Jack Straw – 2006 Comments on Election Results in Iraq

The comments made by Jack Straw, the then Foreign Secretary, on 10 February 2006.

I congratulate all those elected to the new Council of Representatives of Iraq.

The December elections were a historic day when the Iraqi people turned out in their millions, braving the threat of violence so that they could elect a new parliament and government. Today the shape of the new parliament is clear. I look forward to the first meeting of the new Council of Representatives which we hope to see taking place as soon as possible. This is a decisive step on the road to establishing a strong democracy.

It is now imperative that all parties accept the results and continue to play a full role in the political process. International monitors oversaw the election and have pronounced themselves content with the election process. There has been a thorough process for investigating complaints. Everyone in a democracy has to accept its result.

It is now up to the politicians of all communities to work together to form an effective and representative government. The new government will face big decisions. All Iraqis are impatient to see a new government get down to work quickly and make progress in tackling the tough challenges ahead. The British Government and the international community will continue to support the new Iraqi Administration and the Iraqi people as a whole in their efforts to establish a strong and stable Iraq.