United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon revealed that the organization’s role in Iraq will be expanded, but additional staff won’t be sent to the war-torn country until security is improved.

In a speech held at the opening of a meeting of foreign ministers on Iraq organized by the UN, the South Korean diplomat said the UN will provide aid and logistical support, but personnel is not going to be deployed in the following period due to ongoing violence. 

“The UN stands ready to broaden its activity in support of the people and government of Iraq. This is a responsibility I take very seriously,” Ban said Saturday.

He outlined that violence is still at dangerous levels and that is the main cause of a limited UN ground presence in Iraq. Four years ago insurgents bombed the UN headquarters in Baghdad and killed 22 staff members.

“The security is still unstable, and I would really hope that the security would be ensured as soon as possible,” Ban said after the conference ended. “The safety and security of our staff is of paramount importance.”

Last month, the UN Security Council revealed plans for a wider implication of the world body in the reconstruction process and national reconciliation. The council also called for an expansion of UN employees, saying 30 more staff members should be sent to Iraq, but once again the flare up of violence postponed the deployment.

UN’s plans were welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki who said security is slowly improving and underlined the importance of reconciliation between religious factions.

“National reconciliation is the best way to bring about stability and security,” al-Maliki said during a joint press conference with Ban Ki-moon. “Force does not bring about peace.”

Twenty foreign ministers attended the UN-sponsored meeting which was aimed at establishing new strategies to be adopted in Iraq and the contribution of other countries, especially those neighbouring Iraq.

The conference was also welcomed by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who said the progress made during discussions reflect “a real commitment from the international community, from Iraq's neighbours.”

“It's the international community's responsibility to help (Iraqis) in their efforts at reconciliation and their efforts to live in peace and unity,” she said.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said both Iraq and members of the international community have “to work collectively to find solutions,” outlining that peace can only be reinstated if Iraqis make firm steps towards national reconciliation.

“The international community must, through the United Nations, strengthen its presence to support those internal and regional dynamics,” Kouchner said.

Saturday’s meeting preceded the annual session of the UN General Assembly, that will start Tuesday in New York.