ANKARA - ''Elections in Iraq constitute a proof regarding Iraqi voters' belief in democracy,'' stated Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Releasing a statement the Ministry said, ''low participation in certain parts of the country or nearly no participation in several cities, as well as imbalances in results due to manipulations in certain regions, including Kirkuk, are serious issues.''
''A healthy assessment about Iraqi elections can be made only after official results are announced,'' added Turkish MFA.
''It is known that several elements tried to hijack the voting and these elements won unjust advantages. Thus, the results of the elections will now be far from reflecting the real ratio of various segments of Iraqi society within the Iraqi interim parliament,'' noted the Ministry.
Foreign Ministry stated, ''we hope Iraqi Independent Election Commission will investigate the claims of irregularity and take necessary steps. Also we expect the UN to make necessary investigation within the scope of the resolution 1546 of Security Council.''
''The target of elections is to establish an Interim Parliament in Iraq. Unfortunately, the deficiencies raised serious question marks regarding whether this target will be reached or not fully . Thus, for the sake of political process in Iraq, it is obligatory to remove gaps in representation in the administration as well as the imbalances regarding the efforts to prepare new constitution and elections, which will be held at the end of the year. The UN will certainly have to undertake a more effective role during this process,'' said the Ministry.
''We hope the irregularities will not be repeated in general elections which will be held at the end of the year,'' the Ministry also noted.
Foreign Ministry stated, ''Turkey will pursue the dialogue with all parts of Iraqi people and support national unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Turkey will also continue to assume a role in international cooperation to establish a permanent peace and stability in the region.''