In Iraq, Brahimi Continues Talks On Political Transition
New York, May 13 2004 2:00PM
United Nations Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi continued his consultations in Iraq today, meeting with a former head of government as part of the effort to prepare for the transition to sovereignty set for 30
June.
In addition to having talks with ex-Prime Minister Najib Taleb, Mr. Brahimi met with representatives from a group of
Arab nationalist parties.
The envoy also held a meeting with members of the network of Iraqi women, representing women active in civil society, as
well as with political and religious leaders from Fallujah.
Meanwhile in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan was asked about the scandal over images of Iraqis being abused by prison guards. "There's no doubt that the mistreatment of the prisoners has caused a real and
deep damage," he replied. "We are carrying on with our work, and Mr. Brahimi is in touch with a large group of Iraqis
and I hope they'll be able to focus on the work ahead in establishing an interim government without letting the prison
issue…hold them back."
He also reiterated how horrible the image of the beheading of a US civilian had been. "We need to really urge everyone
to respect the international norms and the rules of law and treat prisoners decently in accordance with the Geneva
Convention," he said.
2004-05-13 00:00:00.000