AFP, Brussels, March 7, 2010  – The European Union’s foreign policy supremo Catherine Ashton hailed the Iraqi people for defying bomb, mortar and rocket attacks to vote in elections on Sunday.
Violence marred the poll in cities around Iraq, killing 38 people, but voters still turned out in huge numbers in the second parliamentary ballot since US-led forces ousted dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.
’This turnout in defiance of the violent attacks during the electoral campaign and on election day reconfirms the commitment of the Iraqi people to a democratic Iraq. It deserves respect from all,’ Ashton said.
The EU is looking forward to working with the new Iraqi government when it is formed, Ashton said — a process observers said could take several months as no political group looked likely to dominate the poll.
’The EU continues to support Iraq in its efforts to reconstruct the country and rebuild its political system – including its transition to democracy. We remain committed to a long term partnership,’ Ashton said.