AGREEMENT ON IRAQI ELECTION LAW MEANS POLLS CAN GO AHEAD IN FEBRUARY – UN OFFICIAL

AGREEMENT ON IRAQI ELECTION LAW MEANS POLLS CAN GO AHEAD IN FEBRUARY – UN OFFICIAL
New York, Dec 7 2009 10:10AM
The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq today congratulated the Council of Representatives on finalizing the country's election law, making it feasible to hold parliamentary polls next February.

Ad Melkert, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, stated that the mission (<"http://www.uniraq.org/">UNAMI) has worked with members of the Council over the past few weeks to facilitate a process leading to a broad agreement.

"Although the debate appeared intense at times it was always conducted with dignity and focused on Iraq's democratic and political progress," he noted in a news release.

Since the law was finalized by 6 December, UNAMI has advised all parties that it is feasible to hold the elections on 27 February 2010.

Mr. Melkert reaffirmed that the UN stands ready to assist the Independent High Electoral Commission to meet this goal.
Dec 7 2009 10:10AM
________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/