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
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