Talks Begin in Iraq On Political Transition

Brahimi Arrives In Iraq For Talks On Political Transition

Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Adviser, Lakhdar Brahimi, arrived in Iraq this evening at the invitation of the parties to help them with the transitional process, a United Nations spokesman announced.

Mr. Brahimi and his aides join a UN technical team, headed by Carina Perelli, already in Iraq to assess what needs to be done in order to hold credible elections by 31 January 2005.

The mission will also identify what mechanisms and electoral modalities will make implementing these tasks feasible by that date, and determine the appropriateness and degree to which the UN can facilitate the process.

Last month, Mr. Annan received letters from both Iraqi leaders and officials of the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) asking for UN assistance with the transfer of sovereignty at the end of June and with preparations for elections before the end of January 2005.

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