Press encounter with the Secretary-General following his meeting with Vice President Adel Abdel Mahdi of Iraq

SG: I am very much encouraged by witnessing myself the great strides in democracy and progress you have made during the last two years, since my last visit in 2007. I like to particularly commend and congratulate the people and government of Iraq for successfully carrying out the provincial elections last week. This is clearly a demonstration of your capacity to lead your country on your own. The election was Iraqi-led, Iraqi-owned.

This was a great step forward toward a fuller democracy; this was a process of participatory democracy and with the increased security of your society. The United Nations will continue to work very closely with the Iraqi government and people; working together in providing humanitarian assistance, in helping promote human rights and also facilitating a political reconciliatory dialogue. Though this was a good achievement, there needs to be more, for much, much fuller democracy - much more participatory - as well as in terms of promoting human rights, caring for all these people who need support. The UN stands ready to work together with the Iraqi people.