Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at
the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.
"Firstly, we welcome the smooth transition period towards the end
of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq.
It is encouraging to see that Iraq has remained stable despite an
escalation of conflict in the region during the last 6
months.
We commend the publication of Iraq's National Action Plan on
Women, Peace and Security and the announcement of a date for
federal elections.
UNAMI's support to the Independent High Electoral Commission on
the upcoming elections has been very valuable. And it was very
good to hear today, from the SRSG, about the progress being made
toward key milestones.
We look forward to UNAMI assisting the Government of Iraq during
the remainder of its mandate in ensuring the elections are free
and fair.
Second, President, we continue to follow closely efforts in the
Kurdistan Region of Iraq to form its regional
government.
This is vital for the stability of the KRI and should ideally
precede the federal elections. We hope that the political leaders
and parties of the KRI can overcome their differences and form a
government soon.
In this important electoral year for Iraq, we urge the Government
of Iraq to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and
freedom of peaceful assembly, and to strengthen legal protection
guarantees for journalists, the media and civil society.
Finally, President, we thank the Secretary-General for his recent
report on Kuwait, Iraq missing persons. As penholder on this
issue and a member of the ICRC-chaired Tripartite Commission, we
look forward to working with Iraq, Kuwait and all other
interested parties to identify a route forward.
In this regard, we are committed to undertaking close engagement
with Council Members, stakeholders and the Secretariat regarding
an appropriate post-UNAMI follow-on mechanism in the coming
weeks."
