UN envoy for Iraq hears briefing on situation in Fallujah

The United Nations envoy for Iraq today met with a delegation of religious, tribal and civil society leaders from Fallujah for a briefing on the situation in the troubled city.

Ashraf Qazi, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, expressed concern about civilian casualties in Fallujah, according to a UN spokesman in New York. Mr. Qazi also expressed the hope that a peaceful settlement of differences will bring about an end to violence and use of force.

The UN envoy also asserted that the world body will do everything it can to contribute to a successful political transition and to a peaceful resolution of differences in Iraq.