Iraq: UNAMI Focus - Voice of the Mission News Bulletin Feb 2008

The SRSG, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Presents The Secretary General's Report to the Security Council

On January 21, 2008, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary General to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), was in New York to brief the UN Security Council on the security and political situation in Iraq. His report is consistent with the spirit of paragraph 6 of resolution 1770 (2007), which was adopted on 10 August 2007. It clearly indicates that the Secretary- General must report to the Council on the execution of UNAMI's responsibilities on a quarterly basis. In compliance with this resolution, this is the second report submitted since its adoption.

In his address, Mr. de Mistura emphasized security improvements and a significant reduction in violence. Although he noted there are many challenges that remain ahead, the top UN Envoy to Iraq applauded the progress made towards national reconciliation, particularly in political dialogue. He said "The political and security terrain remains undoubtedly complex, inextricably linked, and prima facie quite daunting." Only days before Mr. de Mistura departed from Baghdad, the Iraqi Parliament of Representatives approved the Accountability and Justice law, which replaces the De-Baathification Commission with a new processcalling for re-instating former government members.

Mr. de Mistura also provided an update on the activities of the UN mission in Iraq, including: work conducted in the political sphere; activities of constitutional and electoral support units; humanitarian, reconstruction and development assistance; and last, but not least, human rights activities.

In this open Security Council meeting, most state members stressed the need for inclusive political dialogue and engagement with Iraq's neighboring countries as a basis for converting recent political gains into long lasting stability. However, grave concern was also expressed over the continuing humanitarian crisis, including refugees in neighboring countries.

The Top UN Envoy in a news briefing, later after his Security Council address, cited four positive aspects and two major concerns. On the positive side, he praised the improvements in security witnessed through seeing the streets of Baghdad. He said, "We move in the red zone, we go around in Iraq, and we have been noticing a substantial improvement". The second positive aspect, Mr. de Mistura cited, is the economic surge in light of the International Monetary Fund's figures of an expected 7% increase in GDP, in addition to producing 200,000 barrels per day, in 2008. He also emphasized the de-Baathification law in further promoting national reconciliation
in the country. Lastly, he highlighted the UN role in Iraq. He said, "We have a strong mandate, we are in Erbil (in the North), Baghdad, Basra, we are currently having a mission in Kirkuk and we are seriously and actively involved in many areas we were not before."

As for the concerns, the Special Representative underlined the need to sustain the gains accomplished thus far by ensuring they are reflected on the wellbeing of the Iraqi people by providing them with improved social services and economic standards. The second concern deals with the race against time in 2008. "These 12 months need to be well utilized in order to proceed accordingly," he added. In accordance with the expanded mandate of UNSCR 1770, member states supported UNAMI in general and the steps taken by the Special
Representative, in particular.

UNAMI Focus Is an internal bulletin produced by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. The opinions expressed in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations.

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Participants attending the forum on Electoral Education