ARABS-UN - Nov 6 - Annan Warns Against Attack On Falluja.

UN Sec Gen Kofi Annan, expresses "increasing concern" over a planned US-Iraqi government offensive in Falluja, the Sunni rebel town in Iraq, warning that it risks alienating Arab nationalists from the country's elections due at the end of January. In a letter to the leaders of the US, the UK and Iraq, he said an escalation in violence could be "very disruptive for Iraq's political transition", as well as putting civilian lives as risk. "Ultimately, the problem of insecurity can only be addressed through dialogue and an inclusive political process", wrote Annan. "The threat or actual use of force not only risks deepening the sense of alienation of certain communities, but would also reinforce perceptions among the Iraqi population of a continued military occupation". Sir Kieran Prendergast, the UN's political affairs chief, refused to comment on the letter, but explained the UN's concerns. The most important function of Iraq's elected constituent assembly, he said, was to draw up a constitution that would "determine the future of Iraq, and stability in Iraq, for a long time to come". But constitutions only worked when there was a broad base of input and consultation. While Kurds and Shiite were expected to vote in large numbers, "the issue is: are there communities that are alienated, and what can be done to encourage them to come into the process" he asked. US and Iraqi officials were believed to be angry at the interference, especially given the UN's low numbers of staff in the country. The UN said it was seeking to increase those numbers, but without giving specifics. A spokesman for the UK mission to the UN said Britain would listen to the UN's views, but claimed Falluja was an issue for the Iraqi government. The UN responded that there was some cause for hope. In Iraq, US forces showed no hesitation, sealing all roads to Falluja Nov 5 and urging civilians to flee, as they launched fresh strikes. "The American forces call on women, children and civilians to leave Falluja for their own safety", they said in a leaflet. Col Michael Shupp: "We are making last preparations. It will be soon. We are just awaiting orders from PM Allawi". The US military claimed that overnight air raids had destroyed a command post, arms caches and rebel positions in the city. Hospital workers said the raids had killed three people.