Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
Security Council
6218th & 6219th Meetings (AM & PM)
Security Council Presidential Statement Welcomes Accord on Iraq’s New
Electoral Law, Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad
Top United Nations Official Underlines Importance
Of Continued International Support for Building Secure, Democratic Society
Expressing
its strong endorsement of continuing assistance by the United Nations
Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in preparations for upcoming
elections, the Security Council this morning welcomed the parliamentary
agreement which would allow the polls to take place in January 2010.
In
a statement read out by Tomas Mayr-Harting ( Austria), its President
for November, the Council condemned in the strongest terms the
terrorist attacks in Baghdad on 19 August and 25 October 2009. The
15-member body also endorsed the Secretary-General’s appeal to all
Iraqi political blocs and their leaders to demonstrate true
statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit
of national unity.
The Council encouraged the Secretary-General
to continue consultations on Iraq’s security and sovereignty, including
the possibility of facilitating technical assistance through the United
Nations Counterterrorism Executive Directorate (CTED).
Briefing
the Council on the situation concerning Iraq in an earlier meeting, Ad
Melkert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of
UNAMI, underscored the crucial importance of continued international
support for the Iraqi people, who were highly determined to build a
secure democratic future as they entered a critical election period.
“Whilst
still frequently the face of daily life shows the ugly sides of death
and threat, the soul of the overwhelming majority of Iraqis vibrates in
reaching towards the prospect of a safe and fair society,” Mr. Melkert
said in introducing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s latest report
(document S/2009/585) on the situation concerning Iraq.
“This
must motivate the United Nations to mobilize all possible support for
their progress, for Iraqis are receptive and eager to incorporate the
values of the UN Charter in the building of a new State and a new
society,” he said, outlining the accomplishments made during the first
term of Iraq’s Parliament and expectations for the next one, to be
installed after the January elections.
Iraqis must be able to
continue counting on the Council to enable UNAMI to meet expectations
over the long-term, he said. In that context, the Council’s willingness
to stand up to the horrendous attacks directed at the heart of
Government on 19 August and 25 October, which foreshadowed threats for
the election, was a very welcome signal. However, further uphill tasks
would include improving neighbourhood relations and solidifying the
State framework so as to reduce tensions and disputes.
Most
importantly, he emphasized, the coming period should lay the foundation
for Iraq’s return to the league of middle-income countries in
conjunction with a jump in social development, which was within reach
if business initiative thrived and oil revenues were spent wisely. The
coming period would require UNAMI to shift gears under a more
“strategically development-focused direction” that would prioritize
political advice and facilitation, he said, requesting the Council’s
continued support for that transition, taking into account expectations
and ambitions to increase the United Nations presence in different
parts of Iraq, conditions permitting.
Describing UNAMI’s
assistance with preparations for the January elections for the Council
of Representative, he recalled that, while the passage of the electoral
law had been beset by complex negotiations, the debate had also
provided a clear example of the political leadership’s capacity to
embrace sovereignty and define the process of people’s representation.
However, the late finalization of the electoral law had presented UNAMI
with the “Herculean task” of ensuring that basic standards were met,
while the law’s reference to a possible review of voter registration in
Kirkuk and other governorates might entail an equally large effort.
Much
work had already been done, with more than 1.5 million Iraqis having
visited 1,082 voter registration centres to confirm their data or
enrol, and 18 million voter information cards having been distributed
nationwide, he said. Soon after election day, it would be time to
address the internal boundaries of the federal State as well as
revenue-sharing, service delivery and security arrangements. The
protracted discussion on arrangements for the Kirkuk Governorate, in
the framework of the election law, had been a reminder of an unfinished
agenda in that regard. The High-level Task force had engaged in a
number of confidence-building measures aimed at bridging core issues,
and agreement might be reached on expediting property claims, as well
as on improving detention procedures and the education of all Iraqis in
their respective mother tongues.
He said joint efforts by the
Iraqi Army and the Kurdish Peshmerga force on collective security
arrangements in relevant conflict areas could potentially underpin
future political arrangements for disputed boundaries. Prime Minister
Barham Saleh had given assurances that the new regional government was
determined to strengthen the basis for stability, economic growth and
social progress. Political leaders were starting to recognize the
inextricable linkage between addressing complex political issues and
promoting an improved investment climate.
There was also a need
to clarify the legal basis and financial impact of oil extraction, he
said, explaining that the continued lack of clarity in contract
arrangements and revenue-sharing mechanisms would have a detrimental
effect on the credibility of the State vis-à-vis citizens who should
benefit from sources of immense richness and not remain at the doorstep
of inconceivable poverty. As for economic growth and social progress,
the Government had put considerable effort into the formulation of a
National Development Plan, supported extensively by different parts of
the United Nations family. The United Nations Country Team had agreed
on the first Common Country Assessment for Iraq, focusing on
governance, inclusive economic growth and ensuring quality essential
services.
He recalled that on 7 November, international partners
had taken stock of the achievements made under the Compact with Iraq,
which over the past three years had been an essential instrument in
intensifying and solidifying the country’s relations with the rest of
the world. In addition, the International Reconstruction Fund Facility
for Iraq (IRFFI) had met on 8 November, and a lessons-learned exercise
between the United Nations and the World Bank would take place during
the first half of 2010.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had
called for an extensive foreign direct investment (FDI) programme, and
it would be important in that regard for the new Government to provide
a solid legal framework for doing business, he said. Some 7 million
people, or 23 per cent of the population, lived below the poverty line
and scores of young people were unemployed. Food insecurity, rising
food prices and drought remained a reality for many.
The United
Nations had embarked on a number of activities aimed at strengthening
governance and the rule of law, he said. The first Iraqi National
Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was being prepared, would identify key
areas such as the financing of political parties and elections as well
as a civil service code of conduct.
Promoting
Iraq’s cooperation with and reintegration into the wider region was
part of UNAMI’s mandate, he said, describing the task of normalizing
regional relations as a priority, not least with regard to Kuwait and
an exit from Chapter VII provisions, which Iraq strongly desired. The
Iraq-Kuwait Boundary Maintenance Project had completed its planning for
field maintenance, and the Mission continued to work on promoting and
supporting opportunities with other neighbouring countries. Following a
series of meetings involving the Governments of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and
Iran, the flow of water into Iraq had increased. However, some
bilateral diplomatic relations were severely constrained.
On
the promotion of human rights, he said that, given the “somewhat
decreasing trend of attacks” by militias, insurgents and criminal
groups, it was important to enforce the rule of law and eliminate
impunity across the board and increase efforts to bring perpetrators of
human rights abuses to justice. The position of women remained a matter
of particular concern, he emphasized, noting that the number of
suicides was symptomatic of fundamental issues of equal rights and
opportunities.
He went on to say that the relentless attacks on
men and women serving as police officers was severely undercutting the
State’s capacity to impose law and order, and the situation of
detainees and prisoners must also be addressed, in terms of both
process and the physical conditions under which they were held.
Also
briefing the Council, the representative of Iraq affirmed that the
adoption of the electoral law proved that Iraqis could now reach
consensus on complex issues. It initiated a new phase of responsible
competition and collective work in the country, moving it away from
narrow loyalties and allowing the establishment of a pluralistic
federal system that respected rights and strengthened national unity.
He
said the open-list election system under the new electoral law and the
country’s division into multiple electoral districts represented
important steps forward. The conclusion of a final formula for special
parliamentary elections in Kirkuk reflected the determination of
political parties to rely on the constitution and mutual understanding
rather than coercion in addressing that issue.
Regarding the
security situation, he said the Government had requested that the
Secretary-General nominate a high-level official to asses the 19 August
and 25 October terrorist attacks, as well as the scope of foreign
intervention and its impact on security. The complexity and scope of
the attacks could not have been achieved without the support of
external Powers, he added, welcoming the dispatch of a team under Oscar
Fernandez-Taranco as a first step towards uncovering the forces behind
the attacks.
Turning to development, he summarized the results
of various international conferences, and noted that oil exports had
witnessed an increase to 1,956,000 barrels per day in September 2009.
The Government was working to raise exports to 2,150,000 barrels per
day in 2010. In addition, there was a comprehensive plan to reconstruct
Iraq’s service sectors and infrastructure with an estimated budget of
approximately $65 million. Within that plan, the housing sector would
be allocated 38 per cent, the agricultural sector 27 per cent,
transportation 14.2 per cent, water and sanitation 8.4 per cent,
education 8.5 per cent, health 5.7 per cent and communications 0.9 per
cent.
Describing recent developments in
foreign relations, he said Iraq had affirmed to the United Nations that
it no longer posed a threat to international peace and security and had
fulfilled many of the international obligations imposed on it over the
years, including those related to Kuwait. On
that basis, it was to be hoped that the Security Council would enable
the country to restore its international standing to that it had
enjoyed prior to 1990.
Today’s earlier meeting began at 10:15 a.m. and ended at 11:08 a.m., while the second one started at 1 p.m. and concluded at 1:06 p.m.
The full text of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2009/30 reads as follows:
“The
Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the independence,
sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and emphasizes
the importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people,
the region, and the international community.
“The Security
Council reaffirms its full support for the SRSG Ad Melkert and the
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in advising,
supporting and assisting the Iraqi people and Government to strengthen
democratic institutions, advance inclusive political dialogue and
national reconciliation, facilitate regional dialogue, aid vulnerable
groups, strengthen gender equality, promote the protection of human
rights, including through the work of the Independent High Commission
for Human Rights, promote the protection of children, and promote
judicial and legal reform.
“The Security Council encourages
UNAMI’s continued work, in coordination with the Government of Iraq, to
help create conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and
sustainable return of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons,
and welcomes further attention to this issue by all concerned.
“The
Security Council underscores UNAMI’s important role in supporting the
Iraqi people and Government to promote dialogue, ease tension, and
develop a just and fair solution for the nation’s disputed internal
boundaries, and calls upon all the relevant parties to participate in
an inclusive dialogue to this end.
“The Security Council
welcomes the agreement reached on 8 November in the Iraqi Council of
Representatives on amendments to the electoral law of Iraq, which will
allow for parliamentary elections to take place in January 2010, as
stipulated by the Constitutional Court of Iraq. The Security Council
emphasizes UNAMI’s efforts to assist the Iraqi Government and the
Independent High Electoral Commission in the development of processes
for holding elections. The Security Council strongly endorses UNAMI’s
continued assistance to the Iraqi people and Government in preparation
for the Iraqi national parliamentary elections planned for January
2010. The Security Council endorses the Secretary-General’s appeal to
all political blocs and their leaders in Iraq to demonstrate true
statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit
of national unity.
“The Security Council underlines its
condemnation in the strongest terms of the series of terrorist attacks
that occurred on 19 August and 25 October 2009 in Baghdad, which caused
numerous deaths, injuries and damage, including to Iraqi Government
institutions. The Security Council reiterates its deep condolences to
the families of the victims and reaffirms its support for the people
and the Government of Iraq, and its commitment to Iraq's security. The
Security Council reaffirms the need to combat threats to international
peace and security caused by terrorist acts by all means, in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations, ensuring that measures taken to
combat terrorism fully comply with all obligations under international
law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian
law.
“The Security Council welcomes the recent
visit of UN officials to Iraq for preliminary consultations related to
Iraq’s security and sovereignty. The Council encourages the
Secretary-General’s efforts in this regard, including the possibility
of facilitating technical assistance through the UN Counterterrorism
Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sc9789.doc.htm
MOCHASMOM
Security Council
6218th & 6219th Meetings (AM & PM)
Security Council Presidential Statement Welcomes Accord on Iraq’s New
Electoral Law, Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad
Top United Nations Official Underlines Importance
Of Continued International Support for Building Secure, Democratic Society
Expressing
its strong endorsement of continuing assistance by the United Nations
Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in preparations for upcoming
elections, the Security Council this morning welcomed the parliamentary
agreement which would allow the polls to take place in January 2010.
In
a statement read out by Tomas Mayr-Harting ( Austria), its President
for November, the Council condemned in the strongest terms the
terrorist attacks in Baghdad on 19 August and 25 October 2009. The
15-member body also endorsed the Secretary-General’s appeal to all
Iraqi political blocs and their leaders to demonstrate true
statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit
of national unity.
The Council encouraged the Secretary-General
to continue consultations on Iraq’s security and sovereignty, including
the possibility of facilitating technical assistance through the United
Nations Counterterrorism Executive Directorate (CTED).
Briefing
the Council on the situation concerning Iraq in an earlier meeting, Ad
Melkert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of
UNAMI, underscored the crucial importance of continued international
support for the Iraqi people, who were highly determined to build a
secure democratic future as they entered a critical election period.
“Whilst
still frequently the face of daily life shows the ugly sides of death
and threat, the soul of the overwhelming majority of Iraqis vibrates in
reaching towards the prospect of a safe and fair society,” Mr. Melkert
said in introducing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s latest report
(document S/2009/585) on the situation concerning Iraq.
“This
must motivate the United Nations to mobilize all possible support for
their progress, for Iraqis are receptive and eager to incorporate the
values of the UN Charter in the building of a new State and a new
society,” he said, outlining the accomplishments made during the first
term of Iraq’s Parliament and expectations for the next one, to be
installed after the January elections.
Iraqis must be able to
continue counting on the Council to enable UNAMI to meet expectations
over the long-term, he said. In that context, the Council’s willingness
to stand up to the horrendous attacks directed at the heart of
Government on 19 August and 25 October, which foreshadowed threats for
the election, was a very welcome signal. However, further uphill tasks
would include improving neighbourhood relations and solidifying the
State framework so as to reduce tensions and disputes.
Most
importantly, he emphasized, the coming period should lay the foundation
for Iraq’s return to the league of middle-income countries in
conjunction with a jump in social development, which was within reach
if business initiative thrived and oil revenues were spent wisely. The
coming period would require UNAMI to shift gears under a more
“strategically development-focused direction” that would prioritize
political advice and facilitation, he said, requesting the Council’s
continued support for that transition, taking into account expectations
and ambitions to increase the United Nations presence in different
parts of Iraq, conditions permitting.
Describing UNAMI’s
assistance with preparations for the January elections for the Council
of Representative, he recalled that, while the passage of the electoral
law had been beset by complex negotiations, the debate had also
provided a clear example of the political leadership’s capacity to
embrace sovereignty and define the process of people’s representation.
However, the late finalization of the electoral law had presented UNAMI
with the “Herculean task” of ensuring that basic standards were met,
while the law’s reference to a possible review of voter registration in
Kirkuk and other governorates might entail an equally large effort.
Much
work had already been done, with more than 1.5 million Iraqis having
visited 1,082 voter registration centres to confirm their data or
enrol, and 18 million voter information cards having been distributed
nationwide, he said. Soon after election day, it would be time to
address the internal boundaries of the federal State as well as
revenue-sharing, service delivery and security arrangements. The
protracted discussion on arrangements for the Kirkuk Governorate, in
the framework of the election law, had been a reminder of an unfinished
agenda in that regard. The High-level Task force had engaged in a
number of confidence-building measures aimed at bridging core issues,
and agreement might be reached on expediting property claims, as well
as on improving detention procedures and the education of all Iraqis in
their respective mother tongues.
He said joint efforts by the
Iraqi Army and the Kurdish Peshmerga force on collective security
arrangements in relevant conflict areas could potentially underpin
future political arrangements for disputed boundaries. Prime Minister
Barham Saleh had given assurances that the new regional government was
determined to strengthen the basis for stability, economic growth and
social progress. Political leaders were starting to recognize the
inextricable linkage between addressing complex political issues and
promoting an improved investment climate.
There was also a need
to clarify the legal basis and financial impact of oil extraction, he
said, explaining that the continued lack of clarity in contract
arrangements and revenue-sharing mechanisms would have a detrimental
effect on the credibility of the State vis-à-vis citizens who should
benefit from sources of immense richness and not remain at the doorstep
of inconceivable poverty. As for economic growth and social progress,
the Government had put considerable effort into the formulation of a
National Development Plan, supported extensively by different parts of
the United Nations family. The United Nations Country Team had agreed
on the first Common Country Assessment for Iraq, focusing on
governance, inclusive economic growth and ensuring quality essential
services.
He recalled that on 7 November, international partners
had taken stock of the achievements made under the Compact with Iraq,
which over the past three years had been an essential instrument in
intensifying and solidifying the country’s relations with the rest of
the world. In addition, the International Reconstruction Fund Facility
for Iraq (IRFFI) had met on 8 November, and a lessons-learned exercise
between the United Nations and the World Bank would take place during
the first half of 2010.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had
called for an extensive foreign direct investment (FDI) programme, and
it would be important in that regard for the new Government to provide
a solid legal framework for doing business, he said. Some 7 million
people, or 23 per cent of the population, lived below the poverty line
and scores of young people were unemployed. Food insecurity, rising
food prices and drought remained a reality for many.
The United
Nations had embarked on a number of activities aimed at strengthening
governance and the rule of law, he said. The first Iraqi National
Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was being prepared, would identify key
areas such as the financing of political parties and elections as well
as a civil service code of conduct.
Promoting
Iraq’s cooperation with and reintegration into the wider region was
part of UNAMI’s mandate, he said, describing the task of normalizing
regional relations as a priority, not least with regard to Kuwait and
an exit from Chapter VII provisions, which Iraq strongly desired. The
Iraq-Kuwait Boundary Maintenance Project had completed its planning for
field maintenance, and the Mission continued to work on promoting and
supporting opportunities with other neighbouring countries. Following a
series of meetings involving the Governments of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and
Iran, the flow of water into Iraq had increased. However, some
bilateral diplomatic relations were severely constrained.
On
the promotion of human rights, he said that, given the “somewhat
decreasing trend of attacks” by militias, insurgents and criminal
groups, it was important to enforce the rule of law and eliminate
impunity across the board and increase efforts to bring perpetrators of
human rights abuses to justice. The position of women remained a matter
of particular concern, he emphasized, noting that the number of
suicides was symptomatic of fundamental issues of equal rights and
opportunities.
He went on to say that the relentless attacks on
men and women serving as police officers was severely undercutting the
State’s capacity to impose law and order, and the situation of
detainees and prisoners must also be addressed, in terms of both
process and the physical conditions under which they were held.
Also
briefing the Council, the representative of Iraq affirmed that the
adoption of the electoral law proved that Iraqis could now reach
consensus on complex issues. It initiated a new phase of responsible
competition and collective work in the country, moving it away from
narrow loyalties and allowing the establishment of a pluralistic
federal system that respected rights and strengthened national unity.
He
said the open-list election system under the new electoral law and the
country’s division into multiple electoral districts represented
important steps forward. The conclusion of a final formula for special
parliamentary elections in Kirkuk reflected the determination of
political parties to rely on the constitution and mutual understanding
rather than coercion in addressing that issue.
Regarding the
security situation, he said the Government had requested that the
Secretary-General nominate a high-level official to asses the 19 August
and 25 October terrorist attacks, as well as the scope of foreign
intervention and its impact on security. The complexity and scope of
the attacks could not have been achieved without the support of
external Powers, he added, welcoming the dispatch of a team under Oscar
Fernandez-Taranco as a first step towards uncovering the forces behind
the attacks.
Turning to development, he summarized the results
of various international conferences, and noted that oil exports had
witnessed an increase to 1,956,000 barrels per day in September 2009.
The Government was working to raise exports to 2,150,000 barrels per
day in 2010. In addition, there was a comprehensive plan to reconstruct
Iraq’s service sectors and infrastructure with an estimated budget of
approximately $65 million. Within that plan, the housing sector would
be allocated 38 per cent, the agricultural sector 27 per cent,
transportation 14.2 per cent, water and sanitation 8.4 per cent,
education 8.5 per cent, health 5.7 per cent and communications 0.9 per
cent.
Describing recent developments in
foreign relations, he said Iraq had affirmed to the United Nations that
it no longer posed a threat to international peace and security and had
fulfilled many of the international obligations imposed on it over the
years, including those related to Kuwait. On
that basis, it was to be hoped that the Security Council would enable
the country to restore its international standing to that it had
enjoyed prior to 1990.
Today’s earlier meeting began at 10:15 a.m. and ended at 11:08 a.m., while the second one started at 1 p.m. and concluded at 1:06 p.m.
The full text of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2009/30 reads as follows:
“The
Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the independence,
sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and emphasizes
the importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people,
the region, and the international community.
“The Security
Council reaffirms its full support for the SRSG Ad Melkert and the
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in advising,
supporting and assisting the Iraqi people and Government to strengthen
democratic institutions, advance inclusive political dialogue and
national reconciliation, facilitate regional dialogue, aid vulnerable
groups, strengthen gender equality, promote the protection of human
rights, including through the work of the Independent High Commission
for Human Rights, promote the protection of children, and promote
judicial and legal reform.
“The Security Council encourages
UNAMI’s continued work, in coordination with the Government of Iraq, to
help create conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and
sustainable return of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons,
and welcomes further attention to this issue by all concerned.
“The
Security Council underscores UNAMI’s important role in supporting the
Iraqi people and Government to promote dialogue, ease tension, and
develop a just and fair solution for the nation’s disputed internal
boundaries, and calls upon all the relevant parties to participate in
an inclusive dialogue to this end.
“The Security Council
welcomes the agreement reached on 8 November in the Iraqi Council of
Representatives on amendments to the electoral law of Iraq, which will
allow for parliamentary elections to take place in January 2010, as
stipulated by the Constitutional Court of Iraq. The Security Council
emphasizes UNAMI’s efforts to assist the Iraqi Government and the
Independent High Electoral Commission in the development of processes
for holding elections. The Security Council strongly endorses UNAMI’s
continued assistance to the Iraqi people and Government in preparation
for the Iraqi national parliamentary elections planned for January
2010. The Security Council endorses the Secretary-General’s appeal to
all political blocs and their leaders in Iraq to demonstrate true
statesmanship during the election campaign and participate in a spirit
of national unity.
“The Security Council underlines its
condemnation in the strongest terms of the series of terrorist attacks
that occurred on 19 August and 25 October 2009 in Baghdad, which caused
numerous deaths, injuries and damage, including to Iraqi Government
institutions. The Security Council reiterates its deep condolences to
the families of the victims and reaffirms its support for the people
and the Government of Iraq, and its commitment to Iraq's security. The
Security Council reaffirms the need to combat threats to international
peace and security caused by terrorist acts by all means, in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations, ensuring that measures taken to
combat terrorism fully comply with all obligations under international
law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian
law.
“The Security Council welcomes the recent
visit of UN officials to Iraq for preliminary consultations related to
Iraq’s security and sovereignty. The Council encourages the
Secretary-General’s efforts in this regard, including the possibility
of facilitating technical assistance through the UN Counterterrorism
Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sc9789.doc.htm
MOCHASMOM