UN envoy says accountability, justice measures “Iraqi affair”

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The special representative of the United Nations secretary general for Iraq, Ad Melkert, has described the Accountability and Justice Commission’s measures as an “Iraqi affair.” This came during his meeting with the head of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), Ammar al-Hakeem, according to a statement released by the council and received by IraqiNews.com news agency. The two officials have discussed the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled to take place on March 7, the statement noted. The Accountability and Justice Commission had banned many candidates from running in the upcoming parliamentary election, citing their alleged affiliation to the dissolved Baath Party. The commission’s decision has evoked varied reactions in Iraq and the United States. SS (P)/SR 2