For Immediate Release
January 20, 2005

Global Message

From remarks by Ambassador John Negroponte, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, 1/18/05

Elections will be held in Iraq on Jan. 30, as set out in the Transitional Administrative Law and U.N. Security Resolution 1546.

Opinion polls reflect that a strong majority of the Iraqi people wish to proceed with elections on schedule. The United States, along with the U.N. and the international community, supports Iraqis' determination to go to the polls to choose their leaders on Jan. 30.

Efforts to subvert the Iraqi elections are being led by those who see democracy as a threat. Terrorists, former regime members and sympathizers, and criminals who benefit from lawlessness and instability are seeking to prevent a successful election from taking place at the end of the month.

Coalition members are working with the Iraqi leadership and Iraqi security forces to improve security. They are confident that elections can and will be conducted successfully.

The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq has developed electoral procedure strategies to ensure that participation in the elections is inclusive.

These elections are a watershed in Iraq's political development and will move the country from having an appointment government to an elected government.

These elections will affirm the mandate spelled out in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546 for free and fair elections in Iraq.

The elections will reflect the commitment of the Iraqi government to work toward a federal, democratic, pluralistic and unified Iraq that has full respect for political and human rights.