U.N. backs minorities in Iraqi elections

BAGHDAD, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The U.N. envoy to Iraq issued a statement Thursday calling on Baghdad to restore articles in the provincial elections law for minority representation.

The Iraqi Parliament in September passed the long-awaited provincial elections law, paving the way for a vote in January. The measure, however, set aside provisions dealing with elections in disputed Kurdish territories. Article 50, a measure mandating a designated number of seats for minorities, was left out of the bill as well.

Staffan de Mistura, the top official at the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq, called on the government to include the measure by Oct. 15, when an election committee meets to vet nominations for the elections.

"Article 50 has the backing of minority groups, political blocs and UNAMI and should now be reinstated into the legislation as soon as possible, so minorities can participate in the upcoming elections," he said.

De Mistura noted the United Nations would continue working with Iraqi officials following the conclusion of festivities marking Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

Several groups, including many Iraqi Christians, took to the streets throughout Iraq during the weekend in protest of the exclusion.