Fréchette pledges continued UN support to Iraq in next stages of transition

Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette has promised Iraq's Independent Electoral Commission continued United Nations support in the next stages of the country's transition to democracy.

Meeting with Commission members at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday, Ms. Fréchette congratulated them for a very commendable performance under very difficult conditions in holding elections for a transitional national assembly in January.

The commissioners expressed their gratitude for UN support for the vote. In the months leading up to the 30 January vote, the UN Electoral Assistance Division lent advisory and technical help to the Commission in overcoming formidable obstacles and deploying thousands of poll workers and tons of material.