POLISH MFA STATEMENT ON IRAQ REFERENDUM

UNCLAS WARSAW 003627 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM IZ PL SUBJECT: POLISH MFA STATEMENT ON IRAQ REFERENDUM REF: STATE 189909 ¶1. In response to reftel demarche, the Polish MFA released October 18 the following public statement in support of the Iraqi constitutional referendum. ¶2. Begin text of embassy translation of statement. "Poland has welcomed a nationwide referendum on the new constitution that was conducted on October 15, 2005 in Iraq in cooperation with the United Nations. This fact is another important step in the process of rebuilding Iraqi statehood. It is proof that democracy in Iraq is being strengthened and that Iraqis themselves are taking over responsibility for their country. Thanks to the referendum, a key point on the political calendar foreseen by the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1546 has been carried out. It strengthens our conviction that the date of parliamentary elections set for December 15 this year and the date of the appointment of a new constitutional government in Iraq will be kept. "A compromise on the main assumptions of the constitution that was reached just before the date of the vote confirmed the will to reach agreement among major political and ethnic-religious powers in Iraq. With particular satisfaction we have welcomed a high turnout in the referendum, also on the part of the Sunni community. It will make it possible for this community's representatives to participate in the political process more broadly. "Poland is following the course of changes in Iraq with attention, directly participating in international efforts to stabilize and reconstruct this country. We deeply believe that the ensuring of security and a full normalization of Iraq are only the matter of time. We declare our will to further support the Iraqi government and nation in their effort to build a democratic and united state. We will also continue actions to develop and strengthen a partnership cooperation between our two countries based on a plan of rebuilding the bilateral relations that was initiated during the government delegation's visit to Iraq in July this year." ¶3. End text of statement. ASHE