In quotes: Iraq election

Reaction to the high turnout in the election for Iraq's first full-term government since the US-led invasion in 2003:

IRAQI PRESIDENT JALAL TALABANI

It's a national celebration for all Iraqis.

IRAQI PRIME MINISTER IBRAHIM JAAFARI

Ballot boxes are a victory of democracy over dictatorship. They've chosen voting over bombs.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN SCOTT McCLELLAN

This is an historic day for the Iraqi people, the Middle East and the world, and it's an historic day for the advance of freedom.

We are encouraged by what appears to be a large turnout. The Iraqi people are showing the world that all people of all backgrounds want to be able to choose their own leaders and live in freedom.

UK FOREIGN SECRETARY JACK STRAW

There have been big difficulties for Iraq over the last two-and-a-half years, but I believe that today will be seen as a historic day when Iraqis can look forward to a better future.

RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN MIKHAIL KAMYNIN

The elections open a new page in the history of modern Iraq... We are convinced that only on the basis of broad dialogue with the participation of all political and ethno-confessional groups and by renouncing force can a long-term political resolution be achieved in Iraq.