UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the approval by Iraqi lawmakers of amendments to electoral laws. Ban stated that the January 2010 elections will be a “crucial opportunity” to advance national reconciliation and contribute to Iraq’s political progress. Ban reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to support the country’s electoral commission responsible for conducting the elections. He also encouraged the Iraqi people “to participate in a process that will shape their country’s future.’1

• 1. “Ban welcomes Iraqi elections decisions,” Khaleej Times, November, 9, 2009, at http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2...