Transcription of UNSC session February 16, 2010

February 16, 2010
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.as...2&Cr=iraq&Cr1=

“Situation Concerning Iraq”
1. UNSC considers Item 1, adoption of the agenda… S/6271… agenda is adopted.
Representative from Iraq is invited to take a seat at the council table… the UNSC extends invitation to Mr. Ad Melkert special assistant in Iraq to the Secretary General, without right to vote (rule 39 provisional rules)

2. UNSC considers Item 2 on the agenda…draw attention to document S/2010/76 containing the report of the Secretary General. The floor is given to Mr. Ad Melkert.

“It is a significant moment to brief the council on the prospects and progress in Iraq. When I spoke here three months ago, the electoral law that had just been adopted by the council representatives, through a complicated set of negotiations, was vetoed by vice-president Hashmi. This set in motion another range of deliberations that were eventually concluded with an amended law, with stronger and broader support than the first version. This was very much constitutional democracy in action, with the UN in the position to respond to the calls from the wide spectrum of representatives, to assist in building bridges towards consensus.

It was an important moment for Iraq to rally broad support behind the March 7th, election date which will mark the transition from the first full term of a democratically elected Parliament, to a next term.

There are still forces against this national agreement, that seek to interfere violently with the reconstruction and reconciliation processes that the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi people would like to succeed. While regrettably these forces continue to kill and target innocent pilgrims, public servants, police officers and election candidates, they cannot reverse the progress that is taking place in Iraq.

The determination of the Iraqis to resist the return of the perils of the past is strong… stronger that the heinous forces behind the attacks. However, more international attention and engagement is needed for allowing the people of Iraq to determine their future in their own way.

Allow me therefore to share some thoughts from the forthcoming election to the transition to the next Parliament.

First, I would like to caution against persistent skepticism and impatience that characterizes much of the discourse and reporting on Iraq. Yes, it is not difficult to note imperfections, gaps and contradictions in the ongoing process. But that is not the heart of the matter, if one considers decades of conflicts and crimes that have gravely affected Iraq’s society, economy, administration and international standing. The crux is now to see whether there is a genuine effort on the way to reconstruct and innovate. This is what in many different ways is happening, and deserves to be seen and properly understood unprecedented as it is on the axe of a long and distinguished history.

Second, it is important that lessons be learned in the process and properly applied in the future in order to minimize the re-emergence of continuous issues. From UNAMI’s perspective it will be highly relevant to advise the new government on the general fundamentals of electoral legislation and parliamentary procedures as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities of the three powers, as this is necessary to strengthen the authority of the institutions.

Third, there has been much attention to the so-called de-Bathification of candidates for the elections. It should be noted that the principle to draw a line between a former dictatorial regime and a newly developing democratic order, has been seen at other places. The application of the principle is entirely an Iraqi responsibility. What has made matters complex, however, from the angle of general international standards, for preparing free and fare elections, is the lack of transparency that has marred the process from the outside. UNAMI has consistently emphasized the due process requirements and abstained from judging the outcomes. While reason for concern has remained, in their impacts on the decisions on the candidates list, should be assessed in the context of the electoral process as a whole. What eventually will matter most is the acceptance by the Iraqi people, of the election results. We will continue our utmost to advise and remind all stake holders to respect from the mantle standards and to strive for consensus building and reconciling the polarized past with a more harmonious future.

A Fourth different point of the preparing for the transition is the adoption of the budget. It is expected that this will allow for short-term support commitments by the IMF and World Bank, in order deal with the setback of all price decrease in the past few years. However, transforming the budget into a strategic instrument of prioritizing and directing expenditures and investments remains a big task ahead. The integrated UN mission is preparing its advice and support to the new government, and is doing so in seeking close cooperation with in particular, the World Bank. It is hoped that all will step up (to) the plate. Iraq needs less projects and more strategic advice. It needs to be connected to global standards of governments that will be of great benefit to the business climate; and it should urgently respond to the social deficits that squarely puts the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals high on the agenda as a moral imperative and as a economic necessity…as the skills of its workers, will define whether and when Iraq can live up to its full potential.

And Fifth, full transparency and combating corruption in revitalizing the oil industry would be of major impact to the future… and it will improve investors confidence. It should be welcome that Kurdistan region’s PM Saliah has taken the initiative to address the issue of transparency with regards to the contracts signed by the Kurdistan regional government. It is an indispensable aspect of transition towards a more stable future… that competence between a federal and regional government will be clarified. At the same time with a successful conclusion of important oil contracts, the urgency has returned to the stage, of avoiding the pitfalls of mono-production and quick win expectation of resources… after all stability and prosperity are both closely intertwined.

Mr. President I would like to say, a few words on the role of the UN in the important priority areas:

First on the seventh (7th) of March preparations – elections is not only about politics that requires a lot of hard work on the ground. The UN electoral team has continued to play a key role in advising and technically supporting the independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). As a result of a huge collective effort the structure is in place to allow approximately 18.9 million Iraqi voters to visit 48,000 polling stations on Election Day. Preparations are also underway for out of country voting ongoing in 16 countries that host large Iraqi communities.

Security is a vital consideration in these elections both in relation to the integrity of the process and voter confidence. The government of Iraq and the Iraqi security forces have the lead in this important area.

Furthermore, observation of the electoral process plays a pivotal role in the insuring credibility and oversight of the election. The UN is playing an active role in assisting civil society to assume this role through the funding of an initiative that has trained over 29,000 domestic observers. International observers are being coordinated through the good officers of the European Union in cooperation with IHEC… although UNAMI will not observe the elections due to its role of supporting IHEC, our mission will undertake its own poll-watching activities, sending teams to different locations in the country as a confidence building initiative. Acceptance of results is of utmost importance and will be the litmus test of the process.

UNAMI is support IHEC in the development of a timely and robust complaints mechanism to insure the credibility of the results is not eroded by a delay of adjudication of complaints. While it is expected that preliminary results will be published the days following seven (7) March, final results could take considerable time with the Federal Supreme Court certifying the election results once all appeals have been resolved.

The next point I would like to make is on the National Co-existence Agenda. For the near future cementing long-term stability between the Federal State of Iraq and the Kurdish region, is of paramount importance. Different signs of good will, including joint security arrangements, seem to signal potential for further progress. In the high level task force that has continued to meet under UNAMI auspices progress has been made to address issues that stand in the way of normal life and business in disputed areas including property matters.

I recently traveled to Kirkuk to support on the work of the Kirkuk Property Committee in their inaugural setting. In my visit to local multi-ethnic communities, I got a strong impression that daily issues are the same for all communities. And much of the discussion of boundaries and competencies is considered “higher politics” … not necessarily connected with the practical concerns of living together of the average citizen. This should hopefully serve as a reminder and inspiration for the inevitable high political dialogue that is ahead of us. UNAMI intends to interact with key representatives of different communities in order to encourage progress to outstanding questions that are fundamental to security, stability and social economic progress in Iraq as a whole.

The Co-Existence Agenda and the progress and the process towards solutions will have to be decided by the Iraqi parties themselves. The UN is ready to facilitate these steps at the request of the parties. I have observed growing consensus that the time has come to address the administrative arrangements for Kirkuk and other areas and to insure long-term agreements on revenue sharing and security provision.

Next a word on the Chapter Seven (7) mandates – a next post-election priority will be the endeavor to promote constructive neighborhood relations between Iraq and Kuwait in conclusion of a period of turbulence. My visits to Kuwait in January and the consultations with the government of Iraq prior to the visit were intended to get a first hand impression on the positions of the two sides. I was pleased with the keen interest demonstrated by my interlockatures on both sides in resolving all outstanding issues in the period ahead. This would be an important step in the Council’s deliberations on Resolutions 1859 and hopefully pave the way for a new era in the relationship between Iraq and the UN.

Then on the Policy Agenda and Development assistance – with a new government starting its work in the of the year, there is an opportunity for the UN to transform it’s support to primarily humanitarian tasks into a more development and policy reform advisory role. Integration will be name of the game of the UN contributions. The UN family in Iraq has identified four (4) key areas where the UN has specialized knowledge and demonstrated experience:
(1) Post election activities including census and civil registration
(2) Broader engagement in the internal disputed boundaries areas in the context of local area economic and social development
(3) Reform of the public distribution system and the development of social safety nets
(4) Water resources management and relevant issues of trans-border corporation.

We are also in the final stages of producing the first UN Development Assistance Framework (UDAF) for Iraq the period 2011-2014, prepared in close consultation with the government of Iraq and concurrently with the preparation of Iraq National Development Plan. The agencies, funds and programs shall discuss practical measures to insure that UDAF will be fully funded, particularly in light of the closure of the Iraq Trust Fund from the thirtieth (30) of June this year (2010).

And finally Mr. President the words on the future of the UN presence in Iraq. I would like to draw your attention to this in anticipation of a more specific analysis on the next reporting occasion. With its National Development Plan the government of Iraq Council and large support by the UN increasing operating from and in the country. Against the backdrop of the drawdown of the USFI security and logistical support, there will be considerable implication for the way that the UN can organize itself to respond to future demands for presence and programs. In close cooperation with UN headquarters we have been exploring the arrangements for the future. Continued presence will alone increase the footprint in different parts of Iraq will come with a higher price tag. For the plans of the new government, and for our own operational preparation it will be important to count on your attention and guidance (speaking to the UNSC).

In conclusion let me reiterate my gratitude towards the men and women within still difficult circumstances continue to keep the UN flag and spirit high. It is a privilege to work with this truly international community in assistance of the people of Iraq. I was happy to recently welcome are our new DSRG for political affairs, Jerzy Skuratowicz from Poland, who many other places in the world has proven to be another true UN ambassador. In leading the mission together with him, and the DSRG’s for development Christine McNabb, I look forward to your ongoing guidance and support. Thank you Mr. President.”

[The President of the UNSC responds to Mr. Melkert…]
“Thank you Mr. Melkert for his briefing (and gives the floor to the representative from Iraq - no introduction of this representative)… (The representative proceeds to congratulate the new President of the UNSC…the representative from Iraq continues thanking a number of individuals within UNAMI… including the government and people of Iraq – congratulates the new members of the UNSC… each by name… then the former outgoing member, also by name).

“Mr. President, my delegation took note of the report of the assistant to the Secretary General and the work of UNAMI in document S/2010/76 and would like to present the following comments:

On the political and security levels, on the seventh (7th) of December our folks were able to adopt an amended election law… and came through this difficult phase, in which heated political controversy attempted to disrupt the political process. The Iraqi people have overcome many difficulties and challenges and are determined today to benefit from this experience, which gives them a strong motive for a broad participation in the upcoming elections and to elect their representatives. The approval of the amended election law proves the ability of Iraqis to overcome their differences through dialogue to resolve the outstanding issues.

They were able to lift the last obstacles and pave the way for the Iraqi people to make an avid campaign to strengthen national unity, to build the rule of law, an institution to consolidate the democratic experience and to achieve their national aspirations. The Iraqi government is working now to develop a security plan for the coming elections so that the atmosphere is conducive to holding elections on seventh (7th) of March 2010 as specified in the Constitution, despite the determine efforts of the enemies of Iraq and the Iraqi people such as Al Qaeda and the remnants of the Sadaam dictatorial regime to block the march of democracy, freedom and the rule of law.

Two days ago the leader of the so-called leader of the Islamic state in Iraq, affiliated to Al Qaeda organization, threatened to disrupt the election process and attack Iraqis who will participate in the elections.

In the context of developments in the upcoming national parliamentary elections I would like to suggest that the Accountability and Justice Commission as a constitutional and legal body… the establishment of which is stipulated in the Iraqi constitution. The Iraqi Council of Representatives has also approved the Accountability and Justice law. Today, we are however, witnessing political debates concerning the decision of the Accountability and Justice Commission to exclude a number of candidates. Following the last meeting of the three presidency’s in Iraq, the Presidential Council, the Prime Minister, and Speaker of House attended by the head of Supreme Judicial Authority, it has been agreed that the revision committee will review the files of 177 candidates excluded from the elections and reach a decision before the start of the election campaign.

In El Aribia interview on the 12th of February, the PM Nuri Al Maliki emphasized that the majority of those excluded from the upcoming election are Shitites and that the majority of Sunnis are happy with the steps that have been taken and are expected to widely participate in the elections. The PM also mentioned that many senior military commanders from the time of Sadaam are still in their position because they didn’t commit any crimes against the Iraqi people. Many were forced to join the Baath Party… the PM acknowledged and will have no action taken against them as they respect the new Iraqi constitution and laws.

It should be noted that the exclusion of certain candidates is related to the issuance of court rulings for non-political crimes or false communication and is not because of the law of accountability and justice. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced on the ninth (9th) of February at the Rashid Hotel in Baghdad that the date of the start of election campaigns of the candidates elected by political entities and for the advertising campaigns will be on twelfth (12th) of February 2010. The president of the IHEC announced the preparation of 52,000 voting stations and the appointment of 350,000 staff members to manage the electoral process which will involve nineteen million voters. The commission is also preparing for the voting, which will take place in sixteen (16) countries in which Iraqis live abroad. Iraqis will be able to vote from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, EAU, Iran, Austria, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, UK, Australia, Turkey, Canada, and the USA.

The security situation in Iraq is and a continuous improvement in spite occasional attacks targeting Iraqi civilians. The latest statistics from the Ministry of Defense & Health indicate that 196 Iraqis died in attacks in the month of January, 2010… a decrease of 56% from December, 2009, which witness 306 casualties.

I should also point out that there is attacks that killed thousands and wounded hundreds of unarmed civilians, including men, women, and children, and targeted visitors who walk on foot from various regions to visit the holy shrine of Iman Husayn, the grandson of prophet Mohammad, who was killed along with all of his family and followers in 680 A.D. during the time of the Omaniad dynasty. Since that time visitors have traditionally visited his grave. Sadaam regime have tried to prohibit visitors of the Iman Husayn going on foot, but they insisted on continuing to practice their faith, but they led to sacrifices which led to clashes between the oppressive regime of Sadaam who were killed and injured. The bombing proved that the enemies of Iraq such as Al Qaeda and the violent remnants of Sadaam regime will not hesitate to kill innocent men, women and children and that there is no alternative for the Iraqi government but to find them and destroy them to preserve the lives of the citizens. Here I would like to recall the letter of the PM dated thirtieth (30th) of August 2009, in which he requested that an independent international committee of inquiry be established and investigate the terrorist attacks that rocked the country. Since key elements involved in these attacks fall outside the jurisdiction of the Iraqi states. Hundreds of Iraqis killed and thousands wounded in these attacks and my government still looks for a positive response from the Security Council to stop the bloodshed in Iraq.

As part of the Iraqi governments efforts to develop the improvement and the security situation in the city of Baghdad, the Ministry of Planning is now studying a project to install 10,000 surveillance cameras in Baghdad and securing capacity for ? and investigation. Also, with a view of strengthening the Iraqi Air force, the month of February witness the graduation of the first seventeen helicopter pilots who have completed their training… the first group of its kind since 2003.

The improved security situation has strategic plans to bring home Iraqis displaced abroad has led to increase the number of Iraqis that have returned to the country. For example the latest report issued by the International Organization for Migration indicates the return of 350,000 displaced Iraqis to their home areas. The problems faced by the majority of these are the lack of employment opportunities and the lack of resources. In this context, the Ministry of Immigration & Displaced in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration has implemented the program of Human Security & Stability in Iraq. To help some 8,500 families return to their homes across Iraq through financial support and the creation of jobs to eliminate unemployment in these families.

The last poll conducted by the High Commissioner for Refugees said that about 200,000 displaced people want to return to Iraq and explained that many Iraqis are eager to return home after a remarkable stability in the situation. Iraq signed with the International Organization for Migration the third (3rd) of December 2009, a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the work of IOM in providing services to displaced persons and the returnees and to the strengthening of ties with the cooperation of Iraqi government especially after the improvement in the security situation. The Iraqi peoples enjoyment of their fundamental rights as stipulated by the constitution, especially the freedom of expression as a cornerstone of the ongoing political process in the country.

Iraq’s participation in a recent poll by World Opinion in Washington which was conducted in twenty-four (24) countries stated that Iraq was one of the countries that adopted opinion polls in complete freedom and transparency and represent international recognition that Iraqis enjoy freedom of expression. For the first time Iraq was elected to the membership of the executive board of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for the period 2010-2012 during the meeting of state parties in the Hague from the 30th of November to the 4th of December, 2009.

On the social and economic levels under the auspicious of PM Nuri Al Maliki, the Iraqi government held on the 11th of December, 2009 a second round of competition to receive and open offers for service contracts for oil fields… as the (PM for the) government will provide all the facilities for companies that win oil licenses. This is from fifteen (15) companies from around the world winning service contracts for seven (7) Iraqi oil fields. The holding of this round of licensing for oil and gas is the second turning point in the process of construction and reconstruction through open transparent investment of oil wealth and is in the interest of the Iraqi people after decades of disabled investment of oil wealth because of the policies of the former regime.

It is expected that oilfields development project will increase Iraq’s oil production and that average production within the next six (6) years will reach six million (6,000,000) barrels per day, and in 2020 the production will reach nearly twelve million (12,000,000) barrels per day as the strategic objective of the Iraqi Oil Ministry is now working towards.

Exported oil production for the month of January 2010 has increased to 1.98 million barrels per day. And the Iraqi government is planning to increase the amount of oil exports in 2010 to 2.325 million barrels per day. Oil Minister, Mr. Husayn Al-Shahristani announced the establishment of a fourth (4th) National Oil Company to oversee the development of oil fields in the middle of Iraq. This company will also be responsible for the developing the oil fields located in Baghdad and the surrounding provinces. Oil Commissions have also been established in the Arab provinces in the south and the Ninawa province in the north in order to oversee the implementation of oil contracts in these provinces.

The Iraqi government is welcome to insure that its citizen’s benefit directly from the projected increased oil production. Studies indicate that the average persons share of the Iraqi oil revenue will rise from $1,534 USD in 2010 to $3,361 USD in 2015, to $9,444 USD in 2020. The Federal Budget expenditures in Iraq are also predicted to increase from 132 Billion USD in 2015, to 256 Billion USD in 2020. Which will be reflecting on the accumulated investment totally 138 Billion USD between 2010 and 2015, and to 496 Billion USD between 2010 and 2020. This accumulation will attract and encourage investments in Iraq from home and abroad. As part of the Iraqi governments efforts to insure the highest degree of transparency in the investment and management of oil wealth, on the tenth (10th) of January, 2010, Iraq joined the Executive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) after the commendation of the Initiative department of the EITI that Iraq be one of thirty-four (34) countries which have joined so far.

The Iraqi Council of Representatives approved last month the Federal Budget for 2010 totally 72.4 Billion USD…. Which includes 51 Billion USD to fund operating expenses and 19.5 Billion USD of the budget to be invested in financing the construction projects in the country.

Baghdad witnessed on the twenty-ninth (29th) of January 2010, the laying of the foundation stone of the largest tourist hotel in Iraq, with the twin towers of twenty-six (26) floors each and 550 rooms at an estimated cost of 150 million dollars. The Mayor of Baghdad announced the beginning of more that twenty-five (25) investment projects, and the (fair) installment of investment projects for the development of the city. This will include the establishment of the major residential, industrial and shopping malls, modern restaurant chains, and infrastructure projects.

The National Investment Commission is also operating to make 2010 a year of achievements and has developed an investment plan involving 750 projects in Iraq.

Iraqi Council of Ministers approved the National Strategy for Reducing Poverty in Iraq recommended by the Minister of Planning & Development in cooperation with the World Bank. This strategy tends to increase the income of the poor and improve the quality of health and educational and services… provided to them with the provision of adequate housing and effective social protection in order to reduce poverty thirty (30) percent from 2007 levels. As part of the Iraqi elements efforts to reactivate the central supermarkets. The Center Supermarkets Company has made 2009 profits estimated at 15.8 million USD…and increase of 169% over their profits in 2008.

On the regional and international levels, in the framework of regional and international openness the recent period has witness the visit of VP Joseph Biden to Baghdad on twenty-second (22nd) of January, 2010 to discussing bi-lateral relations (continues with several dignitaries and the dates of their visits … from Czech Republic… EU commissioner for energy…signed agreement between Iraq & EU )

On the seventh (7th) of January 2010 Iranian foreign minister (name) visited Iraq and held talks about files of bi-lateral interest to both countries and the formation of many relevant commissions to resolve outstanding issues. Really important was the issue of borders and the entrance of Iranian forces into the Al-fec oil field inside Iraq where the Iraqi government was able to resolve the problem through negotiation that led to the withdrawal of the Iranian forces from the Iraqi territories.

PM Nuri Al-Maliki visited Cairo on the 21st of December, 2009 and met with his Excellency President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to discuss the prospects of developing bi-lateral relations. And with the Secretary General of the League of the Arab States, M. Selim Sleiman, discussing ways of enhancing the Arab presence in Baghdad.

VP Adil Abd Al-Mahdi visited Washington on 14 January, 2010 to discuss the application of the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq; and VP Tariq al-Hashimi visited Washington on first of February, 2010 where he met a number of senior US officials to political developments in Iraq.

Kurdistan President, Mr. Massoud Barzani visited Washington also on the twenty-fifth (25th) January, 2010 in response to a formal invitation from US President Barack Obama.

(Several other international meetings with different countries were noted)

Mr. President, in the framework of Iraq’s efforts to resolve outstanding issues with Kuwait, the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the 1st of February 2010, published a public announcement, requesting that Iraqi citizens who have ? or any other Kuwaiti property seized by the former regime during the occupation of Kuwait during 1990, deliver them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to submit them to Kuwait.

In paragraph 67 of ? of the Security Council on the review of resolution pertaining specifically to Iraq in document S/2009/385, the Secretary General states, and I quote, “it is important that Iraq of today is very different from Iraq prior to 2003. It is my hope that the Security Council will consider this report with a view of taking appropriate decisions that will help Iraq to fulfill its outstanding obligation in a timely manner.” On this basis I refer to the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the President of the Security Council dated the 19th of January 2010, regarding the obligation of Iraq in the field of disarmament… requesting that the Security Council urgently look into the removal of all restrictions imposed pursuant to its resolutions on Iraq. Pertaining to disarmament and the weapon of mass destruction including resolution 687 of the 1991, and 707 of 1991. Mr. President, in conclusion I would like to express my governments gratitude for members of the Security Council, for UNAMI’s role in Iraq, and for Mr. Ad Melkert’s support that is offered upon the governments request and based on mutually agreed mechanism. Thank you Mr. President.