SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES ESTABLISHMENT OF IRAQ’S TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES ESTABLISHMENT OF IRAQ’S TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the establishment today of the Transitional Government of Iraq, and is pleased that this is the result of a broadly consultative and democratic process following the successful elections of 30 January.  The Secretary-General notes the ongoing efforts to ensure that the new Government is as representative and inclusive as possible, and hopes that these efforts meet the expectations of all of Iraq’s communities.

The United Nations is committed to doing everything possible to assist Iraq to move forward to the next phase of its political transition, particularly the drafting of a new constitution and the holding of a referendum and national elections.  To that end, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) looks forward to working closely with the new Iraqi authorities and the people of Iraq.

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