Iraq: UN envoy talks with neighbouring countries on latest developments

Continuing his efforts to secure the support of Iraq’s neighbours for the political transition, the top United Nations envoy in the war-torn country held talks today with Kuwaiti officials, who pledged their continued backing for the world body’s mission.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi met in Kuwait City with Kuwaiti Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, briefing him on the UN’s role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation among Iraqis of different political and religious persuasions.

Shaikh Nawaf Al-Sabah expressed his support to and appreciation of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) effort and pledged Kuwait’s continued support, a Mission statement said.

Mr. Qazi discussed with Kuwaiti Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs Khalid Suleiman Al-Jararalla the results of a ministerial meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

The envoy’s meetings in Kuwait as well as his visit to Iran last week are the latest in a series of exchanges with Iraq’s neighbours that he has conducted since the spring.