The United Nations Security Council today met in closed session to discuss a draft resolution on Iraq, while Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi continued contacts in Baghdad aimed at helping the Iraqis set up a transitional government to receive sovereignty on June 30.

Brahimi's appointments included talks with French Representative Bernard Bajolet in the Iraqi capital.

A spokesman for Brahimi said the UN envoy has not yet finalized his recommendations on any positions in the new Iraqi government, "contrary to speculation otherwise."

In a statement issued in Baghdad, spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said the process of consensus building was still ongoing, but progress was being made. "(Brahimi) remains of the view that it needs to be - and can be - brought to closure very soon, so that the new government will have sufficient time to prepare to assume power and engage in meaningful consultations on the forthcoming Security Council resolution," he said.

Brahimi was reluctant to provide more details "at this delicate stage" - including any commentary on names - so as not to risk undermining the process or putting individuals in compromising positions, the spokesman added.

"In this instance, however, in order to ensure that wrong conclusions are not drawn, Brahimi confirms that he has met Hussain el-Shahrestani on a number of occasions," Fawzi said. "He thinks very highly of him, values his advice, and has not doubt that Shahrestani could serve his country well in a number of positions in government.

"Shahrestani, however, has himself clarified that he would prefer to serve his country in other ways." - UN News