The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed Iraq"s amended electoral law which sets up parliamentary elections in January, which a UN official said signals the maturity of Iraqi democracy, according to dpa. The council discussed the election plans, one in a series of democratic steps undertaken by Baghdad to consolidate its democratic reform, and it praised the amendments to the law made last week. The council reaffirmed in a statement "its commitment to Iraq"s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity" and emphasized "the importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people, the region, and the international community." Both the council and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged "all political blocs and their leaders in Iraq to demonstrate true statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit of national unity." --SPA
