GOVERNMENT OF CROATIA ISSUES STATEMENT SUPPORTING

UNCLAS ZAGREB 001422 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL HR IZ SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT OF CROATIA ISSUES STATEMENT SUPPORTING IRAQI CONSTITUTIONAL DRAFTING PROCESS REF: STATE 158420 ¶1. SBU) A/DCM and Pol Counselor presented reftel points to MFA State Secretary Biscevic August 29. Later that same day, a supportive statement was released on the GoC website. Text of statement (informal translation provided by Embassy Zagreb)follows. ¶2. Statement by GoC: "The Government of Croatia welcomes the fact that the Temporary Peoples' Assembly of Iraq on the 28th of August 2005, adopted Iraq's constitution as a particularly important step towards stabilization of the situation in this country. The government congratulates Iraq's political leaders on their persistent and patient efforts towards building the widest possible consensus on the issues essential for further establishment of the Iraqi state, and expresses hope that the constitution would be accepted at the forthcoming referendum. Such development is of particular importance for overcoming security and developmental challenges that Iraq's society is faced with. The Government of Croatia also supports the international community's efforts aimed at helping political processes in Iraq which are related to the development of democracy and the rule of law as basic elements in building a stable and a secure environment, crucial for the development of Iraq as a prosperous and secure land for all of its citizens. The Republic of Croatia will continue to back the Iraqi authorities' efforts to establish peace and security and a stable democratic government. Opening of Croatia's special diplomatic mission in Baghdad is a an additional incentive in that direction." DELAWIE NNNN