Jack Straw has offered an upbeat assessment of the progress being made towards holding democratic elections in Iraq.

The foreign secretary, who is visiting the country, said he was "encouraged" by progress being made.

He was speaking in Baghdad on Wednesday after talks with the country's independent electoral commission.

Despite continuing violence, Straw insisted that "another Iraq" was being created.

However, he conceded that the terrorists would cause problems unless they are defeated before the elections take place.

Speaking to reporters about the election process, Straw said "the technical progress, I think, is impressive".

"You now have the draft electoral registers, based on the food ration registers. Why not?," he added.

"I discussed with them the issue of public information, which is clearly of great importance.

"We were obviously determined to do everything we could to ensure the security council's deadline of January 31 is met, and I've been impressed and encouraged by what I've heard today."