US Ambassador ready to help Iraqis agree on constitution (05/08/05)

US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad has said that it is very important that Iraqis agree on a new constitution. In a recent interview, he also expressed his willingness to help facilitate consensus among the constitutional drafters.

US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad

"What is lacking in Iraq now is the buy-in of all Iraqis into this new political system," Khalilzad said in an interview with CNN on 1 August in Baghdad.

"I'm prepared to help in any way I can to facilitate. I have told them that I'm available at any time if they need my help."

Khalilzad said that the constitutional drafters have indicated they will not seek an extension beyond the 15 August deadline.

Speaking at the opening of a new electrical power plant in south Baghdad on 1 August, Khalilzad said that Iraq can and will succeed and that the United States must remain determined and flexible in its support of Iraq.

Source: Iraq Revenue Watch