Experts to discuss Iraq election

[cal04]

A conference to discuss preparations for next month's elections in Iraq is being held in Canada. But the closed-door event is so secret, organisers will not even reveal the identity and number of the delegates.

However, it is known that some of those attending the forum are international electoral experts, including a number from Arab countries. The subject of the conference - hosted by Canadian election officials in the capital Ottawa - is clearly sensitive.

The election campaign officially kicked off in the middle of last week, ahead of the elections on 30 January. Yet such is the level of violence in Iraq so far, there have been few signs of rallies or campaigning there. A key issue believed to be under discussion at the Ottawa forum is how international observers can monitor the vote when Iraq has become increasingly dangerous for foreigners.

Canada has been anxious to play a positive role in the rebuilding of Iraq. It opposed the US-led war there but has recently been trying to repair relations with the US. It is believed Mr Bush asked Canada to host the conference when he visited Ottawa at the beginning of this month. Canada is often seen as an ally of the US but neutral enough to play the role of honest broker.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4110133.stm

[anarchy1999]

1. "EXPERTS" , What experts and why are they secret?

Why can't we let Iraq rebuild itself with Iraqis themselves? That is all they want. They were about to be declared a 1st world country prior to our intervention in encouraging them to wage war against Iran. What the hell is going on?

On edit:

Rummy and all the rest of you get the hell out, you deserve to be removed. I love France./ You all deserve to be beheaded with that machine.