Cablegate: Media Reaction On Elections in Iraq, February 7,

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000278

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/PDA, IIP/G/WHA, AND IIP/T/ES
FOR PM, NEA/NGA, WHA/PPC, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV IZ HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON ELECTIONS IN IRAQ, FEBRUARY 7,
2005

1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La
Prensa" on 2/6, titled "The Day After." "Last weekend's
elections in Iraq represented a great relief for the
international community, especially for the U.S. government,
whose president counted on the free will of the Iraqi people
despite the increasing violence in the days before the
elections. Votes and violence were the highlight of that
historical day which should and must be the start of a
better future for the distressed Iraqi people."

"For that reason, after the closing of the ballot boxes, the
key question is what will happen the day after. Certainly
Iraq is still many days away from achieving the
consolidation of freedom and peace. The day after the
elections is just a step on the path toward stability, which
is not around the corner and can't be achieved on a strict
timetable."

"As interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said, the terrorists
weren't defeated with the elections, they just lost a battle
that will be the starting point and the defining moment for
a final victory of the Iraqi people."

"Most of the EU countries that didn't believe in this
election now have a historical responsibility to support the
decision of the Iraqis. It may be easy to end a war, but
it's difficult to consolidate peace on the basis of justice
and liberty."

Palmer

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