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