Monday, January 31 2005 09:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: A jubilant US President George W Bush, called yesterdays (Jan 31, 2005) elections in Iraq "a success," but cautions that the terrorists in the country would continue to wage war against democracy.

"The world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East," Bush, who has been monitoring the elections from White House, told reporters.

Bush praised the bravery of Iraqis who turned out to vote despite continuing violence and intimidation, saying that they "firmly rejected the antidemocratic ideology" of terrorists.

Reporters in Iraq said that 60 to 72 per cent of the voters were said to have voted in the elections-a higher percentage than any US Presidential elections.

Except in some of the Sunni areas where the number of voters was fewer because of the insurgents' threats, who struck polling stations with a string of suicide bombings and mortar volleys, killing at least 44 people, the turnout exceeded expectations. In some of the Shiite areas, 95 per cent of the voters are said to have cast their ballots.

"Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens," Bush said. He also mourned the loss of American and British troops killed yesterday. "Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom."

Bush cautioned the election will not end violence in Iraq, but said US forces will continue training and helping Iraqis. "Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them... so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security."