UN expands mission in Iraq

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11 (AFP): The Security Council Friday unanimously agreed to expand the UN mission in Iraq despite the high level of insecurity in the country and resistance by United Nations staff.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon said after the vote that the United Nations is "deeply committed" to helping the Iraqis.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to now enhance where possible our contributions in crucial areas such as national reconciliation, regional dialogue, humanitarian assistance and human rights," he told reporters.
"A peaceful and prosperous future is for the Iraqis themselves to create, with the international community lending support to their efforts."
The secretary general said the United Nations would try to facilitate talks among rival parties in Iraq and the region.
"Promoting and encouraging political facilitation and dialogue among different factions and ethnic religious groups -- this will be one of the important areas where the United Nations will be engaged," said Ban.
The resolution presented by the United States and Great Britain, approved by all of the council's 15 members, extends the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which expires Friday, by one year.
The measure permits the expansion of the UN staff in Iraq and paves the way for a UN special envoy "as circumstances permit" to "advise, support and assist" the Iraqi government in a wide range of matters -- political, economic, legal, and human rights among them.