"Problems are mostly inherited from the previous regime, but we are definitely looking toward a democratic phase," he added, sounding an optimistic note.
Speaking about the difference between this election and the previous one, the ambassador said: "Unlike the previous one, participation is high across Iraq, and the turnout is about the same. That's very important."
Iraqi electoral authorities said that despite violence the voter turnout in March 7 parliamentary elections was 62.4 percent. Sunni voters, many of whom boycotted the elections in 2005, had a much higher turnout than the past.
"Secondly, this time, the entire operation and the management of the election was undertaken by Iraqis. Iraqi forces are completely responsible," he said.
With regard to the capability of the Iraqi forces, he expressed confidence that Iraqi forces will continue to secure the country even after the complete withdrawal of the U.S. military forces.
Related:
U.S. expert: More Sunnis vote in Iraq as violence decreases
WASHINGTON, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Sunni participation are high in Iraq's recent parliamentary election as violence has decreased, said a U.S. expert on Middle East affairs on Tuesday.
"The most striking difference is the much higher participation by Sunni voters," Marina Ottaway, the Director of Middle East Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said during an interview with Xinhua. Full story
