Powell: U.S. Would Respect Iraq Election Results if Voting Is Free, Open

[steve2470]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBFPDXCL0E.html


WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday the United States would recognize the election of a Shiite Muslim government in Iraq provided the voting is free, fair and open.
But in an interview with Abu Dhabi television, Powell said it was unlikely Iraqis would elect a radicalized government or one that would not protect the rights of all Iraqis.

As violence persisted, and U.S. diplomats scrambled to enlist other countries to protect U.N. election-helpers, Powell acknowledged: "We realize it's a difficult situation."

He was less firm in expectations for elections by the end of January than he had been in the past, while in New York, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said elections were only "technically possible" by that target date.

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[demokatgurrl]

1. Let's hope the election results get the same respect here. n/t

[takumi]

2. JUST SHUT UP 'Colon'!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. An irony-rich statement.

The rest of the world would respect U.S. election results if voting is free, open.

[aden_nak]

4. How about we work on getting US elections free and open?

[JuniorPlankton]

5. Oh, really?

Why is it even discussed?
What's the choice?

[bowens43]

6. They're starting to back pedel.

They will say that it's obvious that any election that would put a Shiite Muslim government in power wasn't fair , free and open.

[Lefty48197]

7. Better send Katherine Harris to certify the election.

We wouldn't want any funny business you know.

[Az_lefty]

8. Who exactly are they going to be voting for???

If it's a write in ballot, Osama will win.

[Amigust]

9. Iraq's so-called January election will be a sham.

There are relatively few election professionals working on the Iraq election, compared to what they need to do it effectively. This is only a hint of what is to come.

The neocons will see to it that it turns out the way they want.

imho

[saigon68]

10. Allawi US Puppet elected in "Free and Open " Election

Headline in Baghdad newspaper Feb 2005

[BiggJawn]

11. Another lie from Colon Bowell...

Hey, Colon, Your lie, My Li....Heh-heh, get it?

Sometimes I think he's the "soldier" Bush keeps talking about getting "hauled in fronta that World Court..."

[flordehinojos]

12. Colin NARCISSUSS Powell has some chutzpah!

Talking about "free, fair and open elections" when his boss-on-puppet-string stole election 2000 and is making everything possible to steal the election again!

The cast of characters currently in the white house are a nightmarish bunch!