NEWS RELEASES

January 28, 2004 (2:00 p.m. EST) No. 11

GRAHAM WELCOMES UN DECISION TO SEND ELECTORAL MISSION TO IRAQ

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the United Nations Secretary-General that an election team will be sent to Iraq:

"Canada welcomes Secretary-General Kofi Annan's announcement that the UN will deploy a technical team to Iraq to assess electoral options. The mission follows an invitation from the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi Governing Council. This invitation is a positive signal of the efforts taken to involve the UN and the international community in the political process.

"Drawing on its expertise, decades of experience in other post-conflict environments and established credibility as an impartial arbiter, the UN is well placed to play an important role in shaping and facilitating the political transition process in Iraq.

"We recognize that this mission is just a first step, and that security remains a serious constraint. Full provisions will need to be taken to ensure the safety of UN personnel.

"Canada stands ready to assist the UN in its role in facilitating a meaningful political process in Iraq."

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