Arab press mull Iraqi elections

Calls for direct elections in Iraq have generated conflicting comment in the Middle Eastern press.

Iraqi papers are divided over the wisdom of calling for elections at this stage.

But papers from all over the region agree that the country is at a most critical point in its history.

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The direct election of an interim national assembly is the demand of all Iraqis who accept no other option, because they no longer approve of half-solutions. It has long been the demand of their religious authority... Today, Iraqis will agree to no other alternative than their right to democracy and general elections.

Al-Adalah - Baghdad daily published by Sciri (Iraq's main Shia group)

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We consider the call for elections as fraught with dangers, especially if held before transferring security and reconstruction administration, enacting an election law and conducting a population census. It may open the doors of hell, while Iraqis are living through the most critical turn in their lives... It is far from an exaggeration to say that any elections intended to shape Iraq's identity and future will need at least two years of preparation.

Al-Zaman - Baghdad edition of daily London-based paper

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We will surely cross the long distance separating us from the free, independent Iraq... After all the destruction that has befallen us, the Phoenix will certainly rise from the ashes again. Our people can make miracles, should they find which course to take.

Al-Manarah - independent Basra daily

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The situation in Iraq is becoming more complicated as 1 July approaches - the time agreed by the Interim Governing Council and US occupation authority to start handing over authority to the Iraqis.

Iraq seems to be at a very serious and sensitive crossroads. Issues emerging day after day about Iraq's future under the occupation and after its withdrawal threaten to further complicate the situation.

Al-Ahram - Egypt

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Regaining security, starting the operation to reconstruct Iraq, returning life to normal, and ending violence are issues of priority at the moment to enable political forces to take part actively in the election exercise. It also marks the start of the independence of the country and the restoration of its sovereignty.

Akhbar al-Arab - UAE

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The Iraq of today and tomorrow is in need of a genuine reconciliation as well as a historic settlement.

Al-Safir - Lebanon

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.