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Iraq

Iraq: The World Health Organization establishes permanent office in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, 28 June 2008 - The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Iraq, Staffan de Mistura, is pleased to announce that the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a permanent Office in Baghdad.

WHO's representative in Iraq, Dr. Nae'ema Al-Gasseer will be permanently based in the Iraqi capital.

The decision has been taken as part of current United Nations efforts to provide greater support to ease the plight of the Iraqi people.

'We will continue to provide more support to the Iraqis through our programs in many areas of activity', Mr. de Mistura said, expressing his appreciation for such a move, which responds to the provision of an expanded United Nations presence on the ground, as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1770.