Maliki says Iraq secure for expanded U.N. role

Source: Reuters

Maliki says Iraq secure for expanded U.N. role
Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:28pm EDT

By Claudia Parsons

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri
al-Maliki met ministers from world powers and neighboring
countries on Saturday after telling the U.N. Secretary
General he could guarantee security for a broader U.N.
role in Iraq.

Ministers from Iraq, its neighbors and world powers met at
U.N. headquarters, with Washington expected to press for
implementation of a Security Council resolution passed last
month on raising the role of the world body in Iraq.

The meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly
brought U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice together
with her Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, at a time
of tension over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Washington also
accuses Iran of backing militants in Iraq.

At U.S. and British urging, the Security Council last month
voted to assign the United Nations an expanded political
role in Iraq, including promoting reconciliation between
rival factions and dialogue with neighboring countries.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2222118120070922