Related: Iraqis vote in landmark constitution referendum

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush on Saturday described Iraq's national constitutional referendum as "acritical step forward" in the country's move towards democracy.

    "Now the people of Iraq will have the final say," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "This weekends election is a critical step forward in Iraq's march toward democracy.

    "By casting their ballots, the Iraqi people deal a severe blow to the terrorists and send a clear message to the world: Iraqis will decide the future of their country through peaceful elections,not violent insurgency," Bush said.

    Bush spoke highly of the last-minute compromise that won some backing from Iraq's Sunni minority, which has offered support to Iraq's deadly insurgency, and said that the resulting document "protects fundamental freedoms and lays the foundation for a lasting democracy."

    Bush also reiterated his objection to growing calls for setting a timeline for withdrawing the roughly 140,000 US troops from Iraq, saying that doing so would hand terrorists like the Al-Qaeda network a much-desired victory.

    "Al Qaeda believes that America can be made to run again. They are gravely mistaken. America will not run, and we will not forget our responsibilities," Bush said.

    Iraqi voters kicked off the country's landmark referendum on a draft constitution on Saturday three days after Iraqi leaders announced that an agreement has been reached to amend the draft constitution.

    Under Iraq's interim constitution, if two thirds of the voters in any three of the country's 18 provinces say no to the charter, it will be defeated and parliament dissolved. The result of the referendum is expected to be announced next week. Enditem