YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobler

lines on the record: 436
first: 2011-12-06
most recent: 2017-06-07
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“At the regional level, Iraq continues its re-emergence onto the international stage. Earlier this year, Iraq demonstrated renewed commitment to meeting its remaining obligations under Chapter VII of the Charter and to improving its bilateral relations with Kuwait. However, progress will depend upon the restoration of confidence between both sides. Over the past few months, I stepped up my engagement with Iraq and Kuwait to see how the United Nations could best facilitate the resolution of outstanding issues in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In that context, I recently held high-level meetings in Iraq and Kuwait in which I was encouraged by the strong commitment that both Prime Minister Al-Maliki and the Amir of Kuwait expressed to normalizing relations between their two countries.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“It has become a major source of tension between the central and Kurdistan regional Governments, and a hindrance to overall socioeconomic progress. The approval of such legislation would significantly advance the resolution of the question of the disputed internal boundaries, since a large number of unexplored oilfields lie within these areas. It would also contribute significantly to improving relations between Baghdad and Erbil. UNAMI is also strengthening its efforts to support Iraq's legislative agenda, as mandated by the Iraqi Constitution. In addition to the hydrocarbons legislation, we are continuing to provide technical advice and assistance on the establishment of the Federation Council, the reform of the judicial system, and the adoption of laws on minority communities and political parties.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“So far, there has been no agreement on conducting the elections for Kirkuk provincial council, which have not taken place since 2005 due to differences on the voter registry. Elections in Kirkuk could be a stabilizing factor throughout the governorate. Whilst relations between Baghdad and Erbil have deteriorated in some ways during Iraq's political stalemate, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, there is also some cause for optimism. In particular, the agreement reached to resume official oil exports from the Kurdistan region and the steps to adopt a hydrocarbons use and management framework deserve encouragement and support. Legislation on the management of hydrocarbons and revenue-sharing has been blocked for a number of years.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Working with the new Board of Commissioners, UNAMI will continue to coordinate United Nations support for the development of a sustainable, self-reliant and professional Independent High Electoral Commission. UNAMI also continues to facilitate political dialogue between representatives of all components in the disputed areas. UNAMI is working to facilitate consensus amongst the components of Kirkuk in view of the provincial council elections in the governorate. It has established an informal forum for dialogue with the political representatives of Kirkuk's components, with proposals in each of the following four main areas: power-sharing, determining the date of elections, security arrangements, and the review of the voter registry.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I have also conducted intensive discussions both in Baghdad and Kirkuk, focusing on the holding of the long-overdue governorate council elections in Kirkuk. UNAMI's support to the Council of Representatives, on the basis of sustained facilitation and technical advice, contributed to the selection of the new Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission in September. A proficient and genuinely independent Commission Board is essential at this juncture, as Iraq prepares for nationwide governorate council elections on 20 April next year and legislative elections in 2014. During Iraq's busy electoral calendar ahead, the stakes will be high, not only for Iraq's political leaders competing for electoral support, but also for the consolidation of Iraq's transition. The elections must be conducted credibly.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Within this challenging context, however, it is possible to identify opportunities for UNAMI to continue to assist Iraq's transition process. Indeed, notwithstanding the lack of progress between Iraq's political leaders in resolving their differences, Iraq's expectations of UNAMI continue to grow. UNAMI's assistance, pursuant to its Council mandate, is focusing on two priority tracks: advancing national reconciliation and dialogue, and tackling regional issues. Since my last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.6747), UNAMI has continued to encourage political leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue to resolve their differences, in the spirit and framework of the Constitution. I have continued to conduct frequent visits to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to promote such dialogue.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“The Syrian conflict has exposed a complex web of interconnected and conflicting interests that threatens to engulf the region in violent conflict. With no immediate solution to the crisis in sight, there are real risks of spillover, violence and destabilization. At the domestic level, the conflict across Iraq's border in Syria has had a significant humanitarian impact on Iraq. The crisis has also impacts had an impact on Iraq's relations with its neighbours. Iraq's relationship with Turkey has also grown increasingly tense in recent months, with an escalation in the rhetoric exchanged on both sides. The divergent positions between Iraq and other States in the region on how to address the Syrian crisis have also further strained their relations.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Extremists use the political differences of the leaders to ignite either sectarian or ethnic violance and tensions in Iraq. Immediate resolution and compromise on the part of all political leaders should be the response to these attempts. The tense political standoff is thus testing Iraq's internal fault lines. August and September were the deadliest months in the past two years. A particularly atrocious series of attacks on 27 October targeted pilgrims during the holy Eid al-Adha observance. Left unaddressed, the political impasse will leave Iraq vulnerable to the second threat to its stability - namely, the spillover from violence in the wider region. Iraq finds itself in an increasingly unstable regional environment generated by the Syrian civil war.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I count on the political leadership of Iraq to resolve its differences through political dialogue and in accordance with the constitution. In that regard, I welcome the recent efforts of Parliament Speaker Usama al-Nujaifi. I also welcome the convening of a meeting between the Iraqi Army and the Peshmerga at the technical level earlier this week in Baghdad. It is a step in the right direction. I encourage both sides to keep the door of dialogue open and to implement the understandings reached. UNAMI stands ready to facilitate any possible agreement that would de-escalate the situation and promote confidence among the various communities . Over the past few days, dozens of Iraqi security personnel and civilians, including worshipers, have been killed and many other dozens injured in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Karbala and Fallujah.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“The resulting political deadlock is preventing the progress and reform necessary to consolidate Iraq's transition. Attempts to defuse the stalemate have most recently focused on a package of political reforms that appears to be stalled. The Government of Iraq's decision to establish the Tigris operations command responsible for overall security in Kirkuk, Salahadin and Diyala governorates was heavily criticized by members of the Kurdistan Regional Government. A military standoff ensued, incorporating the armed forces of the respective Governments. The militarization of the situation has resulted in the regrettable death of one civilian. I should like to take this opportunity to call on the parties to exercise all due restraint at this time of increased tensions.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“In terms of strengthening State institutions, the Human Rights Commission was established in April and a new Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission was elected in September. The latter resulted in agreement on a date for Governorate Council elections in April next year. This progress, however, is endangered by two factors: first, the stalemate between Iraq's political leaders; and secondly, developments in the region. I regret to report to the Council that strained relations between Iraq's political leaders have endured throughout the year. One manifestation of this is the Arab-Kurdish rift. The lack of trust arises from a number of pending issues of contention, including power-sharing, security and tense relations between the Central Government and the region of Kurdistan.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“Mr. Kobler: I am honoured to present to the Council today the first report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/848) pursuant to paragraph 6 ofresolution 2061 (2012) on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I shall also brief Council members on the most recent developments in Iraq. As 2012 draws to a close, it is pertinent to take stock of the progress Iraq has made during the past 12 months. During that time, Iraq has made committed efforts to enforce law and order following the withdrawal of United States forces. Reclaiming its rightful place at the diplomatic table, it successfully hosted the twenty- third Arab Summit in Baghdad in April. And in May, it hosted talks between Iran and the permanent members of the Council plus Germany.”
2012-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6875 (2012) · source
“I should like to sincerely thank the members of the Council for their continued support, the Government of Iraq and the wider membership of the United Nations, as well as the staff of UNAMI, for their unrelenting commitment and dedication to implementing our mandate.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“I am convinced that UNAMI is needed more than ever to help Iraq complete its transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. UNAMI has the legitimacy and the standing to represent the international community in Iraq. Iraqis from all communities look to UNAMI to protect their aspirations and to ensure that their needs are met. With the Security Council's support, UNAMI will continue its efforts to address the many outstanding issues crucial to securing Iraq's future. The substantial cut of 20 per cent of UNAMI's budget in 2013 requires that we do more with less. In that context, the Mission may need to reconsider some areas of operation.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“I appeal to the Government of Iraq to be generous, particularly in terms of humanitarian needs like water and electricity, and to avoid violence under any circumstances. I also appeal to Camp residents to abide by Iraqi laws and avoid provocation and violence. Time for finding a sustainable solution is running out. The Government's patience is wearing thin. I would therefore like to echo the Secretary-General and urge Camp Ashraf residents to cooperate with Iraqi authorities and to relocate from Camp Ashraf to Camp Hurriya. It is also imperative that third countries step forward to accept eligible residents for resettlement as soon as possible, without which there can be no durable solution. In my introduction, I posed the question of whether the people of Iraq still need UNAMI.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Secondly, responsibility also falls on the many international supporters. It is of great importance that they contribute to positively influence the residents' positions. Thirdly, to date, almost no Member State has stepped forward to offer resettlement to eligible former Ashraf residents. There must be a way out of Camp Hurriya in the foreseeable future. Without the prospect of resettlement, the ongoing process runs the risk of collapsing. The temporary transit location of Camp Hurriya has the capacity to accommodate the remaining 1,200 residents and meet acceptable humanitarian standards. Both UNAMI and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have devoted substantial energy and resources to resolving the issue. More than 100 staff members are dedicated to the project in the meantime.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“I thank the Government ofIraq for its flexibility in this regard, and I appeal to the Iraqi authorities to continue the process to resolve the relocation peacefully. Our commitment is strictly humanitarian; it is to facilitate a voluntary, temporary relocation of residents to Camp Hurriya as a first step of resettlement to countries outside Iraq. However, the success ofa facilitator depends at least on good will. There can no facilitation without constructive and practical dialogue. We are faced with three main challenges. First, recent weeks have witnessed difficulties in maintaining dialogue between UNAMI and the residents and between the residents and the Government of Iraq, reinforcing a perception that residents lack the genuine will to participate in the process facilitated by UNAMI.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“In my meetings with Iraqi governmental interlocutors, as well as women's civil society organizations, I advocate for the adoption and implementation of the proposed national strategy on the advancement of women. The United Nations family is working to support women in taking up their role in political and economic life. The United Nations is also continuing to work to implement resolution 1325 (2000) and to encourage the Government to fulfil its commitments in that regard. Finally, I still remain very concerned by the lack of progress in resolving the issue of Camp Ashraf. In the past months, 2,000 residents of Camp Ashraf have relocated to Camp Hurriya. Approximately 1,200 remain in Camp Ashraf. The several deadlines set by the Government of Iraq have been extended.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Iraq is one of the most youthful countries in the world, with 50 per cent of the population under the age of 18. At the same time, the unemployment rate for youth is more than double the domestic average, at 23 per cent. The United Nations system is supporting programmes aimed at increasing youth participation in the social, political and economic spheres. Building on the International Year of Youth 2011, the United Nations is supporting civil society groups to strengthen their role in ensuring democratic space and freedoms. The third UNDP National Human Development Report focuses on youth and will be published later this year. As with youth, women are important actors in Iraq's development, yet the illiteracy rate among Iraqi women is more than double that of Iraqi men.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“My new Deputy, and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ms. Jacqueline Badcock, took up her duties on 13 May. She has already shown her determination and leadership in coordinating the United Nations country team to deliver as one. I have asked her to ensure that the country team strengthens its presence and activities across the country. That is taking shape in Basra. There, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes can assist in bringing the quality of life in that oil-rich province to the levels found in other oil-rich countries in the region. Let me briefly highlight two of the priority areas with important political, security and development implications, where the United Nations system in Iraq is working as one.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“The United Nations system in Iraq is putting in place contingency plans for a possible humanitarian emergency. In this connection, I recently visited a refugee camp in the Kurdistan region for those displaced by the conflict in Syria. So far, with 7,000 refugees, their numbers are manageable. On 10 July, the United Nations and the League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Kofi Annan, visited Iraq and met with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The Government of Iraq was very clear on the importance ofa political transition that is Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, and that ensures that the legitimate and democratic aspirations of the Syrian people are fully realized. The United Nations in Iraq also continues to support the development of effective, accountable and transparent State institutions.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“They have a significant impact on public health in Iraq and in the wider region, especially for the most vulnerable, and they affect transport and trade. During my visit to Kuwait in June, and following an offer by the Amir of Kuwait to invest a portion of Iraq's outstanding war compensation funds back into Iraq, I proposed an environmental fund to combat sand and dust storms. If Iraq and Kuwait agree, the fund could be used to undertake activities to reduce that health hazard, which is impeding daily life in the region. Such activities might include improving water resource management, anti-desertification, reforestation and agricultural projects. Needless to say, the ongoing violence in Syria is a source of deep concern, given the potential for the spread of instability and violence, humanitarian fallout and political repercussions.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Bringing all Chapter VII obligations pertaining to Kuwait to a satisfactory close will boost prospects for bilateral trade, and investment, promote regional cooperation and lead to the restoration of Iraq's rightful standing within the international community. In this regard, I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the adoption on 28 June by the Council of Representatives of a law ratifying the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and I encourage the Government of Iraq to take the remaining steps to ensure its entry into force as soon as possible. The intensity and frequency of sand and dust storms, mainly generated from inside Iraq, have increased in recent years.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Let me now turn to some of the recent regional and international developments pertaining to Iraq. As members know, Prime Minister Al-Maliki's visit to Kuwait in March was followed by the historic visit of the Amir of Kuwait to Baghdad to attend the Arab Summit. Those two visits have markedly improved bilateral relations between Kuwait and Iraq and facilitated the resumption of the meetings of the Joint Iraq-Kuwait Ministerial Committee. Iraq has also taken decisive steps to finalize the Iraq-Kuwait boundary maintenance project, in accordance with resolution 833 (1993). At the request of both parties, the United Nations is preparing for the maintenance work to start by 31 October, provided that key prerequisites, such as the removal of obstacles on the border, are met.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“It is vital that Iraqis, in particular vulnerable groups, be provided with better access to basic services, social welfare and community development programmes and opportunities for education. Nothing less is required in order to provide for the success of future generations. The rights of all Iraqis, including minorities, must be protected, as stipulated in the Iraqi Constitution. Iraq retains the death penalty for a large number of crimes. I therefore reiterate the call by the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Government of Iraq to establish a moratorium on all executions with a View to their abolition. I welcome the fact that the authorities in the Kurdistan region continue to implement a moratorium on carrying out executions, which has been in place since 2007.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“While it is recognized that the Government of Iraq has made some progress in implementing measures to protect and to promote human rights, the impact on the overall human rights situation remains limited. The United Nations is assisting the Iraqi authorities in strengthening the rule of law and in boosting protection for human rights in Iraq in order to bring an end to abuses such as arbitrary arrests and detentions. The economic, social and cultural rights of Iraqis are also matters of real concern. Poverty, high unemployment, economic stagnation, environmental degradation and a lack of basic services continue to affect large sections of the population.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“To that end, UNAMI continues to support the activities of the Ministry of Human Rights in ensuring that Iraq meets its international human rights obligations. As I informed Council members in April, the Council of Representatives endorsed the appointment of the Commissioners of Iraq's first Independent High Commission for Human Rights. I am pleased to further report that the Commissioners have now met and started their work. UNAMI and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are supporting the Commission in that process. The findings of the 2011 United Nations report on the human rights situation in Iraq, published in May, underlined the fragility of the human rights situation in Iraq. The report's conclusions largely coincided with the Ministry ofHuman Rights' own findings.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Here, UNAMI stands ready to actively assist. The number ofcivilian casualties caused by terrorist attacks is increasing across Iraq. Since the beginning of this year, an average of 12 violent incidents per day have claimed a total of more than 1,300 victims, many of whom were innocent children and women who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each victim is one too many. The Iraqi authorities must continue to make every effort to identify the perpetrators of such acts of violence and to bring them to justice. The attacks are intended to ignite further violence. Despite the suffering, Iraqis from all walks of life and religious backgrounds must turn their back on past divisions and unite for a peaceful future. Human rights are a cornerstone of Iraq's democratic future and are at the core of the United Nations mandate in Iraq.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Gyorgy Busztin, is engaged in facilitation efforts to bring about the formation of a new Independent High Electoral Commission with a membership that is representative of the main components of Iraq, including women and minorities. The urgent selection of Commissioners is essential to ensuring that the Provincial Council elections, due to take place in March 2013, can be conducted on time. I am concerned that the ongoing political stalemate is hindering the process, however. In recent days, I have discussed with political leaders, including Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, the need for a swift conclusion of the selection process and the adequate representation of women and minorities in the Commission. Today, I would like to reiterate my appeal to all political blocs to expedite the selection of professional commissioners.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Revenue-sharing is vital to helping improve Arab-Kurdish coexistence, to ensuring that Iraq remains a single federal State, and, above all, to advancing a solution of the disputed internal boundaries. Making progress in unblocking Iraq's unfinished legislative agenda, however, requires an agreement among Iraq's political leaders that will end the political stalemate. Such an agreement must be reached through transparent and inclusive dialogue, in respect of the Constitution and in a spirit of compromise. There is no democracy without elections. There are no credible elections without a strong and truly independent election commission. As we speak, my political deputy, Mr.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Today, however, key institutions have yet to be established and fundamental legislation remains outstanding, including the establishment of the Federation Council; the strengthening of the judicial system; the legislation on revenue-sharing and hydrocarbons; and the protection of minorities, to mention but a few. My colleagues and I have made the promotion of progress in those areas a priority. In particular, the legal and policy frameworks for sharing revenue need to be put in place. That would constitute a significant strengthening of the federal system, improve the environment for investment, and provide for the agreed distribution of national wealth.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“I have also sought the views of the Governments of Iran, Kuwait and Turkey on the situation in the region. The core of the UNAMI mandate is to support and to assist the people of Iraq, for it is the people of Iraq who want the political stalemate to end. It is they who want to have a life in security and prosperity and a better future for their children and who long for the day when the benefits from the natural wealth of the country will translate into the reliable delivery of electricity and other public services and economic development. Almost seven years ago, the Iraqi people laid the foundations for democracy in their country by adopting their Constitution.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“When the Council adopted resolution 1770 (2007), it gave UNAMI a mandate to advise, support and assist the Government and the people of Iraq. The question today is whether crucial obstacles can be overcome in order for the Iraqi State and society to begin to realize their full potential. In my assessment, the role of UNAMI will be more important than ever in supporting Iraq on its journey towards stability and development. Since my last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.6747), I have strengthened my engagement with political leaders from all sides in Baghdad and in the Kurdistan region, met with representatives of many of Iraq's communities, and listened to the advice of Iraq's spiritual leaders, such as Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Reclaiming its place at the diplomatic table, it successfully hosted the twenty-third Summit of the League of Arab States in March and talks between Iran and the permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany in May. Yet, my predecessor had tempered his cautious optimism with the caveat that determined leadership would be required within Iraq for the country to continue to progress. As I sit before the Council today, Iraq is in the midst of a seven-month-long stalemate between the political blocs, a situation that continues to hamper progress in areas essential to Iraq's development, including a sustainable solution to the disputed internal boundaries; the unfinished constitutional agenda; the adoption of essential outstanding legislation; and the preparation of next year's provincial Council elections.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“Mr. Kobler: I am pleased to introduce to the Council the third report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 2001 (2011) (S/2012/535) on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I will also brief Council members on the most recent developments in Iraq. One year ago, my predecessor told Council members that he was cautiously optimistic about Iraq's future. Today, as the Council considers the renewal of the UNAMI mandate, Iraq has much to be proud of regarding what it has achieved. With the final withdrawal of United States troops at the end of last year, Iraq regained full control over its sovereign territory. It has made committed efforts to enforce law and order across the country.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6811 (2012) · source
“I firmly believe that United Nations assistance at this critical juncture in Iraq's history remains essential. I should like to conclude by thanking the members of the Council for their continued support, as well as the Government of Iraq and the wider membership of the United Nations. 1 should also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to my colleagues at UNAMI and in the United Nations family for their efforts, dedication and perseverance under very difficult working conditions in Iraq. 5”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“As stated by the Secretary-General in his report, the process is still fragile and instances of violence cannot be excluded. We must therefore remain vigilant. Coming to the end, I should like to highlight that, following the withdrawal of United States troops, there are now greater expectations for UNAMI to assist the Government and people of Iraq in addressing the major challenges facing their nation. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when resources made available to UNAMI have been shrinking. I wish to take this opportunity to stress my personal commitment and that of my team in Baghdad to continuing to do our utmost to implement our comprehensive mandate from the Security Council in the areas of political facilitation, electoral support, human rights, reconstruction and development.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“More than 30 Member States participated. However, no country has committed to accepting residents. A donors appeal meeting also took place the same day, seeking to raise $39 million for the Ashraf project. Only one Member State made a concrete pledge. That falls far below what we had hoped. Without international support, the process cannot succeed. Last but not least, I would like to thank my colleagues in UNAMI, UNHCR and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their hard work and support. The Ashraf file placed a heavy burden on the Mission. I could count on the support of most of my colleagues. My admiration goes to the monitoring staff in Camp Hurriya and the UNHCR staff, in particular those who accompanied the convoys under truly dangerous conditions.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“Secondly, I would like also to highlight that the camp residents, despite initial difficulties, have recently shown good will and cooperation in the relocation process. The residents have indeed come a long way. It is difficult to abandon a place where one has lived for more than two decades. I encourage the residents to continue to show good will and to work in a cooperative spirit. Thirdly and most importantly, I reiterate my call on Member States to accept the residents of the camp in their countries. Now that UNHCR has begun its work, it is high time for the international community to 12-28745 accept eligible candidates and fund the relocation process. The support of the international community is urgently needed. I welcomed the joint UNHCR/UNAMI resettlement conference, which took place in Geneva on 23 March.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“First, I would like to commend the Iraqi authorities, in particular Prime Minister Al-Maliki and his advisors, as well as the commanding General, the many Iraqi policemen and the Iraqi army, for their patience and cooperation in ensuring the safe and secure relocation of the first three groups of residents. I encourage them to pursue the relocation of the remaining residents in a manner that guarantees the residents' human rights, safety and security, and to avoid anything that could be seen as a provocation. We will do everything possible to assist the Government of Iraq in relocating the remaining residents. There are, however, still major obstacles ahead that might require flexibility on the deadline.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“But, as we speak, United Nations monitors are at Camp Hurriya and Camp New Iraq, and I am pleased to report that the next 400 residents will move immediately once the loading of the person's belongings is completed. This is a sign of the good will of the residents. I will continue to be actively engaged in ensuring that an understanding is reached on the remaining issues. With this move, half of the residents of Camp New Iraq will have been relocated to Camp Hurriya. I would like to take this opportunity to make the following four further remarks.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“I wish to make it clear that the memorandum of understanding concerns voluntary relocation, and that 12-28745 its implementation is based firmly on all sides acting peacefully and in good faith. It should be noted that, on 8 April, an incident took place at Camp New Iraq during the preparation for the fourth transfer of residents. A confrontation developed; United Nations monitors now report that the situation has returned to calm. Both sides have now resumed cooperation in preparation for the next transfer. I would have loved to have reported that another group of 400 residents had moved to Camp Hurriya. This incident, however, momentarily disrupted the relocation.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“A year ago, on 8 April 2011, the tragic incidents in Camp Ashraf led to the deaths of dozens of the camp's residents and to hundreds being injured. In an effort to reach a peaceful and durable solution, UNAMI and the Government of Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding on 25 December 2011. The Government of Iraq agreed to extend the deadline for the closure of the camp. From mid-February until now, almost 1,200 residents of Camp New Iraq have been safely relocated to the temporary transit location in Camp Hurriya, near Baghdad. United Nations monitors are deployed to monitor both the relocation and the situation in Camp Hurriya around the clock. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a team at Camp Hurriya to carry out the verification and adjudication of claims for refugee status.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“As I mentioned to the Council during my previous briefing, in moving forward with our integrated approach the United Nations country team will focus on three priority issues during the coming year. These are youth, water resource management and the environment. Making progress on these issues has the potential to improve the political, security and governance situations. We have embarked on efforts aimed at sensitizing the Government and people of Iraq to the role of youth in the socio-economic recovery of Iraq. Water and environment remain critical issues for the development in Iraq. I call on Iraq and its neighbouring countries to work together on finding a durable solution to managing their shared water resources.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“On the positive side, I am pleased to report that yesterday, 9 April, the Council of Representatives voted to endorse the commissioners to serve on Iraq's first independent High Commission for Human Rights. The importance of this institution cannot be underestimated, as it will serve as the first Iraqi-owned and led human rights institution and will form the cornerstone for promoting and protecting human rights in Iraq. The Government has taken steps to address human rights challenges by appointing a committee to oversee implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, which was adopted by the Government in December 2011. The Government must build on these positive steps to do all that it can to ensure that its human rights obligations are met.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“Despite the return of some 1 million internally displaced Iraqis since 2003, large numbers of individuals continue to be unable or unwilling to return to their places of origin. According to Government figures, there are still more than 1.3 million post-2006 displaced persons, representing more than 220,000 families. Baghdad hosts the largest number, with over 300,000 persons in almost 60,000 families. We can best help restore the rights of those who fled violence in recent years by ensuring their safe return to their homes. All Iraqis, including those displaced, are entitled to live in dignity. The United Nations is working to ensure that the displaced are adequately cared for as long as they are displaced, followed by their voluntary return, resettlement and local integration.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“It is the duty of Iraqi leaders to act responsibly and in unity to end the ongoing violence against women and girls. In recent months, I have expanded my regular consultations with representatives of all minority communities around the country, including Christians, Shabaks, Sabean Mandeans and Yazidis. I would like to emphasize that violence against minorities is unacceptable and should have no place in Iraq as it moves forward on the path of consolidating democratic governance. UNAMI is able to provide support to the Iraqi authorities in protecting Iraq's ethnic and religious communities, and in promoting their rights in accordance with the Constitution, including fair representation in the political system in Iraq.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“In the first three months of 2012, a total of 613 civilians were killed and 1,800 injured. This is slightly less than civilians casualties last year; however every man, woman and child dying in terrorist attacks in the streets, markets or mosques of Iraq is one casualty too many. Such horrendous crimes against the Iraqi people need to stop and the violence must end if Iraq is to achieve the prosperous and secure future its people deserve. Women's History Month was celebrated last month, but statistics indicate that Iraqi women continue to face widespread instances of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and so-called honour killings. Many of the issues related to the violation of the rights of women and girls arise from entrenched cultural traditions and social practices.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“I would like to highlight specific concerns I have about the human rights situation in Iraq, particularly in terms of, first, civilian casualties; secondly, gender- based violence and women; thirdly, the situation minorities; and fourthly, internally displaced persons (IDPs). I am concerned that Iraq's political situation is heightening communal tensions in the country and leading to an increase in the numbers of attacks on civilians. Since my most recent briefing to the Council, terrorist attacks have continued to target pilgrims and resulted in the killing and wounding of scores of 3 defenceless people practicing their religion. Other attacks across the country have indiscriminately targeted civilians, resulting in large numbers of deaths and injuries, including of children.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source
“The participation of UNAMI and non-governmental organizations in the selection process is a clear signal that the process's transparency can be assured. The final vote and selection of the nine new Commissioners, which was expected by the end of this month, is now unlikely to take place. In order, however, to avoid delays in the upcoming elections in the Kurdistan region in September and in the provincial elections in early 2013, the Council of Representatives has been encouraged to extend the mandate of the current Board of Commissioners so as to enable it to initiate preparations for holding those contests.”
2012-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6747 (2012) · source