IRAQ: SLOVAKIA ISSUES POSITIVE STATEMENTS ON

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000078 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO IZ LO SUBJECT: IRAQ: SLOVAKIA ISSUES POSITIVE STATEMENTS ON ELECTIONS ¶1. Slovak PM Mikulas Dzurinda (para 2) and the MFA (para 3) issued congratulatory statements on the Iraqi elections. Post placed the IIP-supplied op-ed on the Iraqi elections in the daily newspaper Narodna Obroda (readership estimated at 145,000) on January 27 under the CDA's by-line. The headline was "Iraqis take the future in their own hands in the elections." ¶2. Begin text of the Prime Minister's statement February 1, 2005 Declaration of Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda on the Results of the Parliamentary Elections in Iraq "Yesterday, January 30, parliamentary elections were held in Iraq. Iraqis spoke in a clear voice. Through high election turn out, they expressed their basic civil position -- they rejected terrorism, they rejected intimidation by violence. And they voted for a new Iraq. "I congratulate the Iraqi people on this clear position and on this truly historic success. "Slovakia participated in the international coalition in Iraq, so the Iraqi people could live in better conditions. Our soldiers, policemen, and diplomats present in Iraq are carrying our share of responsibility for all of us for a better, safer and more peaceful Iraq - and for a peaceful region. "There is still a long way to restore peace in Iraq. Militants are still using every opportunity to disrupt the security of the country and threatening their lives of Iraqi citizens. Due to militants' attacks during the election day, several tens of Iraqis died. Coalition soldiers - American and British - gave their lives as well. "The mandate, given by Iraqi citizens to the new National Assembly, is strong and straightforward -- to prepare and pass a new constitution for a peaceful and tranquil Iraq. And after decades of suffering under a dictator, Iraq and its citizens have a real chance." End Prime Minister's Text ¶3. Begin text of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement February 1, 2005 "On January 30, 2005 the first free election after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime took place in Iraq. According to initial estimation around 60 percent (8 million) of Iraqis participated in the election process, mainly of Shiites and Kurds. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic received with pleasure news concerning high turnout of Iraqis in the parliamentary election. The Slovak diplomacy congratulates people of Iraq at this historic moment. By their massive turnout the Iraqi voters have expressed their support to the worldwide effort of the antiterrorist coalition in its fight against terrorism. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic would like to express its admiration and respect to all the Iraqis who despite the ongoing violence and terrorist attacks participated in the election. "We assume that holding of the parliamentary election is the first step to democratization of Iraq." End MFA Text MINIMIZE CONSIDERED THAYER NNNN