I am very pleased to have this opportunity to welcome you here today. I would like to thank you for participating in this forum on such short notice and in such cold weather! My duties prevent me from being there to welcome you in person.

We all recognize that this is a crucial time in Iraq's political transition. The best way to ensure Iraq's stabilization is a democratic, inclusive and credible political process, which respects both the form and the spirit of Resolution 1546.

Next January's vote is an important milestone. It will be an opportunity for Iraqis to elect a truly representative government, one which respects their rights and reflects their aspirations. But none of us can lose sight of the continuing political programme throughout the next year. The constitutional referendum in October 2005 and the elections in December 2005 create a full and challenging agenda. This series of milestones also creates a window to build the capacities and tools of good governance in Iraq.

By all accounts, there has been remarkable progress in preparing for elections. The security challenges have been formidable, and the timelines tight. Amid all this, I commend both the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq and the United Nations for their hard work, their resolute courage, and their personal dedication to the task.

Having said that, I also believe that the international community has a role to play in this process. We must do our part to create a stable and prosperous Iraq. It is in our own interest to provide assistance to the Iraqi authorities and the United Nations so that they can organize credible elections, not only in January, but again in October and December 2005.

The meeting held in November in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which I attended, was an opportunity for the international community, including some countries whose electoral experts are here today, to demonstrate its political support for the process launched by Resolution 1546.

Today's forum helps us move beyond political declarations to practical actions. It is an occasion to address the equally important technical aspects of this process. You are all here to explore ways to support the good work of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq and the United Nations. I hope that today's forum will allow for a meaningful exchange of ideas, views, and visions on how the international community can assist in a credible vote.

I am deeply impressed by the array of elections experts from around the world, gathered at this conference. Along with my counterparts, I will be looking to your ideas on how we can ensure this election is a success, despite the difficulties posed by a very challenging security environment.

Canada is committed to a credible, inclusive and democratic political process in Iraq, including elections. We have already contributed $20M to the United Nations elections appeal. We would like to provide technical assistance as well. Canada has internationally-recognized experience that has been contributed, again and again, in transitional processes of democratization around the world. We have a great deal of expertise in elections – and as Prime Minister Martin has said, we are prepared to offer it in the interests of a better future for Iraqis.

In closing, I would like to thank Elections Canada, which is hosting and chairing this forum. Elections Canada, which has already distinguished itself on numerous occasions by giving others the benefit of its experience and supporting democratic electoral processes, is well placed to chair this meeting. I want to commend today's chair, Jean-Pierre Kingsley. You are definitely in good hands.

I wish you fruitful discussions and I look forward to the results.

Thank you.