17 October 2005
United Nations Security Council Praises Iraqi Voters
Members see referendum as a positive step forward for Iraq
By Judy Aita
Washington File United Nations Correspondent
United Nations -- Stressing the importance of inclusiveness, reconciliation and national unity, the Security Council October 17 commended Iraqi voters for their participation in the October 15 referendum on a new constitution.
In a press statement, the Security Council praised "the courage of the millions of Iraqis, who braving difficult conditions and the threat of violence, again demonstrated their commitment to peaceful, democratic political process and their willingness to decide their political future through peaceful means."
The Security Council also praised the efforts of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq and of the thousands of Iraqi electoral workers who made the referendum possible. In addition, it commended the support given by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and other international electoral and constitutional experts, Romanian Foreign Minister Mihai-Razvan Unqureanu, president of the Security Council, told journalists after a private council meeting.
Council members also noted the important role played by the Iraqi security forces in providing security for the vote, Unqureanu said.
The 15 nations that are members of the Security Council saw the referendum as "an important step" in the country's political process and look forward "to continued progress in Iraq's political transition," the president said.
Whatever the result of the referendum, the next major milestone will be the national elections scheduled for December 15. The members "underline the importance of participation by all Iraqis in that election to ensure that the next assembly that will take vital decisions about Iraq's future represents the full diversity of Iraq," Unqureanu said.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan also praised Iraqi voters for choosing "to use ballots and not bullets" during the country's political transition.
"I hope this is a lesson that will auger well in the future," the secretary-general said.
Speaking with journalists outside the Security Council's chambers, Annan said that "the Iraqi population showed incredible courage, going to vote in large numbers despite the security situation on the ground."
For additional information on the referendum, see Iraq's Political Process.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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