UN Envoy Discusses Fallujah Fighting With Iraqi President
The top United Nations envoy for Iraq today discussed the situation in Fallujah with Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar,
focusing on humanitarian conditions in the town and the impact of the hostilities on the civilian population following
the United States military attack there.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi also discussed preparations for national elections
scheduled for late January, and efforts to create a political and security environment conducive for holding a credible
and comprehensive poll.
The meeting came a day after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour voiced deep concern over the situation
of civilians caught up in the fighting in Fallujah, which US forces have seized from insurgents.
She said all those guilty of violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws - including deliberate
targeting of civilians, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, killing of injured persons and the use of human
shields - must be brought to justice, "be they members of the Multinational Force or insurgents." She also voiced
concern about poor access to humanitarian aid.
The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has been closely monitoring the situation in Fallujah, and has provided
medical and other essential supplies to the civilian population in cooperation with non-governmental organizations and
Iraqi ministries.
Mr. Qazi has been meeting with various Iraqi officials and political and civic activists to explore means by which the
United Nations can contribute to advancing the political process in Iraq.