UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan commended the Iraqi people on Friday for their active nationwide participation in the past elections, and pledged continued support on the path to peace and democracy in the strife- torn country.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Annan said "the participation by all communities in this historic election is another milestone in Iraq's progress towards a democratic future and lays the foundation for national reconciliation."

"Whatever the results of the election, there is now an opportunity for a political process that offers all Iraqis the chance to play a part in building a peaceful, democratic, unified and prosperous Iraq," the secretary-general said. "The United Nations will stand with them in this endeavor."

Paying tribute to the courage of the Iraqi people and welcoming the healthy voter turnout and the relatively calm election-day atmosphere, Annan said he was very pleased that the UN electoral team in Baghdad was able to make a contribution to the process.

"I am proud of the role they have played in supporting the Iraqis," he added.

Iraq held the general election on Thursday, with about 15 millions of voters casting their ballots to elect their first four- year full term parliament after former president Saddam Hussein was toppled in the US-led invasion in March 2003.

Source: Xinhua