In Iraq, Brahimi continues talks on political transition

United Nations Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi continued his consultations in Iraq today, meeting with a former head of government as part of the effort to prepare for the transition to sovereignty set for 30 June.

In addition to having talks with ex-Prime Minister Najib Taleb, Mr. Brahimi met with representatives from a group of Arab nationalist parties.

The envoy also held a meeting with members of the network of Iraqi women, representing women active in civil society, as well as with political and religious leaders from Fallujah.

Meanwhile in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan was asked about the scandal over images of Iraqis being abused by prison guards. "There's no doubt that the mistreatment of the prisoners has caused a real and deep damage," he replied. "We are carrying on with our work, and Mr. Brahimi is in touch with a large group of Iraqis and I hope they'll be able to focus on the work ahead in establishing an interim government without letting the prison issue…hold them back."

He also reiterated how horrible the image of the beheading of a US civilian had been. "We need to really urge everyone to respect the international norms and the rules of law and treat prisoners decently in accordance with the Geneva Convention," he said.