Fiji To Provide Security For UN Officials In Iraq

FIJI TO PROVIDE SECURITY DETAIL FOR UN OFFICIALS IN IRAQ

New York, Oct 20 2004 2:00PM

Fiji has agreed to provide a protective security detail for senior United Nations officials in Iraq, as well as a guard unit for UN facilities in Baghdad, a spokesperson for the world body said today.

In addition, Australia has confirmed that it will provide most of the equipment to the Fijians, Marie Okabe said in New York.

Voicing gratitude to the two governments for their “critical” contribution, Ms. Okabe said this would “make it possible for the UN to consider expanding its activities in Iraq, as circumstances permit.”

Meanwhile in Iraq, Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Representative, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, held a series of meetings in Baghdad with representatives of Iraqi civil society, diplomats and others on means to advance the political process and the role the UN can play in promoting national dialogue, Ms. Okabe said.

The talks also focused on national elections planned for next January, security and the human rights situation as well as efforts to encourage a broad based-dialogue and reconciliation in Iraq, she added.

Mr. Qazi reiterated the UN’s commitment to fulfil its mandate under Security Council resolutions and to serving the Iraqi people, highlighting the support the UN is providing to the country’s Independent Electoral Commission and the rebuilding process, according to the spokesperson.

2004-10-20 00:00:00.000

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