UN confirms "notable" decline in hostilities in Iraq

New York - The United Nations acknowledged Monday a marked decline in hostilities in Iraq, helped by the cumulative effect of an increase in US troops, the declared ceasefire by Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr and the role of Iraq's Awakening Councils. Iraq's neighbours also worked on security-related issues to help achieve the 'notable decline,' Staffan de Mistura, the Swedish diplomat who heads the UN mission in Iraq, told the UN Security Council in a public meeting. 'We cannot ignore the recent improvements both in the security and political situation in Iraq,' he said. But he warned that the main challenges in the war-torn country remain 'largely unaltered.' De Mistura said the Iraqi government has taken long-overdue steps towards national reconciliation and inclusive political dialogue, including the adoption on January 12 of the Justice and Accountability Law and increased dialogue with the Sunni Arab bloc. The government has also signalled its intention this year to demonstrate its ability to administer a state that enjoys 'the broadest support and can deliver basic services and security guarantees, all the while supported by credible and independent institutions.' De Mistura pledged UN cooperation in various fields, ranging from the return of refugees and economic reconstruction to addressing health issues like cholera. © 2008 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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UN confirms "notable" decline in hostilities in Iraq

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