LONDON, Aug. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday hailed the publication of Iraq's draft constitution, calling it "an important and historic achievement."

    The ethnic and religious diversity of Iraq made drafting a constitution "a particularly complex task. But compromise is the essence of democracy," Blair, who is in vacation in Barbados, saidin a statement issued by his office.

    "This text is testimony to the determination of the Iraqi people to build a free, secure and democratic future. It protects the rights of all Iraq's communities and the unity of Iraq," the statement said.

    "The small minority who have chosen violence over democracy will no doubt respond with bloodshed and intimidation. But they can be defeated if Iraq's communities work together to build a unified Iraq in which the rights and interests of all are respected," said the statement.

    "It is vital that each of those communities participate fully in the democratic political process, including the referendum in October and elections in December," added the statement.

    On Sunday, Iraqi leaders presented the final draft of a new constitution to parliament, ending weeks of tortuous negotiation without winning the endorsement of representatives of the disgruntled Sunni Arab minority. The constitution will be put to the Iraqi people in a referendum on Oct.15. Enditem