Posted on 10/17/2005 7:11:08 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has hailed the Iraqi people for "their incredible courage" in voting in large numbers on a constitutional referendum but cast doubt on whether this would lead to an easing of violence.
"I think the Iraqi population showed incredible courage, going to vote in large numbers despite the security situation on the ground," the UN chief said.
"We had hoped that the constitutional process would have been an exercise that would have been totally inclusive, and pull together all the Iraqis, helping with reconciliation. "Obviously, that did not happen and has not happened."
He said that despite the vote, he did not expect violence to ease in the short term.
Iraqis voted in force, with more than 60 per cent of registered voters taking part.
According to provisional figures by the United Nations, 63 per cent of voters cast ballots in the predominantly Shiite province of Basra, as well as 58 per cent in Karbala, 56 per cent in Najaf, 58 per cent in Muthanna, 56 per cent in Qadisiyah, 54 per cent in Wasit, 57 per cent in Misan and 54 per cent in Dhi Qar.
The referendum was held in relative calm, contrasting with violence during January's general election. Insurgents nonetheless evaded a massive security clampdown to kidnap 10 poll workers and kill six other people.
Approval of the draft constitution will clear the way for parliamentary elections in December.
How many faces has this guy got?
He said that despite the vote, he did not expect violence to ease in the short term.
Thanks for all the "praise," dude.
Mind if I share your barf bucket.
Kofi only recognizes elections where the incumbent gets 99-100% of the vote. Those count in his book. What an a-hole.
High praise indeed from our hineyass.
I must have missed the part where he praised our military.
Step down, Kofi. You are a disgrace.
at the least, two.
why tell Kofi to step down. Just get the UN out of US will do.
Some praise. Very ungracious of the puke.
And get the UN out of Iraq!!!
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