UN POLITICAL CHIEF VISITS IRAQ AHEAD OF KUWAIT SUMMIT

UN POLITICAL CHIEF VISITS IRAQ AHEAD OF KUWAIT SUMMIT New York, Apr 21 2008 2:00PM The top United Nations political official has just wrapped up a three-day visit to Baghdad, during which he met with members of the world body's mission there, as well as senior officials of the Iraqi Government and the Multinational Forces (MNF), ahead of a meeting of Iraq and its neighbours set to begin tomorrow in Kuwait.

While in Baghdad, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe addressed staff of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (<"http://www.uniraq.org/">UNAMI) at a town hall meeting, in which he expressed strong support and appreciation for their valuable work under difficult conditions.

He was briefed on the situation in the strife-torn country and UN assistance to the Government and people of Iraq in areas covered by Security Council resolution <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/res/1770(2007)">1770, including elections, reconciliation, the resolution of disputed boundaries, human rights and humanitarian concerns, as well as UN support for reconstruction and development.

He also toured UNAMI facilities and the international zone in which the mission is located.

In addition, Mr. Pascoe had meetings with Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdel Mahdi and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih.

Prior to departing Baghdad today, he held discussions with United States Ambassador Ryan Crocker and with the MNF Force Commander, General David Petraeus.

Mr. Pascoe now heads to Kuwait, where he will attend, on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a meeting of Iraq and neighbouring countries.

The Under-Secretary-General is expected to brief the Security Council on Iraq next week.
2008-04-21 00:00:00.000

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