Regional involvement key to helping Iraq, UN envoy tells Syrian official

Meeting in Damascus today with Syria's Foreign Minister, the top United Nations envoy to Baghdad said regional involvement is key to helping Iraq achieve stability and national reconciliation.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative, Ashraf Qazi, and Foreign Minister Walid Muallim discussed recent developments in Iraq and their impact on the region, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Mr. Qazi stressed the need for greater regional engagement in support of the efforts by the Government of Iraq in reducing violence, bringing greater stability and promoting national reconciliation among all Iraqis, UNAMI said in a news release.

On the issue of families forced to leave their homes, he praised Syria's generosity in hosting such a large number of Iraqis and discussed ways in which the UN could assist in alleviating their needs.

The Special Representative's visit to Damascus is part of a regional tour aimed at hearing the views of Iraq's neighbors and encouraging them to contribute to the Government's successful efforts to reduce violence, bring greater stability and promote national reconciliation.