UN playing 'constructive' role in Iraq

WAR TORN: A Baghdad woman in front of a home destroyed by a US air strike. Ki-moon's top political adviser said the world body was playing a constructive and positive role. (AFP)

UN chief Ban Ki-moon's top political adviser said after concluding a three-day visit to Baghdad Monday that the world body was playing a "constructive role" in Iraq, according to a statement released by his office.

"Despite the many challenges facing Iraq, I believe the United Nations is playing a constructive and positive role and will continue working to build a peaceful and prosperous Iraq," UN Under Secretary General Lynn Pascoe said.

During his stay in the beleaguered Iraqi capital, Pascoe held talks with Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdel Mahdi and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih.

The UN official said the two Iraqi leaders both expressed appreciation for the work of the UN in Iraq and suggested areas where the world body could do more.

Mahdi and Salih both welcomed the UN's assistance regarding the resolution of disputed internal territories, preparations for governorate elections before the end of the year, help to refugees and internally displaced persons, and facilitating political dialogue and national reconciliation, Pascoe said.

He added that the two also welcomed UN efforts in backing humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, particularly "helping to build a positive momentum for the development and implementation of the International Compact with Iraq".

During his stay, Pascoe, toured UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) facilities and met with senior officials of the Iraqi Government and the US-led Multinational Forces (MNF).

He conferred Monday with US Ambassador Ryan Crocker and with the MNF Force commander, US General David Petraeus.

Late Monday, Pascoe, who is to brief the Security Council on developments in Iraq next week, arrived in Kuwait to attend an international conference on Iraq beginning Tuesday.

Foreign Ministers from major Western powers and Iraq's neighbors are to attend the conference - the third of its kind - including those of arch-foes Iran and the US.

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