UNSC calls for respecting rule of law in Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Members of the United Nations Security Council called for respecting rule of law, stressing the importance of integrity and unity of Iraq, according to an official statement. “Council members stress the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq,” said a Council press statement, which was read to reporters by French Ambassador to the UN Gerard Araud, who holds the rotating Council presidency for the month of February. This statement came after a Security Council meeting concerning the situation of Iraq, particularly in regards to the upcoming legislative elections, which is scheduled for March 7. The Council statement also stressed the preparation toward the “holding of elections that are free, transparent, legitimate and inclusive with broad participation in order for the results to reflect the will of the Iraqi people and be accepted by them.” The UN secretary-general’s special representative to Iraq, Ad Melkert, told reporters after the meeting that “security remains a big challenge to Iraqis and to the intentional community.” “Iraqi and international observers are preparing for watching elections, particularly through the EU (European Union),” Melkert said. He stressed in particular the preparation of candidate lists, calling for a “transparent and consistent process.” SH (S) 1