BEIJING, Oct. 18 -- Hamdiya al-Husseini, member of the Independent Elections Commission of Iraq, says that 9 of Iraq's 18 provinces have a voting turnout of more than 66 percent in the landmark referendum on the draft constitution.

    Two provinces have rejected the draft, but the final result will be clear in the following few days. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari assured that every sign shows that the constitution can finally pass.

    However, if two thirds of voters in any three provinces say no in the referendum, the constitution will be vetoed and the parliament will then be dissolved.

    Meanwhile, the trial to Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will be held as scheduled on Wednesday. US State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, highlighted the importance of the trial.

    "Saddam's trial is going to be an important process for the Iraqi people. A very dark chapter in their history is coming to a close," Sean McCormack said. 

    Also on Monday, UN Secretary-general, Kofi Annan, expressed his concern on the after-vote situation in Iraq, though he pointed out that the vote represents a chance for the country to move away from violence and toward unity.

    "Will the violence cease after this process? I don't know what we can legitimately expect, given what we have known, but at least they have choosen ballots, not bullets," Annan said. 

    Annan said that UN will fully support Iraq's general elections held by the end of this year to form a new parliament if the constitution is adopted. He said the UN will spare no effects to help Iraq if it requires.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)