U.S. Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey today traveled to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi and U.S. officials involved in ongoing efforts to establish the rule of law in Iraq. In addition to participating in meetings with General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker, the Attorney General met with some of the more than 200 Department of Justice personnel who are currently serving in the U.S. Mission in Iraq.

"The United States is at a critical juncture in Iraq, and the Justice Department is working to ensure sustainability of the freedom and security for which our men and women in uniform have so bravely fought and sacrificed," said Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey. "Our civilian volunteers are working with the Iraqi people to build a legal system fashioned by cultures and customs very different from our own but founded upon the same bedrock principles: due process and the rule of law. Our efforts, combined with those of the Departments of State and Defense, have already resulted in significant progress, and we will continue to pursue ways to help the Iraqi people achieve a stable and transparent government."

While in Baghdad, Attorney General Mukasey also met with Chief Judge Medhat al-mahoud, the head of Iraq's Higher Juridical Council, as well as two other high-ranking members of the Iraqi judiciary. The Attorney General also visited the International Zone's Combat Surgical Hospital and dined with soldiers at the Embassy Dining Facility.

This is Attorney General Mukasey's first trip to Iraq since taking office in November 2007.