Interim Iraqi President Sheikh Ghazi Ajil Al-Yawer vowed here Tuesday afternoon that the Iraqi elections will be held on time.

Al-Yawer, who is in Brussels to visit the European Union (EU) headquarters and the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), made the pledge at a press conference after he held talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

"I made commitments (to Solana) on our deadline and we will hold the elections on time," said Al-Yawer.

Responding to the skepticism of ensuring a fair and democratic election against the worsening security situation in Iraq, the Iraqi president said the current situation is "saddening," which is undermining a safe and free society in Iraq.

He promised that his government is exerting every effort to ensure a safe environment and save lives, and called on the international community to help his country move towards security and stability.

"We need help from everybody," he said.

However, the president said the elections would be held on time unless the United Nations officials in Iraq consider the situation unsuitable and decide to re-arrange the elections.

The Iraqi State Administration Law, the interim constitution signed last March, stipulates that the election of the National Assembly (to elect its 275 representatives) be through a plebiscite before the end of January next year.

Source: Xinhua