Iraqis vote against terrorists, Frattini
Elections a 'great milestone' foreign minsiter says
08 March, 20:29
(ANSA) - Rome, March 8 - This weekend's election in Iraq were "a vote by the people against terrorists which the international community should welcome," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on Monday.
The Iraqi elections, he observed, "were certainly a great milestone towards building a democracy which can now consolidate further. It is our hope that a process which has begun so positively can conclude according to the rules".
Although the outcome of the vote is still not known, Frattini said "I hope there is a clear winner and that any disputes and irregularities can be legally resolved in order to allow the winning coalition to govern Iraq for the next four years".
Looking at the large turnout for the vote, believed to be between 55% and 60%, Frattini said "this was a good sign for other countries, like Afghanistan where, however, we are a little behind".
Turning his attention to the Christian minority in Iraq, the foreign minister said "there is an extraordinary need for the Christian minority to be safeguarded. Iraq has a terrible need for stability and reconciliation between various groups, between Sunni and Shiite Muslims who need to continue to work together".
