Nevada delegates cite importance of capture

Suzanne Struglinski

Monday, Dec. 15, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- The capture of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein marked a huge victory not only for the United States, but also for the Iraqis and the rest of the world, Nevada's congressional delegation said Sunday.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., was the only U.S. senator in Iraq at the time of the capture. Ensign was visiting with Nevada military members in Baghdad when he heard the news, spokesman Jack Finn said Sunday. The senator traveled to Tikrit, where he received a briefing by U.S. officials on what had happened.

The senator left Iraq Sunday. He will visit other countries before going back to Las Vegas on Tuesday, where he will hold a news conference on what he learned while he was there. Ensign, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had been in Iraq since Tuesday. Details of the trip were scarce due to security concerns.

"I share in the celebration and jubilation that I witnessed in the streets of Iraq today as the Iraqi people rejoiced in the capture of a man who brought torture, terror, and murder to them for generations," Ensign said in a prepared statement. "And although this is an historic day of celebration we must remember that the danger facing our men and women is not over, and we must continue to pray for their safety.

"I also hope the capture of Saddam Hussein renews the faith and confidence of the Iraqi people in the American presence in Iraq."

Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., is set to travel to Iraq on Friday, if his doctors give him the go-ahead to fly. Porter is being treated for a virus in his right ear and his doctors had advised him not to fly until told otherwise.

"The war on terrorism continues," Porter said. "And while our men and women in uniform are there, it is important as a congressman to share firsthand knowledge on what is going on their with your colleagues.

"America needs to finish the job of stabilizing and rebuilding the Iraqi nation. We must also continue to be vigilant and aware of those who wish to bring harm to our people and homeland."

Meanwhile, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said she received a phone call at 6 a.m. on Sunday from an aide in Washington telling her to turn on the television.

She called the capture an "extraordinary day not only for the Iraqi people and for Americans but for the entire world."

"It sends a signal to other tyrants around the world, the Iranians, the Syrians, the Taliban, that they had better get in line and get terrorists out of the country," she said.

Berkley added that the capture will help convince the Iraqi people that "there is a path here and that is the path toward democracy.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., held a news conference in Reno on the capture on Sunday. Gibbons said in a prepared statement that there was no question the former dictator would be found and brought to justice: "Just like a rat, he was found hiding in a hole.

"His capture should lift the shadow of doubt and apprehension that has continued to haunt the people of Iraq since the United States and the coalition were successful in toppling Saddam Hussein's regime." he said. "The tyrant who oppressed his people for decades, supported terrorism, and amassed a dangerous arsenal has been captured and is no longer a threat to anyone, anywhere."

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the capture was as important as Hussein's initial removal from power. He said he hopes the action will tell remaining terrorists in Iraq "that their days are short in number."

"Saddam's capture does not mean the end of violence in Iraq, or an end to the threat to American troops," Reid said. "But (it) is a major step forward, and all Americans can take great pride in the bravery and professionalism that our military forces continue to display."