U.N. issues February forecast for Iraq

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council expects the Iraqi provincial elections and considerations of the role of the United Nations there to top reports due later this month.

The Security Council said in its February forecast it expects a variety of developments to top the list of events in Iraq when the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq issues its next report Feb. 18.

The forecast noted political tensions and other considerations were still evolving as Kurdish leaders joined members of the Shiite Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council in an attempt to counter the influence of Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Early election results from the Saturday voting suggest Maliki and his State of Law coalition won major concessions at the polls, however.

Meanwhile, the Security Council said it was anticipating developments on the political reconciliation front as the Iraqi Parliament considers the replacement for Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani, who stepped down last year amid political pressure.

The forecast noted the security situation in Iraq showed remarkable progress, with civilian deaths down nearly 63 percent in the latter part of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007.

The report said the United Nations may consider a variety of options for its role in Iraq, including expanding its role there by appointing a dedicated negotiator to the country.