Two votes for Iraqis before end of year

US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said yesterday "We will see on October 15th, you know, what the Iraqi people decide. They will have the opportunity to vote on this referendum. Regardless of the outcome in the wake of October 15th about whether or not the referendum is approved, there will be a vote also in December. If the referendum passes, the vote will be on for a new, permanent government for the Iraqi people based on this constitution. If not, there will be a vote on a new Transitional National Assembly, which would then form a new government and then a new constitution drafting committee that would draft a new constitution that would then be up for vote again."

"So for sure, we're going to see two votes in the coming months and it will be an opportunity for all Iraqis to -- through the ballot box -- speak to their fellow citizens and to the world about what pathway they want to take in terms of their political development."