UN remains committed to helping Iraqi Government and people, envoy says

Meeting with Iraq's Prime Minister in Baghdad, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative has reviewed the overall political and security situation and pledged the continued support of the United Nations to the country's Government and people.

During Sunday's talks, UN envoy Ashraf Qazi welcomed Ibrahim Al-Jaafari's efforts to promote dialogue, reduce sectarian tensions and bolster the political process at this critical period in Iraq's history. He noted that a forthcoming conference in Brussels could provide added impetus to this effort.

Mr. Qazi stressed that both the constitutional process and the transition itself would benefit from an inclusive approach whereby all Iraqi constituencies were represented and reiterated the UN's readiness to support the Iraqi Government and people through national dialogue, technical advice, donor coordination of international assistance as well as through its humanitarian projects and programmes.

Under the umbrella of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), 18 UN entities are working together to coordinate international aid to Iraq and to offer assistance in rebuilding the country.

Assistance covers education, culture, health, water and sanitation, infrastructure and housing, agriculture, water resources, the environment, food security, mine action, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), governance and civil society, poverty reduction, human development and electoral support.