NATO congratulates Iraqi voters, pledges support

The alliance promised to step up support for the Baghdad authorities as they seek to develop their security forces.

NATO has congratulated the Iraqi people for the national elections and said the alliance will step up support for the Baghdad authorities as they seek to develop their security forces.

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"These elections should lay the foundation for a brighter future for the country," said NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on Sunday. "I congratulate those who courageously participated in the democratic process, and condemn those who committed acts of violence in an attempt to derail it."

In a statement, de Hoop Scheffer said the international community must "do its full part" in helping the Iraqi authorities provide for their own security.

NATO has about 100 military personnel in Baghdad on a mission to train senior Iraqi officers and is coordinating international efforts to find equipment for the new Iraqi forces.

"The alliance will increase that support in the coming months," de Hoop Scheffer said, without giving specifics.

NATO has struggled to find enough instructors to expand the mission so it can set up a military academy outside the Iraqi capital. Opposition led by France and Germany has prevented the alliance from playing an active role beyond the training mission and logistics support to Polish troops serving with the US-led coalition force.

"I am confident that the entire international community will do more to help the new Iraqi Government to meet the many challenges it faces as it takes office," de Hoop Scheffer concluded.