U.N. election chief extends Lebanon stay

BERUIT, Lebanon, May 18 (UPI) -- The U.N.'s Electoral Assistance Division director will remain in Lebanon another week, providing technical support for May 29 parliamentary elections.

Carina Perelli, who was also involved in preparing for elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, announced Wednesday said she will remain in Beirut and continue "an extensive series of meetings with government officials and political figures regarding the upcoming elections."

The U.N. team arrived in Beirut May 6 and was scheduled to be expanded prior to May 29 in order to assist in the coordination of international election observers.