SC/8704
IK/543
26 April 2006

Press Statement on Iraq by Security Council President

NEW YORK, 25 April (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of today's statement to the press on Iraq by Security Council President Wang Guangya (China:

The members of the Security Council welcome the election of the Presidency Council, Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Council of Representatives, as well as the nomination of Prime Minister al-Maliki.

The members express the hope that the constitutionally elected Government of Iraq can now rapidly be formed.  They stress the importance of that Government being as broad based, representative and effective as possible.

* *** *