Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in northern Iraq

Media reports as well as eyewitness accounts from Human Rights Watch indicate widespread intimidation and displacement in and around the city of Kirkuk and in other areas.

The Secretary-General is concerned that unless the security vacuum that now exists is quickly addressed, there is a very real prospect of population displacement in Iraq.

The Secretary-General appeals to all concerned to respect fundamental human rights principles, including the right to live free from intimidation and forced expulsion.