United Nations Radio

Expressing dismay at the recent wave of kidnappings in Iraq, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all abducted Iraqi and foreign civilians.

His appeal follows similar concerns voiced by the UN Envoy in Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, who has called on all political leaders to ensure that their supporters and activists show restraint ahead of next week's elections. Mr. Qazi met with Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali-Sistani to ask him to encourage Iraqis to vote in next week's general elections.