IRAQ: PRESENTATION OF A DRAFT CONSTITUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 002618 SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2010 TAGS: IZ PGOV PREL CA SUBJECT: IRAQ: PRESENTATION OF A DRAFT CONSTITUTION REF: SECSTATE 158420 Classified By: Acting POLCOUNS Patty Kim Scott, reasons 1.4 (b) (d) ¶1. (C/NF) FAC Middle East Division Deputy Director told Poloff August 30 that the GOC prepared a statement on the Iraqi constitution last week but pulled it back when it became clear that the document was not a finished product and could still change. He said Canada would wait until there was a fully accepted draft and then offer a statement of support. Ambassador delivered reftel demarche points on the constitution to Tim Murphy, PM Martin's Chief of Staff, and DCM delivered them to PM's Senior Policy Advisor Jonathan Fried on August 31, urging the GOC to consider issuing a statement this week to praise the progress accomplished to date in Iraq. They suggested to the GOC that the constitution would be a work in progress for some time, but the Iraqis need international encouragement and support along the way. ¶2. (U) On August 31 FM Pettigrew issued the following statement: Begin Quote Canada welcomes the considerable progress made in drafting the Iraqi constitution. We encourage the negotiating parties to remain constructively engaged in the pursuit of an inclusive constitution that will lead to a stable and democratic Iraq. Canada will continue to work with the Iraqi authorities for the reconstruction and democratic transition of Iraq, as well as the implementation of an Iraqi constitution consistent with international standards of human rights, including women's rights, gender equality and minority rights. We believe that in order to provide a solid basis for national reconciliation, the constitution must satisfy the aspiration of all Iraqis. The task now lies with the people of Iraq to exercise their democratic right to vote on the constitution. We encourage all Iraqis to participate in the referendum scheduled for October 15, 2005. End Quote ¶3. (U) Also on August 31 Canada issued the following statement on the tragedy in Baghdad: Begin Quote Canadians are profoundly moved by the scale of the human tragedy that occurred Wednesday in northern Baghdad, and I join them in offering condolences to the families of the hundreds of innocent victims who died while gathering for a religious ceremony. It seems that some of the events that contributed to this horrific tragedy were initiated by individuals without any respect for human life and with the sole objective of dragging Iraq into a civil war. Canada will continue to support the Iraqi authorities in their struggle to put an end to violence and to keep Iraq on the path to democracy and stability. The international community must remain united in its efforts to assist Iraqis determined to turn the page on a past marked by violence and to build a country that will ensure peace and prosperity for future generations. End Quote Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa WILKINS