Iraq: SRSG Ad Melkert meets with representatives of the Kurdish Alliance in the CoR
Both sides have reiterated the importance of holding a census in 2010. They stressed the importance of gathering census data for supporting comprehensive development and long term planning for the rebuilding and prosperity of Iraq and that census data should be used for the development of proper civil and voter registries. Mr. Melkert emphasized the international community's commitment to provide the necessary support to government institutions conducting the census.
The SRSG expressed his willingness to meet with the officials of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region to further discuss outstanding issues between the Federal Government and the KRG, including Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. Mr. Melkert reiterated the UN's support to reach a satisfactory and sustainable political agreement on these issues in order to promote security, stability and democracy in Iraq.