The convening of this meeting could not come at a more appropriate time. The daily tragedies that we are witnessing in Iraq demands renewed focus and determination to seek collective solutions, whether among Iraq 's political and communal leaders or as here among concerned governments. Despite the achievements that were realized by the Iraqi people and leadership last year, this did not improve the living conditions or security which has seen a deterioration since the destruction of the shrines in Samarra . Moreover, the human rights situation in Iraq is still of major concern to all international and local parties.

In my recent speech to the Security Council, I warned that the situation was not yet that of civil war but that the scale and scope of political violence in Iraq might degenerate into further chaos, if not contained and controlled before it is too late. I sincerely hope that this meeting of the League of Arab States will be seen as a turning point where real help will be offered.

The United Nations is proud to have assisted the League of Arab States in the convening of the National Accord preparatory conference in Cairo last November 2005. The meeting was the first real sign that Iraq 's political leaders could, with wise and neutral facilitation, discuss the nature of the problems facing the political process and begin to find common ground. As we are all aware, following the increase in tension in the aftermath of Samarra has been part of a series of cumulatively negative developments. They undermined the promise of Cairo . More importantly these events increased the fear that the political process will fail with dire consequences for the prospects for peace and reconstruction in Iraq .

This meeting provides you as Arab states with an opportunity to restate some fundamental points of agreement on Iraq . Firstly, Iraq urgently needs a government that is capable of articulating common aspirations and tackling its duties with a shared sense of responsibility. To the fullest extent possible a government in such a crisis situation should seek to govern by consent and win the trust of Iraq 's citizens regardless of their ethnic and sectarian background. While fully upholding respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, the international community has a duty to caution Iraq 's political leaders that there is no alternative to the creation of a national government. An administration which is perceived as merely a loose collection of interest groups will not succeed and is far below what Iraqis deserve.

Secondly, a new atmosphere is needed in Iraq to establish mutual confidence and a more imaginative political discourse built on demonstrating mutual respect and political flexibility. Reading so much commentary on the current situation one is struck by the appearance of only two alternatives: civil war or the dismemberment of the country which are not desired by the Iraqi people. Thus, an inclusive political process built on objectives which are directed to serve the public national interest should be given priority. These in turn depend on the willingness of Iraq 's leaders to see beyond their opponent's identity politics, and to articulate a future vision of Iraq that sees in multilateralism an important balance to serve Iraq 's national unity.

Thirdly, at the local and international levels, lack of adequate security, is considered as serious impediments to rehabilitation and reconstruction and disruption to basic services, all have a huge financial and social cost. In such an environment, no assistance programs whether by the UN and World Bank or by bilateral or regional donors can compensate such losses. In order to limit these losses, political violence, criminal activity or the weak links between local and central authorities shall be addressed. When realizing this end, huge gains await for investors and citizens alike. In order to reach such a peace dividend, all Iraqi parties have to work towards achieving joint national reconciliation instead of local conflicting interests. The constitutional review process may be considered as a good opportunity to reach this end. A wide-base government that realizes fair participation in power and wealth will not be achieved, unless the political process is marked by group competition instead of national programs and ideas.

Fourthly, the neighboring and regional states have a special responsibility to assure the Iraqi people that their involvement in supporting Iraq 's political process is intended to ensure the success of the national accord. Cairo 's preparatory conference was considered as positive starting point. After the establishment of the national unity government, we hope that the conference that will be held in Baghdad in June 2006 and that it will strengthen the national and regional support for the Iraqi political process. This meeting shall send a firm message that Iraqis have not been abandoned by the international community, that Arab solidarity supports all of Iraq's communities and that support is on offer in helping Iraq move beyond this most difficult challenge.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) stands ready to provide support to these efforts, in accordance with its mandate.

Finally, I would like to offer my special thanks to the Arab League, on the top of which it's Secretary General, Mr. Amre Mousa, for holding this important conference. I also would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to the Government and the people of Sudan for their warm hospitality.

God it is who bestows success,

Peace, God's Mercy and Blessings be upon you