The project, of which $49 million remains unfunded, focuses on providing Government ministries and local authorities with technical assistance and capacity-building support in the areas of urban governance, housing, infrastructure and basic services.

“This is a historical moment in marking the partnership between the Government of Iraq and UN-HABITAT,” said Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, in a televised address, reminding the international community of its obligation to help Iraq meet the social and economic targets set out in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Naeema al-Gasseer, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, said that the UN is “increasingly engaged in ensuring a high level of consultation and concrete action with the Government of Iraq to rebuild housing throughout the country and further develop Iraq’s urban planning infrastructure with an emphasis on overcoming climate change challenges.”

“Hand in hand with Iraq, the UN's goal will be to continue improving the lives of ordinary Iraqis,” Ms. Al-Gasseer added.

The launch of the UN-HABITAT Iraq Country Programme for 2009-2011, in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation, was attended by several senior representatives of Iraqi ministries, representatives of the international community in Baghdad, including UN agencies and donors.

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Mr. Ban has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Ad Melkert, who has served as Associate Administrator of UNDP since 2006, to succeed Staffan de Mistura as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq and head of the UN mission in that country (UNAMI), UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

Ms. Montas said that Mr. Melkert, 53, brought a unique combination of political experience and economic and development expertise to the role from his work as a government minister and member of parliament in the Netherlands and as a senior official at UNDP and the World Bank.

“As a result, he enters with a deep understanding of the nature of the challenges and priorities that face Iraq at this phase of its transition,” she said.

Ms. Montas said Mr. Ban was also grateful to Mr. de Mistura for his “valuable leadership in a challenging security environment in Iraq.”

UNAMI is tasked with assisting in the reconstruction of Iraq, the implementation of the International Compact with Iraq and the process of national reconciliation and inclusive political dialogue.

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The weekend attacks in the capital, Baghdad, and the northern city of Mosul reportedly killed at least four people, and injured dozens more, including children.

“This campaign is aimed at terrorizing vulnerable groups and preventing the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups in what is one　 of the world’s cradles of religious and ethnic diversity,” said Ad Melkert, the newly-appointed Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq.

Mr. Melkert, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), called on all parties, including the Government, to redouble their efforts to protect minorities in the country.

This will contribute to preserving Iraq’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, he added.

An upsurge in attacks, threats and intimidation had forced more than 12,000 Christians to flee Mosul – Iraq’s second largest city – last October. Some of them later returned after hearing that the security situation had improved.

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