Iraq's national conference must be as inclusive as possible, Annan says4 August 2004 – Iraq's upcoming national conference must be as inclusive as possible, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today, pledging the Organization's support in reaching this goal.
"Every attempt should be made to bring into the tent some of those outside the tent," he told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.
He said the UN had discussions with various Iraqi officials and encouraged the Government to delay the conference in order to bring in more participants. "We felt it was more important to have a well-organized and inclusive process rather than organizing it on time, because you may organize it on time but get it all wrong," he explained. "And we are continuing the efforts, working with them to expand the participation."
Asked whether the UN has received pledges of troops to protect its workers in the country, he said that while there had been no firm offers, "We have been in negotiations with about half a dozen countries."
Mr. Annan noted that also under discussion is a Saudi proposal to deploy an Islamic force to protect UN staff and eventually take over from the multinational force and work with the Iraqis. "But even if that is going to happen, I think it is going to take some time," he added.
In a related development, a UN spokesman today reported that Carina Perelli, the chief of the UN's Electoral Assistance Division, has replied to press questions about possible delays in Iraq's elections by stating that planning is being undertaken on the assumption that the polling will take place by January next year.
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