Security Council Authorizes One-Year Mandate Extension of United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2631 (2022)

[yota691]

The Security Council will hold its session on the situation in Iraq next Tuesday

• Time: 05/15/2022 17:16:28
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• Reading: 1,287 times

  

{International: Al Furat News} The United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced today, Sunday, that the UN Security Council will hold its session on the situation in Iraq next Tuesday.

 

And the mission said in a statement that {Euphrates News} received a copy of it, that "the UN Security Council will hold a session on the situation related to Iraq on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 3:00 pm New York time (10:00 pm Baghdad time)."
She added, "It is expected that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, will brief the session on developments in Iraq and the work of the United Nations mission."

[yota691]

International Security holds a session on Iraq

Monday 16 May 2022 211

 

 Baghdad: morning

 

Yesterday, Sunday, the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced that the UN Security Council will hold a session on Iraq tomorrow, Tuesday.

And the mission stated, in a statement, that "the UN Security Council will hold a session on the situation related to Iraq on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 3:00 pm New York time (10:00 pm Baghdad time)."

It is expected, according to the statement, that "the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, will brief the session on developments in Iraq and the work of the United Nations mission."

[yota691]

 

What's In Blue

Posted Mon 16 May 2022

Iraq: Briefing and Consultations

Tomorrow (17 May), the Security Council will convene for a briefing on the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Special Representative and head of UNAMI Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is expected to brief on recent developments in Iraq and on the Secretary-General’s latest reports on UNAMI and the issue of missing Kuwaiti property and missing third-party and Kuwaiti nationals. A representative of civil society is also expected to brief. The briefing will be followed by closed consultations.

Hennis-Plasschaert is expected to provide an update on the government formation process in Iraq, which remains deadlocked in the aftermath of the 10 October 2021 parliamentary election. As the negotiations on this process have progressed, a sharp divide has emerged among Iraq’s political parties. Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shiite cleric who leads a movement that won 73 seats in the 329-member parliament (the highest number of any single bloc), has formed an alliance with several other groups, including the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the Sunni Taqaddum party, and members of Sunni businessman Khamis al Khanjar’s Azm Alliance. The new grouping, known as the Coalition for Saving the Homeland (CSH), is reportedly pushing to form a majority government under their control that excludes all other parties. The Shiite Coordination Framework (SCF), a coalition that comprises several pro-Iranian Shiite political parties, is resisting this proposal. It favours a consensus government in which power is shared among various political parties.

Among other matters, Iraq’s political parties have been unable to reach agreement regarding the next step in the government formation process, the election of the president by parliament, which was due to be completed by 8 February. This has contributed to the political gridlock, as the president is responsible for appointing the prime minister, who in turn is charged with selecting a cabinet. In a 31 March tweet, al-Sadr announced that he was stepping back from the government formation process for 40 days, beginning on 3 April, to give his opponents a chance to form a government without his bloc. The following day, the other parties in the CSH released a joint statement expressing appreciation for the move and declaring their adherence to the alliance, while the SCF announced that it would introduce an initiative to resolve the impasse during a dialogue with “the political forces”. On 4 May, al-Sadr called on the independent members of Iraq’s legislature to form the government, and on 15 May, a group of independent members of parliament released a seven-point proposal for ending the impasse. During tomorrow’s meeting, Council members are likely to be interested in receiving an update from Hennis-Plasschaert regarding the government formation process. Council members are also likely to emphasise the importance of finding a solution to the current political deadlock.

The security situation in Iraq is expected to be discussed tomorrow. On 1 May, a missile attack targeted an oil refinery in the northern city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The missiles caused a fire at the refinery, which had also been attacked on 6 April, but no casualties were recorded. Kurdistan authorities subsequently announced that the missiles were launched from Nineveh province. According to media reports, Shiite units of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a group of fighters that was formed in 2014 to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), are currently deployed in that area. Several units of the PMF have been linked with the Iranian government. In an 18 April statement, Turkey announced that it had launched a new offensive, known as operation Claw-Lock, against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.

On 11 May, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) shelled a village in Sikedan, an area north of Erbil near the border between Iraq and Iran. In a statement published on its website, the IRGC said that its ground forces had captured a “terrorist team” based in Erbil the previous day and that it had decided to target their bases in northern Iraq based on information received from those captured. The incident follows a 13 March ballistic missile attack on Erbil by the IRGC that landed near the US consulate and reportedly injured one person.

Clashes have erupted in recent weeks between Iraqi troops and the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS), a Yazidi militia based in the Sinjar district of Iraq with reported ties to the PKK. The YBS has controlled parts of Sinjar since 2014 when it expelled ISIL fighters from the district with the assistance of the PKK. Other armed groups, including the PMF, are also active in the district.

On 1 May, the Iraqi military began attacking YBS positions in Sinjar, leading to the displacement of more than 3,000 people. According to media reports, the Iraqi military has said that the aim of the offensive is to dismantle YBS checkpoints and re-establish the government’s authority in the areas. Injuries and deaths have also been reported on both sides.

At tomorrow’s meeting, Council members might ask Hennis-Plasschaert for her analysis of the security situation in Iraq in light of these developments. Some members may also call for the implementation of the October 2020 Sinjar agreement between the Iraqi government and the government of Kurdistan, which aims to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons, accelerate reconstruction, improve public services, and establish a consolidated security force.

The relationship between Baghdad and Erbil may be discussed tomorrow. In a 15 February judgment, Iraq’s Supreme Court ruled that a 2007 oil and gas law enacted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was unconstitutional. The judgment also directed the KRG to hand control of its crude oil supplies to the federal government and declared the KRG’s oil contracts with third parties null and void. On 28 February, the KRG’s presidency announced that the KRG would “exhaust all available legal means” to protect its constitutional power and rights. Council members may ask Hennis-Plasschaert about the effect that this decision will have on Baghdad/Erbil relations.

Hennis-Plasschaert might raise the impact of climate change in Iraq during the meeting tomorrow. A series of dust storms have recently swept across the country, including a 5 May storm that caused at least 3,000 people to seek medical assistance, and several analysts have suggested that the increased incidence of these storms may be linked to climate change. According to Global Environment Outlook 6, which was prepared by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to the effects of climate change. Some Council members may note the importance of mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change in their statements.

The threat posed by Da’esh is also like to be raised tomorrow. The Secretary-General’s report of 29 April on UNAMI notes that Da’esh conducted 69 attacks between 24 February and 2 April, most of which targeted Iraqi security forces. The report also notes that Iraqi security forces continued their counter-terrorism operations against Da’esh.

Council members are expected to receive an update on the latest developments regarding the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. According to the 34th Secretary-General’s report on this issue, which was issued on 29 April, the members of the Technical Subcommittee of the Tripartite Commission engaged in productive discussions concerning various burial sites during the reporting period and also considered the status and number of open and closed cases pertaining to missing Kuwaitis and third country nationals.

[yota691]

3:00

Security Council: The Situation in Iraq

 

[yota691]

Live broadcast.. Briefing of the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert

2022.05.17 - 22:10

 

  

Baghdad - people   

  

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

[6ly410]

 

[yota691]

Blackshardt to the Security Council: Popular discontent in Iraq may get out of control at any moment

• TUESDAY, MAY 17-2022,PM 10:43
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• TAYSEER AL-ASSADI
•  
• 113

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http://non14.net/public/images/large/9-1652816601.jpg

The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, said on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, that popular discontent in Iraq may get out of control at any moment.
In her briefing to the UN Security Council, Plasschaert stated that the current dust storms far exceed what Iraq has witnessed in recent years, indicating that the negative aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in a seemingly continuous cycle of the zero-sum policy.
She added: Iraqis are still waiting for a political class that, instead of being satisfied with the outdated power struggles, is waiting to roll up its sleeves to make progress by achieving the long list of outstanding domestic priorities in Iraq.
She pointed out that the divisions in the Kurdistan region have deepened, which has negatively affected the region's residents, indicating that neighboring countries are violating Iraq's sovereignty and the security of its territory.
She added that missile diplomacy is reckless actions, stressing the critical importance of asserting the authority of the state.
She pointed out that the lack of clear coordination and implementation mechanisms, the dominance of partisan interests and the continued presence of spoilers significantly impede the achievement of tangible progress in Sinjar.

[yota691]

Blackshart before the UN Security Council: Desertification in Iraq is a major concern

 

 

 

228 Policy 2022/05/17 22:13 Baghdad today -

Baghdad The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Jenin Plasschaert, stressed that desertification in Iraq is a major concern. Blackshart said in her briefing to the UN Security Council, which she followed (Baghdad Today), that "the current dust storms far exceed what Iraq has witnessed in recent years," noting that "the negative aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in an apparently continuous cycle of Zero-sum policy. She added, "Iraqis are still waiting for a political class that, instead of being content with outdated power battles, is seeking to roll up its sleeves to make progress by achieving the long list of outstanding domestic priorities in Iraq." She pointed out that "the divisions in the Kurdistan region have deepened, which has negatively affected the population of the region," noting that "the neighboring countries are violating the sovereignty and security of Iraq." And she continued: "Missile diplomacy is reckless actions," stressing the critical importance of asserting the authority of the state. She pointed out that "the lack of clear coordination and implementation mechanisms, the dominance of partisan interests, and the continued presence of spoilers significantly impede the achievement of tangible progress in Sinjar."

[yota691]

 

The UN representative in Iraq warns against “missile diplomacy” and “armed leaders”

 

 2022-05-17 15:23

 

Shafaq News/ The United Nations representative in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, warned today, Tuesday, of what she described as "missile diplomacy" and said that it was "reckless actions", noting that popular discontent in Iraq could "get out of control" at any moment.

"The missiles and rockets are annoying, confusing and dangerous," Blackshart said in a briefing to the UN Security Council, which was followed by Shafak News, adding that "Iraq refuses to be treated as a backyard for the region where neighbors and others repeatedly violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

She pointed out that ""missile diplomacy" is reckless actions, with potentially devastating consequences, indicating that "Iraq does not need armed rulers who set themselves up as leaders." Plasschaert stressed the "critical importance of asserting the authority of the state," and said, "If the perpetrators are known, they should be identified." And she warned by saying, "Popular discontent in Iraq may get out of control at any moment with the continuation of the political impasse in Iraq."

And she continued, "It is time to shed light on the Iraqi people by providing services, limiting corruption, looting state institutions, achieving reform, diversifying the economy and governance, ending impunity and accountability, and reining in armed actors."

[yota691]

 

Blackshart informs the Security Council of its concern over desertification and the negative political life in Iraq

 

 2022-05-17 15:16

 

Shafaq News/ Today, Tuesday, the United Nations representative in Iraq, Jenin Plasschaert, informed the UN Security Council that desertification in Iraq has become a "main concern", noting at the same time that the "negative" aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in a continuous cycle.

 

 

"Our briefing today makes many observations that have become very familiar, as the negative aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in an apparently continuous cycle of zero-sum policy," Plasschaert said in a briefing to the UN Security Council, which was followed by Shafak News Agency.

"Iraqis are still waiting for a political class that, rather than contention with outdated power battles, is trying to roll up its sleeves to make progress on Iraq's long list of outstanding domestic priorities. What does it take to realize that this is an absolutely untenable situation?" .

Regarding dust storms, Blackshart said, "The current wave of dust storms far exceeds what Iraq has experienced in recent years. Last February, I spoke about the dangers and effects of climate change, with desertification being a major concern. Continued inaction will come at a heavy price. ".

[yota691]

 

The Sinjar file is on the Security Council table.. "Spoilers with a lack of international observers impede progress"

 

 2022-05-17 15:30

 

Shafaq News/ Today, Tuesday, the UN Representative, Jenin Plasschaert, informed the UN Security Council that "the continued presence of spoilers" in Sinjar district in Iraq "impedes progress", noting at the same time to the lack of "international observers".

 

 

In her briefing to the UN Security Council on Sinjar, Blackschaert said that "the lack of clear coordination and implementation mechanisms, the dominance of partisan interests and the continued presence of spoilers significantly impede tangible progress."

 

She noted that "the deployment of international observers has been for less than that."

 

It is noteworthy that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, saw on December 19, 2020 that the recently signed Sinjar Agreement between Baghdad and Erbil is a prelude to ending what she described as the suffering of the people in the judiciary.

 

Plasschaert's speech came at the time on the sidelines of her visit to the city of Mosul, and her meeting with Governor Najm al-Jubouri and representatives of the components of Sinjar to discuss the agreement.

 

Sinjar district in Nineveh province is witnessing military operations between the Iraqi army and the "Yabisha" elements loyal to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides.

 

Forces loyal to the Workers' Party refrain from implementing the Iraqi army's decision to "evacuate the judiciary from all armed forces", by keeping its members at security points among civilians.

 

On (October 9, 2020), Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement to normalize the situation in Sinjar, providing for joint administration of the judiciary in terms of administrative, security and service aspects.

 

ISIS had invaded Sinjar district in 2014 and committed a massacre against its residents, before the Peshmerga forces retook it the following year. However, the Iraqi army, backed by the Popular Mobilization Forces, invaded the area due to tension between the region and the federal government against the backdrop of the independence referendum in 2017.

 

The Iraqi authorities installed new officials in the judiciary to replace the elected officials who withdrew from the area to Dohuk Governorate when Iraqi forces advanced.

 

There are currently two local governments for Sinjar, one of which was appointed from the authorities of the federal government, and the second is the elected government, which conducts its business from the governorate of Dohuk.

 

The anti-Ankara Kurdistan Workers' Party has also formed a loyal faction there called the "Sinjar Protection Units" and receives salaries from the Iraqi government as a faction under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization.

 

The Kurdistan Workers' Party rejects repeated calls from the Kurdistan Region to leave the region, which is subjected to Turkish attacks from time to time, which hinders the return of tens of thousands of displaced Yazidis to their homes.

 

The new agreement will address the issue of duplication of administration, and Al-Kazemi stressed Baghdad's keenness to free Sinjar from armed groups, whether internal or coming from outside the country, in reference to the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

[yota691]

Blackshart: Iraqi politicians have no desire to resolve differences

 

Al Hurra - Washington

May 17 2022

 

 

Blackshart said that "ignoring the basic needs of the Iraqi people is obvious."

The United Nations envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, said on Tuesday that "there is no desire among Iraqi politicians to reach an agreement that ends the political crisis" in the country.

The envoy promised that "ignoring the basic needs of the Iraqi people is obvious."

Plasschaert added that "political divisions continue in the Kurdistan region, and more clearly than before."

She pointed out that "Iraq lacks a mechanism to resolve the differences between Baghdad and Erbil."

On Tuesday, an Iraqi court issued an order to summon the former foreign minister, Hoshyar Zebari, for "repeatedly offending the judiciary," according to the official Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Zebari was the Kurdistan Democratic Party's candidate for the presidency, before the Federal Court canceled his candidacy on the grounds that his reputation was tarnished due to his dismissal on corruption charges, during his administration of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance.

Political tension is increasing in Iraq following the exchange of statements between the leader of the current parliamentary majority, Muqtada al-Sadr, and his rivals from the forces of the Shiite coordination framework.

And on Monday, al-Sadr accused his rivals of "love of power" and doing "disgraceful acts", while they replied that his statements were "misleading."

He was supposed to elect a new president of the republic in February, a month after the first session of parliament was held, last January, but the difference of Kurdish blocs between a supporter of renewing the mandate of the current Iraqi president, Barham Salih, who are members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and opponents of the renewal of the party bloc Democrats, led to the union joining the "blocking third" as it is called.

The Iraqi parliament in March also failed to elect a new president.

Al-Sadr's alliance managed to pass Muhammad Al-Halbousi to the presidency of the parliament, but it has so far been unable to gather enough representatives to pass a candidate for the presidency.

Al Hurra - Washington

[Fairways&Greens]

The UN is speaking the language of the people. The Iraqi people are so frustrated with these politicians and their corruption (as are most of us on this forum). 
 

The solution is get the government in place, reach an agreement on oil and gas law and move their economy forward. Those 3 steps would put Iraq in position to go international with their currency and finally RV. 
 

Somehow someone needs to get rid of Maliki. He is a cancer and a spoiler of all progress that is good in that country. 
 

 

[6ly410]

blaskhart to the security council: popular discontent in iraq could get out of hand at any moment

•  time: 2022/05/17 22:14:03
• security council blaskhart: popular discontent in iraq could get out of hand at any moment - euphrates news (alforatnews.iq) 
•  read: 1,833 times

  

the un representative in iraq, jeanine blaskhart, warned of the danger of "popular discontent and loss of control" in iraq due to political, economic and environmental conditions.

"desertification in iraq is a major concern, as the negative aspects of iraqi political life continue to return to an ongoing cycle," blaskhart told the un security council.

"there is an increase in popular discontent that could spiral out of control at any moment as the political deadlock in iraq continues," she said.

"it is time to highlight the iraqi people by securing the crisis, reducing corruption, looting state institutions, achieving reform, diversifying the economy, implementing governance, ending impunity and accountability and reining in the armed forces," blaskhart said.

"the relationship between baghdad and erbil should be carried out in accordance with the constitution and the laws in force to resolve all differences, most notably the sharing of oil wealth," she said.

"the political divisions in the region have deepened and he has options, most notably holding parliamentary elections in october and creating a positive electoral environment for that," she said.

"the rocket fire at an oil refinery in erbil is unjustified and these attacks seek to undermine iraq's security in the midst of a charged security and political environment, and have devastating repercussions due to reckless acts," sheskhart said.

"the influence of the state must be extended and the perpetrators must be prosecuted to maintain the rule of law," she said.

"there is no implementation of the sinjar agreement and there are huge divisions among the city's residents," she said.

"sinjar has become a square for external and local saboteurs and baghdad and erbil should assume their responsibility to secure sinjar and ensure that the displaced are returned to their areas," she said.

"we need to overcome the political stalemate in iraq and we need urgent political will to overcome differences and to move the country forward and achieve the aspirations and demands of its people," she said.

[yota691]

The full text of Blackshart's briefing on Iraq before the Security Council

2022.05.18 - 08:30

 

Baghdad - people  

"NAS" publishes the full text of the briefing by the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Hennis-Plasschaert, which she presented to the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq, stressing that the negative aspects of Iraqi political life are repeating themselves in a continuous cycle.  

  

 

“Iraqis are still waiting for a political class that, instead of being satisfied with outdated power battles, is waiting to roll up its sleeves to make progress on Iraq’s long list of outstanding domestic priorities. What does it take to realize that this is an untenable situation?” she added. Not at all?", noting that "the neighboring countries are violating Iraq's sovereignty and the security of its territory."  

Below is the text of the speech:  

  

Today, my briefing will make many observations that have become very familiar, as the negative aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in an apparently continuous cycle of zero-sum policy. But before I get into that, I'd like to share with you some impressions of the recent and ongoing wave of massive dust and sand storms sweeping through Iraq.  

  

Now, while dust or sand storms in and of themselves are not a new phenomenon to the country, the current wave of storms far exceeds what Iraq has experienced in recent years. In the context of my briefing to this Council last February, I spoke about the dangers and effects of climate change, with desertification as a major concern. Since then, Iraq has suffered from severe dust and sand storms that clouded the sky and prompted people to seek shelter, and even caused people to fall ill or die.  

  

At present, these storms are expected to become more frequent, in other words: continued inaction,  in  this regard, too, will have a heavy price. And when I remember this,Mr. President, those storms are not the only concern of the people in Iraq.  

  

Iraqis are still waiting for a political class that seeks, rather than settle for outdated power battles, but rather a political class that seeks to roll up its sleeves to make progress on Iraq's long list of outstanding domestic priorities. As you know, the national elections took place more than seven months ago, but the various deadlines in the process of forming a government have passed and have not been met.  

  

Now, it is true that Iraq is not the only country facing a protracted process of government formation, but it is better for Iraq's political leaders not to hide behind this argument, as it distracts from what is at stake.  

  

This pretext justifies the political blockage at a time when non-state armed groups are firing missiles with clear freedom and succeeding in impunity. This pretext justifies the political deadlock while the general public is suffering. It justifies the political impasse when the rising anger - popular anger can erupt at any moment.  

  

So I would like to ask a question: What does it take to realize that this is an absolutely untenable situation?  

So far, political leaders support the idea of dialogue or another round of negotiations. But is there the necessary willingness to make concessions? It is painfully absent. If you visit any of the markets, Iraqis will tell you: The national interest - this time too - is falling back in favor of short-sighted considerations of resource control and the power game.  

  

So it is time (and here I repeat what I have already made), but it is time to refocus on what needs to be focused on: on the people of Iraq, and on a program of work that ensures the following:  

• Providing appropriate services to all citizens.
• Putting an end to rampant corruption, the sectarian phenomenon and looting of state institutions.
• Implementation of urgent required repairs.
• diversification of the economy.
• Establishing a system of governance whose paths can be predicted rather than continuous crisis management.
• End impunity, where accountability is one of the most important features of the state.
• And of course, reining in armed non-state actors, while affirming the latter's authority.

  

You have heard me, and over the past three years, I have made these points many times, but the only thing that has remained clear is that the basic needs of the population have continued to be neglected for far too long.  

Again, political inaction in Iraq has a heavy price, not (in the short term) for those in power, but for those who struggle to secure their livelihood from day to day.  

  

Mr. President,  

I have a few remarks which I will list more specifically, starting with the relations between Baghdad and Erbil; The unfortunate pattern of self-contained negotiations continues to prevail rather than what is badly needed: a predictable institutional mechanism for a comprehensive, holistic and lasting solution to all outstanding issues.  

  

Despite the clarity of the necessity of this matter, such a mechanism is still clearly missing, and this lack is unfortunately associated with internal rivalries on both sides as well .  

  

As I said last time: the spirit of partnership and cooperation can and should guide all parties involved, including with regard to the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court on the Kurdistan Regional Government's oil and gas law. Having worked with both sides on this issue, I am convinced that there is a way out.]out of this predicament.  

  

However, the fact cannot be denied: that events in the past have seriously undermined mutual trust, and it will therefore prove necessary to build trust, including a pledge to refrain from politically motivated unilateral actions in the future .  

  

Mr. President, to shed more light on the political situation in the Kurdistan Region: In May last year, I participated in an event organized by the University of Kurdistan, a promising event attended by all the political parties in the Kurdistan Region.  

  

In my speech there, I referred to the very bad impact of political rivalry and factional orientation, and stressed the importance of unity, and not to confuse them with similarity, and spoke frankly about the need to move away from the division between "yellow and green."[ Colors of the KDP and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan logo ] , and on the responsibility of leaders in directing communication and combining conflicting interests, and focusing on solutions that represent the interests of all people living in the Kurdistan region - whether it is in Erbil, Dohuk or Sulaymaniyah .  

  

But a year later, it seems that this auspicious event has not received any attention. On the contrary, divisions have deepened, negatively affecting the people of the Kurdistan Region.  

  

Now, I do not want to repeat what I said in that speech a year ago, but it should be clear that the Kurdistan Region has a choice, and with the Kurdistan Region elections scheduled for October 1 of this year, it is important to prepare the electoral arena - with the enjoyment of all Political actors, both large and small, have equal opportunity – in the sense of providing an enabling electoral environment.  

  

In addition, I cannot but stress that geography is not always an advantage in the Kurdistan Region; In other words: the region's unique geopolitical circumstances should be reason enough to make its leaders think carefully. Of course, this also applies to Iraq as a whole. As I have said on countless occasions: Like it or not, the weakness of the homeland's home front only serves to create an environment conducive to continued external interference.  

  

In a related context, let me also comment on the fall of the missiles and rockets; It's annoying, confusing, and dangerous.  

  

With the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming responsibility for firing up to twelve short-range ballistic missiles in the early hours of Sunday, March 13, another worrying chapter began. While the Iranian Revolutionary Guard described the target site in Erbil as a "strategic center for the conspiracy and evil deeds of the Zionists", no evidence was found to substantiate such allegations. The target site is defined as a civilian area that is a private compound .  

  

Although both sides - Iraq and Iran - are currently engaged in dialogue and are unwilling to escalate the issue, Iraq rightly rejects the notion that it can be treated as a backyard area where neighbors and others frequently violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Another example of this is the ongoing Turkish and Iranian bombings in the north. So what situation do we expect to see? That cross-border shelling and missiles become the new normal for Iraq? This is a very dangerous way to advance interests, and it is a method that further weakens the Iraqi state .  

  

It goes without saying: that any country or actor that seeks to settle a dispute, there isDiplomatic tools at her disposal, including our good offices .  

  

Speaking of armed actors operating outside the state’s control, which is a feature of the Iraqi situation: the reckless missile launches, including the targeting of an oil refinery in Erbil about two weeks ago, are alarming and unjustified. These attacks aim to undermine the security and stability of Iraq in the post-election situation, which is already characterized by extreme volatility and political fervor.  

  

The truth is: "missile messaging", "missile diplomacy" - these are reckless actions, with potentially devastating consequences. Also, and let me stress, Iraq does not need armed rulers who make themselves leaders. I stress once again the critical importance of asserting State authority. If the perpetrators are known, they should be identified, and this is necessary to establish the rule of law.  

  

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to turn to the urgent case of Sinjar:  

As we all know for sure, the recent history of Sinjar has witnessed horrific ordeals culminating in the heinous crimes committed by ISIS. Today, while the local population urgently needs to rebuild their lives, they still face unreasonable obstacles. Obstacles due to disagreement over security arrangements, provision of public services, and unified administration.  

  

The Sinjar Agreement that Baghdad and Erbil signed in October 2020 was a ray of hope (for many): a first, but important, step in the right direction.  

  

At the time, I expressed my hope that the agreement would open a new page for Sinjar, a page in which the needs of the people of Sinjar will be prioritized, and would help the displaced to return to their homes, speed up reconstruction and improve access to public services.  

  

But for this to happen, the availability of stable governance and security structures - of course - are prerequisites for this. Now, since the signing of the agreement, I have called for its rapid implementation, but it is clear that the opposite is the case. So far, no agreement has been reached on the selection of a new independent mayor, and the funds for the local security force are still withheld, possibly due to interference with the unclear appointment procedures.  

  

Now, with regard to these appointment procedures: I stress once again the importance of adopting a pragmatic and realistic path, since not everyone who joined "other forces" in the past can simply be treated in the same way. And we must realize that some of them, in the absence of state authority, simply chose to have their own safety net, identity and income to support their families.  

  

We also called on Baghdad and Erbil to reach out to the people of Sinjar and to reach out to all the people of the judiciary. Meanwhile, critics of the Sinjar Agreement continued to focus on the lack of consultations with local communities.  

  

And now, while no one can refuse good advice—and certainly notfrombeforeUNAMI - It must be said: I have conducted and are still conducting local consultations. At the same time, it is correct to say that both Baghdad and Erbil can and should increase their outreach at the grassroots level. Implementing any agreement that wins hearts and minds is hard work, and that is especially the case for this one.  

  

Just writing things down on paper is not enough, butIt is necessary to follow up around the clock, seven days a week, to take responsibility, to work continuously, to take the initiative with the local communities on the ground, to clarify and explain matters, and to explain the reasons for taking a particular decision and how it would benefit the people of Sinjar in the long run.Medium  to long. With this in mind: I would say that great divisions and the fragmentation of local communities are a fact of life in Sinjar, which makes things even more difficult.  

  

In this context, it is also important to note that Sinjar has increasingly become an arena for foreign and domestic spoilers.  

  

Now, while part of this case can be traced back to 2014 when ISIS began committing its atrocities, it is time eight years later to admit: Yes, mistakes were made in the past, but Sinjar is part of the Iraqi state.  

  

By giving way to external and domestic spoilers, the situation will not improve. Now, it is best for all stakeholders to acknowledge this fact – despite their gratitude for the help and assistance they have received in the past. As you know, no one said that establishing stable security and management structures would be an easy path.  

  

But it is undeniable that the lack of clear coordination and implementation mechanisms, the dominance of partisan interests and the constant presence of spoilers greatly impede tangible progress, and I have to say - international observers have been deployed for less.  

  

Clashes erupted again in recent weeks, which unfortunately has led families from Sinjar to once again pack their belongings and seek their way back to the Kurdistan Region to seek shelter.  

So let me repeat:  

• The safety and security of the people of Sinjar must be of prime and fundamental importance at all times.
• They deserve peace under the authority of the state.
• There is no place for internal and external spoilers in Sinjar.
• Baghdad and Erbil must shoulder their responsibility and work together urgently with one goal only: to improve the lives of people on the ground and to promote the voluntary and dignified return of the displaced to their homes.

  

Mr. President,  

On the issue of missing Kuwaitis, third-country nationals, and missing Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives, in recent months, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense has intensified its efforts to reach new witnesses through advertisements, media, and consular and diplomatic channels worldwide. As a result, at least two new potential witnesses came forward during this period, which demonstrated that advertising with a wide geographical reach can be useful for obtaining information.  

  

This has shown that investing efforts in obtaining information from new witnesses and insisting on obtaining satellite image analysis from the relevant Member States are essential steps to close this critical and sensitive file.  

Mr. President,  

I will conclude by emphasizing (again) the importance of overcoming political stalemate, as important domestic issues are exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and global geopolitical tensions.  

  

A sincere, collective and urgent will to resolve political differences must now prevail in order for the country to move forward and meet the needs of its citizens.  

Thank you, Mr. President.  

[horsesoldier]

The shirt version of all this political mumbojumbo on the present day situation in Iraq:

 

" A Big Epic FUBAR with heavy undertones of SNAFU "

Edited May 18, 2022 by horsesoldier
Misspelled words

[WheresmyRV?]

Kinda wonder if they regret releasing them from Chapter 7 sanctions.

[horsesoldier]

52 minutes ago, WheresmyRV? said:

Kinda wonder if they regret releasing them from Chapter 7 sanctions.

 

Naw...these knuckle heads have been hand held and handed success on a golden platter ... The Big Mighty frustration is the criminal politicians greed sours everything.

They DON'T want to get outta their own way: for 19 years we've witnessed a very effective manufactured stonewalling, deliberate crisis engineering and money laundering operation all at the expense of the Iraqi citizen.

[yota691]

 

Center calls on Baghdad and Erbil to implement UN recommendations and warnings about the seriousness of the Iraqi situation

 

 2022-05-19 06:55

 

Shafaq News/ The Metro Center for Defending the Freedom and Rights of Journalists called on today, Thursday, the federal government and the regional government to implement the recommendations of the UNAMI representative in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, calling on both sides to pay attention to the "strong warnings" about the seriousness of the situation in Iraq.

 

Those recommendations came in the briefing that Plasschaert gave before the UN Security Council, in its session held on 17/5/2022 on Iraq, in which she called on both the regional government and the federal government, to be guided by the spirit of partnership and cooperation, and to end the issue of impunity and improve the economic and service situation, With regard to the Kurdistan Region, that recommendation stressed the need to provide an appropriate and equal ground for holding the upcoming elections in the region, and what this means in providing space for freedom of opinion and expression.

 

In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the center said, "Most of what was mentioned in those recommendations, Metro Center had confirmed it, whether in its statements or stops, or through its meetings with government, party and security officials, and Metro Center proved many of those recommendations in its reports. Some of them are renewed or added annually according to the development of the situation in the region and the extent of its commitment to international conventions on freedom of opinion and expression.

 

The statement quoted the head of the center, Rahman Gharib, as saying that "our center renews its support for the UN recommendations that were made by Ms. Blackshart."

 

Gharib called on the regional and federal governments to "adopt these recommendations and work to implement them, and pay attention to the strong warnings contained in the speech of the UN representative of the seriousness of the situation, whether in the Kurdistan Region or the rest of Iraq due to the rivalry and conflict between the influential parties over power and ignoring the interests of the people."

[yota691]

The United Nations warns of an imminent explosion of popular anger in Iraq

Thursday 19 May 2022 171

 

 New York: AFP

 

The United Nations has reminded that political inaction in Iraq has a heavy price, not in the short term for those in power, but for those who strive to secure their livelihood from day to day, warning of an explosion of popular anger at any moment as a result of the political blockage, while stressing that the country does not need To armed leaders and missile diplomacy from neighbors.

The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said in a briefing on the Iraqi situation before the Security Council: "The negative aspects of Iraqi political life are still repeating themselves in what seems to be a continuous cycle of the zero-sum policy," explaining that "the Iraqis They are still waiting for a political class trying to roll up its sleeves to make progress on Iraq's long list of outstanding domestic priorities."

She added, "It is true that Iraq is not the only country facing a protracted process of government formation, but it is better for political leaders in Iraq not to hide behind this argument, as it distracts from what is at stake because this pretext justifies the political blockage at a time when unaffiliated armed groups are launched The state's missiles are free and clear, and it succeeds in impunity.

[horsesoldier]

Uh...DANGER WILL ROBINSON...DANGER !!!!

 

Perhaps the Iranian backed criminal politicians are just wringing their hands hoping the popular uprising begins so they can SHUT IT ALL DOWN !?!?!?

 

No RV/no White Paper/ no reforms.

 

It would be all they could hope for, huh.

[yota691]

The United Nations enters the line of the political blockage crisis

Saturday 21 May 2022 238

 

 Baghdad: Huda Al-Azzawi 

 

The head of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, put the UN Security Council in her periodic briefing on the negative aspects of Iraqi political life, and indicated that the people are still waiting for a political class that seeks to make progress in achieving the long list of outstanding local priorities in Iraq, Instead of being satisfied with the struggle for power and the monopoly of centers of influence, and in light of that briefing of the UN Security Council, questions were raised about the possibility of the United Nations interfering in addressing the closure after the country's politicians were unable to reach an appropriate solution?

In this regard, Legal Counsel Jabbar Al-Shuwaili told Al-Sabah: "I do not think that the United Nations can interfere in addressing the political closure, as the matter can be resolved after the political parties make certain concessions."

He pointed out that "the external parties can influence in some way to find solutions and contribute to resolving the political situation if it reaches the stage of closure in the absence of finding solutions, and we cannot forget the role of the religious authority, which will be present in the event of complexity and political closure, given that the aggrieved The great citizen of that citizen, especially the poor, and this is what the reference cannot be silent about.”

He stressed that "the United Nations, when urgently needed, and to protect civil peace in Iraq, can provide advice and guidance to the Iraqi political parties to resolve the decade and the closed state in the political process."

In addition, the director of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, Dr. Ghazi Faisal, said in an interview with “Al-Sabah”: “We can imagine a number of possible scenarios, including maintaining the government of Mustafa Al-Kazemi with a cabinet reshuffle within the framework of the powers of the House of Representatives, in coordination with the winning blocs, in order for the parliament to be Ministers expressing the national majority.

He added, "The other scenario is for the Sadrist movement and its allies to turn to the opposition and take to the streets to mobilize public opinion against traditional parties, which paves the way for the call to dissolve parliament and go to early elections."

He concluded his speech to "Al-Sabah" by saying: "Keeping the political system in a state of absolute inability to meet the demands of the Iraqi people for comprehensive development requires the intervention of the United Nations through the United Nations mission charged with returning Iraq to a civil state, achieving prosperity and stability, and working to present an initiative to reform the political system and end the state of affairs." Political closure in a country whose oil imports may reach more than 150 billion dollars this year and still suffers from various forms of underdevelopment and the destructive consequences of wars, violence and terrorism, as indicated by the UN envoy in her briefing to the UN Security Council.

As for the political affairs specialist, Dr. Haider Salman, he indicated in an interview with "Al-Sabah" that "the (coordinating) and (the tripartite) parties are unable to form the government, and this is quite clear to the eye, so is it possible to continue the work of the current government? Certainly not. Because it does not meet the ambitions and has a lot of ado because it is a weak government, and whoever does not see that there are early elections that will take place does not understand politics,” as he put it.  

He added, "The most important question (is it possible to change the percentages with the change of the early elections?) I think that it is difficult, and the state of obstruction will continue and it is difficult to change even if the early elections are held, and also that we will not have a winner with a comfortable majority even if the elections are repeated." He added, "We will be facing a real blockage that has no way out except by stopping the work of the constitution and going to block it."

 

 Editing: Muhammad Al-Ansari

[Goggles]

Wow... it sounds to me that Iraq could almost just "cease to exist" if can't get their shitte together. But I'm no expert on the matter. 

[yota691]

At the request of Barzani

The UN Security Council approves sending a special envoy to organize negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil

2022.05.21 - 11:42

 

Baghdad - people  

The UN Security Council agreed, on Saturday, to send a UN envoy to organize negotiations that would develop radical solutions to the differences between Baghdad and Erbil.  

 

  

And the media office of the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region stated in a statement that "Nass" received a copy of it (May 21, 2022), that "the Security Council approved a request submitted by the President of the Region, Nechirvan Barzani, to send an envoy to the United Nations in order to organize negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad to find a radical solution to the outstanding issues." on both sides."  

He also indicated that "the Security Council will issue next week a draft resolution to renew the work of the United Nations mission, and to discuss the issue in a special session."  

[6ly410]

un security council approves sending special envoy to organize negotiations between baghdad and erbil

2022.05.21 - 11:42

un security council approves sending special envoy to organize negotiations between baghdad and erbil (nasnews.com)

like 0  

baghdad - nas  

the un security council on saturday approved the dispatch of a un envoy to organize negotiations that would radically solve differences between baghdad and erbil.  

  

"the un security council has approved a request by regional president nechirvan barzani to send a un envoy to organize negotiations between erbil and baghdad to find a radical solution to the outstanding issues between the two sides," the kurdistan regional presidency's information office said in a statement received by nas(may 21, 2022).  

"next week, the security council will issue a draft resolution to renew the work of the united nations mission and discuss the issue in private," he said.