WASHINGTON, Jan 30: US President George Bush said on Sunday that the Iraq elections were a 'resounding success' and assured Iraqis that more than 140,000 US troops based in their country would now help them rebuild a democratic Iraq.

In a short speech at the White House, Mr Bush thanked the Iraqis for exercising freedom despite threats, praised the voters who literally took their lives in their hands and voted.

Mr Bush also noted that some members of US and British forces died on Sunday to ensure peaceful voting. "Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the centre of the ME.

In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists," he said.