YouSaid · the spoken record

Qazi

lines on the record: 217
first: 2004-09-14
most recent: 2009-02-05
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“If we work together collectively in support of the efforts of the Government 22 of Iraq, I am sure that those efforts will result in reversing the deteriorating trend in the security situation, enabling UNAMI to deploy the number of people necessary in Iraq itself to assist the Government of Iraq in the achievement of its objectives. When our people are relocated, they are not relocated out of UNAMI; they are relocated in the vicinity, in particular in Amman and in Kuwait. Thus, we are always there, and will be there, to assist the Government and the people of Iraq. But, because of the security situation, at times it is not possible to have the numbers that we would like to have. With those words, once again, I would like to thank you, Mr.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“In that connection, I might just mention that, while we are gratified to note the appreciation and the call for an even more active role by UNAMI, we have to take into account the security situation, which has not been improving. Indeed, it has been deteriorating. Currently the number of our people in Iraq has actually decreased, rather than increased. We hope the security environment will improve to allow us to put an end to the decrease in our personnel - because we have to put the security of our personnel above all considerations.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Therefore, one of the very first priorities must be to find a way to reduce the debilitating level of violence, which has resulted in a human cost that is among the very worst to be found in the world. I would like in particular to thank the Government of Iraq for all its support for the UNAMI mission, without which we could not have possibly operated in Iraq. I would also like to thank the Multinational Force-Iraq for all the support they have provided us. I take note of the fact that a lot is expected from UNAMI in promoting national dialogue and helping the International Compact to move forward towards the achievement of its objectives. We shall certainly do that to the best of our abilities. There was a comment about the need for us to have sufficient staff in order to fulfil all those obligations to Iraq.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Mr. Qazi: I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Security Council for affording me this opportunity to present the report of the Secretary-General, along with my comments, and to listen to each member's words of wisdom and support. We have taken serious note of them. These comments will be of enormous help to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) as it goes about fulfilling its mandate in the next phase of the situation in Iraq. As has been noted, Iraq has been going through a very critical period. What is most critical about it is the level of violence, which is making it difficult for the initiatives that have been announced, launched and, indeed, implemented, to achieve success and the goals they have set for themselves.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“In the event of a further deterioration of the security situation, a major humanitarian and refugee catastrophe could ensue. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has been repeatedly reminded of the high expectations that Iraqis have of the United Nations in enabling the protection of their rights and bringing an end to their suffering by facilitating processes that can put the promise of peace and security within their grasp. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Security Council for its continued support, as most recently expressed in resolution 1700 (2006). I wish to assure Council members that the United Nations Mission will remain actively engaged with national, regional and international actors to help Iraq arrest the further deterioration of an already critical situation.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General has called for a negotiated settlement to break the cycle of violence that currently threatens to abort any political progress. This will be a complex and difficult task, but one that is unavoidable. The human costs of the present situation make it mandatory upon all of us to assist the Government of Iraq in discharging its role successfully. According to some estimates, the humanitarian and human rights crisis is arguably already the most compelling in the world. According to some estimates, more than 5,000 Iraqis die violent deaths a month. Since the Samarra incident of 22 February 2006, nearly half a million Iraqis have been internally displaced. The exodus of Iraqis to neighbouring countries is placing a heavy burden on those countries.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“In this regard, it is again encouraging to note that the Government of Iraq is actively preparing for a national reconciliation conference on, I understand, 18 December and that progress on a draft text for a hydrocarbon law has been made. In his report, the Secretary-General has suggested that a regional contact group, assisted by the United Nations, could serve as the catalyst to bring about a 3 credible forum where such issues could be discussed and progressively resolved. There is an urgent need to develop a momentum for peace and stability in Iraq through an intensive and sustained engagement with the regional and international community in support of the Government of Iraq's national reconciliation efforts.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“They include a political vision for the new Iraq, a fair sharing of oil revenues that guarantees all the peoples of Iraq an equal share in its unity and prosperity, a realistic sharing of powers, including collection of taxes among the centre, the regions and the governorates that enables the central Government to deliver essential services, the development of Iraq's security forces into genuine national institutions that are trusted and respected throughout the country, the progressive disbanding of militias and other illegal armed groups so that the State has a monopoly over the use of force as the guarantor of the rule of law, ensuring effective human rights protection systems and an effective judiciary, encouraging Iraqi civil society to foster the emergence of issue-based, non-sectarian politics, and finding a mutually acceptable way to discuss the future of the MNF-I's role as a key component of a national reconciliation process.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“To date, the opportunity provided by this review process has not been seized as effectively as the United Nations had hoped and advised. Technical revision needs to be backed by genuine political negotiation on key issues aimed at making the constitution a genuinely workable national framework document. The issues on which Iraqi consensus is urgently needed are clear.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Yet the 06-65176 structure of the situation in and around Iraq requires that all regional countries see that it is in their interest to contribute to the peace and unity of Iraq as a matter of priority and to participate in efforts to ensure that their contributions collectively assist the Government and people of Iraq. In this respect, it is encouraging to note that the Government of Iraq has decided to send envoys to its neighbours to prepare the ground for a possible regional conference. To replace the current climate of fear and mistrust, a reconciliation process should address sensitive issues rather than postpone consideration of them. In his report, the Secretary-General draws attention to the way in which a genuine constitutional review process could provide the framework for national reconciliation.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“In my discussions with Iraqi leaders from across the spectrum and with many representatives of many of Iraq's neighbours, I have been struck by the unanimity with which they now recognize that Iraq's problems cannot be addressed by concentrating exclusively on the domestic political dynamics of Iraq alone. Therefore, a broader and more inclusive political approach is required that involves all the main neighbours of Iraq, as well as the P-S countries. It must also involve all the main political forces inside Iraq that are prepared to foreswear violence as a political tool and to come to the negotiating table. An exclusionary approach, whether internal or external, will not result in progress towards peace and stability. None of this alters the fact that the Iraqis above all must take responsibility for their future.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“If Iraq is to stand any chance of avoiding a national catastrophe, a collective sense of urgency, resolve and compromise is essential. Zero-sum solutions are not compatible with political stability and national security. Accordingly, the international community and regional States have a real stake in assisting the Government of Iraq to overcome the current challenges. There is no merit in arguments that assume pessimistic outcomes in Iraq, because for the people of Iraq, for its neighbours and for the wider world, failure in Iraq is not an option. A collective international and regional initiative in support of the efforts of the Government of Iraq to reduce the current levels of violence and resolve key issues is the only way forward. There is no alternative.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Accordingly, it is very encouraging to note that the Iraqi Prime Minister and his Cabinet have indicated their full commitment to making the Compact process a success. Vigorous efforts are under way to build up Iraq's armed forces and put in place effective command and control, disciplinary and organizational structures. Significant progress is being made in some respects. However, even under the most propitious of circumstances, the development of self-sufficient security forces of the requisite professional capability and political discipline is expected to take some years, and may take much longer. Moreover, the key issues confronting Iraq are not amenable to solutions based on force alone. Excessive reliance on the use of force could indeed preclude negotiated compromise - the only sound basis for stability.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“The restoration of peace and stability in the capital and its surrounding areas is therefore critical to the peace and stability of Iraq as a whole. Given the current lack of political unity, the fragmentation of Iraqi society and the paralyzing levels of violence, it may not be realistic to expect the Government and parliament to bring about progress without the active cooperation of the regional and international community. Nor in these circumstances can multilateral partnerships, such as the International Compact for Iraq, be expected to realize their full potential, since they are predicated on the Iraqi Government being able to implement the requisite political, security, economic and social reforms. The International Compact will itself require a viable 06-65176 security and political environment.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Initiatives launched during the period, such as the 2 October Ramadan declaration, the meetings sponsored by the Ministry of National Dialogue, and the Mecca Declaration, under the auspices of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, as yet have had no impact on the violence and bloodshed. The Baghdad security plan, aimed at isolating troubled neighbourhoods and improving living conditions for their residents, has not expanded beyond the initially selected areas. The violence seems out of control. This has provoked widespread concern for Iraq's future. While 8 out of 18 governorates account for 80 per cent of the attacks on the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF-I) and the Iraqi security forces (ISF), those 8 governorates account for a significant proportion of Iraq's population.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“Mr. Qazi: The Secretary-General's report before the Security Council provides a sober and urgent warning that Iraq stands on the brink of a civil war and chaos. In my briefings to this Council, I have repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that the achievements of the political transition process in meeting the benchmarks endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 1546 (2004) have not translated into an improved security or human rights situation. Efforts made by the Government of Iraq and the Multinational Force have not prevented a continuous deterioration of the security situation, which, if not reversed, will progressively undermine Iraq's political prospects.”
2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source
“The United Nations was proud to assist the League of Arab States in its preparatory conference in Cairo last November and will continue to associate itself with those efforts. It remains for me to thank all participants for their constructive comments and advice. I would like also to thank the Government of Iraq for all the assistance that it has extended to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) in order to make our work possible. I would also like to thank all the 06-52155 member countries of the Multinational Force in Iraq, which have also enabled us to do our work in Iraq. We also wish to thank the Governments of Japan and of Denmark, which have assisted us with respect to aircraft, because mobility has been an issue which has hampered us. Their contributions are valued and appreciated and will facilitate our work.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The United Nations will always be ready to lend support, at the request of the Government of Iraq and with the support of the international community as expressed by the Security Council, and to continue its work. We are now under the extended mandate which includes responsibilities for the International Compact, looking for the realization of an Iraqi national vision which will entail its transformation and integration into the global and regional economy. The regional countries will have a critically important role here. It is very encouraging to see the emphasis that has been placed on this fact and on the extremely important role that regional countries and organizations like the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference have to play with respect to future developments in Iraq.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“There is no doubt that the major challenge that confronts Iraq today is the degree of violence which comes from a number of sources - the sectarian violence, insurgency and terrorist violence, and, indeed, organized criminal violence. Collectively, they add up to an extremely challenging environment, to put it mildly, for the average Iraqi in those areas where this violence is particularly acute. I say that because one often loses sight that there are many areas in Iraq which, mercifully, are free from significant levels of violence. Nonetheless, the fact that this violence does affect Baghdad impacts upon the perceptions with respect to Iraq.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“But the newly elected Government, headed by Prime Minister al-Maliki, has indeed taken a number of extremely important initiatives, not least, the National Reconciliation Plan and the decision to launch, in partnership with the United Nations, the International Compact with Iraq. Those are comprehensive initiatives and it is our privilege to be associated with them - with the National Reconciliation Plan and the individual programmes that comprise it, including the Baghdad peace initiative and the International Compact with Iraq. The first preparatory group meeting, which took place in Abu Dhabi recently, was a very constructive event. We look forward to the high-level meeting on 18 September, to enable a broader range of participation from countries which were not at Abu Dhabi and whose views will be valued and taken into account.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“Mr. Qazi: First of all I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and the representatives of countries members of the Security Council and of the Government of Iraq for their very constructive contributions, and for their very encouraging remarks with regard to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I would like to say that we are at a very critical time. It is always a critical time in Iraq, but right now the possibilities for progress in a challenging environment are there, and we need to avail ourselves of them. It is true that many achievements of the benchmarks of resolution 1546 (2004) - in fact, they were all achieved - have not yet translated into the security situation that we all aspire to achieve.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“While the United Nations presence and ability to operate effectively remain severely constrained by the security environment, UNAMI is exploring how it can maximize its impact and which tasks can be prioritized. In that regard, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Member States, from both within and outside the Multinational Force, who support the United Nations in Iraq by providing military advisers, guard forces and movement and aviation support. UNAMI will continue to stand by the people of Iraq and will make every effort to help generate tangible progress for a democratic and prosperous Iraq that is at peace with itself, its neighbours and the wider international community.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The international community must seize this opportunity to provide real support for Iraq's efforts to transform itself into a participatory and institutionalized democracy that ensures for all its people the full, secure and prosperous lives they have struggled and made sacrifices to achieve. There are few more noble endeavours to which to devote our energies and capacities. UNAMI remains fully committed to play its part pursuant to its mandates under resolutions 1546 (2004) and 1700 (2006). I am grateful for the continued support of the Security Council for UNAMI's role in Iraq. A strong consensus in the Council in support of the new Government of Iraq and the United Nations role remains essential.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The demonstrated resilience of the Iraqi people in the face of a succession of calamities and tribulations is reason enough to know that they will not be defeated in achieving their aspirations. The best option of the international community is to prove the pessimists wrong by assisting the people and Government of Iraq in realizing their national vision. Accordingly, the time has come to hold focused discussions on how best to assist Iraq on its way towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous State. Those discussions should be as open and inclusive as possible, to ensure win-win approaches to addressing critical issues. The Government of Iraq has already made a bold start in addressing major issues through its initiatives, programmes and outreach efforts and through security and economic reforms.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“Highlighting those challenges is not to deny that in a number of areas there has been measurable progress in the delivery of services. But, as the Secretary-General has stressed in his report, "The Iraqi people and their leaders have arrived at an important crossroads: if they are able to build firm foundations for the common interest of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity will be within reach. However, if current patterns of discord and violence prevail for much longer, there is a grave danger of a breakdown of the Iraqi State, and potentially of civil war". (ibid., para. 69) Whatever the challenges of the moment - and there are many - there is still reason for optimism.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“Action on transitional justice will complement those efforts and help pursue with vigour the twin priorities of national reconciliation and accountability for human rights violations. UNAMI is also providing advice to the Government on the growing problem of internal displacement, particularly with regard to shelter and assistance. The report draws attention to the fact that some 200,000 citizens have been forced to leave their homes, mainly in Baghdad, since the Samarra incident of 22 February this year. United Nations agencies, funds and programmes have nearly depleted their resources earmarked for emergency humanitarian activities. Similarly, the Government is constrained in its ability to adequately respond to the situation. There is now an urgent need for new funding to meet the needs of the displaced.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“All of that may seem far removed from the daily realities that face so many Iraqis. As the Secretary- General's report indicates, one of the key challenges 3 remains ensuring greater respect for human rights and the rule of law. A priority for UNAMI is to assist the Government in setting up a strong national human rights protection system by establishing an independent human rights commission, reinforcing the judiciary and the capacity of key ministries to promote and protect human rights, and by supporting non-governmental organizations and the development of a culture of human rights. Strengthening human rights and the rule of law is necessary to create solid foundations for development and reconstruction efforts. If effective remedies for present and past crimes remain elusive, more Iraqis might take the law into their own hands.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“In all our contacts, UNAMI has therefore emphasized that Iraq's new independent institutions must be protected by effective laws and be enabled to discharge their responsibilities independently and impartially, without fear or favour. Similarly, good governance requires a professional and well-managed civil service. Above all, the effective and transparent delivery of public services will depend on public confidence in the competence and accountability of those charged with their implementation. The Government has initiated important reforms in key ministries following public and international concern over the activities of some of their personnel. It is to be commended for those efforts and encouraged to ensure that adequate internal oversight and professional performance maintenance mechanisms are put in place.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“I hope that a constitutional review will be used as a vehicle to promote national dialogue and reconciliation. Far from provoking controversy, a well-prepared and managed constitutional review can create a growing repository of fundamental agreements that, if adhered to, will be a solid foundation for Iraq's developing democracy. The members of the Council of Representatives bear a historic responsibility to pursue their constituency interests only in the framework of the national interest. Their credibility rests on the extent to which they are able to exercise their individual judgement to protect Iraq's newly established national institutions from being influenced by particular interests.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“Fostering national reconciliation and building effective 06-52155 national institutions must be an Iraqi-led and Iraqi- owned process. As a key priority, Iraq's elected parliament, the Council of Representatives, will need to decide on a range of legislation to make substantial parts of Iraq's Constitution operational. It must also commence a constitutionally required review process to strengthen the Constitution as a document that reflects the national consensus. The UNAMI Office of Constitutional Support has facilitated very considerable preparatory work for a constitutional review process through arranging several multi-party dialogues between Iraqi political representatives and constitutional experts, as well as international experts and consultants on key constitutional issues.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“For its part, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) remains fully committed to support and facilitate the development of the Compact and to assist in its effective implementation. As the Council is aware, the Secretary-General has taken the initiative to convene a high-level meeting at United Nations Headquarters on 18 September which, in addition to reviewing progress in the implementation of resolution 1546 (2004), will review the development of the International Compact. The commitments of the Government of Iraq to make urgent progress on national reconciliation, political inclusion and consensus-building, in addition to the Compact, also deserve the full support of the region and the wider international community.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The Government of Iraq also pledged its strong commitment to tackling corruption, creating a transparent and efficient oil sector, developing a solid budgetary framework, improving governance and building and consolidating effective national institutions. The Government recognized that good governance and the resolution of security and political challenges are interlinked and are prerequisites for progress in all other areas. Participants welcomed the commitments made by the Government and pledged their support to work closely with the Government of Iraq in further developing the Compact, with the assistance of the United Nations and the World Bank.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The Compact, co-chaired by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations, is an initiative for a new partnership between Iraq and the international community. Considerable preparatory work has been initiated to create an effective framework for the Compact in which the Government can develop its economic programme according to clearly defined priorities, benchmarks and commitments. At the preparatory meeting held in Abu Dhabi on 10 September, the Government of Iraq outlined the key priorities on which to form a Compact, such as effective public resource management and economic reform in private sector development and social sector reforms.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“As highlighted in the report, in many parts of the country insurgent, militia and terrorist attacks, as well as gross violations of human rights, have continued to inflict untold suffering, particularly on innocent civilians, most notably women, children and minorities. The Iraqi people have every right to expect their elected leaders to reverse those worrisome trends, which could endanger the social and political fabric of the country. Given Iraq's importance and potential, its neighbours 06-52155 and the wider international community have a vital stake in helping Iraq become a peaceful, stable and prosperous partner, fully integrated within the region and the international community. The International Compact with Iraq could become an important vehicle to that end.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“The Prime Minister has included the Baghdad peace initiative in his National Reconciliation Plan, which is aimed at establishing a basis for mutual trust and protection among Baghdad's diverse communities. It is also encouraging that the Government of Iraq is seeking to establish a dialogue with those who have hitherto remained outside the political process. Those initiatives merit the widest possible support. Ultimately, lasting improvements in security can be achieved only through negotiated solutions to complex political, economic, social and religious issues that meet the legitimate needs and interests of all Iraqis. Although Iraq's problems have been overshadowed in recent months by crises elsewhere in the region, Iraq today has become one of the most violent conflict areas in the world.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“Mr. Qazi: The Secretary-General's report before the Security Council comes at a time when the challenges facing the Iraqi people have never appeared more daunting. As emphasized in the report, "the time has come for [Iraq's] constitutionally elected Government and the international community to place the safety and welfare of the Iraqi people at the front and centre of all their collective efforts" (S/2006/706, para. 69). The key challenge to the Government of Iraq is to develop a truly national agenda that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis. Prime Minister Al-Maliki has laid out a range of initiatives in his National Reconciliation Plan and has taken initial steps to broaden the basis of support for his Government and to increase the effectiveness of the Iraqi security forces.”
2006-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5523 (2006) · source
“UNAMI is privileged to share in that responsibility by facilitating the processes of dialogue, compromise and national reconciliation, by providing humanitarian, reconstruction and development assistance and by promoting good governance, human rights and the rule of law, as well as the establishment of democratic institutions. Setting Iraq on an irreversible path towards a peaceful and democratic future will be a long journey. What is needed first and foremost is the commitment of the new Government of Iraq, the Security Council, regional countries and, most of all, the Iraqi people to turn the page and move forward towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Iraq. In that endeavour, UNAMI will continue to stand by the Iraqi people.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“In addition, I am grateful for the hospitality, support and facilities provided by the Governments of Jordan and Kuwait to enable UNAMI to continue to discharge its mandate under resolution 1546 (2004). Above all, I am grateful to the Government of Iraq for its continuous cooperation. It has become apparent that the next six months in Iraq will be critical. The cloud of pessimism that has further darkened as a result of recent developments has to be lifted. While the Government of Iraq and the political leadership must discharge the primary national responsibility that devolves upon them, it is equally incumbent upon the neighbours of Iraq and the international community to enable them to do so.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“With the Multinational Force moving into strategic overwatch and the Iraqi security forces not yet fully formed, trained and tested, safety and security for UNAMI staff and premises will require additional support. I thank the Governments of Fiji, Georgia, Romania and the Republic of Korea for supporting our security arrangements, and I thank the donors for their support. I am also grateful for the efforts of the Multinational Force to facilitate the movements of UNAMI staff. The continued support of the members of this Council will remain essential with regard to both UNAMI's immediate security needs and the wider issue of enhancing the capacities of Iraq's own security services.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“The emphasis will remain on the quality of UNAMI's assistance rather than the size of the Mission, which will be conditioned by a continuous evaluation of the security environment and the availability of security and essential life support systems. If a more robust role is expected of the United Nations in the next phase of Iraq's political transition, there will be a concomitant need to enhance the necessary capacities within UNAMI. One requirement will be for dedicated air assets to ensure our greater operational mobility and flexibility. Despite many requests to Member States, UNAMI has not been able to secure the required dedicated air assets. That is regrettable, and a solution should be found as a matter of urgency.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“As the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and the designated official for security, I am accountable to the Secretary-General for the safety and security of all United Nations personnel in Iraq. In the current political and security environment in Iraq, United Nations staff members remain at risk of becoming targets of violence. Staff security, therefore, remains the Mission's overarching guiding principle. UNAMI's activities will continue to be demand-driven and focused on added value in areas of comparative advantage. An expanded role for UNAMI need not necessarily translate into an increase of the current size of the Mission.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“It is clear that the current situation in Iraq constitutes a serious obstacle to the effective implementation of infrastructural and income- generating projects designed to address unemployment and the provision of basic services. If not effectively addressed, ongoing violence will prevent donor programmes from having their desired impact. Nevertheless, UNAMI intends to remain actively engaged, through its United Nations country team, to maintain its important role in donor coordination and to support humanitarian, reconstruction and development activities, circumstances permitting. UNAMI is also fully engaged in preparations for the next donor conference of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, which is now planned for July.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“While the Government has taken initial steps, more determined measures are necessary, particularly with regard to de facto arbitrary detentions, torture and extrajudicial killings. The Multinational Force and the Iraqi security forces have a particular responsibility in this regard. In the absence of such measures, efforts to strengthen national cohesion, mutual trust and national reconciliation might prove elusive. In fulfilling its mandate, UNAMI will continue to monitor the human rights situation closely and will provide further comments and recommendations in its next bimonthly human rights report, to be released shortly.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“In addition to UNAMI's political activities under paragraph 7 (a) of its mandate - which will remain a priority in 2006 - UNAMI is also seeking to strengthen its activities in the other key areas of its mandate under paragraph 7 (b) of resolution 1546 (2004) - namely, reconstruction and development, humanitarian assistance and human rights. To this end, UNAMI is developing a phased approach that would integrate all UNAMI activities into its overall political strategy to promote national dialogue and reconciliation. Concrete priorities will be established in close consultation with the new Government and international partners. The urgency of activities under this part of UNAMI's mandate is demonstrated by the deteriorating human rights situation.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“On 28 March, I intend to meet Arab leaders at the eighteenth Arab Summit in Khartoum to discuss the regional situation as it relates to Iraq. As a concrete step to increase regional engagement, I have proposed the establishment of a regional contact group that would bring together Iraq's regional neighbours to discuss how to improve stability in Iraq. I intend to continue discussions on this proposal in Khartoum. I will also continue to support the initiative of the League of Arab States to hold a conference on Iraqi national accord in Baghdad in June and will continue to support the dialogue started last November in Cairo among political, religious and community leaders across Iraq.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“I hope that the new parliament will use this process to reach a national consensus on a strong framework for the Iraqi State. That is an essential prerequisite for the country's long- term stability. As part of its core political mandate under paragraph 7 (a) of Security Council resolution 1546 (2004), UNAMI stands ready to provide any assistance that might be necessary for the formation of an inclusive Government and is fully engaged with Iraqi leaders to support the constitutional review and the effective implementation of the constitution. Iraq's stability is intrinsically linked to the stability in the region, and vice versa. UNAMI therefore remains engaged with regional countries and intends to step up efforts in the coming period. Over the past 18 months, my deputies and I visited Syria, Turkey, Iran, Jordan and Kuwait.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“With the expected convening of the Council of Representatives on 16 March - that is, tomorrow - it is now incumbent on all concerned to move swiftly to form a fully inclusive Government, whose credibility and effectiveness will depend on whether it will be able to inspire the confidence and trust of all Iraqis and establish professional, transparent and non-sectarian institutions that will practice good governance based on the rule of law and human rights. A number of competing proposals about the composition and agenda of the new Government are currently under consideration. Everything must now be done to help the negotiating parties reach a sustainable compromise as quickly as possible. Another important step will be the constitutional review.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Recent developments have made negotiations on government formation more difficult. This has created a dangerous and prolonged political vacuum. To prevent the situation from deteriorating further and to foster an environment in which all Iraqis can discuss the future of their country free of intimidation and fear, all efforts must now be directed at strengthening the momentum of the political process, with a view to developing an agreed national compact that is responsive to the aspirations of all Iraq's communities. Continued support from the Security Council and its members will be essential in this endeavour.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“UNAMI is also urging the Government, Iraq's political and religious leaders and civil society to demonstrate that they will not be divided and defeated by the nefarious aims of those seeking to undermine Iraq's political process and instead take measures aimed at promoting the rule of law and human rights. Together with UNESCO and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, UNAMI has also launched an initiative to assist the Government of Iraq in restoring the Samarra shrine and other religious sites that were damaged during the recent violence. The international response has so far been very encouraging. Taken together, these measures will, hopefully, contribute to the process of building mutual trust and national accord. Despite some grounds for hope, the overall situation in Iraq remains tense and volatile.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“The calls by a large spectrum of Iraq's political and religious leaders for restraint and peaceful dialogue and the quick, concrete action taken by the Government of Iraq to bring the situation under control are promising signs that the potential for peaceful political solutions exists. For my part, I have stepped up my engagement with Iraq's political, religious and civic leaders with a View to encouraging greater intercommunal understanding, including through the Political Consultative Committee convened by Prime Minister al-Jaafari, which was formed in response to the Samara attack and its aftermath.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source