I cannot guarantee that there will not be any violence in Baghdad during the elections, ... In fact, we should expect there will be.

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The Iraqis will provide security, operate polling stations, count ballots and announce results, ... The [multinational forces are] not involved in the election process. With additional security forces in place in Baghdad, we stand ready to assist with security matters as determined by the Iraqi government.

139

While insurgent activity in Baghdad will likely spike as the Iraqi people approach their elections and the insurgents become more desperate, we will continue to focus on providing an environment in which Iraqis can conduct their elections without insurgent interference.

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