Brussels, 29/08/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 28 August, the British EU Council Presidency welcomed the publication of the Iraqi constitution on behalf of the EU. Its statement reads: “The Presidency congratulates the Iraqi people on reaching this important milestone in the political process. Drafting Iraqi's constitution has been difficult. There have been compromises on all sides. But representatives from across Iraq's diverse community have now produced a constitution which we hope will set the foundations for a democratic Iraq. The European Union encourages all Iraqis to play a part in the next stage of the political process by voting on the drafting constitution in the October referendum. Broad public support for the constitution will help ensure a stable future for Iraq. The Iraqis have succeeded in drafting this constitution despite the action of terrorists who are trying to destroy the country's desire for a peaceful future. The EU will continue to offer its full support to the Iraqi people, including in assisting in the run-up to October's referendum and the national elections in December”.
In answer to the question of whether it were “wise” to publish the constitution when some 20% of the Iraqis (the Sunnites) refuse it, the spokesperson for European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said on Monday that they were “impressed” by the work accomplished by the Iraqis and by the efforts they have made to keep to the dates set. A referendum is foreseen for 15 October, the spokesperson recalled, also stressing “Iraqi ownership of the process”.