Ban Ki-moon willing to consider expanded UN role in Iraq

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UNITED NATIONS, Jun 12 (AFP): UN chief Ban Ki-moon is willing to consider "an expanded (UN) role and presence in Iraq," provided "adequate protection and security arrangements" are put in place, according to a report released Monday.
Citing growing calls for a larger UN role in Iraq, Ban said in his quarterly report on activities of the UN mission in Iraq:
"circumstances permitting, I would consider an expanded role and presence in Iraq where possible."
"For this, clear direction from the Security Council and the government of Iraq would be essential and better coordination with our major international partners would also be welcomed," he added.
He underscored the need to create "the necessary infrastructure and operational conditions" for the world body to expand its presence there, particularly ensuring "adequate protection and security arrangements, air support and, in particular, the construction of secure facilities."
Ban expressed hope that the 15-member Security Council and UN member states would continue to provide "strong political and logistical support" for the UN presence in Iraq.
Asked about Ban's comments, US Ambassador to the UN Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters: "I believe there's room for the UN to do more in Iraq."
The US envoy specifically said it would be "appropriate for the UN to play a greater role with regard to national reconciliation and regional cooperation with Iraq."
The United Nations cut back the number of its staff in Iraq after its headquarters in Baghdad was bombed in August 2003, killing its special representative in the country, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and others.
On the security situation, the UN chief noted that, despite the efforts of Iraq and US-led multinational security forces to stem the violence, "progress was slower than had been hoped when security initiatives were launched at the start of 2007."
Ban came face to face with the reality of the security challenge in Iraq last March when a mortar round landed in a garden 40 metres (yards) away while he was addressing a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad.
US President George W Bush announced in January that the United States was deploying more than 21,500 additional troops to Iraq, bringing the total to 160,000 by June.
US General David Petraeus, commander of allied forces in Iraq, is due to report back in September on the US troop surge's impact, as many Democratic lawmakers agitate for an early withdrawal of US troops.