UN chief welcomes elections in Iraq, calls for disputes' settlement

"The secretary-general commends the women and men of Iraq for their determination to make their voices heard through the ballot box on October 10. He notes the extensive efforts made by the relevant electoral and security bodies to ensure the largely peaceful conduct of the early parliamentary elections, called for by the people of Iraq in their quest for reform, accountability and a better future," Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, as stating. 

"The secretary-general urges all stakeholders to show patience and respect for the electoral timeline while the Independent High Electoral Commission tabulates the results, to resolve any electoral disputes that may arise through established legal channels, and to complete the electoral process by forming a government as soon as possible," said the statement. 

Guterres reaffirmed that the UN remains fully committed to supporting the government and people of Iraq, it said.