United Nations, 19 March 2004 (RFE/RL) -- A top UN official says there is great support in Iraq for the United Nations to help set up an interim government and prepare for elections.
A chief adviser to the UN secretary-general, Lakhdar Brahimi, told reporters today that by all indications, Iraqis are "overwhelmingly" demanding a UN role.
"The majority of the people of Iraq, within and outside of the Governing Council, are really demanding and pressing the United Nations to come back," he said.
Brahimi reported after a visit to Iraq last month that the country would need at least eight months before it could hold proper elections. Officials of the U.S.-led coalition running Iraq want the UN to help Iraqis reach a consensus on transitional governing structures before the 30 June handover of power.
Some members of the Iraqi Governing Council and Shi'ite leaders have said this month they do not support a lead UN role. But the Governing Council this week formally invited the UN to help shape the political process. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to announce shortly when UN experts will return.
"The majority of the people of Iraq, within and outside of the Governing Council, are really demanding and pressing the United Nations to come back," he said.
Brahimi reported after a visit to Iraq last month that the country would need at least eight months before it could hold proper elections. Officials of the U.S.-led coalition running Iraq want the UN to help Iraqis reach a consensus on transitional governing structures before the 30 June handover of power.
Some members of the Iraqi Governing Council and Shi'ite leaders have said this month they do not support a lead UN role. But the Governing Council this week formally invited the UN to help shape the political process. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to announce shortly when UN experts will return.