I have invited political, religious and civil leaders to discuss confidence-building measures to ensure the situation remains under control.

Yes, we are concerned.

Everything must now be done to help the negotiating parties reach a sustainable compromise as quickly as possible.

As far as international observers are concerned, unfortunately the security situation has acted as a deterrent.

There is a control on the level of violence which is still at a worrisome level, but there is a definite control over the immediate potential for it to escalate.

We hope that the lessons learned in the January election and the referendum will enable them to perform even better.

Recent developments have made negotiations on government formation more difficult. This has created a dangerous and elongated political vacuum.

We would hope for an improved security environment because otherwise many people who may wish to participate would be deterred.

The electoral process is a work in progress.

Neighboring countries and the region are responsible for sending a clear message to the Iraqi people that they are supporting the political process in Iraq.

The protracted negotiations between the political parties required a resolution at the earliest opportunity.

Security was very good at the (constitutional) referendum in October and they have built on that.

The cloud of pessimism that has further darkened as a result of recent developments has to be lifted. While sectarian fissures have always been an integral part of Iraq’s political history, today they have come...

The urgency to form a broad-based government or a government of national unity in view of these challenges is absolutely essential.

We heard that it picked up during the day. It’s very healthy.

The situation has gravely deteriorated. It is precisely what can very dangerously inflame the sectarian situation.

All in all, it was a good day and a historic day.

the curriculum will be in line with that of any other advanced country.

This poses an ongoing challenge for all Iraqis and underscores the importance of an inclusive national dialogue.

Palestinians were promised their state. Originally they were the owners of the entire area,

They created their state. Fine. Now that everybody has accepted it as a fait accompli, there was also acceptance of a Palestinian state. The Israelis, on one pretext or another, have not granted them that...

One should look at consolidating the right to life instead of imposing the death penalty which has a very poor recognized effect in deterring crimes,

The signs are good. All credit first to the people of Iraq to come out and refuse to show any voter fatigue in the third vote this year and then to the government and the...

The results of the referendum have indicated the degree of political polarization in Iraq,