "Oh God, give us guidance and mercy."

The prime minister will address you now, explaining and clarifying the agenda for the government.

May God protect Iraq and its citizens. Peace be upon all of you.

(APPLAUSE)

IBRAHIM JAFARI, INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT OF IRAQ (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Mr. President, citizens, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure and my honor to read you the letter from Mr. Bremer this morning; this day that we consider a victory, a big victory to all the forces of goodness in Iraq and the starting of the rising up that we're all striving for.

I ask God Almighty that our efforts and the efforts of those sincere people will be crowned with victory and success.

This letter came from the Provisional Authority: