UNAMI chief urges Iraqi leaders to ‘act fast’ for end to political paralysis

[Pitcher]

UNAMI chief urges Iraqi leaders to ‘act fast’ for end to political paralysis

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Iraq’s leaders must push past ongoing political crisis for a “more resilient Iraq” to emerge, the United Nations’ top official in Iraq told a briefing of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, amid continuing popular protest and government failure to lock in a new prime minister.

“Out of the ongoing political crisis - a fairer, stronger and inherently more resilient Iraq can emerge...for this to materialize, political leaders will have to act fast, and place the country’s interests above everything else,” said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi resigned in November in the face of massprotests in Iraq’s southern and central provinces, demanding the removal of the post-2003 political elite, an overhaul of the political system, and early elections. Little real change has yet been achieved.

Since Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation, Iraq’s various political blocs were locked in talks to nominate a suitable candidate to replace him – no easy feat for such a deeply entrenched elite in such a deeply divided society.

Political parties at last reached an agreement in early February to nominate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as Abdul-Mahdi’s successor.

Allawi was given a free hand by Shiite parties to choose an independent cabinet on the condition that Kurds and Sunnis grant him the same freedom. His insistence to appoint candidates himself, however, caused tensions with Kurdish representatives.

Allawi submitted his resignation following his inability to secure parliamentary approval to form a cabinet on Sunday.

Political parties are once again in talks to nominate a new candidate for appointment by Iraqi President Barham Salih. The premier designate will be charged with forming the next governmental cabinet.

“The ongoing political indecisiveness and dissension, leading to a further paralysis in decision-making, unfortunately do not give cause for immediate optimism. The country and its people continue to be pushed into the unknown,” Hennis-Plasschaert said.

 

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/47328/UNAMI-chief-urges-Iraqi-leaders-to-act-fast-for-end-to-political-paralysisQ

[Pitcher]

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/47320/Chinese-envoy-calls-for-good-atmosphere-for-political-dialogue-in-Iraq
 

Chinese envoy calls for "good atmosphere" for political dialogue in Iraq

China's UN envoy on Tuesday called for a "good atmosphere" to be created for political dialogue and national reconciliation in Iraq.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on the unrest-torn country, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, said as the internal political process in Iraq is at an important juncture, the international community should support Iraq in independently managing its own internal affairs and responding to the challenges by playing a constructive role and creating an enabling environment.

"We are firmly against interference in Iraq's internal affairs," he said, adding any military action on Iraq's territory must be subject to the consent of thegovernment of the country to avoid Iraq becoming a victim of geo-politics.

He said engaging in peaceful and meaningful dialogue toward inclusive reconciliation and harmonious coexistence is in the fundamental interest of the Iraqi people.

"We welcome further improvement of relations between the central government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government as well as their continuation of communication and dialogue on oil revenue sharing and security arrangements," he said.

Moreover, Zhang urged the international community to consolidate the achievements in counterterrorism and safeguarding national security, noting Iraq has made great sacrifice for the international cause of counterterrorism.

He warned that the threat of remnant forces of terrorism still remains and the disposal of foreign terrorist fighters and their families is in urgent need of support from more parties.

In this regard, he called on international community to fully respect Iraq's sovereignty and jurisdiction, and support Iraq in bringing terrorists to justice and in preventing the return and spread of terrorist forces and activities.

[Laid Back]

Entities and countries are putting pressure on Iraq to get their act together.

 

 

[ChuckFinley]

13 minutes ago, Laid Back said:

Entities and countries are putting pressure on Iraq to get their act together.

 

 

I like it. Time for Trump to hit them in the pocket book. They will understand that. 

[new york kevin]

I knew Allawi would not last past the first skirmish in forming his cabinet. Lahoo lahzer . Speaks poorly for the factions and all.

[Pitcher]

39 minutes ago, Laid Back said:

Entities and countries are putting pressure on Iraq to get their act togethe

 

 

Yes LB, and it is about time.  The world is tired of pouring money into Iraq only to have Iraqi politicians who are sympathetic to Iranian continue to keep it from prospering. Bunch of Thieves. 

[3n1]

23 minutes ago, Pitcher said:

 

 

Yes LB, and it is about time.  The world is tired of pouring money into Iraq only to have Iraqi politicians who are sympathetic to Iranian continue to keep it from prospering. Bunch of Thieves. 

 

well stated ... Pitcher for PM ........ cheers 

[Pitcher]

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/586123
 

Iraqi Hezbollah Warns against Nominating Intelligence Chief for Premiership

ERBIL — Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah, a militia group with close ties to Iran, has warned against the nomination of country’s chief of intelligence service for the vacant post of prime minister.

Hezbollah issued a statement on Tuesday to reject Mustafa Kazimi’s possible nomination after Mohammed Allawi failed to form the new government within the constitutional time limit.

The Iran-backed militia claimed that Kazimi had helped the United States in killing Iranian top general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in January this year.

Hezbollah of Iraq suggested the nomination of Adil Abdul Mahdi, who resigned from premiership late in 2019 following months of anti-government protests across Iraq.

“The most favorable option is to nominate Adil Abdul Mahdi to return to office and form a new cabinet,” reads the statement.

[Pitcher]

Hezbollah has no business being in Iraq.  Time to eradicate them just like ISIS and Saddam.  This country will never be nothing more than an Iranian satellite country if the  people don’t kick all the bad actors out for good.  

[Laid Back]

5 hours ago, ChuckFinley said:

I like it. Time for Trump to hit them in the pocket book. They will understand that. 

agreed.👍🏼

5 hours ago, Pitcher said:

 

 

Yes LB, and it is about time.  The world is tired of pouring money into Iraq only to have Iraqi politicians who are sympathetic to Iranian continue to keep it from prospering. Bunch of Thieves. 

Totally agree with your comments gentlemen.

 

 

[horsesoldier]

Someone has to willing to pickup that “ call “ on the other end however.

[MyLadiesDaddy]

Thank you