Ban sends envoy to Iraq

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is sending a special envoy to Iraq to discuss security issues with government officials following a weekend attack.

Suicide bombers struck government buildings in Baghdad during the morning commute Sunday, killing more than 150 people in the coordinated attacks. A similar attack struck the Iraqi capital on Aug. 19.

Iraq called on the United Nations to conduct an investigation following Sunday's attacks to determine if any foreign governments were behind the latest string of bombings.

Baghdad blames foreign elements for the attacks. Branches of al-Qaida in Iraq issued separate claims of responsibility for the bombings.

Ban told reporters he was responding to the request by sending a top envoy to Baghdad.

"In response to a request from the government of Iraq, I will send Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco to Iraq," he said.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani called for an independent commission to examine the Aug. 19 attacks during talks before the U.N. General Assembly in September.

Ban said such a commission would require a U.N. Security Council mandate.

The attacks come as Iraqis prepare for national elections scheduled tentatively for January. Lawmakers have been unable to agree to amendments to a 2005 election law, however, putting the Jan. 16 election date in jeopardy.