The UN’s representative in Iraq, Ad Melkert, recently visited Mr. Sistani in the southern city of Najaf.
At the same time, according to Azzaman daily in London, the Secretary General of the National Iraqi Movement, Dr. Saleh Mutlak, who is also a senior official in the Iraqiya bloc, revealed that the UN has launched an initiative meant to end a political stalemate in Iraq with respect to the formation of a new government.
Dr. Mutlak told Azzaman that Mr. Melkert has contacted various Iraqi coalitions for this new initiative. He added that the UN seeks to facilitate a national reconciliation and is trying to bring together various parties.
Dr. Mutlak also suggested that the UN took up the opportunity after the Iranian regime failed to form its desired government in Baghdad.
He was quoted by Azzaman as also saying that although the UN will not directly participate in negotiations, it “will be present on the scene,” and will coordinate its attempts with the US.