At meeting of Iraq's neighbours, envoy pledges UN's commitment to helping Iraqi people

The United Nations envoy for Iraq today told a meeting of the country's neighbours and the eight leading industrialized nations that the world body remained committed to helping the Iraqi people and stressed the importance of this month's elections.

The comments by Ashraf Qazi, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, came at a meeting in Cairo that brought together representatives from Iraq's neighbouring countries, the Arab League, the Group of Eight industrialized nations and the Security Council's permanent members. The meeting is intended to follow up on a conference held last November in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Mr. Qazi briefed the participants on UN efforts to support the Iraqis through the transitional process, including the provision of technical support and strategic advice for the 30 January balloting.

The UN envoy also met with Iraq's interim Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, and discussed with him the preparations for the elections to ensure that they are comprehensive and successful. They also discussed the political and security environment in the country.