UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's special representative for Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, said Thursday that the challenges facing the Iraqi people have never appeared more daunting.

He told the Security Council in an open meeting that the key challenge for the government of Iraq is to develop a truly national agenda that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis.

Discussing the secretary-general's recent report on the country, Qazi said that Iraq today has become one of the most violent areas in the world.

Given Iraq's importance and potential, its neighbors and the wider international community have a vital stake in helping Iraq become a peaceful, stable and prosperous partner, fully integrated within the region and the international community, Qazi said.

The International Compact with Iraq could become an important vehicle towards this end, he added.

He noted that the secretary-general has taken the initiative to convene a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters on Sept. 18, which will review progress in the implementation of resolution 1546 and review the development of the International Compact.

The UN chief, in a press briefing on his recent tour to the Middle East, said Wednesday most leaders in the Middle East think the US-led invasion of Iraq and its outcome were a "real disaster" for the region.

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2006)