With parliamentary elections in Iraq scheduled for Nov. 11, and the drawdown of the UN Mission there set for December, Pakistan has commended the country\u2019s efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and stabilize the security environment, despite complex challenges.
\n\u201cSustained reforms and public service delivery initiatives, implementation of the federal budget, successful provincial council elections, and the focus on regional development reflect positive momentum\u201d, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
\n Speaking at a briefing on t he United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), he underscored the need for a \u201cseamless and well-supported transition\u201d as the mission is scheduled to close by December 31, 2025.<\/p>\n
The decision to terminate UNAMI was made after Iraq requested its work to end by the end of 2025, citing significant progress towards stability and the completion of its tasks.<\/p>\n
UNAMI was established in 2003 and works to advance inclusive political dialogue as well as reconciliation at the national and community levels, among other mandated tasks.
\n\u201cWe encourage all political stakeholders in Iraq to maintain dialogue and inclusivity, especially in the context of preparations for national elections in November this year, and work to address the institutional gaps,\u201d Ambassador Asim said.
\nDescribing the peaceful conduct of elections in the Kurdistan Region last year as a \u201cwelcome step\u201d, he said that formation of the regional government was still pending, hoping that it would be addressed through dialogue, grounded in Iraq\u2019s Constitution.
\nOn the humanitarian side, Ambassador Asim said, sustained attention was required including with regards to the needs of the internally displaced persons, acknowledging Iraq\u2019s achievements in facilitating voluntary return, reintegration, and improved access to documentation.
\nPakistan, he said, remains concerned about the volatile regional security environment, which poses a risk to Iraq\u2019s stability. \u201cWe reiterate our firm support for Iraq\u2019s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity \u2014 it is imperative that Iraq not be drawn into regional confrontations\u201d.
\nAmbassador Asim also reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s strong support for the efforts to resolve outstanding issues between the two brotherly countries of Iraq and Kuwait, including the return of property, archives, and repatriation of all Kuwaiti and third country nationals or their remains.
\n \u201cPakistan will continue to remain engaged on this matter in the Council and with the two brotherly countries to find an amicable and mutually acceptable way forward, for settlement of all outstanding issues especially the missing person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Briefing the 15-member Council, the top UN official in Iraq reiterated his confidence in the resilience of the country\u2019s people, and the determination of their leaders.
\n\u201cIraq is a nation of profound history, strength, potential, and pride. By working together, Iraqis can continue to make meaningful strides towards stability, prosperity and human rights for all,\u201d said Special Representative Mohamed Al Hassan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
\nHe provided updates on political, human rights and other developments over the past six months, and the Mission\u2019s ongoing support to the authorities as it prepares to leave at the end of the year.
\nHassan commended the Iraqi Government for providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, and for supporting the new peace initiative between T\u00fcrkiye and the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party, a militant group known as KPP.
\nHe said Iraq is well on the way to fresh parliamentary elections set for 11 November, and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is making notable progress towards polling day, with UNAMI\u2019s technical support.
\nAlthough voter registration should conclude in the coming days, and nearly three-quarters of all voters have completed biometric registration, challenges and logistical concerns remain.
\n\u201cBut IHEC is committed to doing its best towards a free, fair and transparent election with the participation of all Iraqis without fear and intimidation,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cUNAMI will spare no effort in providing the most professional technical support towards this end, including efforts to promote the widest participation of women, youth and minorities.\u201d
\n Hassan also reported on the aftermath of the successful parliamentary elections held in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq last October. With formation of a regional government still outstanding, he called for a spirit of compromise to break the impasse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With parliamentary elections in Iraq scheduled for Nov. 11, and the drawdown of the UN Mission there set for December, Pakistan has commended the country\u2019s efforts to consolidate democratic institutions and stabilize the security environment, despite complex challenges. \u201cSustained reforms and public service delivery initiatives, implementation of the federal budget, successful provincial council elections, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":483545,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-483541","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n