He said the United States will "stand with Iraq's people and government as a close friend and partner,as Iraqis prepare for elections early next year, continue to take responsibility for their future, and build greater peace and opportunity."

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

"We really stand for peace, and peace is what matters the most, and we believe the symbolism of being close to the site that had so much tragedy animating from it is the very sitethat we believe will bring about much healing."

VOA: standard.2010.08.03