YouSaid · the spoken record

Melkert

lines on the record: 153
first: 2006-07-24
most recent: 2011-07-19
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“While this is an issue for Iraqis to decide upon themselves, the concern is that a prolonged delay could impact on the day-to-day business of governing and could affect all walks of Iraqi life. It is well understood that the Government formation process is a sovereign process and the full responsibility of Iraqis themselves. For its part, UNAMI continues to meet and listen to all parties concerned and stands ready to provide assistance and support at their request. It is indeed the enfranchisement of the voters that now matters most. I therefore reiterate the Secretary- General's call in the report for Iraqi leaders to show a higher sense of urgency and to work together to forge an agreement through an inclusive process, without further delays caused by either domestically or externally generated considerations.”
2010-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6368 (2010) · source
“It is too early to speak of an impasse, as some do, yet this cannot be excluded as a risk. There have been some encouraging signs. The main political blocs appear to agree on the need for a partnership Government and have been discussing possible power- sharing arrangements. I believe that, at this stage, Government formation could benefit from adherence to a specific time frame, as well as a collective process through which a resolution could be reached. While negotiations continue, attention must be paid to the business of governing during this period. Last week, a common understanding seems to have 10-47406 evolved among all political blocs over whether, indeed, the stage of a caretaker Government has been reached.”
2010-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6368 (2010) · source
“Following the successful completion of the parliamentary elections on 7 March 2010 and the certification of the election results on 2 June, Iraq has reached a critical juncture. Despite several months of negotiations, the transition to a new Government is still pending. As stated in the Secretary-General's report before the Council (S/20lO/406), persistent delays in the Government formation process are contributing to uncertainty in the country and creating conditions that could be exploited by elements opposed to Iraq's democratic transition. This process represents a real test of Iraq's transition to democracy and the commitment of Iraqi leaders to adhering to the country's Constitution. Continuing disagreements over who has the right to form the next Government and the appointment to key posts persist.”
2010-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6368 (2010) · source
“Mr. Melkert: I welcome the opportunity to brief the Security Council today on the challenges facing Iraq and on the role of the United Nations. As the Security Council considers the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), I wish to reiterate the Secretary-General's personal commitment to see the United Nations continue to implement its mandate and assist the people and the Government of Iraq to build a sustainable and prosperous future. During the past year, my team and I have been working with our Iraqi counterparts in a range of areas that are vital for Iraq's future. While notable progress has been made, major tasks are still ahead.”
2010-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6368 (2010) · source
“As the Council is aware, preparations for a new United Nations compound in Baghdad are under way, following the offer by the Government of Iraq of a construction lot and payment of the initial contribution of $25 million as part ofa proposed 50 per cent share. We count on the attention and support of Member States in the framework of the forthcoming budget process to enable the United Nations to continue to be represented in Iraq with the current footprint and, if possible and as requested by Iraq, more than that. The alternative will be a reduction in presence with a negative impact at a time when major tasks are still ahead and the demand for United Nations support is already more than can be supplied at the moment.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“That will necessitate a combination of security options during this transitional period, including by improving the United Nations own capabilities; gradually increasing reliance on the Iraqi security forces; additional support from Member States, especially more United Nations guards; and, as a last resort, judiciously outsourcing some security functions, in accordance with principles outlined in General Assembly resolution 55/232. In that regard, the United Nations in Iraq will also have to work towards becoming self-reliant in the full range of life-support and logistical services. The ability to deploy staff to Iraq is directly linked to the availability of safe accommodation and offices, together with security and air assets.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“At this particular moment, we have to anticipate important consequences from the reduction of support services by the United States forces in light of the drawdown between now and the end of 2011. Given high security risks to the United Nations that will likely continue in the foreseeable future, the ability to provide adequate protection to United Nations staff remains key when determining the level and extent of the future presence of the Organization in Iraq. We are working more and more with the Iraqi security forces. It has been established, however, that the provision by the Iraqi security forces of the full range of security services that the United Nations requires will be gradual and will take some time.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“We urge the authorities in Baghdad and Erbil to take very seriously the alarm sounded by the International Federation of Journalists that violence against journalists in Iraq is again on the rise, and its call for investigations in two recent killings. UNAMI is also concerned regarding reports of ill-treatment and torture in secret detention places. Stemming the trend of ongoing violence that has hit scores of innocent citizens yet again requires both effective security forces and consistent application of the law in order to avoid a vicious cycle of infringement of elementary rights. Allow me finally to draw the Council's attention to the conditions that should enable the United Nations to play its mandated roles.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“I should not hide my concern that signs of ambivalence seem to stand in the way of advancing towards good-neighbourly relations with Kuwait. UNAMI continues to convey the message that reaffirmation by Iraq of the border demarcated in 1993 and affirmed in resolution 833 (1993) is indispensable to bringing the resolution of other outstanding issues to a close, counting on the reassurance of the Government of Kuwait that normalizing relations is of mutual interest and benefit. Finally, reconciliation requires strong commitment to upholding human rights, which in many ways are still under tremendous pressure.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Security, stability and economic growth go hand in hand, and Iraq and its neighbours would be well served by capitalizing on the strengths of a region with so much more potential for progress than we have seen so far. Constructive engagement, rather than partisan interference, would be of great benefit to all. The United Nations should stand ready to facilitate bilateral and multilateral processes if requested. Importantly, hosting next year's summit of the League of Arab States in Baghdad will offer Iraq a unique opportunity to reinforce a positive agenda of regional engagement and cooperation. Not least important in normalizing the position of Iraq within the region and the wider international community is the aim to exit Chapter VII as soon as possible, as are consensus opinion and hope among all parties in Iraq.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Our advice to all parties will be to focus the expanded agenda on, in particular, principles guiding the management, development and revenue-sharing of oil production throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan region and Kirkuk province; an approach to achieving consensus on the future arrangements concerning Kirkuk province; clarification of the relevant administrative roles and responsibilities with regard to disputed territories; and practical modalities for joint security arrangements ensuring long-term stability. In many aspects, the effort to achieve reconciliation has a strong regional dimension. The future Government should reflect on building an internal and external consensus on a regional policy for Iraq.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“I hope that these first signs of change in atmosphere and determination bode well for taking up the task to seriously address the outstanding issues concerning all so-called disputed areas. These still cast their shadow on the stability and future of Iraq. The time has come for all parties to come to terms around the relevant provisions of the Constitution. To this end, we are exploring the possibility of expanding the work of the high-level task force.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Building on Deputy Prime Minister Issawi's initiative of last year, UNAMI is facilitating meetings between the Governorate of Ninewa and the Kurdistan Regional Government as a basis for progress in four specific areas: clarifying responsibilities and involvement in security policies for Ninewa; facilitating the release or transfer of Arab detainees held in the Kurdistan region; strengthening support for and protection of minorities that are suffering discrimination and attacks, including the disturbing recent attack on a bus with Christian students in Mosul; and ending the absence of representatives from the Kurdish Brotherhood List in the Ninewa Provincial Council and administration as a step towards normalizing relations within the Governorate.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“This particularly concerns areas crucial to reconciliation that require action at different levels of engagement. I am particularly pleased to report that UNAMI'S impartial outreach, aimed at reconciliation between different communities and interests in the province of Ninewa, has generated a positive atmosphere and the 3 possibility of tangible results in the near future.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“The need for a vote recount in Baghdad made it necessary for UNAMI to continue to dedicate additional attention and resources to election management support. The eventual confirmation of the initial count was a moment of deserved pride for all the United Nations staff who have tirelessly stood by the Independent High Electoral Commission in the delivery of an historic result. In the coming period, the United Nations election team will work closely with the United Nations country team to plan for future electoral events and to strengthen support for relevant constitutional and parliamentary processes, taking into account many valuable lessons learned. Whilst the Government formation process is gradually evolving, there are opportunities to advance some of the key outstanding issues more than was possible in the pre-election period.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“The signing of the first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) on 11 May marked a milestone towards longer-term economic and human development planning for Iraq, centring on the five national development priorities outlined in the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/240). Resource mobilization to enable United Nations agencies to play their part in implementing these priorities will be necessary, as will finding the right balance between increasing Iraqi contributions and ongoing commitment from Iraq's partners in the stage of crucial transition to long-term development assistance. Currently, the framework for a UNDAF trust fund is under preparation for discussion among all partners, with the aim to be operational by the beginning of 201 1.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“The reintegration of internally displaced persons - many living in appalling conditions as squatters - and those refugees who want to return demands far more priority attention and resources. The new Government can benefit from policy directions offered by the National Development Plan. Yet, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that reconstruction and reform have often been piecemeal, 10-37501 suffering at times from leadership and capacity gaps. It is also a concern that, in the current post-election phase, attention to the economic and social policy priorities seems virtually absent. Failure by the next Government to address the needs and aspirations of the population will predictably be a source of increasing instability and undermine the gains of the democratic process so far. Let me say a few words on areas of United Nations action.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“At this juncture, Iraq would probably be better served by a broadly inclusive Government as a radical alternative to the exclusion and disenfranchisement that many communities have experienced in the past. Another major challenge ahead is the need to respond to high expectations that political and security progress will translate into economic growth and the creation of jobs, leading to a drastic improvement of living conditions. The list of infrastructure and services challenges is immense, with shortages everywhere, varying from schools and health-care centres to roads, sewers and electricity. In Iraq, life expectancy at birth is 58.2 years, as opposed to, for example, 73.6 years in Syria.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Hence the permanent effort by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to encourage the winning parties to meet and converge around agreements that, at this stage, could be guided by three principles: first, a Government coalition inclusive of all major winning lists; secondly, a Government based on power-sharing principles; and thirdly, a Government-formation process within a tentatively agreed time frame. Agreeing to such principles could demonstrate commitment to a specific direction while allowing for more time for the complex process of consensus- building to unfold without creating a political vacuum. Democracy is not necessarily limited to the distinction between a majority in government and a minority in opposition.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“However, the crux is in the determination of political leaders, as well as of religious and civil society voices, to establish the country's future on a constitutional basis in an open and inclusive spirit. 10-37501 As we speak, some signs are positive, others are less so. From various sides, a round table format has been suggested for the Government-formation process. We have advised key leaders to embark upon this without further delay. In this context, it would be important for all to recognize that the constitutional system requires majority support for all Government positions and policy agreements. In Iraq's political system, the election result alone is not a direct guarantee of the choice of a Prime Minister.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Despite challenges often highlighted in the media, what I observed in the post-elections period was a genuine and shared understanding among all elected leaders that there is no alternative to respecting the constitutional basis for the transition to the next Government. This shared political attitude is key in assessing the ongoing process, including its time- consuming features. The latter reflect the absence of established procedures and customs, as well as characteristics of the parliamentary system, which is not unlike those of other countries of the world. This is not to say that time does not matter, for the Iraqi voters expect to see the results of their votes, and destructive forces stand ready to derail progress.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“That would be to the benefit of an orderly transition towards a new Government as a critical moment for creating a political environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and power-sharing. Against this backdrop, I would like to share some observations and concerns. Following the vote recount in Baghdad and the forthcoming ratification of the electoral results by the Federal Supreme Court, the first full election cycle in Iraq will be completed in a credible and successful way. It is difficult to overstate the importance of this milestone. It represents a firm rejection by the vast majority of the Iraqi people of the violent forces and their objectives.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“Mr. Melkert: The 7 March elections for Iraq's Council of Representatives marked a turning point for Iraq, as the results will determine the Government that is to oversee the withdrawal of United States forces in the course of 2010 and 2011 and govern Iraq during the next four years. This is an opportunity to further strengthen the country's sovereignty and to move with more determination towards reconciliation. Still, there are reasons for serious concern. I regret to draw attention to the hard fact that a chilling number of violent incidents in the year 2010 so far have left over 2,000 Iraqis dead and 5,000 injured. Yesterday, newly elected member of parliament Bashar al-Aqidi was assassinated in a despicable act of crime. It is imperative that the international community condemn and isolate the perpetrators.”
2010-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6320 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate my gratitude to the men and women who, in still difficult circumstances, continue to keep the United Nations flag and spirit high. It is a privilege to work with this truly international community in assisting the people of Iraq. I was happy to recently welcome the new Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Jerzy Skuratowicz of Poland, who in many places in the world has proven to be another true United Nations ambassador. In leading the mission together with him and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Christine McNab, I look forward to the Council's ongoing guidance and support.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“With its National Development Plan, the Government of Iraq counts on enlarged support by the United Nations, increasingly operating from and in the country. Against the backdrop of the drawdown of the United States Forces in Iraq security and logistical support, there will be considerable implications for the way that the United Nations can organize itself to respond to future demand for presence and programmes. In close cooperation with United Nations Headquarters, we are currently exploring the arrangements for the future. Continued presence, let alone increasing the United Nations footprint in different parts of Iraq, will come with a higher price tag. For the plans of the new Government and for our own operational preparation, it will be important to count on the Council's attention and guidance.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“We are also in the final stages of producing the first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Iraq for the period 2011- 2014, prepared in close consultation with the Government of Iraq and concurrently with the preparation of the Iraq National Development Plan. The agencies, funds and programmes have also discussed practical measures to ensure that the UNDAF will be fully funded, particularly in the light of the closure of the United Nations Development Group Iraq Trust Fund as from 30 June 2010. 10-24053 Finally, a word on the future United Nations presence in Iraq: I would like to draw the Council's attention to this in anticipation of a more specific analysis on the next reporting occasion.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“Integration will be the name of the game for United Nations contributions. The United Nations family in Iraq has identified four key areas where the United Nations has specialized knowledge and demonstrated experience: post-election activities, including census and civil registration; broader engagement in the disputed internal boundaries areas in the context of local area economic and social development; reform of the public distribution system and the development of social safety nets; and water resources management and relevant issues of transborder cooperation.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“My visit to Kuwait in January and the consultations with the Government of Iraq prior to the visit were intended to provide me with a first-hand impression of the positions of the two sides. I was pleased with the keen interest demonstrated by my interlocutors on both sides in resolving all outstanding issues in the period ahead. This would be an important step in the Council's deliberations on resolution 1859 (2008) and will hopefully pave the way for a new era in the relationship between Iraq and the United Nations. On the policy agenda and development assistance, with a new Government starting its work in the course of the year, there is an opportunity for the United Nations to transform its support of primarily humanitarian tasks into a more development- and policy reform-oriented advisory role.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“UNAMI intends to interact with key representatives of the different communities in order to encourage progress on outstanding questions that are fundamental for security, stability and economic and social progress in Iraq as a whole. The coexistence agenda and the process towards solutions will have to be decided by the Iraqi parties themselves. The United Nations is ready to facilitate these steps at the request of parties. I have observed growing consensus that the time has come to address the administrative arrangements for Kirkuk and other areas and to ensure long-term agreements on revenue-sharing and provision of security. Next, a word on the Chapter VII mandates. A next post-election priority will be the endeavour to promote constructive neighbourhood relations between Iraq and Kuwait, in conclusion of a period of turbulence.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“In the High-level Task Force that has continued to meet under UNAMI auspices, progress has been made to address issues that stand in the way of normal life and business in disputed areas, including property matters. I recently traveled to Kirkuk to support the work of the Kirkuk property committee in their inaugural meeting. In my visit to local multi-ethnic communities, I got a strong impression that daily issues are the same for all communities and that much of the discussion on boundaries and competences is considered "higher" politics, not necessarily connected with the average citizen's practical concerns about living together. This should hopefully serve as a reminder and inspiration for the inevitable "high" political dialogue that is ahead of us.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“UNAMI is supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission in developing a robust and timely complaints mechanism to ensure that the credibility of the results is not eroded by a delay in adjudication of complaints. While it is expected that preliminary results will be published in the days following 7 March, final results could take considerable time, with the Federal Supreme Court certifying the election results once all appeals have been resolved. The next point I would like to make is on the national coexistence agenda. For the near future, cementing long-term stability between the federal State of Iraq and the Kurdish region is of paramount importance. Different signs of goodwill, including on joint security arrangements, seem to signal potential for further progress.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“The United Nations is playing an active role in assisting civil society to assume this role through the funding of an initiative that has trained over 29,000 domestic observers. International observers are being coordinated through the good offices of the European Union in cooperation with the Independent High Electoral Commission. Although UNAMI will not observe the elections due to its role in supporting the Commission, our Mission will undertake its own poll-watching activities, sending teams to different locations in the country as a confidence-building initiative. Acceptance of the results is of paramount importance and will be the litmus test for the success or failure of the process.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“The United Nations electoral team has continued to play a key role in advising and technically supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission. As a result of a huge collective effort, the infrastructure is in place to allow approximately 18.9 million Iraqi voters to visit 48,000 polling stations on election day. Preparations are also under way for out-of-country voting in 16 countries that host large Iraqi communities in diaspora. Security is a vital consideration for these elections, in relation both to the integrity of the process and to voter confidence. The Government of Iraq and the Iraqi security forces have the lead in this important area. Furthermore, observation of the electoral process plays a pivotal role in ensuring the credibility of the elections and their oversight.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“It should be welcomed that Kurdistan Regional Prime Minister Saleh has taken the initiative to address the issue of transparency with regards to the contracts signed by the Kurdistan Regional Government. Clarifying the competencies between the federal and the regional governments is an indispensable aspect of transition towards a more stable future. At the same time, with the successful conclusion of important oil contracts, urgency has returned to the stage of avoiding the pitfalls of monoproduction and the quick-win exploitation of resources. After all, stability and prosperity are closely intertwined. I would like to say a few words on the role of the United Nations in the important priority areas. First, on the preparations for 7 March, elections are not only about politics, but require a lot of hard work on the ground.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“It is hoped that everyone will step up to the plate. Iraq needs fewer projects and more strategic advice. It needs to be connected to global standards of governance that will be of great benefit to the business climate, and it should urgently respond to the social deficits that squarely put the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals high on the agenda as a moral imperative and economic necessity, as the skills of its workers will define whether and when Iraq can live up to its full potential. Fifthly, full transparency and combating corruption in revitalizing the oil industry would have a major impact on the future and will improve investor confidence.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“We will continue to do our utmost to advice and remind all stakeholders of the need to respect fundamental standards and to strive for consensus- building in reconciling the polarized past with a more harmonious future. A fourth and different point in preparing for the transition has been the adoption of the budget. It is expected that this will allow for short-term support commitments by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in order to deal with the setback of oil price decreases during the past few years. However, transforming the budget into a strategic instrument for prioritizing and directing expenditures and investments remains a big task ahead. The integrated United Nations Mission is preparing its advice and support to the new Government. It is doing so by seeking closer cooperation with the World Bank in particular.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“It should be noted that the principle of drawing a line between a former dictatorial regime and a newly developing democratic order has been seen in other places. The application of the principle is entirely an Iraqi responsibility. What has made matters complex, however, from the perspective of general international standards for preparing free and fair elections is the lack of transparency that has marked the process from the outset. UNAMI has consistently emphasized the due process requirements and abstained from judging the outcomes. While reason for concern remains with regard to their impact, decisions on the candidate lists should be assessed in the context of the electoral process as a whole. What eventually will matter most is the acceptance by the Iraqi people of the election results.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“It deserves to be seen and properly understood, unprecedented as it is in the course of a long and distinguished history. Secondly, it is important that lessons be learned in the process and properly applied in the future in 10-24053 order to minimize the re-emergence of contentious issues. From the perspective of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), it will be highly relevant to advise the new Government on the general fundamentals of electoral legislation and parliamentary procedures, as well as to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the three powers, as that is necessary to strengthen the authority of the institutions. Thirdly, there has been much attention paid to the so-called de-Baathification of candidates for the elections.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“However, more international attention and engagement are needed to allow the people of Iraq to determine their future in their own way. Allow me therefore to share some thoughts on the forthcoming elections and the transition to the next Parliament and Government. First, I would like to caution against the persistent skepticism and impatience that characterize much of the discourse and reporting on Iraq. Yes, it is not difficult to note imperfections, gaps and contradictions in the ongoing process, but that is not the heart of the matter if one considers the decades of conflict and crime that have gravely affected Iraq's society, economy, administration and international standing. The crux is now to see whether there is a genuine effort under way to reconstruct and innovate. That is what, in many different ways, is happening.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“It was an important moment for Iraq to rally broad support behind the 7 March election date, which will mark the transition from the first full term of a democratically elected Parliament to the next term. There are still forces against that national agreement that seek to interfere violently in the reconstruction and reconciliation processes that the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi people would like to succeed. While, regrettably, those forces continue to kill and target innocent pilgrims, public servants, police officers and election candidates, they cannot reverse the progress that is taking place in Iraq. The determination of Iraqis to resist the return of the perils of the past is real and strong - stronger than the heinous forces behind the attacks.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“Mr. Melkert: This is a significant moment at which to brief the Council on developments and prospects in Iraq. When I spoke here three months ago, the electoral law that had just been adopted by the Council of Representatives after a complicated set of negotiations was vetoed by Vice-President al-Hashemi. That set in motion another round of deliberations that eventually were concluded with an amended law with stronger and broader support than the first version. That was very much constitutional democracy in action, with the United Nations in a position to respond to calls from the wide spectrum of representatives to assist in building bridges towards consensus.”
2010-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6271 (2010) · source
“They will set the stage for the way that other important developments - such as an increase in oil production, the National Development Plan under preparation, and, despite setbacks, progress in security forces and arrangements - will be dealt with. For many Iraqis, the determination to advance is there. For the neighbouring and partner countries and for the Security Council to back this up unambiguously is the signal those Iraqis need and deserve.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“We look forward to further interaction with the General Assembly with a View to planning for the future. In conclusion, Iraq will continue to face big challenges and contradictions in the foreseeable future. More than ever before, its success will depend on the determination of constructive forces from the inside and outside to seize new and real opportunities. We should not lose sight of the thousands of victims of indiscriminate or targeted violence that occurred in the recent reporting period. Over the same period, however, important decisions have been taken to strengthen key institutions and processes and underpin a next cycle of legitimized Government. The coming elections will mark a crucial next stage for the future of the State and of society in general.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“She will be part of the integrated mission and team management lead and will work with a soon-to-be-appointed political deputy special representative of the Secretary-General. We ask for the Council's continued attention and support during the big transition that the Mission is anticipating, particularly in terms of logistical and security support requirements. I appreciate the close contacts with the Government and the United States armed forces on their planning for redeployment and withdrawal, including the consequences for our scope of action. Taking into account the expectations and ambitions to increase United Nations representation in different parts of Iraq if circumstances permit, this will come at a price that needs to be factored into the budgets for the years ahead.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“More than at any point in time after 2003, our political advice and facilitation will be autonomously and legitimately guided and assessed by the Government, and that is how it should be. Our predominant humanitarian- and reconstruction-oriented pattern of activities will be subsumed under a more strategic, development-focused direction. This is therefore the time to reorganize the collective effort under the one blue flag. The mission and the country team are now working closely together under integrated management and strategic alignment and following Government leadership. I was pleased to welcome Christine McNab as Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian, Reconstruction and Development Affairs as well as Resident Coordinator.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“Another cause for concern in the recent past, soon to be reported in the semi-annual human rights report, was the ongoing relentless attack on men and women working for the State as police officers or in related official functions. This trend is severely undercutting the capacity of the State to impose law and order and should be reversed. Reference should also be made to ongoing issues with regard to detainees and the situation of prisoners, in terms both of process and of the physical conditions under which they are held. The State's upholding of fundamental principles should also apply in the case of criminals and suspects. Allow me to say something about the evolving mission profile. With Iraq entering a new stage, UNAMI should make adjustments as well.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“This trend makes it all the more important that improvements in the security situation are accompanied by a consistent across-the-board enforcement of the rule of law and the elimination of impunity. Efforts to ensure that perpetrators of human rights abuses are brought to justice must be redoubled as security and the rule of law are inextricably linked. Stability requires both elements. Of particular concern remains the position of women. The number of suicides that are being reported is symptomatic of fundamental issues of equal rights and opportunities as a key challenge to a country that recognizes the value and responsibility of each citizen.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“On the other hand, some bilateral diplomatic relations are under severe constraints. Their resumption would be of benefit to the region as a whole. My fifth point is on the promotion of human rights. With determination and growing hope that the completion of the first full term of the elected Council of Representatives will mark the transition to a new phase, with more attention devoted to the rebuilding and revitalization of society, the emphasis on the promotion and observance of human rights will further increase. In the most recent period, there has been a somewhat downward trend of attacks by militias, insurgents and criminal groups, notwithstanding the August and October explosions in Baghdad.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“In other areas and with different neighbouring countries, UNAMI continues to work on promoting and supporting opportunities. It has been a welcome development to note the increase of the flow of water into Iraq, following a series of meetings between Iraq and the Governments of Turkey, Syria and Iran. Yet the challenge remains to have more predictable and longer- term understanding and arrangements in place. It has been agreed with the Government of Iran to have a small UNAMI sub-office operating in Teheran to facilitate particular areas of bilateral cooperation with Iraq. All in all, the picture of regional cooperation is of varied colours. On the one hand, we see important bilateral initiatives and agreements that will no doubt benefit Iraq's regional and global integration in economic and other areas.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source
“Meanwhile, UNAMI has continued to provide support to the Government of Iraq in relation to the excavation of mass graves and the identification of missing persons, in close connection with the valuable work by Ambassador Tarasov, as reported recently to the Council. It is the intention to continue ongoing capacity-building support for a longer period of time. Further, the Iraq-Kuwait boundary maintenance project has completed planning for field maintenance. The Secretariat awaits confirmation from the Government of Iraq that work can proceed and that access will be granted to all boundary pillars. Without such indication, no additional activities can be undertaken. In that regard, I would urge the Government to indicate its consent or, should any outstanding issues exist, to move towards resolution soon.”
2009-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6218 (2009) · source