Thursday, August 09, 2007
U.N. staff pass resolution not to increase members in Iraq
U.N.
(IPS) - The U.N. Staff Council, representing 25,000 staff members, unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday calling on Secretary General Ban Ki-moon not to deploy any additional staff members to Iraq and to remove those currently serving at the duty station in Baghdad. The resolution cites the "unacceptably high level of risk to the safety and security of U.N. personnel currently serving in Iraq," and stresses that, "the breakdown of law and order in Iraq has created a place where aid workers have become targets and pawns."
"The security situation in Iraq is getting worse every day," Emad Hassanin, first vice president of the Staff Union, told IPS. Against this backdrop, the U.S. and Britain are circulating a draft resolution aimed at expanding the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
"The U.N. needs to play an enhanced role in helping Iraqis at the present time," Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., told reporters here. "This is a very important issue, the issue of Iraq for the region, for the country, and for the world and therefore the U.N. needs to play a bigger role and help Iraqis," Khalilzad said. "One of the advantages of the U.N. is that it can reach out to many groups and some groups that do not want to talk to other external players are willing to talk to the U.N.," Khalilzad said, pointing out that, "Ayatollah Sistani, one of the influential figures of Iraq did not speak to the U.S./UK reps but does engage with the U.N. envoy."
"We are on a very strong effort to increase the numbers of international staff in Iraq," B. Lynne Pascoe, U.N. under-secretary-general for political affairs, said after briefing the Security Council Tuesday. "The current ceiling is 65. I think by the fall, by October, we'll be up to about 95," he said. Asked about a timetable for the withdrawal of the U.S. troops to go hand in hand with the expansion of the U.N. role, Khalilzad said, "We understand that the issue of the coalition presence is an issue on which Iraqis disagree. But I also know, you all know that I was in Iraq for almost two years, that no community in Iraq would like a precipitous U.S. withdrawal."
"The U.S. has been talking about a 'new and important role' for the U.N. in Iraq, as part of a public relations campaign about how things are getting better, stability is just around the corner, and so on," James Paul, executive director of the Global Policy Forum in New York, told IPS. "But in fact, the security environment is deteriorating there and the U.N. cannot operate safely or effectively."
"The U.N. Security Council is closing its eyes to the reality of the world's most serious security and humanitarian crisis," Paul continued, stressing that, "There is astounding neglect of the real situation in Iraq." Four million Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have left their homes as sectarian fighting has spread through the country. The U.N. estimates that more than 100,000 people are fleeing Iraq each month. "Iraq is far from being stable," an Asian diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told IPS. "With the incidence of bombings daily, there is an appalling humanitarian problem," the diplomat stressed.
The Security Council is expected to vote on the UNAMI resolution on Thursday. Some Security Council delegations, including Belgium, France, Indonesia and South Africa, have reportedly raised concerns with the draft which was circulated on Aug. 1, just nine days before the expiration of the current resolution on Aug. 10.
Labels: B. Lynne Pascoe, Emad Hassanin, Global Policy Forum, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Staff Council, UNAMI, UNSC, Zalmay Khalilzad
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
U.N. expects to raise number of international staff in Iraq
U.N.
(AP) - The United Nations said Tuesday it expects to raise the ceiling for international staff in Iraq from 65 to 95 by October, but the U.N. Staff Council called on the secretary-general to pull all U.N. personnel out of the country until security improves. The flap emerged as Britain and the United States circulated a revised Security Council resolution that would expand the U.N. mandate in Iraq to help promote political reconciliation, settle disputed internal boundaries, and plan for a national census.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been under pressure from the United States to expand the U.N.'s role in Iraq and said in June he would consider it. But he cited deteriorating security in Iraq as an obstacle. The new text puts more focus on human rights, humanitarian issues, protecting civilians, and promoting the safety of humanitarian personnel than the initial document.
Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan had complained that the original draft was completely "silent on the gross human rights abuses taking place on a daily basis in Iraq, and on the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country." Calling the revised draft "balanced," U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said, "I believe that we are well on our way to the adoption of the resolution this Thursday."
Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynne Pascoe told reporters after briefing the council Tuesday that the new mandate would enable the U.N. to work on issues "that clearly need to be done out there," especially national reconciliation, humanitarian assistance and dealing with the millions of Iraqis who have fled their homes.
"We are on a very strong effort to increase the numbers" of international staff in Iraq, he said. "The current ceiling is 65. I think by the fall, by October, we'll be up to about 95." But Pascoe stressed that there are two constraints to an expanded U.N. role: Iraqi political leaders must decide what they want the U.N. to do and security conditions must be sufficient for U.N. staffers to work. "We will be looking at the security situation everywhere to decide what level is appropriate," he said.
Soon after Pascoe spoke, the U.N. Staff Council, the executive body of the U.N. Staff Union which represents over 5,000 staff at U.N. headquarters, unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the secretary-general "not to deploy any additional staff members to Iraq and to remove those currently serving ... in Baghdad until such time as the security situation and environment improves." The Staff Council's resolution noted "the unacceptably high level of risk to the safety and security" of U.N. personnel.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been under pressure from the United States to expand the U.N.'s role in Iraq and said in June he would consider it. But he cited deteriorating security in Iraq as an obstacle. The new text puts more focus on human rights, humanitarian issues, protecting civilians, and promoting the safety of humanitarian personnel than the initial document.
Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan had complained that the original draft was completely "silent on the gross human rights abuses taking place on a daily basis in Iraq, and on the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country." Calling the revised draft "balanced," U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said, "I believe that we are well on our way to the adoption of the resolution this Thursday."
Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynne Pascoe told reporters after briefing the council Tuesday that the new mandate would enable the U.N. to work on issues "that clearly need to be done out there," especially national reconciliation, humanitarian assistance and dealing with the millions of Iraqis who have fled their homes.
"We are on a very strong effort to increase the numbers" of international staff in Iraq, he said. "The current ceiling is 65. I think by the fall, by October, we'll be up to about 95." But Pascoe stressed that there are two constraints to an expanded U.N. role: Iraqi political leaders must decide what they want the U.N. to do and security conditions must be sufficient for U.N. staffers to work. "We will be looking at the security situation everywhere to decide what level is appropriate," he said.
Soon after Pascoe spoke, the U.N. Staff Council, the executive body of the U.N. Staff Union which represents over 5,000 staff at U.N. headquarters, unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the secretary-general "not to deploy any additional staff members to Iraq and to remove those currently serving ... in Baghdad until such time as the security situation and environment improves." The Staff Council's resolution noted "the unacceptably high level of risk to the safety and security" of U.N. personnel.
Labels: Iraq, Lynne Pascoe, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, security, U.N., UNSC, Zalmay Khalilzad
Thursday, July 19, 2007
International Compact with Iraq meeting to be held Friday
(KUNA) - A meeting of the International Compact with Iraq will be held Friday with the participation of Sinan Al-Shabibi, the Governor of Iraq's Central Bank, who will present the mid-year Progress Report on the implementation of the Compact, deputy spokesperson Marie Okabe told the daily press briefing Tuesday.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who will chair the meeting, will deliver a speech and so will Ibrahim Gambari, his Special Advisor on the issue. The Report is scheduled to be published tomorrow Wednesday ahead of the meeting.
The International Compact is an initiative of the Government of Iraq for a new partnership with the international community. Its purpose is to achieve a National Vision for Iraq which aims to consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who will chair the meeting, will deliver a speech and so will Ibrahim Gambari, his Special Advisor on the issue. The Report is scheduled to be published tomorrow Wednesday ahead of the meeting.
The International Compact is an initiative of the Government of Iraq for a new partnership with the international community. Its purpose is to achieve a National Vision for Iraq which aims to consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years.
Labels: Ibrahim Gambari, International Compact with Iraq, Iraq Central Bank, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sinan Al-Shabibi
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
UNSG Ban Ki-moon warns against abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Iraq
International
(RFE/RL) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned that any abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq could deepen the crisis there. Ban said the United States and the international community have a responsibility not to abandon the Iraqi people. Ban's comments come ahead of a meeting on July 17 at the White House with President George W. Bush, who is facing growing pressure from Congress and the U.S. public to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
The U.S. Senate, meanwhile, is scheduled to be in session later the same day to debate a Democratic plan requiring the pullout of all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008. On July 16, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said he hoped Iraqi forces would have enough training by the end of the year to take over security duties from the coalition troops.
The U.S. Senate, meanwhile, is scheduled to be in session later the same day to debate a Democratic plan requiring the pullout of all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008. On July 16, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said he hoped Iraqi forces would have enough training by the end of the year to take over security duties from the coalition troops.
Labels: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.S. troop withdrawal
Monday, June 04, 2007
Turkey to deliver report to U.N. on PKK
Security, Region
(Reuters) - Turkey will deliver a report to the United Nations this week spelling out its concerns about militant Kurdish separatists in Iraq and reaffirming its legal right to take action against them, an official said on Monday. The news comes as Turkey reinforces its troops along the border with Iraq and the powerful army General Staff stresses its readiness for a cross-border operation to crush guerrillas of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
"Diplomacy first," said Monday's Sabah newspaper headline, saying the U.N. move prepared the legal and diplomatic ground for the possible military operation, which has already sparked alarm in the United States, Turkey's NATO ally. The Foreign Ministry official told Reuters Turkey's permanent U.N. representative, Baki Ilkin, would hold talks with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this week.
"The terrorism incidents will be explained. A report will be presented concerning the explosives and weapons we have determined are coming (into Turkey) from northern Iraq," the official said. "More cooperation from the United Nations is requested on this matter," he added. The official declined to comment on the possibility of military action in northern Iraq.
"Diplomacy first," said Monday's Sabah newspaper headline, saying the U.N. move prepared the legal and diplomatic ground for the possible military operation, which has already sparked alarm in the United States, Turkey's NATO ally. The Foreign Ministry official told Reuters Turkey's permanent U.N. representative, Baki Ilkin, would hold talks with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this week.
"The terrorism incidents will be explained. A report will be presented concerning the explosives and weapons we have determined are coming (into Turkey) from northern Iraq," the official said. "More cooperation from the United Nations is requested on this matter," he added. The official declined to comment on the possibility of military action in northern Iraq.
Labels: Baki Ilkin, PKK, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Turkey, U.N.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
$30 bn. in financial commitments for Iraq
Economy
(BI-ME) - In support of the International Compact on Iraq, a five-year plan for peace and development in the war-torn country co-launched today by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, world leaders assembled in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt have pledged their partnership with the Iraqi government, with over US$30 billion in specific financial commitments announced so far.
The 74 delegations unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their shared commitment to a secure and stable Iraq and emphasising the need for improved governance, anti-corruption measures, equal protection for all Iraqis and an institutional framework based on the rule of law.
UN Secretary General Ban, in a press conference following the adoption of the resolution, said he was pleased that a number of countries have already made concrete commitments, estimated at over US$30 billion. "This includes commitments of debt relief on the Paris Club terms, from Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia and Greece. It also includes financial commitments from the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, China, Denmark and Korea, and other key participants," he said.
"Today's meeting demonstrated that there is broad support for the people and government of Iraq in overcoming current challenges," Ban said. "This is not an easy task, and we will face numerous obstacles." He pledged the world body's full support. "The United Nations stands ready to assist the government of Iraq in the implementation of the Compact."
Under the Compact, the government will work to meet basic needs, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure the optimal use of the country's resources for the common good and the country's international partners are committed to providing financial, technical and political support.
The 74 delegations unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their shared commitment to a secure and stable Iraq and emphasising the need for improved governance, anti-corruption measures, equal protection for all Iraqis and an institutional framework based on the rule of law.
UN Secretary General Ban, in a press conference following the adoption of the resolution, said he was pleased that a number of countries have already made concrete commitments, estimated at over US$30 billion. "This includes commitments of debt relief on the Paris Club terms, from Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia and Greece. It also includes financial commitments from the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, China, Denmark and Korea, and other key participants," he said.
"Today's meeting demonstrated that there is broad support for the people and government of Iraq in overcoming current challenges," Ban said. "This is not an easy task, and we will face numerous obstacles." He pledged the world body's full support. "The United Nations stands ready to assist the government of Iraq in the implementation of the Compact."
Under the Compact, the government will work to meet basic needs, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure the optimal use of the country's resources for the common good and the country's international partners are committed to providing financial, technical and political support.
Labels: International Compact with Iraq, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Friday, May 04, 2007
Creditor nations waive $30 bn of Iraqi debt
International, Conference
(Financial Times) - Creditor nations including the UK, Saudi Arabia and China have pledged to waive $30bn (£15.1bn) of Iraqi debt, about 60 per cent of what Baghdad estimates it owes other countries, Ban Ki-moon, United Nations secretary-general, said yesterday. Mr Ban was speaking at the end of the first day of a two-day conference in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el Sheikh dealing with the UN-sponsored International Compact with Iraq, which aims at winning support to stabilise and rebuild the country.
"A number of countries have made concrete commitments under the compact today. In particular, there was broad support for the terms of the Paris Club on Iraq's outstanding debt," said Mr Ban, referring to the decision by the international creditors' group to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq's debt. "Specific financial commitments made by particular countries are estimated at over $30bn," he told a news conference.
The figure included commitments by Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia, Greece and new commitments by the UK, Australia, Spain, Denmark and South Korea. Few could expect Iraq's creditors to collect anything more than a small fraction of what they owe, much of which was run up under the rule of Saddam Hussein.
"A number of countries have made concrete commitments under the compact today. In particular, there was broad support for the terms of the Paris Club on Iraq's outstanding debt," said Mr Ban, referring to the decision by the international creditors' group to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq's debt. "Specific financial commitments made by particular countries are estimated at over $30bn," he told a news conference.
The figure included commitments by Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia, Greece and new commitments by the UK, Australia, Spain, Denmark and South Korea. Few could expect Iraq's creditors to collect anything more than a small fraction of what they owe, much of which was run up under the rule of Saddam Hussein.
Labels: International Compact with Iraq, Iraqi debt, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Ban Ki-moon announces International Compact for Iraq
International, Development
(UN) - The United Nations-sponsored International Compact for Iraq (ICI), which seeks to consolidate peace in the war-torn country and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years, will be launched in Egypt early next month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last night. Speaking to reporters in Bern, Switzerland, during a joint press conference with that country’s President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Mr. Ban said he and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki would attend the launch in Sharm el-Sheikh on 3 May.
The launch marks the culmination of a preparatory process that began last July and was initiated by the Iraqi Government to establish a new partnership with the international community. The Compact is a five-year national plan that includes benchmarks and mutual commitments from both Iraq and the international community, all with the aim of helping Iraq on the path towards peace, sound governance and economic reconstruction.
The UN – through its Special Adviser on the ICI and Other Political Issues, Ibrahim Gambari – and Iraq have been co-chairs of the preparatory process, which has also had the support of the World Bank. After his talks in Bern, Mr. Ban headed to Geneva today, where he attended his first meeting of the Chief Executives Board (CEB), which brings together top officials from across the UN system.
During the opening session of the two-day meeting, participants discussed system-wide coherence across the UN and how to better coordinate their efforts to achieve “aid for trade,” a strategy to enable developing countries to take a greater role in the international trade system. Mr. Ban also spoke with UN staff at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and attended a working breakfast with the State Council of Geneva, where he voiced appreciation for the city and region’s commitment to the UN by hosting so many international organizations and civil servants and their families.
On Sunday the Secretary-General is scheduled to wrap up the Swiss leg of his four-nation official trip, before heading to Doha, Qatar, for the Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade. His last stop will be the Syrian capital, Damascus, where meetings with senior Government officials, including President Bashar Assad, are expected.
The launch marks the culmination of a preparatory process that began last July and was initiated by the Iraqi Government to establish a new partnership with the international community. The Compact is a five-year national plan that includes benchmarks and mutual commitments from both Iraq and the international community, all with the aim of helping Iraq on the path towards peace, sound governance and economic reconstruction.
The UN – through its Special Adviser on the ICI and Other Political Issues, Ibrahim Gambari – and Iraq have been co-chairs of the preparatory process, which has also had the support of the World Bank. After his talks in Bern, Mr. Ban headed to Geneva today, where he attended his first meeting of the Chief Executives Board (CEB), which brings together top officials from across the UN system.
During the opening session of the two-day meeting, participants discussed system-wide coherence across the UN and how to better coordinate their efforts to achieve “aid for trade,” a strategy to enable developing countries to take a greater role in the international trade system. Mr. Ban also spoke with UN staff at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and attended a working breakfast with the State Council of Geneva, where he voiced appreciation for the city and region’s commitment to the UN by hosting so many international organizations and civil servants and their families.
On Sunday the Secretary-General is scheduled to wrap up the Swiss leg of his four-nation official trip, before heading to Doha, Qatar, for the Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade. His last stop will be the Syrian capital, Damascus, where meetings with senior Government officials, including President Bashar Assad, are expected.
Labels: Ibrahim Gambari, ICI, International Compact for Iraq, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Monday, March 26, 2007
Islamic State of Iraq claims responsibility for attack on U.N. SG Ban Ki-moon
Security, Insurgency
(Chosun) - An Iraqi insurgent group with ties to Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for Thursday's rocket attack on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, saying Ban was the target. The attack occurred near the site of a press conference that Ban was delivering while on an unannounced visit to Baghdad.
In a statement posted on an insurgent website on Saturday, a group called the Islamic State of Iraq said, "God enabled the men of the Islamic State of Iraq to target the Green Zone with a barrage of mortar rounds as a joint conference was being held by (Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri) al-Maliki and the so-called UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon." The statement said the attack "brought terror into the hearts of infidels and apostates."
In a statement posted on an insurgent website on Saturday, a group called the Islamic State of Iraq said, "God enabled the men of the Islamic State of Iraq to target the Green Zone with a barrage of mortar rounds as a joint conference was being held by (Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri) al-Maliki and the so-called UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon." The statement said the attack "brought terror into the hearts of infidels and apostates."
Labels: Islamic State of Iraq, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Friday, March 23, 2007
Rocket explodes near U.N. Secretary General
Security, U.N.
(AP) A rocket exploded 50 yards from the U.N. secretary-general during a news conference Thursday in Baghdad's Green Zone, causing him to cringe and duck just minutes after Iraq's prime minister said the visit showed the city was "on the road to stability." The Katyusha rocket that hit near Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was fired from a mainly Shiite area on the east bank of the Tigris River, not far from The Associated Press office. The heavily guarded Green Zone on the opposite bank is home to the U.S. Embassy, Iraq's government and the parliament.
Ban's unannounced stop in the Iraqi capital was the first visit by a U.N. secretary-general since Kofi Annan, his predecessor, came to Baghdad in November 2005. The U.N. Security Council issued a statement strongly condemning the rocket firing as an "abhorrent terrorist attack." The U.N. presence in Iraq has been much smaller than planned since militants bombed the organization's Baghdad headquarters on Aug. 19, 2003, and killed 22 people, including the top U.N. envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
That was one of the first major attacks as Sunni Arab insurgents began rallying against American forces and other foreign troops after the U.S.-led invasion. Foreign U.N. staff withdrew from Iraq in October 2003 after a second assault on its offices and other attacks on humanitarian workers. A small staff has gradually been allowed to return since August 2004.
Iraq's Shiite-dominated government has been quietly pushing for a greater U.N. role and was banking on decreased violence in the capital to show that it was returning to normal six weeks into a joint security crackdown with American forces.
Ban's unannounced stop in the Iraqi capital was the first visit by a U.N. secretary-general since Kofi Annan, his predecessor, came to Baghdad in November 2005. The U.N. Security Council issued a statement strongly condemning the rocket firing as an "abhorrent terrorist attack." The U.N. presence in Iraq has been much smaller than planned since militants bombed the organization's Baghdad headquarters on Aug. 19, 2003, and killed 22 people, including the top U.N. envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
That was one of the first major attacks as Sunni Arab insurgents began rallying against American forces and other foreign troops after the U.S.-led invasion. Foreign U.N. staff withdrew from Iraq in October 2003 after a second assault on its offices and other attacks on humanitarian workers. A small staff has gradually been allowed to return since August 2004.
Iraq's Shiite-dominated government has been quietly pushing for a greater U.N. role and was banking on decreased violence in the capital to show that it was returning to normal six weeks into a joint security crackdown with American forces.
Labels: Katyusha rocket, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.N.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
U.N. Secretary-General in Baghdad for talks with al-Maliki
U.N.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was headed to Baghdad on Thursday for a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister, the first visit by the top United Nations official in nearly a year and a half, U.N. officials said. Ban will be in the Iraqi capital for only one day of meetings with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose forces are working with the U.S. military in a major operation to curb violence in Baghdad and the surrounding territory. The U.N. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information, would give no other details about the visit. The top U.N. official was last in Baghdad when Ban's predecessor, Kofi Annan, visited the capital in November 2005.
Labels: Baghdad, Nouri Al-Maliki, oon, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.N.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
VP Abdul-Mahdi to update U.N. and donors on Iraq Compact
International
(AP Worldstream) Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi will update U.N. member states and other potential donors Friday on the war-torn country's plan for economic development and ask for international support, the United Nations said. Abdul-Mahdi, one of two vice-presidents, will be promoting a five-year plan known as the Iraq Compact to ensure the government has funds to survive and enact key political and economic reforms. The compact was set up shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 to "consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened the meeting, "looks forward to the participation of the broader international community ... to help put Iraq on a credible path towards sustainable development and economic prosperity," his spokeswoman Michele Montas said Wednesday. Delegations from more than 40 countries plan to attend the meeting, she said. Abdul-Mahdi met Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, who will lead the U.S. delegation to the meeting.
Kimmitt said in a statement issued after the meeting that he congratulated the vice-president on Iraq's economic progress and lauded the creation of the Iraq Compact as "an ambitious framework for transformation of the Iraqi economy." Ibrahim Gambari, the U.N. special adviser for the compact and the Iraqi delegation, which also includes Planning Minister Ali Baban, will co-chair Friday's meeting. The U.S. Treasury said all parties have agreed to a ministerial meeting in the near future to formally sign the compact.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened the meeting, "looks forward to the participation of the broader international community ... to help put Iraq on a credible path towards sustainable development and economic prosperity," his spokeswoman Michele Montas said Wednesday. Delegations from more than 40 countries plan to attend the meeting, she said. Abdul-Mahdi met Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, who will lead the U.S. delegation to the meeting.
Kimmitt said in a statement issued after the meeting that he congratulated the vice-president on Iraq's economic progress and lauded the creation of the Iraq Compact as "an ambitious framework for transformation of the Iraqi economy." Ibrahim Gambari, the U.N. special adviser for the compact and the Iraqi delegation, which also includes Planning Minister Ali Baban, will co-chair Friday's meeting. The U.S. Treasury said all parties have agreed to a ministerial meeting in the near future to formally sign the compact.
Labels: Ibrahim Gambari, Iraq Compact, Planning Minister Ali Baban, Robert Kimmitt, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.N., Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
U.N. SG to host meeting on Iraq
Politics, International, Security
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to host a meeting Friday so the Iraqi government can brief U.N. member states on a five-year plan to ensure the government has funds to survive and enact key political and economic reforms. The Iraq Compact was set up shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 to "consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development."
Friday's meeting also will "provide the Iraqi government with an opportunity to inform potential donors on the progress made in the implementation of its commitments," Ban said. In his quarterly report on Iraq circulated Monday, Ban expressed hope that the date and venue for the launch of the compact will be identified as soon as possible, noting that the documentation has been finalized.
Ban said in Monday's report that he strongly believes "that positive political progress and a reduction of violence are essential preconditions for the success of this initiative." Since December, however, the report said high levels of violence have continued to overshadow political and reconstruction efforts. As of January, contributions to the U.N. Development Group Iraq Trust Fund totaled $1.12 billion and some 113 projects have been approved for funding, Ban said. He also noted that the fifth meeting of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq Donor Committee will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 20.
Friday's meeting also will "provide the Iraqi government with an opportunity to inform potential donors on the progress made in the implementation of its commitments," Ban said. In his quarterly report on Iraq circulated Monday, Ban expressed hope that the date and venue for the launch of the compact will be identified as soon as possible, noting that the documentation has been finalized.
Ban said in Monday's report that he strongly believes "that positive political progress and a reduction of violence are essential preconditions for the success of this initiative." Since December, however, the report said high levels of violence have continued to overshadow political and reconstruction efforts. As of January, contributions to the U.N. Development Group Iraq Trust Fund totaled $1.12 billion and some 113 projects have been approved for funding, Ban said. He also noted that the fifth meeting of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq Donor Committee will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 20.
Labels: Iraq Compact, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.N.
