Iraq's neighbours call for UN to play central role in supporting its political transition

Urging all sections of Iraqi society to participate in their country's upcoming elections, the foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbours concluded a meeting today in Amman, the Jordanian capital, by stressing the importance of the United Nations in supporting the political process there.

In a statement released after the one-day conference on the situation in Iraq, the officials also voiced thanks to the UN for its work so far in promoting national dialogue and consensus-building ahead of the elections - slated for 30 January - and the drafting of a new constitution.

Ashraf Qazi, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, told the meeting that the UN will continue to do whatever it can to support Iraq during the nation's political transition.

Earlier, Mr. Qazi held separate bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Kuwait and Turkey, and with the head of Iran's delegation to the conference.