In a statement released by his spokesman, Mr. Annan praised the “earnest efforts” made by all Iraqi political entities amid difficult circumstances and pledged the world body's continuing support for Iraq as it emerges from war.

The Secretary-General urged all Iraqi communities and political entities “to continue to work together in a spirit of national reconciliation, through a fully inclusive, transparent and participatory political process in the period leading to the national referendum when the Iraqi people will decide on their new constitution." That poll will take place in October.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and its constitutional team provided support to the constitution-making process. According to today's statement, the Secretary-General has instructed his Special Representative, Ashraf Qazi, to continue efforts to promote national dialogue and consensus-building among all Iraqi communities and political entities, “with a view to helping the Iraqi people build the foundations of a new peaceful, democratic and united Iraq.”