UN envoy welcomes International Mission for Iraqi Elections Assessment Team report

The top United Nations envoy for Iraq welcomed today’s report of the International Mission for Iraqi Elections (IMIE) Assessment Team and called on all parties to note its recommendations for future elections.

With the conclusion of this report, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi encouraged all to look to the future establishment of a government that would be both inclusive and representative, according to a statement issued by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in Baghdad.

The Assessment Team report was a response to concerns expressed by a number of parties in regard to the 15 December election.

Mr. Qazi also welcomed the statement of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) and congratulated it on the conduct of last month’s election and for supporting a transparent electoral process in Iraq. The Electoral Commission has stated that it will announce preliminary results, including seat allocations, tomorrow.

In another development, UNAMI announced today that it had coordinated the delivery of relief items to about 100 families whom were displaced by recent flooding in Safwan in Basrah province.

Working with the local Iraqi Red Crescent Society and the Basrah Governor’s office, which has taken the lead on coordinating the humanitarian assistance to the displaced families, about 70 tents, 500 blankets, 100 stoves and 70 plastic sheets were distributed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health officials equipped and staffed a temporary, tented primary health care facility. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) provided funding to support the draining of flood water in the affected area.

UN agencies have identified an additional 50 families at risk of displacement if the rainfall continues at current levels. The UN is monitoring the situation to optimize assistance to those in need.