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In the hands of Allah

The former Pakistani ambassador to the United States is tackling his risky new position as the U.N. envoy in Iraq with a mix of caution and hope.

Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, whose predecessor Sergio Vieira de Mello was killed in a suicide bombing in Baghdad a year ago, said farewell this week to Washington friends at a Pakistani Embassy reception.

In an interview with United Press International, Mr. Qazi this week said the United Nations is taking "the necessary precautions" to resume operations in the Iraqi capital.

Asked about concerns for his personal safety, he replied: "One is so busy, one did not have the time to worry. Life and death is in the hands of Allah."

Mr. Qazi said his primary concern is for the Iraqi people "who have suffered so much."

The ambassador, who served two years as Pakistan's envoy in Washington, met last month in Baghdad with Iraqi leaders representing rival Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, political opposition groups, women's organizations and relief agencies.

"The Iraqi people are welcoming the return of the United Nations to Baghdad," Mr. Qazi said. "They have high hopes of having free and credible elections, of promoting dialogue and reconciliation."

He described the U.N. agenda as "fairly broad" with a focus on preparing for an election next year, establishing a constitutional government and promoting the reconstruction of the country.

He praised Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani for his support of democracy and said he is prepared to meet with rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.