Iraq: Annan welcomes preliminary election results

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) of the preliminary results of last month’s election.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to the courage and determination of the Iraqi people for participating in large numbers in this national election,” his spokesman said in a statement released in New York.

Looking to the announcement of the final results, the Secretary-General called on all Iraqi political parties “to come together in a spirit of national reconciliation to form an inclusive and fully representative government that will serve all the Iraqi people.”

The UN supported the IECI in conducting two national elections and a constitutional referendum last year under challenging circumstances, the Secretary-General noted, pledging the world body’s continued full commitment to backing efforts by the Iraqi people to build a peaceful, prosperous, democratic and united country.