In New Year's Message, Top UN Envoy Renews Support For Iraqi Elections
As Iraq moves into high gear for elections in just one month's time, the top United Nations there today delivered a New
Year message pledging the world body's continued support "to help foster the future peace and prosperity" of all the
war-torn country's peoples.
"At this critical juncture in Iraq's history it is my firm belief that the Iraqi people have the capacity and
self-confidence to forge a future for themselves in which they can enjoy the fruits of new-found peace, mutual respect,
tolerance and the promotion of human rights," Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi said.
"The United Nations attaches the greatest importance to fostering a political climate in Iraq in which Iraqis will be
able to participate in free and fair elections, resulting in the successful election of a government that commands the
widest possible support and confidence of the Iraqi people," he added.
"The determination of Iraqis from all walks of life to exercise their political rights has been one of the most
encouraging developments in recent months."
Stressing that despite the reservations Iraq's various communities may have, elections are always the best option, Mr.
Qazi declared: "We remain confident that the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, established with the assistance
of the United Nations, has the capacity to oversee elections fairly."