U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(New York, New York)
September 25, 2003

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN L. POWELL

Death of Dr. Akila Al-Hashimi, Member of Iraq Governing Council

I mourn the passing of Dr. Akila Al-Hashimi, and offer our heartfelt sympathies to her family, her colleagues at the Governing Council and the people of Iraq.

I met Dr. Akila in Baghdad on September 14. She was an indefatigable fighter for the people of Iraq, and especially for the women of Iraq. She gave her life so that they could have a better future.

We salute her strength and courage. Dr. Akila stands as an inspiration to all of us. Let us honor her life and memory by rededicating ourselves to building a democratic and peaceful Iraq.