Elections for a new Iraqi government would be possible by January 2005 - but only if preparations begin immediately, the United Nations stated in a report released Monday. Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN secretary-general's envoy to Iraq warned of increased violence and ethnic strife. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday that a "more secure environment" in Iraq is necessary for the United Nations to play a full role in helping set up an interim government and elections. In a speech to Japan's Parliament, Annan also urged Iraqis and others to recognize the distinct identity of the UN and not confuse it with the country's various power-brokers.