UN election team arrives in Iraq

Carina Perelli heads the first group of experts

A team of UN elections experts has arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to help prepare for elections expected to be held by the end of next January.

Members of the team will also advise on the formation of a new interim government set to take power from the US-led coalition at the end of June.

The UN has said it is relying on the coalition forces to protect the team.

It pulled all its staff out of Iraq in October following two suicide attacks on its headquarters.

The team is headed by Carina Perelli - the director of the UN electoral assistance division.

A second group of UN officials - led by the UN envoy to Iraq Lakhdar Brahimi - is expected to arrive next week.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan earlier said the team was being sent in response to an Iraqi request for help.

Political help

Washington originally called for UN help after its plan to choose the government through caucus style meetings was widely opposed.

After visiting Baghdad in February, Mr Brahimi said elections were impossible before the US handover in June because of time constraints, but he suggested other options for selecting a government, including expanding the Governing Council or holding a conference.

He said the UN was willing to help with arrangements if asked.