United Nations Radio

Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the Special Representative for the Secretary-General condemns the assassination of five Iraqi electoral candidates, killed while campaigning for the provincial council elections, which are scheduled to take place on January 31st, 2009. In an interview with the UN Radio, the SRSG expresses disappointment in the killings, but remains confident in a successful election. In addition, Mistura says the election is a step forward in increasing the involvement of both Sunnis and women in the voting process. Mistura concludes the interview by expressing concern over the challenge of security and distrust in Iraq, but maintains that the situation has improved despite the current setback.
Full audio and cuts available below.