SG/SM/6038
IK/206

SECRETARY-GENERAL RECEIVES ASSURANCES FROM IRAQI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ON SITUATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ

The following statement was issued on Sunday, 1 September, by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General:

Early this afternoon, the Secretary-General received a telephone call from Tariq Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. Mr. Aziz informed the Secretary-General that the situation is calm in Arbil. This assessment has been confirmed by United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad.

Mr. Aziz further stated that from its inception, the intervention in Arbil was temporary and limited to preventing possible intervention from Iran on the side of one of the Kurdish parties. Mr. Aziz further said that Iraqi troops had received instructions to withdraw from the region.

The Secretary-General continues to follow the situation in northern Iraq closely. His greatest concern is for peace in the region and for the well- being of United Nations observers. He will do everything possible to ensure the safety of the United Nations staff.

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United Nations