UNSC PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQI PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS

UNCLAS STATE 008790 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PGOV PHUM PREL KDEM IZ SUBJECT: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQI PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS ¶1. (SBU) This is an action message. Mission is requested to seek adoption of a UNSC press statement welcoming the provincial elections scheduled to take place in Iraq on Saturday, January 31. USUN should introduce the text at para 2 as the basis for the press statement, drawing on talking points at para 3 as justification, and advising the Department if there are requests from other members for any substantive changes. USUN should introduce the text on Monday, February 2 after obtaining final confirmation from the Department that events in Iraq over the weekend have not required a modification of this approach. ¶2. (U) Begin text of draft press statement: &The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of provincial elections in Iraq on January 31. The members look forward to the announcement of Iraq,s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) certifying the election results, and express their appreciation to both the Commission and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for their dedicated work in preparing for these elections. &The members of the Security Council commend and congratulate the people of Iraq for demonstrating their commitment to a peaceful and democratic political process.8 End draft text. ¶3. (U) Begin Talking Points: -- The provincial elections mark a significant milestone in Iraq,s democratic development, with all Iraqis choosing to participate in the political process. -- The United States, along with others, has worked with the United Nations and Iraq,s Independent High Electoral Commission to provide technical assistance in support of these provincial elections. It is important that the international community continue to support peaceful, credible and transparent elections in Iraq. CLINTON