United Nations: The United States (US) said that its representative would attend the January 19 meeting, called by Secretary-General Kofi Annan along with Iraqi Governing Council to pin point the role UN (United Nations) is expected to play in the days leading to self-rule in the country.

It was, however, yet unclear at what level the representation would be even though Annan would like it to be at a high level so that its assurances would carry weight.

"I can tell you that the US will be represented and will be appropriately represented. I cannot at this moment identify who that representation will be," US Ambassador to the UN, John D Negroponte said.

One the major concern of the United Nations is the security situation in the country and Annan says he would decide whether the role assigned to the world body is worth the risk involved with the continuing violence.