Setting the Date for Elections in Iraq

Following the session on Monday evening, in which representatives from Iraq and its neighboring states met alone behind closed doors, Tuesday's meeting in the Egyptian resort of Scharm al-Scheich will also be attended by G8 Foreign Ministers, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, the heads of the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The day of talks is expected to result in a declaration of support for the first democratic elections in Iraq following the removal of Saddam Hussein. They are set for January 30, 2005.

Divided opinion

The first round of talks on Monday evening focused on security and the planned elections, which have provoked inevitably mixed reactions from delegates. Both the Americans and the Foreign Minister of the Iraqi interim government, Hoshyar Zebari are optimistic that the foreseen date is realistic, but Egypt, Jordan and the Arab League have pleaded to delay the poll beyond January, in a bid to ensure full participation by Sunni Arabs, some of whose leaders have threatened a boycott.

"We would prefer inclusiveness by giving them more time rather than exclusiveness and on time," Hesham Youssef, a senor advisor to Arab League chief Amr Moussa told the Reuters newsagency. Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki said it was crucial to include all Iraqis in the political transformation process. "What's sacred in the democratic process is the full participation of all segments of the population. If the date comes and it was suitable and a good day for elections, that's fine. But the dates are not sacred. The process is the only sacred thing," he said.

Crucial decision

On his arrival at the Egyptian seaside resort, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer described the elections as "absolutely crucial" for societal consensus in the devastated country. He added that no group should be left out, and cited the elections as a chance to create a new authority with which to fight terrorism effectively.

The comprehensive fourteen point statement to be presented at the end of the day will call for the United Nations to have a leading role in the upcoming election process. It will also state the case for condemning all forms of terrorism, abduction and murder of civilians, and promote cooperation between countries which border Iraq.

Several of Iraq's neigbors confronted Hoshyar Zebari at yesterday's talks with the critical question of a date for the withdrawal of US-led troops in Iraq. In response, the Foreign Minister said "No Iraqi wants foreign troops in his country." That said, no date for the withdrawal will be set during the conference.