YouSaid · the spoken record

De Mistura

lines on the record: 707
first: 2008-01-21
most recent: 2018-12-20
sittings or episodes: 34
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I thank in particular my two excellent deputies. My personal respect goes out to our national staff, the Iraqi United Nations colleagues, who have seen many authorities come and go, have been the backbone of our presence over the years and have worked tirelessly to restore and rebuild Iraqi communities. At the same time, we constantly had the feeling that the international community in Iraq was not only behind us, but, as members have been proving and showing all the time, beside us in fact each step of the way, speaking in one voice and taking a united approach to the Iraqis' needs. That has been one of the strengths of the Mission. I believe that we as a mission managed to build our credibility on, first, our presence.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“I want therefore to take this opportunity to thank sincerely all the donors around this table and elsewhere who have contributed to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, which closes its own contributions in one month. UNAMI has, in Iraq, a team deeply dedicated to achieving a more present, visible and mobile United Nations, working alongside Iraq's Government. What we have achieved, we have achieved as a team, thanks to the support of the Secretary-General, the Iraqi Government and members of the Security Council. Here, allow me to thank my team in Iraq for their personal sacrifices, drive, resolve, integrity and exemplary commitment to work united under strenuous circumstances. They are united, a whole country team, with no separations, no differences and no competition.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“This step is urgent, not just to tackle recent suffering but also to undo the damage of nearly three decades of conflict and sanctions. Capacity-building is also critical in the area of human rights and the rule of law. While reporting human rights violations is important, and we will continue to do so, the United Nations could contribute more and plans to do more by developing new mechanisms for human rights protection and supporting those already in place. We stand ready, for instance, to offer support to the establishment of a human rights commission. At the same time, we plan to provide more technical assistance projects aimed at monitoring prisons, courts and detention centres. As we move into this next phase, international coordination will still be very important.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“The key word, from the Iraqi point of view and from the United Nations point of View, is capacity- building. Iraq is rich in resources, in people and in water. They need and they are asking for capacity- building. Iraq, despite the fall of oil prices, is rich in human resources and natural wealth. The Iraqi people seek decent schools, hospitals and jobs, safe water and reliable electricity. Provincial elections were run and won on this platform, and this is likely again to be a driving factor in future elections. We need to help the Iraqi Government through capacity-building. I am confident that, in its own national development strategy, Iraq will lay out a clear and inclusive vision for socio-economic revival.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“There are various creative options being floated that I hope will be discussed and elaborated upon by the Security Council in the near future in this regard. What is next? The priorities are self-evident: delivery of basic services; dialogue between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Government of Iraq, leading to a defusing of tensions in Kirkuk and other disputed areas; preparation for the next elections; pre-positioning to assist refugees and internally displaced persons, should they decide to return; the reintroduction of certain elements into the economy - for instance, helping the Awakening Councils, or Al-Sahwa Councils, to reintegrate themselves more totally into the economy; technical assistance to ensure that a census is conducted in compliance with international standards; tackling unemployment by revitalizing the private sector; providing expertise in ensuring the passage of a long-overdue hydrocarbon law as an essential step to increasing oil production 5 and revenue; and helping Iraq to rebuild its agriculture and diversify its heavily oil-dependent budget.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“I firmly believe we are at a critical juncture, in this moment, to be able to contribute to a significant improvement of the climate of cooperation, taking into account the concerns of both countries. With respect to outstanding Chapter VII mandates, the Iraqi Government feels rightly that the time to turn the page is long overdue. Kuwait, for its part, also has rightful claims regarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iraqi Government has shown positive signs of increasing cooperation by inviting, for instance, just in the past few days, a Kuwaiti delegation to Iraq to pursue the issue of missing Kuwaitis and by speeding up the deployment of an Iraqi ambassador to Kuwait. We, for our part, as UNAMI and as the Security Council, should now exert every effort in building on the current momentum.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“We have witnessed constructive engagement and consistent improvement in bilateral relations with some of Iraq's neighbours, 09-37304 and that occurred in the context of the regional environment. A major shift has taken place in a very constructive way in the strategic partnership between Turkey, for instance, and Iraq, and other recent examples we see include Syria's resuming diplomatic relations and nominating an ambassador, as many others have done. Jordan has found new common ground on refugees and Iran has been indicating to us that it is ready to discuss cross-border issues with Iraq, including de-mining. Additional facilitation is needed, however, to further increase understanding and trust between Iraq and its neighbours. I particularly wish to single out Iraq's relations with Kuwait.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“The United Nations, and in particular the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, will work to ensure that conditions are in place for voluntary, dignified and sustainable returns, but should also make special efforts on displacement-specific issues such as housing and related legal protections. As to regional and international partnerships, in the context of its partnership and engagement with the international community Iraq would like to shed what it considers to be externally imposed obligations related to its future. A new approach is required in the regional environment. While the ad hoc mechanism did not gain sufficient momentum, it had its own purpose for a period. After a while, however, it seems not to have gained enough momentum.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“IDPs and refugees are mostly a political rather than a purely humanitarian challenge. As such, the problem cannot be solved by large-scale humanitarian funding directed purely to IDPs and refugees. Iraq is not in a humanitarian crisis, but has pockets of dire humanitarian need and displacement, which does not necessarily or automatically equate with vulnerability. There are many other vulnerable people in Iraq; that is why economic support is important. Funding for the displaced should therefore be packaged within broader programmes to revitalize jobs and services in conflict- affected communities.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“There are three basic requirements for referendums and elections: appropriate and complete legal framework, sufficient funding, and an operational election commission with the capacity to conduct the event. The third initiative was launched when the United Nations stood poised early to assist with the voluntary returns of refugees and IDPs, which remains a major priority for us. The exact number of internally displaced Iraqis is still not fully determined. Much is also speculated about returns ahead of parliamentary elections. To date, 70 per cent of all returns have come not from abroad, but from within the same governorate or from within Iraq. The hoped-for return of displaced populations will depend largely on improved quality of life, security and opportunities in Iraq. Security is only one of the many drivers of return in Iraq.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“As to the second initiative, 2009 has been a defining period as Iraq looks to possible future electoral events, a census and a series of referendums. Elections have been the flagship programme of the Mission. With the provincial elections in January 2009 - notable for their remarkable absence of violence and the credibility of the process - UNAMI has worked with Iraqis to produce four major electoral events since 2005, and will continue to do so in the upcoming elections. The United Nations will continue to provide support for capacity-building in these areas. We shall 09-37304 remain diligent in not forcing premature or ill-prepared events.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“But tensions have continued to exist between the two sides. That is why UNAMI has kept the door of dialogue open and indicated possible options. It is indeed encouraging that the parties have now agreed to come to the table to commence discussions on a future process based on the elements provided by UNAMI's analyses of the disputed areas, set out in a 502-page document. A high-level task force, which was established as a follow-up and brought together Government and Kurdistan regional representatives, has been launched under United Nations auspices. I am glad to report that it met on 10 and 16 June. The time is ripe, and these beginnings of a high-level dialogue represent a critical step in the right direction. I believe that UNAMI will continue to contribute to that end.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Now more than ever, Iraqis should be helped to focus on forging a political consensus. They are agreed that they should keep political dialogue open. The United Nations initiatives will continue to assist Iraq in securing those political advances and making sustainable security and socio-economic gains. Our first initiative arose in the context of subsiding sectarian violence, when UNAMI acted promptly to prevent a new conflict between Arabs and Kurds, as will be recalled, and to contribute to national reconciliation by placing the highly controversial issue of a referendum in Kirkuk in the framework of a political process rather than as a hostile referendum. We proposed technical assistance in setting up the process, and a potential crisis over the impending expiration of the constitutional article was averted.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“The cabinet is functioning, Parliament is becoming increasingly reliable with a very active new Speaker, the Independent High Electoral Commission has gained experience in several elections and will conduct others in the future, and the Iraqi Security Forces are increasingly capable. I need not remind the Permanent Representative of Iraq, who is an example to us all, that the Iraqi people have shown remarkable resilience. Iraqis are now more than ever able to determine the course of events in their own country, in spite of spikes of violent attacks against innocent civilians, which have recently been on the rise. These should be Viewed as attempts by isolated elements or groups to produce a feeling of insecurity, but in my modest opinion they are not capable of destabilizing the country.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“The past two years have seen the Iraqis progressively fatigued by civil strife, slowly shedding sectarian divisions, seeking to reconcile after the horrible and terrible fallout from Samarra, bringing their differences into the legislative arena, and turning up in the polls to declare their preference for the country's return to normality. The Government and the Prime Minister have increasingly exercised their sovereignty, administering a State that enjoys broad support, as shown in the recent provincial elections. The Iraqi State is consistently building credible and independent institutions.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Our priorities also arose from the International Compact with Iraq, which has been led very actively and effectively by Ambassador Gambari, and from the regional dialogue, human rights and constitutional support issues. Together, I believe, we have often turned challenges and crises into opportunities, thanks to the energy and stamina of the Iraqis. In an unusual combination for any integrated mission in such an operationally challenging environment, UNAMI has at the same time been acting in emergency mode, with its political arm working mainly on conflict prevention - on the Arab-Kurdish file, for instance - while the rest of the Mission was already working an post-conflict issues and peacebuilding.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“We sought to be selective and 3 incremental in identifying quick wins to build our credibility, on behalf of the international community, by trying to demonstrate that we can deliver and by proving that we can be creative and reliable in the use of our main asset - international legitimacy. UNAMI's strategic priorities were determined, first, by the need for immediate reaction to emergency situations, such as returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs); and secondly, by anticipation of impending deadlines that, if not met, could potentially cause friction. A classic example was the referendum over Kirkuk and the debate of the timeliness of holding provincial elections.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“The Secretary-General set the tone, giving us enough flexibility to act on the ground; the international community and the members Security Council in particular provided the support for an enlarged United Nations role; and the Iraqis set the agenda. In seeking to combine strategic thinking and operational solutions, we chose, with the Council's blessing, time-sensitive entry points in areas that were gaining momentum. We could not do everything at the same time, in spite of the broad scope given us by the Security Council. We chose those areas in which the United Nations could make a difference, and not just a point, and be allowed to act as an honest broker whenever possible.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Our approach has been matched by an Iraqi Government and a Prime Minister open to increased United Nations engagement, in consultation with the Iraqi authorities, and an international community that is changing its outlook towards Iraq and even letting the Organization assume, at some moments and in some areas, a centre-stage role. More than ever before, the international community has been working towards common objectives in Iraq. That has made our lives and our work much easier. Resolution 1770 (2007) set parameters broad enough to give us considerable scope. One of the lessons we learned is that we need a very strong, broad resolution.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“First, I called for an expanded mandate with a stronger new resolution, which came from the members the Security Council. Secondly, I called for an expanded presence, and it has been provided with the help of the Iraqi authorities and all Security Council members. Thirdly, I called for a new approach, with a reinforced team as well as a clear directive from the Secretary-General to be proactive and results-oriented. That was the first message the Secretary-General gave me when I took up my assignment. The result is that we have been proactive in Iraq, particularly in view of the situation.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Together, we have contributed to the evolution of Iraq, which can soon assume a new standing among the world community as an increasingly stable and sovereign nation. Every so often the United Nations is given, if lucky, the chance and the right mandate, political support and resources to deliver. Every so often the 09-37304 timing, the team, the mission objective and the drive come together to make it work. I, for one, feel privileged to have been associated with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) during two of its most critical and formative years and to have seen remarkable and unforeseen shifts in the political and humanitarian landscape in Iraq. Three dynamics have shaped the course of our action in Iraq during that period.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: You are quite right, Mr. President. It is an emotional moment for me, so please forgive me if I say a few more words than I would normally, in view of the fact that it is my last opportunity to address the Security Council in my current capacity as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. Eighteen months after starting my fourth assignment in Iraq and my sixteenth United Nations mission in the field, I am departing, somewhat proud of what that Mission has achieved in a short period of time and of our joint success with the Iraqis in overcoming what sometimes have appeared to be difficult challenges. Together we have helped to turn the page on how the Iraqis View the United Nations and the international community.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I will say just a few words, simply to acknowledge the many positive, constructive comments and the advice offered by each member of the Security Council. We look forward to continuing to report progress. There will be ups and downs: we know it. But what we heard today will encourage both Ambassador Al Bayati and me to continue on this road. 09-24991”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Trust among the people will increase through concrete, commonly shared steps, including a federal framework, the distribution of wealth, a viable revenue sharing system, the deft handling of Kirkuk and a formula for resolving the issue of disputed internal boundaries. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the members of the Security Council have consistently supported UNAMI in being proactive and results-oriented. We will continue those efforts. However, it is ultimately up to Iraqi leaders to make sound choices, and the international community should encourage and support them in that regard.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“The Government of Iraq is clearly signalling that it recognizes that this is the year to demonstrate its ability to administer a State that enjoys broad support and intends to deliver basic services and security guarantees with the support of credible and independent institutions. Security has improved, and Iraq has asserted its sovereignty; this is a year in which that has been clearly seen. With more sovereignty comes more responsibility - responsibility to each of Iraq's communities. This is the time to build on what has been achieved since the recent provincial elections, which were the first to have been fully led by Iraq. After prolonged suffering, Iraqis have made some substantially encouraging steps. It is now up to the Iraqis themselves to heal the wounds of the past and move ahead with a common vision.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“The International Compact for Iraq, jointly chaired by the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and our colleague and friend Ambassador Gambari, could be the primary vehicle for all such Iraq initiatives. Following the very successful Stockholm conference, Prime Minister Al-Maliki's initiative to review and reprioritize the Compact benchmarks has the potential to make the Compact an effective driver of further follow-up in this area. In conclusion, we have grounds for optimism, and in this Chamber it is good to feel that way sometimes. I believe that all of us should be proud of that fact - particularly the representative of Iraq, on behalf of the Iraqi people.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“I am also pleased to note that, at the recent meeting on the Fund held in Naples on 18 February, both the Government of Iraq and the donors welcomed the proposal by the Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian, Reconstruction and Development Affairs that a post-Fund mechanism be established - so that we do not lose a mechanism that has been useful - to make the Compact a more effective driver of Iraq's internal development and international partnership. United Nations agencies, funds and programmes will also now review their own assistance frameworks in Iraq in order to promote greater compliance with the Paris Declaration, to align our work more closely with the newly prioritized Compact and to increase their presence in Baghdad to meet the challenges ahead.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Indeed, that is why we have reduced our humanitarian assistance: because Iraq has been taking many humanitarian emergencies into its own hands. The appeal also seeks to reduce the worst effects of poverty and conflict and to promote conditions conducive to the return of Iraq's displaced persons and refugees. The International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, to which all members have contributed, will be coming to a close by 31 December, which will be a historic date. I remember when it was created as a trust fund intended to keep Iraq alive. It has seen $1.3 billion channelled through it since its inception. As a result of the generous contributions of all members, in particular Japan and the European Union- to which we pay tribute - it has been an invaluable tool for promoting coordinated strategic assistance inside Iraq.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“This type of challenge is obviously being faced throughout the world, but Iraq is facing it in the context of a very delicate transitional period. That requires that investments be directed where they are most needed and can make the greatest impact on recovery and on the lives of everyone in Iraq. These challenges can be met through a more efficient and transparent public sector and a stronger private sector. The United Nations will work with the Government to improve performance in those areas as required. In the area of humanitarian assistance, where needs are more acute, the United Nations will continue to provide such assistance through the consolidated appeal for Iraq and the subregion. However, the appeal recognizes that the improvements in Iraq's humanitarian conditions have been substantial.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“The Iraqi people will increasingly consider improvements in those areas as the chief indicators of recovery and restored trust. Social services and a market economy must recover from a quarter-century of hardship and conflict. For example, nearly one third of Iraq's young people are still unemployed. Many Iraqi children still attend schools with substandard classrooms, and safe water reaches only 40 per cent of Iraqi homes. There is a challenge. We know that the Iraqi Government is determined to meet that challenge, and we should help them. Furthermore, low oil prices will make it even more important to appropriately prioritize strategies for development. Iraq's 2009 budget, now before the Council of Representatives, is 21 per cent lower than originally planned. Its capital investment portion has been cut by 38 per cent.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“We welcome the very constructive progress being made in Iraq's relations with Turkey, Jordan and, recently, Syria. Iraq continues to make progress towards economic and social recovery. It needs to be congratulated - again, mabroak - on the reforms that led to the recent cancellation of the Paris Club debt. This proves that achievement of the benchmarks of the Compact can yield immediate and positive results. It is now critical to translate those gains into concrete improvements in the lives of everyone in Iraq. As Iraq assumes the full responsibilities of a sovereign State, its citizens will - like those of countries throughout the world - look to their leaders to provide better schools, jobs, electricity supplies and health services. Elections have proved that that is the platform on which they were overwhelmingly elected.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Most recently, we have pushed for a training project to build the capacity of Iraq's Ministry of Human Rights in the area of exhumations in order to address a pending issue, and we are facilitating the transfer of a certain number of identified tapes from Iraq to Kuwait, which will be witnessed by my friend and very active colleague Ambassador Tarasov in the coming days. With regard to Iran, we welcome the announced establishment of a joint committee among Iraq, Iran and the United Nations to work with the Organization on demining and drug-trafficking control along the Iranian border. The committee is a tangible example of how we can facilitate concrete cooperation with regard to the border. We hope that it will soon become operational and eventually link up with the Abadan committee.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“UNAMI will continue its involvement in this area according to its mandate, including through confidence-building bilateral initiatives and technical assistance to a support mechanism for regional cooperation based in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq. We remain in frequent contact with regional players and are committed to assisting Iraq's efforts to improve relations with its immediate neighbours. One important example has been the important relationship with Kuwait. We are hoping to be increasingly involved in helping on a number of tracks, including, for example, border maintenance, the question of missing archives and missing Kuwaitis, as well as compensation.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“UNAMI will also remain committed to supporting the establishment of independent bodies, the most significant development being the legislation that has been passed providing for the creation of the Independent Human Rights Commission in Iraq. As for international partnership, the United Nations will continue to assist the country in its standing in the international community through the International Compact for Iraq, Security Council mandates and relations with its neighbours. 09-24991 On the regional front, recent months have seen the opening of embassies by Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, the Arab League and Syria. This is a very hopeful sign of the strengthened engagement with and within the region.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“But the ultimate responsibility for making any kind of decisions will continue to lie, first and foremost, with the Government of Iraq, the parties represented in the areas concerned, and the Kurdish regional leadership. At the same time, the Iraqi leadership should be encouraged to advance on other fundamental issues on which we know they are interested in following up. These are at the core of tensions among the various communities. These issues include federalism, revenue-sharing and the sharing of Iraq's considerable resources, all within the framework of the constitutional review. UNAMI is available and ready to assist the Government in following up on these matters.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“This was decided in consultation with the Prime Minister. We remain in consultation with the Iraqi Government and all concerned parties, to carefully determine the appropriate timing and process for the finalization of the whole package of analytical reports on these internally disputed areas. We hope and believe that this package of reports will constitute probably the most in-depth and comprehensive analysis so far presented on these areas. They will examine different factors specific to the areas, including socio-economic indices, the electoral results of 2005 and 2009, injustices of past regimes, administrative history, and the post-2003 situation on the ground including demographics and security conditions. All of these make up a series of indicators that will be taken into consideration in these studies and analysis.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“We also offered secretariat support and, in fact, UNAMI has actively served as the de facto secretariat of the committee. The committee has now begun meeting, both in Bagdad and in Kirkuk. We have further offered UNAMI assistance in areas of technical expertise, and two consultants are just about to be deployed. Mediation potential will be available in case of disagreement. UNAMI has been working in parallel on a comprehensive review of the so-called disputed areas in the governorates of Kirkuk, Salahaddin, Diyala and Ninawa, in line with its Security Council mandate and the consent given last year by the Iraqi leadership. Members will recall that the first reports came out last June. We have delayed submission of the remaining 11 reports, as we felt that we did not wish to take any initiatives in the weeks leading up to the elections.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Part of my trip was to discuss the work of the article 23 committee, an important committee created in connection with electoral law and a very good body for introducing constructive proposals for finding a formula for the future of this area. The article 23 committee has been criticized as getting off to a slow start, so we conveyed to them the expectations and willingness of the local community to wake up and move on this, so that the committee could become more active. We have since contributed to removing some of the obstacles to its work. On 2 February, my political deputy facilitated and accompanied the committee's first visit to Kirkuk where they finally went and started working. We provided logistical, transport, security and organizational support.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Work in these areas, rightly a priority, is viewed as a means to contributing to lowering these sorts of tensions, in Kirkuk and elsewhere, and exploring new solutions for some of these most pressing issues. During my recent visit to Kirkuk this past December to engage with the wider community on the ground, I, frankly, detected a good momentum for Kirkukis to explore locally generated options regarding the administrative future of Kirkuk. I truly left encouraged that Kirkukis have a growing understanding of kefaya - enough that there is a need now to reach a compromise acceptable to all communities living there.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“This has been the cause of the lack of real progress on the vital oil law, revenue sharing and constitutional review, as well of the potential for tensions, such as the recent clashes in Khanaqin between the armed forces of the central Government and of the Kurdish region. 3 As we work as an honest broker, we try to promote a spirit of dialogue. UNAMI activities will see a particular shift after this electoral period and an emphasis on our initiative on the disputed internal boundaries and work on Kirkuk, including through the committee set up under article 23 of the provincial elections law. That committee is tasked by the Council of Representatives with finding a power-sharing formula for the provincial elections in Kirkuk, assessing property disputes and demographic issues.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“A country cannot truly attain sovereignty or achieve a lasting peace unless it instils confidence in its own institutions with respect to the rule of law and a unifying constitution, and unless it delivers basic needs. This implies a great deal of effort, and it is in this next stage that UNAMI is committed to fully support the Government of Iraq in this exercise of its own sovereignty and its assumption of accountability. A particular concern, of which we are all aware, remains the lingering potential for tensions between the Arab and Kurdish sides in Iraq, which has had an impact on almost every aspect of Iraq's political life.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“UNAMI will continue to provide a significant degree of technical assistance to the Independent High Electoral Commission, as mandated by the Council and as requested by the Government and political parties of Iraq. It will also, as requested, support the Government's commitment to holding a census, which is long overdue. But UNAMI assistance, with the Council's approval, will not stop there. It will adjust to what Iraq requires at the next step of its transition. One of these requirements is, obviously, national reconciliation. Iraq now needs to embrace this opportunity, to rise above sectarian interests and to be open to compromise and consensus.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“In this regard, statements by a number of Iraqi political leaders, indicating their willingness to play a part in this process and to allow others to do so, are indeed very encouraging. Elections have undoubtedly been the flagship of our mandate during this period, dominating our efforts in recent months. The year 2009 foresees continued electoral activities, with several possible electoral events in the coming months. These could include elections for the Kurdish National Assembly set for this summer - where we have already been asked to be involved - as well as possible sub-district elections, culminating in the national parliamentary elections towards the end of this year.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“The elections were recognized as credible and transparent, both by an impressive domestic observation effort of 490,000 local, national observers - almost as many as the Iraqi army - and 413 international monitors from 25 entities, coordinated by a European Union-sponsored adviser. These elections should increase the confidence of Iraqis in their own local institutions. I would like to say mabrouk - congratulations - to the Iraqi Ambassador, as we said to the Prime Minister the other day: this was something that would have been a challenge in any country. But much will now depend on the elected leaders. They need to work within their own selected electoral 09-24991 system. They need to prove they are capable of promoting inclusive political dialogue, striking compromises and working in coalitions.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Following the release of provisional results on 5 February, final results were announced on 19 February, based on all valid ballots cast, including special-needs votes and those of internally displaced persons and, where appropriate, adjusted for complaints. We are now looking at the possible final certification of results, after the short appeals period, before the second week of March. But we more or less know where we are. After that the challenge will be the formation of councils, and then the nomination of governors. While it remains up to Iraqis to interpret the results of these elections, it is heartening how all this moved along smoothly, including the fact - which I must mention again, because it is something noteworthy - that there were about 110 women among the 440 new council members nominated.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Resisting political pressures, the Commission remained vigilant in carrying through with the procedures, from polling day to the announcement of final results three weeks later. With constant and intensive assistance from UNAMI, the Iraqi Electoral Commission overcame every hurdle, every time; met operational timelines; came out of a rather complicated and contentious parliamentary debate some time ago over critical electoral legislation; regulated a complex formula for the allocation of seats and the representation of minorities and women; and concluded the adjudication of formal complaints, of which there have been as many as 2,000 to date.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“I am glad to say that there were 3,900 women among the 14,000 candidates. These first polls which can have a direct impact on the day-to-day lives of Iraqis can, in fact, make a major difference with respect to the new local representatives, because they are directly accountable to their own voters: it was an open list. Furthermore, they sought to rectify a problem we had in the past, namely, the sectarian imbalance in local councils. This time there was no boycott whatsoever by any significant component of the Iraqi populace. The Independent High Electoral Commission should be commended for its highly professional 09-24991 efforts, both in the effective preparations in the lead-up to the elections and during their ultimately smooth conduct. Much should be attributed to the rigorous and professional field structure in place.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“It successfully went through the first test by delivering the first fully Iraqi-led and owned elections. On 31 January, as planned, provincial elections were conducted in 14 governorates, with 42,000 polling stations, with a striking lack of violence. That marks a remarkable event in a country that has suffered through so much conflict in recent years. It is a tribute to the growing effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces and attests to the increased stability in the country. With the Independent High Electoral Commission in the lead, Iraqis have demonstrated the capacity to run their own elections in what has been a daunting logistical and operational undertaking. Just look at the figures: 7.5 million Iraqis turned out to cast ballots, and 14,000 candidates, representing 400 political entities, vied for 440 seats.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I would like to thank the Council for the opportunity to brief it at a crucial point for Iraq in its empowerment to handle its own affairs. Over the past few months, the eyes of the international community have been turned towards a country immersed in pre-electoral activity as Iraqis prepared to cast their votes in the first governorate elections in four years. This undoubtedly has been the most significant political event of this reporting period. The end of 2008 witnessed an acceleration of electoral activities and increased preparedness by the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq, with all aspects of the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) completely geared for that period towards the electoral process. Two months into 2009, Iraq has emerged sovereign and is rising to expectations.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I will be very short in thanking every member of the Council and His Excellency the Ambassador of Iraq for the words of support and encouragement for what the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the Secretary-General's team are trying to do in Iraq. What we have been able to achieve together with the Iraqi Government has been also because the Security Council expressed tmst in the Secretary-General and his team in Iraq eight months ago, and we will need that trust and support in the next coming months, because there are challenges ahead. The meeting rose at 12.30 p.m.”
2008-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6016 (2008) · source