Iraqi Interior Minister from Baghdad and Reporters in Virginia

The Minister begins by thanking the United States for its efforts in removing Saddam and claims it is the "first ever Democratic vote in this country."  Ignoring parliamentary elections in the 1950s and earlier.  Discusses the heroism of an Iraqi Police Chief in attempting to thwart a suicide bomber.  [Is reading from sheets of paper.]  Closes with further thanks.
• The first question asks about Zarqawi, if his efforts have been weakened.
• The Minister says >350 terrorists have been captured in the last six weeks. 
• The next question asks whether or not they've been close to capturing him recently.
• The Minister says he's been followed, and they've come close two or three times.
• R Brown of the AP (first reporter to identify) follows up. 
• The Minister claims they might have missed him by an hour.