US efforts to ensure Iraq constitution referendum is adopted
Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/30/2005

US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack was asked yesterday about Iraq that "the Sunnis are saying that there's no deal on the constitution and they're saying that until a referendum, it's still no deal. And they're looking upon themselves as outcasts. Do you have any comments concerning that?"

McCormack said "I know that there are still -- there are ongoing discussions concerning any possible changes or amendments to the draft constitution. If there is any agreement on amendments to the constitution, I think we leave it to the Iraqis to announce those."

McCormack added "What we have witnessed over the past weeks is -- or we have seen indications over the past weeks of a real interest among all quarters in Iraqi society in participating in this referendum. Since January, we've seen more than a million Sunnis register. And they will have an opportunity along with Shia, Kurds and other groups in Iraq to express their views on the constitution through the ballot box and we'll see in the coming weeks what their decision is."

Yesterday, The New York Times reported, quoting US officials, that Iraqi Sunnis in two Iraqi provinces will vote against the referendum. The report spoke about intensive US efforts, and daily talks with Sunni leaders, to ensure that the referendum passes. The official was indicated confidence that it is very unlikely that 3 provinces will reject referendum. In such a case, the referendum would fail.

Previous Stories:
  Human Rights Watch: US abuse of detainees is systematic and sever   (9/28/2005)
  Three year imprisonment for US soldier in Abu Ghreib case   (9/28/2005)
  US Ambassador to Iraq reaffirms resolve to assist Iraqi people   (9/27/2005)
  Sunni call to ban fighting among Iraqis   (9/24/2005)

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