Interim Iraqi Government

I welcome the formation of an Interim Iraqi Government to administer Iraq from 30 June after the dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority and the end of the occupation by Coalition forces.

This marks another milestone in Iraq's progress from dictatorship to democracy. The Interim Government will govern Iraq until elections are held by 31 January 2005. I support the creation of an independent Iraqi Electoral Commission, that will oversee the elections with the assistance of the United Nations.

I commend UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi for facilitating the Interim Government's formation by holding wide-ranging consultations with Iraqis from all walks of life. Australia strongly supports the role of the United Nations in Iraq's political transition and in the country's broader rehabilitation.

I urge the UN Security Council to act quickly to pass a resolution supporting the transfer of authority to the Interim Government and encouraging greater involvement by the international community in Iraq's stabilisation and rehabilitation.

The Interim Government's composition includes six women and reflects the ethnic and religious diversity of the Iraqi people. It includes Iraqis who suffered under Saddam's brutal tyranny as well as those forced to flee the country.

While circumstances in Iraq will remain challenging as terrorists and retrograde Iraqi elements try to disrupt the political process, the Coalition and the United Nations are committed to helping the Iraqi people forge ahead with their transition to representative government.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02-6277 7500, Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555