Secretary of State Clinton says success of election in Iraq is a rebuke to violent extremists

Clinton praises Iraqis for important national vote

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Iraqi election is a perfect way to counter the violent extremists who seek to derail Iraq’s progress.

Clinton is thanking Iraqi officials and security forces for overseeing the polls and offering protection to voters. She also is commending American civilian and military personnel who supported those efforts.

At least 36 people died in election day violence in Iraq. In the years since the U.S.-led invasion, Iraq has been wracked by terrorism as well as tensions from ethnic and sectarian divisions.