August 31, 2005 (5:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 159

STATEMENT BY MINISTER PETTIGREW ON IRAQI CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement concerning progress made in drafting the Iraqi constitution:

“Canada welcomes the considerable progress made in drafting the Iraqi constitution. We encourage the negotiating parties to remain constructively engaged in the pursuit of an inclusive constitution that will lead to a stable and democratic Iraq.

“Canada will continue to work with the Iraqi authorities for the reconstruction and democratic transition of Iraq, as well as for the implementation of an Iraqi constitution consistent with international standards of human rights, including women’s rights, gender equality and minority rights.

“We believe that in order to provide a solid basis for national reconciliation, the constitution must satisfy the aspiration of all Iraqis. The task now lies with the people of Iraq to exercise their democratic right to vote on the constitution. We encourage all Iraqis to participate in the referendum scheduled for October 15, 2005.”

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Sébastien Théberge
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(613) 995-1851

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(613) 995-1874
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