Albright calls on Iowans to repeat history by supporting Clinton

CEDAR RAPIDS — The world is safer as a result of the release of U.S. sailors and prisoners in Iran, and because of that country's compliance with the terms of an international agreement to dismantle its nuclear weapons capabilities, according to former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

'I think we took a very big step forward on Iran,' Albright said Sunday at Hillary Clinton's campaign field office in Cedar Rapids. 'Hillary had a lot to do with beginning that conversation. I think we are safer. Israel is safer as a result of some control over the Iranian nuclear situation.'

Albright, who also served as ambassador to the United Nations, is touring Iowa to campaign for Clinton, who Albright said was responsible for President Bill Clinton naming her secretary of state.

'We're lucky that she is running,' said Albright, a native of the Czech Republic and one of the dignitaries on hand when the Czech & Slovak Museum & Library was dedicated in 1995 with President Clinton and the presidents of the Czech and Slovak republics in attendance.

'Hands down, there never has been anyone as prepared to be president' as Hillary Clinton, Albright told more than 100 people at the campaign office.

Just as Iowans launched the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, who became the country's first black president, Albright called on Iowans to put Clinton on the path to becoming the first female president.

'We can make history again. Iowa can do that,' she said. 'We like to be No. 1. We're not No. 1 in electing a woman president. Other countries have had and have a woman president. We should do this and make this a historic election.'

Although Iran has released Americans and has decided to ship 98 percent of its enriched uranium out of the country, dismantle two-thirds of its centrifuges and a nuclear reactor, and agree to international inspections, Albright said the job of restoring relations with Iran has not been completed.

'We have a long way to go in terms of how Iran behaves,' she said, noting that U.S. sanctions against Iran as a state supporter of terrorism will continue to be imposed. 'It goes back again to how they operate within their region, their relationship with the Saudis, what they are doing in Syria.'

However, the events of the past few days have been 'a very, very important step forward.'

'I think it's a very big day, an important day in terms of our own security and that of our allies,' Albright said.