Baghdad Green Zone blasts concern U.N.

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A U.N. spokesman says the world organization's concerns about security in Iraq have been underscored by recent bombings in the Baghdad Green Zone.

The spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters at U.N. world headquarters in New York, senior U.N. envoy Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, arrived Monday in the Iraqi capital and will have a number of meetings with political leaders and multinational force officials.

"Let's see what comes out of those meetings," Dujarric said in response to questions, noting the violence highlighted the world body's concerns about safety.

Dujarric noted the United Nations has not heard back formally from the multinational force concerning a dedicated unit that would deal with security for U.N. people and property in Iraq. He said a response was soon expected.