Iraq: top envoy discusses UN role in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts24 August 2004 – The top United Nations envoy for Iraq, continuing his first visit to the country' since his appointment last month, today discussed the world body's role in reconstruction and development efforts with senior officials of the Interim Government.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi and Planning Minister Mahdi al-Hafez focused on reconstruction efforts in cities like Najaf and Al-Sadr city in Baghdad, the scene of fierce fighting in recent days. "Unemployment and poverty lead to the proliferation of crime and terrorism," Mr. al-Hafez said.
The two also discussed the Government's development priorities, with the minister calling for an active UN role in his country's reconstruction and rehabilitation programme as well as in the transitional political process. Iraq's Minister of State Kassim Daoud attended the meeting.
Mr. Qazi pledged the full support of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to support the Iraqi people in cooperation with the interim government, security circumstances permitting.
Also on the agenda was UN assistance in the process leading up to general elections slated to be held over the course of 2005.
Yesterday Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi requested that the UN envoy assist in preparing for a national conference that would focus on the acute social and economic problems in poverty-affected areas in Iraq's major cities.
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