Staff security remains key constraint to UN activity in Iraq - Annan

Staff security remains the overriding constraint for all United Nations operations in Iraq, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report to the Security Council on the work of the UN mission in the country.

With the risk to UN personnel in Iraq categorized as "high to critical," the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and UN agencies will continue to limit their activities inside Iraq to the essential tasks, according to the report.

The Secretary-General says his new Special Representative for Iraq, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, will focus on helping the country's people to implement the proposed transitional timetable leading to the establishment of a constitutionally elected government by the end of 2005. To this end, Mr. Qazi will work closely with the Iraqi authorities, political entities and civil society.

The Security Council has scheduled consultations next Wednesday to discuss the report.