Melkert reviews U.N. role in Iraq next Thursday

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The United States Institute of Peace will hold a session next Thursday on the U.N. role after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, during which it will host the U.N. Special Representative Ad Melkert, according to a statement. “In recent years, the United Nations has emerged as an indispensible actor in Iraq, implementing a broad mandate which includes political dialogue and national reconciliation, electoral support, regional dialogue and humanitarian relief and reconstruction,” said the statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “As the U.S. role in Iraq diminishes, the U.N. and other international partners will be looked at to take on even greater responsibility,” it added. The session will be run by Ambassador William Taylor, Vice President of the U.S. Institute of Peace, responsible for Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations. SH (P) 1