SRSG Melkert highlights Iraq mission

BAGHDAD, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Economic recovery, social development and political stabilization are the key elements for the U.N. mission in Iraq, the newly appointed special envoy says.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Ad Melkert as his new special representative of the U.N. secretary-general for Iraq, taking over for Swedish diplomat Staffan de Mistura.

Melkert, a former member of the board of directors at the World Bank, welcomed the appointment, saying it was a special honor that required careful consideration.

"I spoke with many people who knew Iraq and with my family," he said. "The conversation was not easy at first, but they understood the importance of the U.N. in Iraq and that the U.N. role is significant."

Apart from general reconstruction, Melkert said he would hold important talks with Iraqi officials regarding Iraq's status under a U.N. Chapter VII mandate, which classifies Iraq as an international security threat.

Baghdad maintains it is a vastly different country than it was under Saddam Hussein, adding it hoped the United Nations would reconsider its position and remove Iraq from Chapter VII.

Melkert said his efforts would go toward helping Iraq take a position within the community of nations by improving security and government functions.