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


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