Najaf, 1 June 2014 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Nickolay Mladenov today visited the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in his residence in Najaf.
His Eminence and the SRSG discussed the recent elections and the post-electoral environment. His Eminence thanked the UN for its support to the IHEC and the election process, and both agreed that the Council of Representatives’ election was organized in a professional manner. "It is important that any outstanding appeals of the election results are resolved through the legal process", Mr. Mladenov said.
Both his Eminence and the SRSG agreed that it is important for the government formation process to be completed within the constitutionally mandated timeline, while his Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sistani stressed that the future government should be inclusive with the substantive participation of all components.
The situation in Anbar province and the humanitarian needs of those who have been displaced by the fighting was also reviewed. His Eminence was saddened by the suffering of the people of Anbar, and agreed with the SRSG that a comprehensive solution needs to be found that will allow for violence to end and for the people to return to their homes. "The UN stands ready to work with the Iraqi authorities on resolving the crisis in an inclusive manner and helping rebuild the areas affected by the fighting", Mr. Mladenov stated.