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

“It is fed by growing mistrust between communities despite the fact that, in their daily lives and in their individual attitudes towards each other, most Iraqis emphatically reject and transcend this divide. Overcoming the sectarian divide is, above all, the responsibility of Iraq's political leadership. If that responsibility is not taken up with the urgent priority it requires, the divide will severely undermine efforts to promote security and strengthen national cohesion. The Secretary-General has therefore emphasized that promoting mutual trust and national reconciliation must remain the top priority, and that the need for sustained intercommunal dialogue and confidence- building measures to promote national reconciliation is all the more urgent now.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“However, the bombing of the Shia shrine in Samarra on 22 February 2006 and its Violent aftermath have demonstrated that Iraq's political transition is increasingly threatened by intersectarian violence, exacerbated by the continuing insurgency and counter-insurgency, acts of terror and a deteriorating human rights situation. While sectarian fissures have always been an integral part of Iraq's political history, today they have come to dominate and almost define Iraqi politics and its future prospects. As the Secretary-General has emphasized in his report, sectarian violence has emerged as a main threat to the security and stability of Iraq.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“UNAMI is proud to have been associated with the achievements principally of the people of Iraq, the Transitional National Assembly, the Transitional Government and the political leadership of the country in meeting the timetable. The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq and the Constitutional Drafting Committee of the Transitional National Assembly deserve particular mention for bringing about these accomplishments. These achievements should have provided a basis for the next phase of the political process in Iraq, one characterized by a fully sovereign and democratically elected Government.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Mr. Qazi: The report of the Secretary-General before the Council details the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) from 8 December 2005 to 7 March 2006. I welcome the opportunity to brief the Council today on the work of UNAMI and its ongoing efforts to assist the people of Iraq in implementing its mandate under resolution 1546 (2004). As the report notes, despite the notable achievement of all the political transition benchmarks in 2005 that were envisaged in resolution 1546 (2004), Iraq continues to face enormous security, political and reconstruction challenges. Given these grave challenges, Iraq's progress in meeting its transitional benchmarks is all the more remarkable.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“I should like, therefore, to conclude by thanking the Government of Fiji for providing three United Nations Guard Units to protect UNAMI facilities; the Governments of Romania, Georgia and the Republic of Korea, which have provided dedicated forces to support our security; and the Governments of Jordan and Kuwait for hosting UNAMI facilities on their territory and their consistent support for essential UNAMI operations. I am also grateful for the efforts of the Multinational Force and the Iraqi security forces in supporting our activities on a daily basis. And, needless to say, thanks to the Government of Iraq. Finally, I wish to pay tribute to all UNAMI staff for their hard work and dedication in implementing our mandate, often in exceptionally challenging circumstances.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“As the current process outlined in resolution 1546 (2004) is nearing its scheduled completion, consideration will need to be given to how best the international community, including the United Nations, can continue to support the Government and people of Iraq. With a tenfold increase of our presence in Iraq since operations resumed last year and the planned expansion of activities beyond Baghdad to Erbil and Basrah, UNAMI is a committed partner of Iraq and is ready to continue to provide its assistance, as circumstances permit and as requested by the Iraqis. We have come a long way in Iraq, and UNAMI could not have achieved what it has without the support it has received from a large number of countries.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Irrespective of their outcome, there are a number of overarching challenges on which we will need to continue to focus if we are to see the dividends of our efforts over the past two years. These include, first, promoting national reconciliation through inclusive, participatory, transparent and responsive politics that impact positively on security; secondly, respecting Iraqi ownership of the political process and strengthening the security of the State; thirdly, developing good governance practices and institutional capacity-building; and fourthly, encouraging international and regional engagement and consensus in support of Iraq's transition. The Security Council has a particularly important role to play in each of these areas.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“UNAMI also facilitated the prompt provision of emergency assistance to the survivors and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic Aemma Bridge stampede in Baghdad on 31 August. Strengthening the Government's capacity to coordinate international assistance and to deliver effectively on the needs and expectations of its people will remain a priority for UNAMI. However, meeting Iraq's immediate reconstruction and humanitarian needs, and investing in its long-term development, will require continued and generous support from the international community. While the referendum and the elections are necessary instruments in Iraq's transition to democracy, they are only staging posts along an evolving transition.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Similarly, the need for greater security is not limited to the security of life, but encompasses the general welfare of Iraqis and their prospects for a better life in terms of basic living conditions, employment and public services. Restoring the confidence and dignity of the Iraqi people requires urgent tangible improvements in these areas. In this regard, the outcome of the last International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI) Donor Meeting in July made it possible for UNAMI to focus its efforts on selecting quick-impact projects. They are aimed at improving the quality of life of Iraqis in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation and have been formulated and implemented by United Nations agencies on a fast- track basis.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“We have, therefore, encouraged the Iraqi Government to step up its efforts to promote and protect human rights, as well as to ensure that it is perceived as being equitable and fair in all its actions towards all communities in Iraq. At this sensitive political juncture, this is particularly relevant to the Iraqi security forces that are often required to operate in challenging and provocative circumstances. The forthcoming referendum and election will provide an opportunity for them to demonstrate their neutrality, impartiality and effectiveness in respecting human and political rights for all Iraqi citizens.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Of paramount concern is the high toll of innocent civilian casualties caused by the ongoing Violence, including terrorist and insurgent activity. The Secretary-General has unequivocally condemned terrorist violence against innocent civilians, which no cause can ever justify, and has repeatedly called on all parties to observe their international humanitarian obligations in this regard. Also of great concern is the deteriorating human rights situation, to which the report again calls your attention. From our experience around the world, we have learned that addressing both past and present abuses, based on the rule of law and international norms, can go a long way in promoting national reconciliation efforts.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“It is important that all recognize that the facilitation work of the United Nations, including the publication of the draft constitutional text, does not constitute advocacy. Although the timetable for a nationwide public discussion and debate on the completed draft text has been much shorter than initially hoped, a healthy turnout for the referendum would, nevertheless, be a very positive development. Accordingly, I hope that the Security Council will support the Secretary-General's call to the people of Iraq to exercise their democratic rights, as well as his call to the Iraqi authorities and all Iraqi political groups, to ensure the Iraqi people's participation, free from intimidation or threats to their security. Outside the formal political process, the reality of life for the vast majority of Iraqis remains difficult.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Preparations are also under way for the general election that is to follow. Here, too, the process has been affected by prolonged negotiations in the National Assembly over the choice of electoral system, which delayed the adoption of a new electoral law until 12 September. As a result, the timelines for implementing all the preparatory steps for the referendum and elections have been severely compressed. In addition, there is an urgent need for international funding for the electoral process. The United Nations does not and should not take positions on questions such as the merits of the draft Constitution, which lie exclusively within the sovereign political domain of the Iraqi people.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“A copy of the constitutional text that is to be put to the people of Iraq in the referendum on 15 October was formally communicated to me by the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, with the request that UNAMI facilitate the publication and distribution of 5 million copies to Iraqi households throughout the country. This process, which will enable the Iraqi people to make an informed choice on whether to accept or reject the draft constitutional text, is now under way. In that regard, UNAMI is also providing technical support to a broad public education campaign on the draft constitution. The referendum is only one of two major electoral events that are being prepared simultaneously by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq within a very tight time frame.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“The issues of federalism, modalities for the formation of regions in addition to the existing Kurdistan region, the identity of the State, the role of Islam as a source of law, and the distribution of powers with respect to natural resources, including oil and water, were among the major points of contention. Several commentators noted the deferral of a large number of important institutional arrangements to the next elected national assembly for legislative action. Given the short time frame available, there was probably no alternative to this. Building upon the efforts made during the drafting process, it is now hoped that all parties will be able to work constructively with one another in implementing an approved constitution in the common interest of the Iraqi people.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“The lack of sufficient mutual accommodation within the National Assembly's Constitutional Committee eventually led to outstanding political issues being referred to meetings of senior political leaders. This process developed a political dynamic of its own that carried discussions on the draft text of the constitution beyond the prescribed deadline of 15 August. As a result, the process had to depart from formal procedures in order to allow negotiations among all parties to continue as constructively as possible. In effect, several deadlines for the designation of a text by the National Assembly were set aside, and the text which was designated on 28 August continued to be discussed and changed. Changes to the text were finally read out to the National Assembly on 18 September.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“In these circumstances, the restoration of mutual political trust among parties and communities through an inclusive, transparent and participatory political process has been, and remains, a challenge. Given all this, it is remarkable that the initial number of sensitive issues on which differences were known to exist was significantly reduced within a very demanding time frame, rendered even more tight due to the delay in the formation of a Transitional Government. Even so, we cannot but acknowledge that the major shortcoming of the 30 January elections - that is, the relative non-participation of one major segment of Iraqi society - inevitably affected the subsequent drafting of the constitution, despite measures taken to include representatives of Arab Sunni groups in the process.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“In writing a constitution, underlying political issues are often the hardest to tackle, especially in countries undergoing a transition from dictatorship to representative government. In such situations, it is almost a prerequisite that the constitution-drafting process contribute to the development or restoration of political trust among the main political constituencies, without which the necessary compromises on sensitive issues will be difficult to achieve. In the case of Iraq, the Transitional National Assembly has also been given the task of drafting a constitution in a security environment that remains extremely challenging and which can easily contribute to a hardening of attitudes on all sides.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Mr. Qazi: The report before the Council details the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) from June to August 2005. I would like to take this opportunity to draw the Council's attention to its key observations and to comment on the efficacy of the role of the United Nations in Iraq. Our meeting is taking place shortly after the designation by the Transitional National Assembly of Iraq of a draft national constitution, which marks an important benchmark in Iraq's political transition, as outlined in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004). Iraq can now move forward to the remaining steps in its transition: a national referendum on the draft constitution scheduled for 15 October and general elections scheduled for 15 December.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“As the Iraqi people begin to rebuild their country, they need to feel that Iraq is resuming its place as a fully independent, sovereign and integrated member of the international community. The Security Council has a special responsibility to ensure that Iraq's relations with the region and the international community can be normalized expeditiously. I wish to thank the Security Council for its support. I look forward to keeping it informed on UNAMI's activities in Iraq as we move forward.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“On behalf of UNAMI, I also wish to thank the Government of Fiji for its important contribution to the security of our Mission. Iraq's challenges are also the challenges of the international community. The new transitional institutions of Iraq will need continued and active support from the United Nations, the region and the international community at large. I welcome the ongoing regional process among Iraq and its neighbours as an essential vehicle for dialogue and cooperation. I also welcome any concerted international initiative in support of Iraq's political and economic reconstruction. The United Nations is ready to support, and play its part in, such efforts. Now is the time for us to stand together with Iraq's new authorities and give them a chance to succeed in the eyes of their people.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“I know that that is a view shared by many in the Security Council also. We have already opened liaison offices in Erbil and Basra, ahead of the possible deployment of an initial number of humanitarian and development staff. Such deployment is indispensable if those offices are to fulfil their essential functions with regard to relief and development activities at this time. We will be assessing the scope for increased humanitarian and development initiatives, consistent, as always, with the security of United Nations staff. The arrival of newly contributed guard units assigned to provide United Nations security in Baghdad and Basra will, I hope, encourage other countries to consider supporting the expansion of United Nations activities in Iraq through practical as well as moral support.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“That will help to improve the effectiveness of international assistance in a range of fields, to the benefit of the Iraqi people. Iraqis expect tangible political and economic progress, particularly in terms of living conditions, jobs and basic services. Even though the time remaining before the next elections is short, the Transitional Government needs to alleviate the daily deprivations and dangers that frustrate and degrade the lives of so many Iraqis and undermine the prospects for a successful transition process. An improvement in the overall security environment is, as the report stresses, an essential prerequisite for an expansion of United Nations activities in Iraq. Almost without exception, Iraqi interlocutors want the United Nations to assume greater responsibilities and greater visibility in Iraq.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“My Human Rights Office will continue to monitor the situation closely so that our efforts in support of the restoration of the rule of law are at all times rooted in an up-to-date understanding of the human rights reality prevailing in Iraq. Members of the international community can provide critical support to Iraq's transition process by stepping up their reconstruction and development assistance, both through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq and bilaterally. UNAMI is taking measures to improve its delivery capacity while necessarily keeping the evolving security situation in mind. UNAMI is also prepared to play an enhanced coordinating role between donor countries and organizations, on the one hand, and designated Iraqi authorities, on the other.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“The better and the faster Iraqi security forces can be trained, the sooner they will be able to assume their responsibilities and take charge of the country's security. As the report makes clear, the human rights situation in Iraq continues to warrant close attention. It is largely innocent civilian non-combatants who are affected by violence and the use of force. In some areas - notably in Fallujah and other places in Al- Anbar - the population remains deprived of the protection to which they are entitled under international humanitarian law. Continuing reports of detentions and the absence of adequate arrangements for due process are issues that also need to be addressed. In those areas of Iraq where security is relatively stable, the authorities concerned should be able to give greater attention to the protection of human rights.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“Apart from the challenge of achieving national reconciliation, the very limited time prescribed by the Transitional Administrative Law for the remaining steps in the political transition process - namely, the drafting of a constitution and the holding of a constitutional referendum and national elections - is a challenge in itself. I am confident, however, that the Iraqis will rise to the occasion, as they did for the last election, and the United Nations will support them to that end. A credible political process offers the best prospect for improving the security environment, which continues to remain difficult in certain parts of the country. Although there has been an apparent reduction in the number of violent incidents since the elections, the tactics and lethality of the insurgency continue to evolve and remain a cause of concern.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“However, it behoves all of Iraq's communities to make a genuine effort to reach out to one another as Iraqis first and foremost and to reconcile their differences within the realm of dialogue and political competition. In accordance with its mandate, the United Nations stands ready to assist Iraq's sovereign and independent constitution-making process and to coordinate offers of international assistance, if it is so requested. We shall do so in keeping with the priorities of the Transitional Assembly and of any constitutional bodies that the Assembly may establish. I welcome the Security Council's reaffirmation, in its last presidential statement on this issue (S/PRST/2005/5), of the leading role of UNAMI in that regard.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“It must also provide an opportunity for Iraqi civil society, down to the grass- roots level, to participate by providing critical input. A constitution that emerges from such a process will not be easily set aside and will serve generations to come. Moreover, to the extent that the final document is the product of nationwide discussions and compromises on sensitive issues, it can only encourage the emergence of a political culture and institutions of accommodation, negotiation and progress. The Transitional Government will have the primary responsibility - indeed, the duty - to facilitate an inclusive, participatory and transparent constitution-making process.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“In the period ahead, it will be incumbent on the major parties to ensure that the views and interests of minority communities and civic groups are adequately represented in the constitution-drafting exercise. Political, security and economic challenges will continue to confront Iraq. But if they are approached on the basis of developing a national consensus, the Transitional Assembly should succeed in creating a new and stronger political framework in which all Iraqis are enabled to contribute their skills and energies to building and defending a democratic, pluralistic and prosperous Iraq. If properly conducted, the constitution-drafting exercise will provide an opportunity for those who have so far stayed away from the political process to reconsider their options.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“Those parties who benefited the most from the elections have already demonstrated foresight and wisdom in articulating a policy of outreach and inclusion, in counselling restraint in the face of provocative acts of violence and in negotiating mutually agreeable understandings for the formation of a Transitional Government. Most important, they have chosen to inscribe their action peacefully within a national framework and in the common interest, with all the concomitant responsibilities and opportunities that that entails. In that regard, I welcome the public assurances of prominent leaders against pursuing a sectarian agenda or imposing majoritarian views on issues in which all Iraqis have a stake, including issues related to the nature and character of the Iraqi State.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“They also face the need to organize themselves and to mobilize their supporters to vote in the constitutional referendum and in the subsequent elections. No constituency should fear becoming the new victims in a new Iraq. To the contrary, each needs to be assured of playing its rightful role as an integral and vital part of Iraqi national life, sharing responsibilities and rewards with their fellow Iraqis. The perceptions, concerns and demands of those who feel left out will need to be fully factored in if the political process is to contribute to political stability.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“With the formation of their new Government, Iraqis have demonstrated their capacity to make hard political compromises in the national interest. I hope that that spirit will continue to prevail throughout the constitution-making process so that diverse experiences and histories can translate into a shared future. Failure to pursue further dialogue and reconciliation would involve a higher price for the parties concerned than would the compromises necessary for reaching national consensus through peaceful means. Those who did not participate in the elections now have the opportunity to agree on a platform and a mechanism by which their concerns can be reflected in the constitutional debate.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“It is important that no community should feel alienated from the political process. The road ahead presents both great opportunities and serious challenges to the Iraqi people. The main challenge is to consolidate national unity through dialogue and reconciliation while preserving Iraq's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. Regardless of religious and sectarian backgrounds, it is in the interest of every Iraqi to contribute to forging a broad political consensus on the way forward. Iraqis are looking to their newly elected leaders to exercise their responsibilities wisely and efficiently in that regard. The drafting of a national constitution provides a historic opportunity for Iraqis to come together.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“While the overall registered voters' turnout was healthy, particularly in the north and south, there were significant regional variations. It is a fact that, for whatever reason, in certain parts of the country, too many Iraqis would not or could not participate in the elections, whether as voters or as candidates. As a result, certain groups - particularly Sunni Arabs - have found themselves underrepresented in the Transitional National Assembly. Nevertheless, all the major parties, including those that did not participate in the elections, have engaged in intensive negotiations for the formation of the Government and with regard to participation in the constitution-making process. I hope that the Iraqis will build upon this positive momentum as they move on.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“Following Iraq's historic elections, the convening of the Transitional National Assembly on 16 March and the election last week by the Assembly of a new President and two Vice-Presidents are further testimony of Iraq's progress towards a democratic future. The election of the Presidency Council in particular is a clear expression of the commitment of Iraq's new leadership to working towards national unity through peaceful democratic means. The quicker the formation of the Transitional Government can be completed, the sooner Iraq will move forward to the next phase of its political transition. The organization of three simultaneous elections on 30 January was a formidable feat, matched by a formidable statement of support from voters throughout most of Iraq.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“Since taking up my functions, I have looked at how to implement this mandate more effectively, as a discreet facilitator and sounding board for ideas and approaches that can further an inclusive political process. Accordingly, I have met with Iraqi leaders and representatives across the political spectrum in order to understand their perspectives. In my discussions, I have stressed that only the Iraqis themselves can find viable and lasting solutions to their political problems. I have emphasized the vital importance of gradually building mutual trust among the various Iraqi political entities through sustained dialogue, mutual accommodation and confidence-building measures.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“Mr. Qazi: I am honoured to present the third report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 30 of Security Council resolution 1546 (2004). The report provides an update on United Nations activities in Iraq since the Secretary-General's last report of 8 December 2004, including, in particular, the support given by the United Nations to the electoral process and the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. The report is largely self-explanatory, and I will therefore focus my remarks on the political process that has developed since the elections and its implications for the work of the United Nations in the coming months. The Council has given the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) a firm mandate to be implemented as circumstances permit.”
2005-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5161 (2005) · source
“The next year will see many challenges and opportunities: the election of a Transitional National Assembly, a constitutional referendum and a general election under the new constitution. It will be all the more important to have wider and deeper consensus in the international community, particularly in this Council, in support of the efforts of the Secretary- General and UNAMI to implement our mandate under resolution 1546 (2004) to the fullest extent possible, as circumstances permit. With the Council's support, the Secretary-General and I remain committed to doing our utmost to help promote peace, stability and development in a united Iraq.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Substantial resources have been used to mitigate emergency and rehabilitation needs, as well as to support the work of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. Additional economic support can be expected as Iraq succeeds in advancing its political transition. The potential of Iraq remains its surest hope of success. That is why the United Nations is in Iraq, despite many constraints. We are and shall remain sensitive to the expectations that Iraqi people have of the United Nations. We are determined not to disappoint those expectations and aware of the important role the United Nations has in facilitating a transition process that answers to the aspirations of Iraqi people.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Political outreach efforts inside Iraq, as well as growing regional cooperation with respect to Iraq, offer the best prospect for an improved political and security environment and a successful transition in Iraq. I am optimistic that the Interim Government and the people of Iraq are willing and able to successfully negotiate the transition to a united, democratic and prosperous Iraq. Despite its current problems, Iraq possesses the human and material capital to rebuild itself. Moreover, the support of the international community to Iraq's political and economic reconstruction was again reaffirmed in October at the Tokyo meeting of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility. The Paris Club has decided to significantly reduce Iraq's external debt burden, and it is hoped that other creditor nations will follow suit.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Otherwise, there is a real danger that the political transition process will be impeded, rather than facilitated. A successful transition will also be facilitated through sustained regional and international engagement with the Iraqi Interim Government and with representatives of the spectrum of Iraqi civil and political opinion. The Sharm El Sheikh Conference in late November brought together key regional and international actors, and the subsequent meeting of regional interior ministers in Tehran built on the consensus reached at Sharm El Sheik. The Sharm El Sheik and Tehran communiques should help to bring about a regional environment conducive to Iraq's transition.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“The self-restraint and accommodation exhibited with regard to certain opposition groups, and their subsequent decision to eschew violence and participate in the political process, show that peaceful political alternatives are always available. At the same time, it is a fact that political opinion remains very polarized. Along with the general insistence that elections be held as scheduled by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI), there have been calls from some quarters for the boycott of elections. Others have called for the postponement of elections to allow time and reconciliation efforts to heal the wounds of recent events. It is imperative that every effort be made to promote dialogue, compromise and reconciliation among all Iraqis in order to bring about a more secure environment.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Equally, for those opposition elements who claim to have a substantial base of political support, there can be no better opportunity to demonstrate that support than by participating in the forthcoming elections. Accordingly, there is no alternative to an inclusive and successful national election. Free and fair elections conducted by an independent electoral commission have so far not been part of Iraqi political life. This is why it is so important that, despite the challenging security environment, Iraqis make every effort to avail themselves of this opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections. Those who choose to opt out of or seek to undermine such a transforming process do neither themselves nor their country any favour.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“My colleagues and I have tried to impress upon all our interlocutors that the forthcoming elections must provide a platform for the expression of all shades of Iraqi political opinion and allow for the adequate representation of Iraqis of all backgrounds, whether ethnic or religious, or members of civil society and independents. To its credit, the Interim Government has made efforts to reach out to alienated elements and is continuing to do so. It needs every encouragement to increase its efforts in this direction; the success of the transition depends to a great extent on them. Because the future Transitional National Assembly will also be the constituent assembly, it must be seen as sufficiently representative by all constituents of the Iraqi polity.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“The vast majority, including those who have so far chosen to remain outside the political process, understand that the long-term consequences of violence seldom if ever meet expectations and are most often very counter- productive to the achievement of desired goals. Over the past three months, the United Nations has actively continued its efforts to engage in dialogue with a wide spectrum of Iraqi opinion, including those outside the political mainstream, with the aim of understanding their needs and aspirations and encouraging them to enter the political process. Equally, we have continued to encourage those parties that comprise the Iraqi Interim Government to intensify their efforts to reach out to the widest possible range of Iraqi opinion, since an inclusive process is the best guarantee of a successful transition.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Violence of all types, much of it extreme in its brutality and indiscriminate in nature, has disrupted a significant portion of the country. Daily reports of insurgent, terrorist and criminal activities and of military and security operations graphically illustrate the fragility of the situation. The chief victims are, as always, the civilian population. From our contacts with almost all sectors of Iraqi society, we are convinced that violence is abhorrent to the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi people. They demand a way out of this situation through the establishment of a government that demonstrably enjoys the assent of the majority of the population. This desire to find political solutions to political problems is by and large shared by all Iraqis, with the exception of a few irreconcilable extremists.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“Mr. Qazi: The report before you is the second report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 1546 (2004), paragraph 30. I trust that you will find it to be in large part self-explanatory. I will therefore confine myself to a few remarks. The forthcoming election represents a test of the new political order and of the transition process in Iraq. The Iraqi people have yet to be given the opportunity to assert their political rights through the ballot box. While there is clearly a widespread desire among Iraqis to participate in the elections, some important segments of the population still feel alienated or excluded from the political transition. The overall security situation remained difficult during the reporting period.”
2004-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5099 (2004) · source
“In the months ahead, the continued support of the Security Council will be of vital importance to maintain Iraq's transition by building on the work done so far. I look forward to a continuous process of consultation and interaction with the Council as we move forward with the implementation of resolution 1546 (2004). I also look forward to working closely with the Iraqi Interim Government and National Council, Iraqi political parties and movements, Iraqi business leaders, non-governmental organizations, professional associations and civil society and human rights advocacy groups, as well as with the neighbouring, regional and donor countries, to help provide an enabling environment for Iraq's political and development process.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“They see an effective role for the United Nations in that process as critical to the realization of their hopes. They appreciate that despite an adverse security situation the United Nations returned to Baghdad. Accordingly, while necessarily constrained by the overriding consideration of security, it will be my effort as Special Representative of the Secretary-General not to disappoint Iraqi expectations. UNAMI will do everything possible to support the Iraqi Government and people in their efforts for the political and economic reconstruction of their country. In discharging my tasks in Iraq, I am very conscious that I am advancing on the path established by Lakhdar Brahimi, with the able assistance of Jamal Benomar. Mr. Brahimi's sagacity has been critical in promoting the necessary political process for restoring normalcy in Iraq.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“A number of timelines have to be met between now and national elections under an approved constitution by the end of next year. The international community must do everything possible to assist the Iraqis. Every effort must be made to improve the security environment, as an acceptable security environment is necessary for political progress. But equally, an inclusive, sustained and proactive political process, involving dialogue, mutual accommodation and a willingness to compromise, will improve the chances for a significant reduction in violence and improvement in the security environment. My brief introductory stay in Baghdad has convinced me that the people of Iraq desperately want peace and to be masters in their own country. They have the talent and the will to peaceably persevere on the path towards those objectives.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source