Congressman hopeful that Iraqi people will now be free to assist rebuilding

GRAND RAPIDS - Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, issued the following statement Sunday morning in response to the news that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was captured alive in Iraq by U.S. and coalition forces:

"I am very pleased to hear the news that Saddam Hussein has been captured. Hopefully, this will lead to more stability for the people of Iraq and to less terrorism directed both against them and against our troops stationed in Iraq.

"Our troops and intelligence personnel, as well as those of our coalition force partners, deserve immense congratulations and thanks for a job well done. And, while we praise their efforts, we also pause to remember and honor those who have suffered death or injury as a result of this effort.

"Obviously, this will not put an immediate end to the hostilities in Iraq, but I believe we can expect that this will be a major turning point in our efforts to restore order and the rule of law to the citizens of Iraq. Now that Saddam Hussein is officially no longer a threat, perhaps the people of Iraq will feel more free to help us now that they know with certainty that he will not return to terrorize them once again."