IRAQ: ITALY PRAISES REFERENDUM RESULTS

UNCLAS ROME 003630

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ IT KDEM KPAO IRAQI FREEDOM
SUBJECT: IRAQ: ITALY PRAISES REFERENDUM RESULTS

REF: STATE 199224


1. (U) The Italian government hailed the success of the
Iraqi constitution as an historic step in October 25 and 26
statements from Prime Minister Berlusconi, President Ciampi,
Foreign Minister Fini and Defense Minister Martino.
Translations of the statements are reprinted below.


2. (U) Begin text of PM Berlusconi's October 25 statement.
The positive result of the referendum on the Constitution is
an additional historic step forward for the people of Iraq.
It is proof that Iraq's political process successfully moves
forward despite the numerous attempts by those who have tried
to sabotage it using violence and terrorism. The text that
was approved is balanced. It shows a sincere commitment by
the Iraqis to put aside their ethnic and religious
differences. A solid base upon which to construct a free,
democratic and united Iraq was laid down. Italy is proud to
have contributed together with its allies, the UN and the
international community to this additional success of
democracy and freedom. End text.


3. (U) In an October 26 message to Iraqi President Jalal
Talabani, President Ciampi wrote, "The approval of the new
Iraqi Constitution, thanks to the success of the popular
referendum, is a significant step forward in the democratic
process that your country has undertaken. It reinforces the
confidence in the capability of the people of Iraq to build a
modern democracy and an efficient State of Law. I am aware
of the complex challenges still facing Iraq, first and
foremost the consolidation of internal security. The
participation to the political process of all of Iraq's
ethnic and religious components, in the spirit of national
cohesion, will be determinant for the construction of a
united and peaceful future there. In pursuing the objectives
of democratic renewal and improving living conditions for its
population, your country can count on Italy's resolve to
provide continuing support. I am looking forward to
receiving you in Rome soon and renew my vivid encouragement
to continue in your commitment toward reconciliation,
stability and development in Iraq.


4. (U) Begin text of October 26 MFA statement. As soon as
the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Gianfranco Fini, learned from the Iraqi electoral commission
of the "yes" victory in the referendum on the draft
constitution, he sent his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar al-Zibari
the following message: "I would like to congratulate you and
by extension the Government and people of Iraq, on the
success of the constitutional referendum, which marks a
historic turning point in Iraq's march towards democracy.
Today's result signals the beginning of a new era of dialogue
and reconciliation between all Iraqis, beyond ethnic and
religious differences, and proves that politics has defeated
terrorist violence. My country has been, and will continue
to be in the future, a strong and unwavering supporter of
Iraq's entire political and electoral process. Therefore
kindly accept my most sincere congratulations on this
historic day, expressed in the hope that the constitution may
serve as the basis for building a democratic and united
Iraq." End text.


5. (U) Responding to press queries on October 26, Defense
Minister Martino said that the positive result of the
referendum was "another important step forward on the way
toward democracy" and a "significant step forward in the
political process that is bringing Iraq to become a modern
constitutional democracy."
SPOGLI