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07/04/2005
Iraqi president offered UN help to draw up constitution
Congratulating Iraq's new President Jalal Talabani on his election, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today stressed the need for national unity, a goal the United Nations has been seeking with redoubled resolve since elections in January, and pledged the world body's help in writing a constitution that cements reconciliation.
"The Secretary-General welcomes the commitment of Iraq's new leadership to working towards national unity through peaceful democratic means," a statement issued by a spokesperson for Mr Annan said of Mr Talabani's election, and that of Vice-Presidents Sheikh Ghazi Al-Yawar and Adil Abdul Mahdi, by the Transitional National Assembly.
"The United Nations stands ready to support the reconstruction of Iraq, including by providing any needed assistance to its constitution-making process," the statement added. "To that end, the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Ashraf Qazi, look forward to working with Iraq's newly-elected leaders and other representatives, with a view to further promoting dialogue and national reconciliation."
Virtually from the moment polling booths closed in the January 30 elections, from which Iraq's Sunni Arabs largely stayed away, Mr Qazi has been meeting almost daily across the political spectrum to ensure that all sectors take part in the transition process, including the drafting of a new constitution, which is the main task of the new Assembly.
But by not voting, either due to boycott calls, intimidation or fear of violence, Sunni Arabs, the dominant political force in the regime of ousted Saddam Hussein, have very little presence in the new Assembly, hence Mr Qazi's continual appeals for a way to ensure the participation of all in writing the constitution and completing the political transition.
Shiite Arabs, who voted enthusiastically, represent about 60 per cent of the population, while Sunni Arabs and mainly Sunni Kurds, who also turned out en masse, represent about 20 per cent each.
(GB/SP)
"The Secretary-General welcomes the commitment of Iraq's new leadership to working towards national unity through peaceful democratic means," a statement issued by a spokesperson for Mr Annan said of Mr Talabani's election, and that of Vice-Presidents Sheikh Ghazi Al-Yawar and Adil Abdul Mahdi, by the Transitional National Assembly.
"The United Nations stands ready to support the reconstruction of Iraq, including by providing any needed assistance to its constitution-making process," the statement added. "To that end, the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Ashraf Qazi, look forward to working with Iraq's newly-elected leaders and other representatives, with a view to further promoting dialogue and national reconciliation."
Virtually from the moment polling booths closed in the January 30 elections, from which Iraq's Sunni Arabs largely stayed away, Mr Qazi has been meeting almost daily across the political spectrum to ensure that all sectors take part in the transition process, including the drafting of a new constitution, which is the main task of the new Assembly.
But by not voting, either due to boycott calls, intimidation or fear of violence, Sunni Arabs, the dominant political force in the regime of ousted Saddam Hussein, have very little presence in the new Assembly, hence Mr Qazi's continual appeals for a way to ensure the participation of all in writing the constitution and completing the political transition.
Shiite Arabs, who voted enthusiastically, represent about 60 per cent of the population, while Sunni Arabs and mainly Sunni Kurds, who also turned out en masse, represent about 20 per cent each.
(GB/SP)
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25 October 2005
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
The people of Iraq have voted in favour of the new constitution, it has been announced. The results of the October 15 vote showed that 78% of voters backed the constitution, while 21% voted against it, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq announced. Voter turnout was 63%.
Iraqi people vote in new constitution
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19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
01 March 2004
Straw welcomes Iraq constitution agreement
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Straw welcomes Iraq constitution agreement
The Foreign Secretary has welcomed the announcement this morning that the Iraqi Governing Council had agreed a new draft constitution. The Transitional Administrative Law recognises the standing of Islamic law, as well as women's rights and the independence of the Kurdish-controlled north.
08 December 2006
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
Bush and Blair admit new Iraq approach needed
Tony Blair and George W Bush have admitted that a new approach to the war in Iraq is required at a joint press conference held in Washington. The two leaders used the press conference to present a united front in response to the report published by the Iraq Study Group starkly detailing the failures of Iraq policy.
06 April 2005
Kurd leader chosen as new Iraq president
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been chosen by the new Iraq parliament to become the country's first democratically elected president. The country's former president, Ghazi al Yawar, a Sunni Arab and Shia Adel Abdel Mahdi, were named as Mr Talabani's vice presidents.
Kurd leader chosen as new Iraq president
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani has been chosen by the new Iraq parliament to become the country's first democratically elected president. The country's former president, Ghazi al Yawar, a Sunni Arab and Shia Adel Abdel Mahdi, were named as Mr Talabani's vice presidents.
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