UN chief hails initial Iraqi parliamentary poll results

United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon Monday welcomed the announcement of preliminary results of parliamentary election in Iraq, and looked forward to the final tally and subsequent timely formation of a new government.

Ban "looks forward to the certification of the final results after all procedures have been completed, including the adjudication of possible appeals", Xinhua quoted a statement issued by Ban`s spokesperson as saying. Final vote tally released Monday for Iraq`s April 30 nationwide parliamentary elections showed a strong lead by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki`s bloc, raising his chances to remain on the post for a third term despite fierce opposition and worsening security. "The Secretary-General urges all political parties to engage constructively and in a timely manner in the process of government formation," it said. According to the statement, the Secretary-General was also concerned about the security situation in Anbar province. Ban urged the Iraqi government to ensure that military operations against terrorism are conducted in accordance with the country`s international and constitutional human rights obligations.