International observers have praised the organisers of Iraq's parliamentary election, which they said generally met international standards. A spokesman for the International Mission for Iraqi Elections conceded that there had been minor problems, but said the vote had generally gone well. About 11m Iraqis were estimated to have voted, a turnout of about 70%, with results due in two weeks or more. President Bush is to make an address on the situation in Iraq on Sunday night. "We are now entering a critical period for our mission in Iraq, the president will talk about what we have accomplished and where we're headed," said his spokesman, announcing the rare address from the Oval Office, to be made at 2100 on Sunday (0200GMT Monday). "The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq is to be commended on the way it has performed its role under the difficult circumstances prevailing in Iraq," said Paul Dacey, spokesman for the international observers. Iraq's staging of major elections in January, October and December would have been a major challenge even for well-established democracies, Mr Dacey said. The country's electoral commission announced on Friday that 320,000 Iraqis living abroad voted in the election. Around 15 million Iraqis were eligible to vote for the country's first full-term government since Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003. The vote will elect 275 members of a national parliament, who will in turn appoint a president. Voting was extended in many parts as Sunni Arabs took part after boycotting previous elections. Election officials reported high turnouts even in Sunni insurgent strongholds such as Falluja and Ramadi. The voting took place amid a massive security operation, with 150,000 Iraqi troops and police deployed and borders and airports closed. US President George W Bush described the vote as "historic", and appeared delighted with the high turn out. Sunni nationalist insurgent groups had urged people to vote to prevent the election of a government dominated by Shias and Kurds. However, the al-Qaeda in Iraq group denounced the election and threatened attacks. Two civilians and a US marine were slightly injured in morning attacks. The new national assembly will replace the transitional government elected in January. Some 6,655 candidates, 307 parties and 19 coalitions registered for the ballot.
 

Cheney makes surprise Iraq trip

US Vice-President Dick Cheney has made an unannounced visit to Iraq - his first since the 2003 US-led invasion.

Mr Cheney praised Iraq's "tremendous" elections last week and was described by President Jalal Talabani as a "hero for liberating Iraq". The visit was kept so secret that it is thought even the Iraqi prime minister was not told beforehand. As one of the main advocates of the Iraq war, Mr Cheney has come under constant criticism by opponents. No quitting: The trip - Mr Cheney's first since 1991 when he was defence minister in George Bush senior's administration - came on the same day that President George W Bush was to give a prime-time address on Iraq. The vice-president flew around the Baghdad area in a pack of eight fast-moving Blackhawk helicopters with guns mounted on the sides, the Associated Press news agency reports. He had talks with Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari and Iraq's president before meeting US commanders. Mr Cheney said the Iraqi participation in the elections was "remarkable". "And that's exactly what needs to happen as you build a political structure in a self-governing Iraq that can unify the various segments of the population and ultimately take over responsibility for their own security," he told them. "You've heard some prominent voices advocating a sudden withdrawal of our forces from Iraq," Mr Cheney told the servicemen, alluding to the Bush administration's critics. "Some have suggested that the war is not winnable and a few seem almost eager to conclude the struggle is already over. But they are wrong. The only way to lose this fight is to quit and that is not an option." More than 2,100 US troops have been killed in Iraq since the end of the US-led invasion of April 2003, alongside more than 30,000 Iraqis. Last month, Democrat Congressman John Murtha caused a stir with his call for a pullout of US forces in Iraq - coming in the middle of a war of words over the issue. Mr Cheney responded by saying: "The suggestion that's been made by some US senators that the president of the United States or any member of this administration purposely misled the American people on pre-war intelligence is one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges ever aired in this city. "The president and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone - but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history. Most recently the US vice-president has been accused of sanctioning the abuse of prisoners by US troops. Mr Cheney left the US on Saturday for a five-day tour that includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.