CZECHS WELCOME RESULTS OF IRAQ CONSTITUTIONAL

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001557 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IZ KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL EUN SUBJECT: CZECHS WELCOME RESULTS OF IRAQ CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM REF: STATE 199224 1 (SBU) We delivered ref A demarche on October 31 to Miloslav Stasek, director of Middle East and Africa Department in the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stasek agreed that the Iraqi referendum was a positive step toward a democratic Iraq. He added that it was significant that, even though not all Iraqis supported the constitution, the Iraqis were able to disagree within the framework of a political process. Czech Minster of Foreign Affairs Cyril Svoboda also issued a statement on October 26. He said that the recent acceptance of the constitution, as well as the upcoming Parliamentary vote in December, are important steps toward creating an Iraqi government based upon the principle of democracy, creating a safe environment for all Iraqi citizens and economic reconstruction of the country. He added that the Czech Republic would do everying within in its means to help Iraq on the road to democracy, stability and economic prosperity. CABANISS