MEDIA REACTION: REFERENDUM IN IRAQ

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SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: REFERENDUM IN IRAQ


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In Order To Form A More Perfect Union
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1. "Oman," the government-owned Arabic daily, ran an editorial on
October 17 entitled "After The Iraqi Constitution":

"An unofficial announcement suggests that sixty-six percent of
the Iraqi people have approved a constitutional referendum,
despite overwhelming opposition from Sunni Arabs. If (as
declared by Secretary of State Rice) this unofficial result is
true, then elections in December will replace the transitional
administration with a four-year parliament and the first
permanent government since the 2003 invasion. If Washington is
serious about Iraq's political process, there needs to be a
timetable for the withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq.
We realize that the constitution is not a magic document. But
what gives life to a constitution is the political will of those
who achieve the power to implement its provisions."

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Ensure Domestic Tranquility
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2. The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an
editorial on October 14 entitled "Steps Toward A New Iraq":

"There are a number of milestones that will mark Iraq's progress.
The first step is the withdrawal of foreign troops according to a
timetable that should be agreed upon by all parties. The second
step is for the public to agree on a permanent constitution that
satisfies the ambitions and inclinations of all groups in Iraq,
in preparation for the establishment of a democratic regime. The
third step will be to cleanse Iraq of the armed groups that
target civilians and who seek to impose their will from the
barrel of a gun. These steps are the only way for Iraq to escape
the political deterioration and instability that still cause the
deaths of many innocent people each day. . . Clearly, all Iraqis
should take part in this referendum to lay the foundation stone
for the construction of a new, independent, and unified Iraq -
with an Arab identity."

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Promote The General Welfare
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3. "Oman" featured an editorial on October 15 entitled "A
Decisive Day For The Future Of Iraq And The Region":

"Millions of Iraqis will vote today on the referendum for the new
Iraqi Constitution. Despite the hot disputes about some of its
provisions, in the end the constitution is a formula for
coexistence between different groups. This referendum is
exceedingly important for the future of Iraq, particularly in
light of the current violent circumstances. . . It is important
and necessary that Iraqis vote today for the sake of unity,
progress, and the re-creation of life. This shall enable Iraq to
undermine any evil plans that seek to drive the country into an
endless dark tunnel."

BALTIMORE