Text 395, 87 rader
Skriven 2005-02-02 23:40:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050202) for Wed, 2005 Feb 2
==================================================
===========================================================================
Global Message
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release
February 2, 2005

Global Message



Iraq Elections: What the World Is Saying
Statements from World Leaders

Australian Prime Minister John Howard: "The turnout was a wonderful
testament to the character of the people of Iraq and a reminder that no
matter how fierce and gruesome and powerful the intimidation might be, when
people have a taste and an opportunity of freedom, they will take hold of
it."

Belgian Foreign Minister Karel Gucht: "We should be showing our deep
respect towards all the men and women who are risking their lives in order
to cast their vote."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair: "It was moving and humbling... to see
the simple determination and clear-sighted courage of millions of Iraqis
exercising the right to vote for the first time in their lives. A
democratic Iraq is not just a giant step forward for Iraq itself; it is a
blow right at the heart of the global terrorism...."

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew: "This Sunday marks
an important milestone in Iraq's political transition toward a stable and
functioning democracy.... Despite obvious challenges, Iraqis have shown
determination and commitment to their electoral process."

Hungarian Foreign Minister Ferenc Somogyi: "We sympathize with those brave
Iraqis who, notwithstanding the violence directed primarily against their
own people, have chosen to participate politically, formed numerous
parties, and laid the foundations of local public life, and who wish to
advance their efforts through political rivalry instead of terror."

Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Marty Natalegawa: "Their active
participation, despite the very difficult security situation, reflects a
commendable determination to seize their own destiny in restoring
sovereignty and in establishing a democratic Iraq."

Jordan's King Abdullah II: "If we have good examples of democratic process,
whether it's in Iraq or with the Palestinians, it does help countries such
as Jordan to be able to push the envelope. So I think what we saw yesterday
in Iraq is a positive thing. I think it is a thing that will set a good
tone for the Middle East, and I'm very optimistic."

New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff: "These elections represent a key
step toward achieving a democratic and peaceful Iraq."

Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski: "These elections show we are
dealing with an optimistic scenario. ... For sure the high election turnout
shows the Iraqis, in contrast to the black scenarios and various
predictions, have made this their day, their celebration."

Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes: "The future of Iraq will be
determined by Iraqis themselves. That is the message coming from today's
elections."

Russian President Vladimir Putin: "The conditions for the election in Iraq
were, to put it mildly, very difficult. At the same time it is a step in
the right direction; it is a positive event."

South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Ban Ki-moon: "We highly
praise and celebrate Iraq's general elections, which we have viewed as an
opportunity to bring peace and stability to the nation."

Swiss Foreign Ministry: "The Iraqi people demonstrated great courage and,
in many places, defied the massive threats by the armed rebellion. For this
they deserve the respect of the international community."

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan: "The Iraqis who turned out today are
courageous; they know that they are voting for the future of their country.
We must encourage them and support them to take control of their destiny."

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, "The international
community hopes this day may magnify a future of peace."
===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/02/20050202.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)