I sincerely welcome the adoption of Resolution 1546 (2004) of the UN Security Council as a document opening a new chapter in building a democratic Iraq and a road towards the widest engagement of the international community in the country's reconstruction.

I appreciate that the unanimously adopted resolution includes all the important aspects of the proposed political process ranging from the transfer of power to the Iraqis by June 30, 2004 to the approval to form a sovereign provisional government.

In my opinion it is very important that the Resolution clarifies the future role of the multinational forces and adequately defines their relation and cooperation with the Iraqi government. It rightly states that the key role is to be played by the United Nations, especially with regard to the preparations of free elections. The adoption of the Resolution is for us another impulse to remain determined to continue our participation in the process of stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq as a united, safe, democratic and prosperous country.



unofficial translation