The website for the Iraqi Council of Representatives is a bloody shambles.

On the fifth anniversary of the march against war, Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, sends an upbeat, if brief, update on the progress of legislation in Iraq:

‘The Council of representatives has this week taken three important and positive steps for the future of Iraq. Confirmation of the 2008 budget releases record resources for services and reconstruction. The Amnesty Law lays the foundation for greater Sunni reintegration in Iraqi politics. The Provincial Powers Law moves Iraq closer to a new round of provincial elections. There is now a clear desire on the part of Iraq’s political leaders to reach out to each other in a spirit of compromise, and use the space created by the improved security environment to make real progress on reconciliation. I hope this positive atmosphere continues. Political reconciliation is key to Iraq’s development as a secure and stable country’.

And that’s it.

It sounds like good news but not wishing to be fooled again, I’d be keen on seeing the breakdown of the parliamentary votes passing the legislation. How did it split across sectarian lines. Were there any abstentions and how many? What about a transcript of the debate to get a flavour of any horsetrading that may or may not have taken place? It’s not on the parliament’s website, in any language

I know it sounds cynical, and I’m sure David is a very nice man and trying very hard. It’s just that he wouldn’t recognise a clear and honest view of events in Iraq if you got Leonardo Da Vinci to paint it for him.