U.N.: Most Iraqis seek a greater U.N. role

UNITED NATIONS, April 11 (UPI) -- The chief U.N. representative in Iraq says nearly all sectors of that society now want the United Nations to play a larger role.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Ashraf Qazi also told the 15-member panel that with Iraq transitioning through the writing of a new constitution and holding fresh elections, the world organization wants to see all factions of Iraqi society participating.

"Almost without exception, Iraqi interlocutors want the United Nations to assume greater responsibilities and a greater visibility in Iraq," Qazi said. "The new transitional institutions in Iraq will need continued and active support from the United Nations, the region and the international community at large."

However, he also said improved security was vital for any U.N. expansion of its operations and the faster Iraqis can be trained for assuming such a responsibility, the better.