UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the approval of a law in Iraq's parliament that would pave the way for the country's general elections.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban said "this decision now paves the way for preparations for national elections to be held in January," AFP reported on Sunday.

"These elections will be a crucial opportunity to advance national reconciliation and contribute to Iraq's political progress," Ban added.

He urged all political blocs and their leaders to exercise "true statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit of national unity."

The vote on the bill governing the country's second national election since the 2003 US-led invasion was delayed for several weeks over a number of disagreements among Iraqi lawmakers, including the format of the ballot papers and how the polls should be run in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.

The election, due to be held in early 2010, is considered crucial to consolidation of the war-torn country ahead of the withdrawal of the US combat troops by August and a complete pullout by the end of 2011.

Ban also noted that the UN is committed to support Iraq's electoral commission to organize the ballot.

MGH/SC/DT