09/04/2004

Annan demands protection for Iraqi civilians

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has voiced his concern at the recent clashes in Iraq and called for a step up in efforts to protect civilians and end hostilities.

The Secretary-General called upon all sides to respect international law and urged all parties to allow full access to civilians who may require urgent medical help and other assistance.

Mr Annan also called for inclusive dialogue and a "patiently pursued" political process involving all Iraqi constituencies.

Mr Annan's Special Adviser, Lakhdar Brahimi, currently in Iraq to help with preparations for the June 30 transition to the Iraqi sovereign government, called upon all sides to end a conflict which "does not serve anyone's interests".

Mr Brahimi said that the UN looked forward to the restoration of sovereignty to Iraq and that the UN was trying to contribute to the formation of a government that will take over power in Iraq on 1 July.

Around 500 people, both Coalition and Iraqi, have been killed since the start of serious hostilities in Fallujah on Sunday.

(gmcg)

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