15 January 2004	Thursday	22 Ziqa'ad 1424

UNITED NATIONS Jan 14: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, has called a meeting on January 19 to try to determine what role the Iraqi Governing Council and the US-led coalition want the United Nations to play as Iraq moves from US occupation to a democratically elected government.

While heeding calls to return to Iraq Mr. Annan has said repeatedly he would not risk the lives of staffers unless the world body has a major role in the country. The UNSC scheduled closed-door consultations on Wednesday to discuss a request from Iraq for a meeting with the body on Jan 19 as well.