Press Release (2005)126 17 Oct. 2005

Statement by the Secretary General on the Iraqi constitutional referendum Background NATO’s assistance to Iraq Yesterday’s referendum on the draft Iraqi constitution, which saw substantial voter turnout, is a tribute to the democratic aspirations of the people of Iraq . The ongoing political process in Iraq is the best and the only hope to meet these aspirations. NATO will continue to support the Iraqi people and government through NATO’s Training Mission in Iraq , educating Iraqi officers and helping to equip the national security services. Through this support, NATO is helping to develop Iraqi security forces which are professional, accountable to civil and democratic institutions, and able to provide for the security of the Iraqi people.

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