Briefing from the Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI),

[yota691]

 

The representative of Iraq calls on the Security Council to support "sovereignty" and talks about "forming the government"

 

 2022-10-04 12:22

 

Shafaq News/ Iraq's representative to the United Nations, Muhammad Hussein Bahr al-Ulum, requested on Tuesday the United Nations Security Council to support Iraq's sovereignty and condemn external attacks, stressing that the Iranian bombing of the city of Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan Region, left victims and terrified the population.

The representative of Iraq said in a speech during the UN Security Council session on developments in Iraq, that "the Iranian bombing led to the martyrdom of Iraqis and terrorized the population, and we call upon the Security Council to support Iraq's sovereignty and condemn any external aggression from any side."

Yesterday, Monday, the Iranian bombardment was renewed, for the eighth consecutive day, targeting the Seidkan district in the independent Soran administration, Erbil. On September 26, the Counter-Terrorism Service in the Kurdistan Region announced that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched a missile attack on the region in four stages, which left "13 martyrs and 58 wounded."

With regard to the internal political situation, Iraq's representative to the United Nations said that "the stalemate in the political process delayed the formation of the new government," adding that "the Iraqi political forces entered into a constructive and serious dialogue to reach understandings."

"Efforts are going on to form a new government that meets the people's basic aspirations," he noted.

He said, "These days pass the third anniversary of the peaceful demonstrations of October 2019 led by the youth of Iraq calling for reform and fighting corruption," explaining that "the security forces dealt with high professionalism in maintaining peaceful demonstrations and avoiding clashes."

Bahr Al-Uloum pointed out that "Iraq is committed to the international community in combating terrorism, and we look forward to receiving the UN Under-Secretary for Combating Terrorism in the near future."

He added, "Iraq calls on the United Nations to strengthen its field presence and the international community to restore its nationals in al-Hol camp and hand over those wanted to Iraq. Iraq reiterates its call not to use its territory to settle scores and calls on the Security Council to seriously consider this matter."

[yota691]

 

Blackshart left the Security Council with "one conclusion"

 

 2022-10-04 12:07

 

Shafaq News/ The representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Hennis-Plasschaert, said on Tuesday that the time has come for all Iraqi parties to sit at the dialogue table.

"After today's session in the UN Security Council, there is only one conclusion: it is time for all parties to sit down at the dialogue table, collectively commit to tangible solutions and move the country back from the brink," Plasschaert said in a tweet seen by Shafak News.

Earlier today, Tuesday, Blaskharat briefed the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq and the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in which she stressed that differences prevail over the language of dialogue in the country, noting that the southern governorates are witnessing armed skirmishes and the political class is not able to resolve the crisis.

"The disappointment of the people has reached sky-high. Many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq's political class to work for the benefit of the country and its people. Continuing failure to address this distrust will only exacerbate Iraq's problems," said Blackshart.

She pointed out that "the political system and the system of governance in Iraq ignore the needs of the Iraqi people. The rampant corruption represents a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. No leader can claim that he is protected from it. Keeping the system "as is" will rebound with negative results."

[yota691]

 

Al-Sadr thanks Plasschaert, warns the Security Council against Bahr al-Ulum, and agrees to dialogue on one condition

 

 2022-10-04 13:31

 

 

Shafaq News/ Today, Tuesday, the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, praised the briefing of the international representative, Jeanine Plaschaert, before the UN Security Council, warning the council against listening to the speech of the representative of Iraq, Muhammad Bahr al-Ulum, while he agreed to dialogue with the political blocs, provided that it is public.

Al-Sadr said in a tweet seen by Shafak News Agency, "I listened carefully to the session of the UN Security Council on Iraq. I have some comments on that: First: regarding the briefing of the United Nations representative, and it caught my attention in what she said: is that the main reason for what is happening in Iraq It is the corruption that everyone agrees on. Yes, this is very true and accurate, and the first step for gradual reform is the non-participation of the old faces, parties and people in the next government according to the aspirations of the reference and the aspirations of the rebellious people."

He added, "We agree to dialogue if it is public and in order to exclude all participants in the previous political and electoral processes and to hold the corrupt accountable under the cover of an impartial judiciary. We also look forward to the assistance of the United Nations in this regard: I mean reform, albeit gradually."

He continued, "I also support the words of the participants in the UN Security Council session regarding restraint, so I call for restraint and not to resort to violence and weapons from all parties, and to speedily punish the perpetrators without regard to their affiliations. In addition to what was raised about the problem of uncontrolled weapons outside The framework of the state, but the most important thing is that the uncontrolled weapons should not be within the framework of the state and its use against opponents and revolutionaries and in the consolidation of influence and the rooting of the deep state, especially since the current prime minister is subjected to enormous pressures in this regard even though he is the commander of the armed forces and the lack of response by some militants to him, even if they are within scope of the state.

He said, "We also commend the Security Council's support for Iraq regarding the bombing it is subjected to from here and there.. Hence, we call on the dear neighboring countries to respect Iraq's sovereignty and maintain its security and stability through diplomatic means or through dialogue. But I stand against the insistence of some members of the Security Council." To form the government in Iraq.. Many governments have been formed, but they have harmed the homeland and the people. The aspirations of the people are to form a government that is far from corruption, dependency, militias, and foreign interference in order to be an independent and stable government that serves its people, not the interests of its parties and sects. O members, Iraq is going through its worst period because of corruption and the dominance of its parties in power. Rather, they may support them.

He explained, "I advise the Security Council not to listen to the statement made by the permanent representative of Iraq in this session, whose speech was wrong in most of what it contained with great regret," calling on the United Nations representative to continue her neutral positions and not to take sides.

 

 

[yota691]

 

Politician warns: Plasschaert's briefing may push Iraq towards international trusteeship

 

 2022-10-05 04:29

 

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi politician, former MP Mithal Al-Alusi, said today, Wednesday, that the briefing of the UN Special Representative, Jenin Plasschaert, at the UN Security Council may push towards guardianship over Iraq.

The trusteeship system applies to countries that are defined in international law as “deficient in sovereignty,” and are subject, according to special conditions, to an agreement whose implementation is supervised by the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations.

The international trusteeship system came as an alternative to the mandate system that was applied during the era of the League of Nations, which was replaced by the United Nations with its establishment in 1945, in order to settle the situation of the colonial countries in accordance with international legal legitimacy that moved them gradually from a situation of complete colonialism to a transitional situation followed by complete independence.

Al-Alusi told Shafaq News Agency, "Plasschaert's briefing revealed to the international community the tragic situation that Iraqis are experiencing due to the corruption of parties and blocs, and the dominance of militias loyal to Iran and involved in killing and robbing Iraqis."

And he indicated that "the international community will not remain a spectator of what Iraq is going through, and for this there is a possibility for the international guardianship to intervene in Iraq during the next stage, in order to ensure its stability, which will be reflected in the stability of the entire region and the world."

Yesterday, Tuesday evening, Blaskharat gave a briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq, in which she confirmed that differences prevail over the language of dialogue, and that the southern provinces are witnessing armed skirmishes and the political class is unable to resolve the crisis.

"The disappointment of the people has reached sky-high. Many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq's political class to work for the benefit of the country and its people. Continuing failure to address this distrust will only exacerbate Iraq's problems," said Blackshart.

She pointed out that "the political system and the system of governance in Iraq ignore the needs of the Iraqi people. The rampant corruption represents a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. No leader can claim that he is protected from it. Keeping the system "as is" will rebound with negative results."

[horsesoldier]

Short version: Folks agree to disagree & there's disagreement on that, Iraq is leaning over the Abyss but someone has grabbed them by the back of the shirt to prevent them from falling in, they still don't have a seated government, situation is SNAFU/FUBAR & the recommendation is more TALKING.

Well alrighty then....so you're saying there's still a chance.

Until next time, like sand through the hour glass, these are The Days of Our Lives.

[T B]

amazing , its like ring around the roses, repeat each cycle !  still no gov

[DoD]

This meeting with the UN Security Council ended with exactly what I predicted the other day. 
Dialog seems to be the catch phrase for all the incompetent tribes and organizations over there. 
They all know by now that the new government formation runs through the Sadrist block. If Al Sadr will stick to his guns he will eventually force enough of the blocks to side with him…

[horsesoldier]

Maybe international trusteeship is what Iraq needs ... Just saying 

[Calijim]

On 10/3/2022 at 5:09 PM, Hotcurl said:

Ya, maybe to justify their job/position and paycheck.

But from my perspective the UN is IRRELEVANT. They have no function or clout.

Just a bunch of "want'a be" politicians seeking relevance and recognition.

 

Just sayin' ...............

 

Semper Fi

Don’t forget about that fat paycheck 

[Retiredofficer]

12 hours ago, horsesoldier said:

Maybe international trusteeship is what Iraq needs ... Just saying 

 

12 hours ago, horsesoldier said:

Maybe international trusteeship is what Iraq needs ... Just saying 

Yup! Time to push & nudge!

[yota691]

A consultant reveals the scenes of political dialogues.. A session is expected in the middle of the month

2022.10.05 - 18:26

 

Baghdad - people  

The head of the Iraqi Advisory Council, Farhad Alaeddin, reviewed, on Wednesday, the scenes of political dialogues in Iraq, while he expected a parliamentary session to be held in the middle of this month.  

  

  

  

Alaa El-Din said in his blog post, followed by "Nas" (October 5, 2022): "The religious occasions and the anniversary of October have ended, and the political forces are left with nothing but excuses in case the obstruction continues. The envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General in Iraq, in her briefing to the Security Council, held all political forces responsible The state has reached an imminent collapse, and corruption is rampant in the joints of the state.”  

  

Aladdin separated the political dialogues according to the active political forces in the country, which came as follows:  

  

First: the Shiite scene:  

1- Frame: His movements continue behind the scenes and away from the media. At their last meeting, they decided to "coordinate with partners" to hold a state administration meeting to arrive at a schedule containing the election of the President of the Republic and assigning the framework candidate, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, to form the government.  

  

Session: Expected to be held on 10-15 October  

  

2- The movement: the movement of those close to the leader of the movement continues behind the scenes to reach agreements with the political forces, but they clash with the leader’s lack of response.  

  

While he indicated that "Al-Sadr's tweet yesterday is a return to the political front, and some see it as an opportunity for dialogue, and others see that setting impossible conditions is a sign of rejecting dialogue with competitors."   

  

Second: The Kurdish scene:  

The dispute between the two ruling parties continues, but the establishment of the fifth anniversary of the departure of the late President Mam Jalal in Erbil and the presence of the President of the Republic broke some of the deadlock and talked behind the scenes about intensifying side dialogues to reduce differences and reach common solutions between the PYD and the Kurdistan Democratic Party.  

  

Counselor Aladdin concluded that "the speech of the representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq had the greatest resonance, Jenny Plaschaert, in the session. The member states of the Security Council praised the work of the Greek and expressed their approval of the word. The warnings and the holding of responsibility for the leaders of the ruling parties. Individually members reiterated their concerns about the political blockage." .  

  

He pointed out that "a year after the elections, the issue of forming a government is no longer a purely internal matter, and the international community may interfere with the participation of regional countries in resolving options," noting that "the threats to Iraq are great, and some of them threaten the interests of large countries in the region and the world." So we won't see them as a spectator for much longer."  

  

He stressed, "that the leaders of Iraq should know that political corruption will become an international file that will pursue them after the speech of the UN envoy," explaining that "corruption is an essential feature of the current Iraqi political economy. The rampant corruption represents a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. Frankly, no leader can claim that he protected from him."   

[yota691]

'We do not oppose public dialogue'

Al-Fath: Plasschaert's briefing was in line with the vision of the framework.. Al-Sadr invested it positively

2022.10.05 - 19:21

 

Baghdad - people   

Today, Wednesday, the Al-Fateh Alliance considered the briefing of the United Nations representative in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, as "it was in line with the vision of the framework," while noting that the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, "invested it positively."  

  

  

  

Alliance member Ali al-Fatlawi said in an interview with his colleague Hisham Ali, followed by "Nass" (October 5, 2022), that "the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, invested positively in Plasschaert's briefing, and we, as framers, note that the content of the briefing is consistent with us."  

  

 

  

He added that "Blascharat called for dialogue, and from the first moment of the problem we have been calling for dialogue. She also said that there are no leaders immune to corruption, and we also call for combating corruption in a legal and constitutional way."  

  

He continued, regarding Plasschaert's talk about forming a government quickly, "We also want to form a government quickly and that there should be no language of weapons and violence," noting that "the Kurds should put forward their candidate for the presidency."  

  

He stressed that "Al-Sadr entered the dialogue after his last tweet, and we have no objection to the dialogue being public," noting that "Blaschart's position is honorable for breaking the political deadlock, and we thank her for that."  

  

"Nass" publishes the full text of the briefing presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, on Tuesday, on the developments of the situation in the country before the UN Security Council.  

  

Plasschaert spoke to the Security Council as follows:    

  

There have been many calls for Iraq's leaders to overcome their differences and form a government since the elections were held a year ago.    

  

During the past twelve months, we have emphasized (repeatedly) the importance of maintaining calm and dialogue, complying with the constitution, respecting the principles of democracy, the unhindered functioning of state institutions, and an effective government that performs its functions effectively to address legitimate demands, to improve public services, provide job opportunities, maintain security, eliminate corruption, achieve justice and ensure accountability for But not limited to.    

  

Unfortunately, discord and the power game took precedence over a sense of shared duty. As a direct result of prolonged political inaction, Iraq has experienced very critical and dangerous times.    

  

With the outbreak of demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, tensions escalated for several months. Supporters of political parties, many of whom are armed, are becoming increasingly active. One did not need a crystal ball to predict what that might lead to. Meanwhile, the average Iraqi was held hostage to an unpredictable and unbearable situation.    

  

The situation was very dangerous, and escalated to its climax on Monday, August 29, when the country was on the brink of chaos. The political tensions turned into armed clashes in the heart of the capital and in other areas, which resulted in the sad results of the killing of dozens and the injury of hundreds of people.    

  

There is no doubt that these tragic developments are the result of the inability of the political class in Iraq to take effective measures.   

  

In other words: Actors across the political spectrum have failed to put the national interest first. They have left the country in a prolonged stalemate, further escalating an already simmering anger.    

  

While one might expect that recent events would have been a wake-up call, the bitter truth is that, so far, the conflict between the Shiite parties has not abated, and the Kurdish parties have not come close to agreeing on a presidential candidate.    

  

So what is the situation now? The situation remains highly volatile.    

  

After more than two months of paralysis, the House of Representatives resumed its sessions last Wednesday, September 28, amid tight (indeed very tight) security measures. However, these measures did not prevent further incidents, including the fall of a number of indirect fire projectiles, in addition to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.    

  

I say clearly: there is no justification for violence, but in this case, again, many people were injured, (11) civilians and more than (120) members of the security forces, all of them from the same country.    

  

We haven't seen an end to that yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra saw heavy fighting, while less serious incidents were reported in other southern governorates.    

  

Mr. President..  

  

On October 1, last Saturday, we remembered the victims of the October demonstrations.    

  

Three years ago, as you may recall, Iraqis took to the streets to protest the lack of political, economic and social prospects. It was a movement on an unprecedented level, but it turned into a tragedy. Hundreds of Iraqis have died and many more have been seriously injured, kidnapped, threatened or intimidated.    

  

As a result of these demonstrations, the previous government stepped down and early elections were organized a year ago. In other words, as I have said repeatedly, the elections last year were very difficult, and with that in mind it becomes difficult to justify the absence of a functioning government after 12 months.    

  

On Saturday, new demonstrations were expected. We had hoped that it would pass in peace, but in the early hours of the morning we woke up to the sound of the alarm system "sensing and warning". This was not a promising start.    

  

However, the numbers of protesters throughout the day remained relatively small, not because Iraqis are now suddenly complacent, but rather because they do not want to be taken advantage of in the midst of the ongoing power struggle – as many of those who took to the streets in 2019 made clear.    

  

The Iraqi security forces showed a great deal of restraint in the face of the demonstrations, showing strict adherence to the orders issued to them. But unfortunately, some rioting elements had a presence in the streets. I can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest away from violence. The truth is that the smallest spark can be enough to cause a major disaster.    

  

Mr. President,    

  

We gave our full support to the National Dialogue Initiative, which was announced under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Iraq, and is a forum that has met twice so far. But for this initiative to bear fruit, it is very important that all parties participate in it, I repeat: all parties.    

  

As an occasional note, it should be noted that women did not represent any of the parties.    

  

However, all parties must act responsibly in times of heightened tension. This means refraining from making provocative statements and feeding unconstructive, if not harmful, rhetoric.    

  

Although I am not usually inclined to broadcast our initiatives publicly, I would like to emphasize here our extensive participation over the past months and weeks, from participating in dialogue and holding countless bilateral meetings, to drafting road maps and carrying out shuttle diplomacy in various forms. Believe me, we have tried nonstop.    

  

Having said that, I assure you that we do not have a magic wand. In the end, it all comes down to political will. Equally important is our understanding that, in the end, one cannot be influential unless one accepts the influence of others, if only there is a willingness to compromise.    

  

One thing is clear: the apparent persistence of mistrust perpetuates the zero-sum game, a game in which commitment to concrete solutions is avoided.    

  

But with that said, Mr. President, I say: there are solutions.    

  

Of course, each situation has its own history and idiosyncrasies, but let me be clear: since the elections a year ago, all sides - and I mean all sides - have made strategic mistakes, miscalculation, and most importantly, missed many valuable opportunities to resolve their differences. With the still very real risks of further strife and bloodshed, focusing on  who did what and when  is no longer an option.    

  

So it is time for Iraq's leaders (all) to engage in dialogue, collectively identifying Iraq's basic needs and pulling the country back from the brink.    

  

In other words, all leaders must take responsibility and return the focus to where it should be: on the people of Iraq.    

  

 You have no doubt that the disappointment of the people has reached the sky. Many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq's political class to act for the benefit of the country and its people. Continued failure to address this loss of confidence will only exacerbate Iraq's problems.    

  

Focus is just as important, as we have seen a plethora of initiatives announced since the October elections of last year, but too many tracks and too many players to be distracting, confusing, and distorting the picture.    

  

As I said, there are solutions. But for those solutions to see the light of day, real and timely dialogue is essential, including a willingness to reach compromises.    

  

And yes, it goes without saying: having a functioning government is only the first step to overcoming the current crisis in a sustainable way. A wide range of pressing issues must be addressed, chief among which is the passage of the federal budget, in the absence of which government spending could come to a halt by the end of the year.    

  

Work should also proceed towards a radical change.    

  

Let's face it: Since 2003, many opportunities for meaningful and much-needed reform have been missed. Nearly 20 years later, Iraq's leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital to the country's future.    

  

Attempts to advance gradual reform, including in the area of anti-corruption, have so far failed, as they have been effectively undermined or hampered.    

  

I've said it many times, and also in this hall of yours: Corruption is an essential feature of the current Iraqi political economy, and it permeates everyday transactions. And it's not just me who says that, it's widely acknowledged.    

  

A related feature is Iraq's reliance on patronage and nepotism. This has resulted in a bloated and inefficient public sector that functions more as a tool for political services than as a tool for the people.    

  

While Iraq is by no means a poor country, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from important investment in national development.    

  

What I'm saying is: The political system and system of governance in Iraq are ignoring the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively working against them.    

  

The rampant corruption is a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. Frankly, no leader can claim to be protected from him.    

  

Keeping the system  " as is "  will have negative results sooner rather than later, so it is important to formulate what I say accurately and as follows: the system, not a group of individuals or a series of events.    

  

Mr. President,    

  

As calls for early national elections have become clearer, let me address this issue in more detail.    

  

In addition to the clear benefits that accrue to political parties when clarifying a number of matters in advance, we stressed the importance of following the established (legal) procedures and mechanisms.    

  

We have also made it clear that - at this stage - we will not be able to confirm the ability of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to provide assistance in the conduct of new elections, because that will depend on a formal request by the Iraqi government to your Council, and (of course) on the deliberations that follow. .    

  

There are other questions worth asking as well, for example:    

  

What are the guarantees that holding new national elections will not be in vain again?    

  

How will Iraqi citizens be convinced that it is worth casting a vote?    

  

What reassurances will the international community need to support the new elections?    

  

Mr. President,    

  

On the subject of elections, we have also communicated effectively with the Kurdistan Region authorities and political parties on many outstanding issues related to the sixth parliamentary elections of the Kurdistan Region.    

  

Initially, these elections were scheduled to take place on the first of October, that is, three days ago. However, the political parties in the Kurdistan region have not yet found common ground, with the split (between the two main Kurdish parties) again remaining the biggest obstacle to any progress.    

  

We have made it clear, in unequivocal terms, here also, that we do not have a magic wand, and that it is also a matter of political will. Here, too, the leaders of political parties must understand that one cannot be truly influential unless one accepts the influence of others, and therefore a willingness to compromise is essential. More generally: monopolizing power generates instability, and this applies to Iraq as a whole and to the Kurdistan region.    

  

Now, let me emphasize the following: The political fallout from not holding parliamentary elections for the Kurdistan Region in a timely manner, not handling public expectations properly, and neglecting basic democratic principles, will be costly. And if that were to happen, it would not be because he had not been warned.    

  

Therefore, we are eagerly waiting for the parties to fulfill their many promises and work to serve the citizens of the Kurdistan Region.    

  

Mr. President,    

  

When I addressed the Council last May, I warned that Turkish and Iranian bombing in the north was poised to become the "new normal" in Iraq. In light of last week's Iranian attacks, I can't help but repeat what I have said.    

  

Reckless acts that have the dire consequences of killing and injuring people must stop.    

  

No neighbor should treat Iraq as if it were his own backyard, and no neighbor should be allowed to systematically violate Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity. Yet this happens frequently.    

  

Mr. President,    

  

Concerning the issue of missing Kuwaitis and nationals of other countries and missing Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives:    

  

We are pleased to see Iraq's efforts to access new witnesses continue and unimpeded. These witnesses are of paramount importance to help identify potential new burial sites. Equally important is the contribution of the member states of the Tripartite Commission by providing analysis of satellite images.   

  

Iraq's July 4 handover of more lost Kuwaiti property, including a historical sword, two historical copies of the Holy Qur'an, and materials belonging to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information represents another positive step.    

  

We hope that with the determination, determination and commitment of all, more results will appear soon.  

  

Mr. President,    

  

In conclusion, let me reiterate the importance of embarking on a path towards political stability, and let me say again: there are solutions.    

  

Any Iraqi leader can drag the country into a prolonged and deadly conflict, and he can put the national interest first and pull the country out of this crisis.    

  

Thank you, Mr. President    

[yota691]

'Circular is not allowed'

Allawi's coalition resented Blackshart's briefing: I accused all leaders

2022.10.05 - 20:48

 

Baghdad - people   

On Wednesday, the National Coalition led by Iyad Allawi expressed its displeasure over two "response" matters in the recent briefing of the UN Representative, Jenin Plasschaert, before the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq.  

  

  

  

The National Coalition said in a statement that “Nass” received a copy of it, (October 5, 2022), “We followed the briefing of Mrs. Jenin Plaschaert, the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, to the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq, and while we openly appreciate Mrs. Plaschaert, we affirm the correctness of what I talked about corruption, political sectarianism, and the need for there to be a comprehensive national dialogue to overcome the crisis, which we have always called for previously.  

  

He added, "That briefing clearly identified many of the problems and suffering of the Iraqi people, but there are two things that must be pointed out. The first is the accusation of all political leaders, and this generalization is not permissible."  

  

He continued, "As for the second matter, that briefing did not clearly refer to the blatant foreign interference in Iraqi affairs, especially the American and Iranian interference, as it forgot their joint agreement to stifle the democratic process in Iraq in 2010 and rob the Iraqi people's right to choose who represents and leads them at the time."  

  

The statement concluded, "We reiterate our stand with all of what was included in that briefing, and we take this opportunity to prove our principled position once again on the subject of the national dialogue according to the principle that there is no winner or loser in which peaceful demonstrators, unions, unions and representatives of the displaced participate, in preparation for the formation of a national government that will take it upon itself." Holding free and fair elections with a new electoral commission and electoral law.  

  

Earlier, the Al-Fateh Alliance considered the briefing of the United Nations representative in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, as "in line with the vision of the framework," while noting that the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, "invested it positively."  

  

Alliance member Ali al-Fatlawi said in an interview with his colleague Hisham Ali, followed by "Nass" (October 5, 2022), that "the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, invested positively in Plasschaert's briefing, and we, as framers, note that the content of the briefing is consistent with us."    

  

Read also: Muqtada al-Sadr comments on Blackshart's briefing.. Many governments were formed and harmed the country and the people  

  

He added that "Blascharat called for dialogue, and from the first moment of the problem we have been calling for dialogue. She also said that there are no leaders immune to corruption, and we also call for combating corruption in a legal and constitutional way."    

  

He continued, regarding Plasschaert's talk about forming a government quickly, "We also want to form a government quickly and that there should be no language of weapons and violence," noting that "the Kurds should put forward their candidate for the presidency."    

  

He stressed that "Al-Sadr entered the dialogue after his last tweet, and we have no objection to the dialogue being public," noting that "Blaschart's position is honorable for breaking the political deadlock, and we thank her for that."    

  

"Nass" publishes the full text of the briefing presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, on Tuesday, on the developments of the situation in the country before the UN Security Council.  

  

Plasschaert spoke to the Security Council as follows:      

  

There have been many calls for Iraq's leaders to overcome their differences and form a government since the elections were held a year ago.      

  

During the past twelve months, we have emphasized (repeatedly) the importance of maintaining calm and dialogue, complying with the constitution, respecting the principles of democracy, the unhindered functioning of state institutions, and an effective government that performs its functions effectively to address legitimate demands, to improve public services, provide job opportunities, maintain security, eliminate corruption, achieve justice and ensure accountability for But not limited to.      

  

Unfortunately, discord and the power game took precedence over a sense of shared duty. As a direct result of prolonged political inaction, Iraq has experienced very critical and dangerous times.      

  

With the outbreak of demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, tensions escalated for several months. Supporters of political parties, many of whom are armed, are becoming increasingly active. One did not need a crystal ball to predict what that might lead to. Meanwhile, the average Iraqi was held hostage to an unpredictable and unbearable situation.      

  

The situation was very dangerous, and escalated to its climax on Monday, August 29, when the country was on the brink of chaos. The political tensions turned into armed clashes in the heart of the capital and in other areas, which resulted in the sad results of the killing of dozens and the injury of hundreds of people.      

  

There is no doubt that these tragic developments are the result of the inability of the political class in Iraq to take effective measures.     

  

In other words: Actors across the political spectrum have failed to put the national interest first. They have left the country in a prolonged stalemate, further escalating an already simmering anger.      

  

While one might expect that recent events would have been a wake-up call, the bitter truth is that, so far, the conflict between the Shiite parties has not abated, and the Kurdish parties have not come close to agreeing on a presidential candidate.      

  

So what is the situation now? The situation remains highly volatile.      

  

After more than two months of paralysis, the House of Representatives resumed its sessions last Wednesday, September 28, amid tight (indeed very tight) security measures. However, these measures did not prevent further incidents, including the fall of a number of indirect fire projectiles, in addition to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.      

  

I say clearly: there is no justification for violence, but in this case, again, many people were injured, (11) civilians and more than (120) members of the security forces, all of them from the same country.      

  

We haven't seen an end to that yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra saw heavy fighting, while less serious incidents were reported in other southern governorates.      

  

Mr. President..    

  

On October 1, last Saturday, we remembered the victims of the October demonstrations.      

  

Three years ago, as you may recall, Iraqis took to the streets to protest the lack of political, economic and social prospects. It was a movement on an unprecedented level, but it turned into a tragedy. Hundreds of Iraqis have died and many more have been seriously injured, kidnapped, threatened or intimidated.      

  

As a result of these demonstrations, the previous government stepped down and early elections were organized a year ago. In other words, as I have said repeatedly, the elections last year were very difficult, and with that in mind it becomes difficult to justify the absence of a functioning government after 12 months.      

  

On Saturday, new demonstrations were expected. We had hoped that it would pass in peace, but in the early hours of the morning we woke up to the sound of the alarm system "sensing and warning". This was not a promising start.      

  

However, the numbers of protesters throughout the day remained relatively small, not because Iraqis are now suddenly complacent, but rather because they do not want to be taken advantage of in the midst of the ongoing power struggle – as many of those who took to the streets in 2019 made clear.      

  

The Iraqi security forces showed a great deal of restraint in the face of the demonstrations, showing strict adherence to the orders issued to them. But unfortunately, some rioting elements had a presence in the streets. I can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest away from violence. The truth is that the smallest spark can be enough to cause a major disaster.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

We gave our full support to the National Dialogue Initiative, which was announced under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Iraq, and is a forum that has met twice so far. But for this initiative to bear fruit, it is very important that all parties participate in it, I repeat: all parties.      

  

As an occasional note, it should be noted that women did not represent any of the parties.      

  

However, all parties must act responsibly in times of heightened tension. This means refraining from making provocative statements and feeding unconstructive, if not harmful, rhetoric.      

  

Although I am not usually inclined to broadcast our initiatives publicly, I would like to emphasize here our extensive participation over the past months and weeks, from participating in dialogue and holding countless bilateral meetings, to drafting road maps and carrying out shuttle diplomacy in various forms. Believe me, we have tried nonstop.      

  

Having said that, I assure you that we do not have a magic wand. In the end, it all comes down to political will. Equally important is our understanding that, in the end, one cannot be influential unless one accepts the influence of others, if only there is a willingness to compromise.      

  

One thing is clear: the apparent persistence of mistrust perpetuates the zero-sum game, a game in which commitment to concrete solutions is avoided.      

  

But with that said, Mr. President, I say: there are solutions.      

  

Of course, each situation has its own history and idiosyncrasies, but let me be clear: since the elections a year ago, all sides - and I mean all sides - have made strategic mistakes, miscalculation, and most importantly, missed many valuable opportunities to resolve their differences. With the still very real risks of further strife and bloodshed, focusing on  who did what and when  is no longer an option.      

  

So it is time for Iraq's leaders (all) to engage in dialogue, collectively identifying Iraq's basic needs and pulling the country back from the brink.      

  

In other words, all leaders must take responsibility and return the focus to where it should be: on the people of Iraq.      

  

 You have no doubt that the disappointment of the people has reached the sky. Many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq's political class to act for the benefit of the country and its people. Continued failure to address this loss of confidence will only exacerbate Iraq's problems.      

  

Focus is just as important, as we have seen a plethora of initiatives announced since the October elections of last year, but too many tracks and too many players to be distracting, confusing, and distorting the picture.      

  

As I said, there are solutions. But for those solutions to see the light of day, real and timely dialogue is essential, including a willingness to reach compromises.      

  

And yes, it goes without saying: having a functioning government is only the first step to overcoming the current crisis in a sustainable way. A wide range of pressing issues must be addressed, chief among which is the passage of the federal budget, in the absence of which government spending could come to a halt by the end of the year.      

  

Work should also proceed towards a radical change.      

  

Let's face it: Since 2003, many opportunities for meaningful and much-needed reform have been missed. Nearly 20 years later, Iraq's leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital to the country's future.      

  

Attempts to advance gradual reform, including in the area of anti-corruption, have so far failed, as they have been effectively undermined or hampered.      

  

I've said it many times, and also in this hall of yours: Corruption is an essential feature of the current Iraqi political economy, and it permeates everyday transactions. And it's not just me who says that, it's widely acknowledged.      

  

A related feature is Iraq's reliance on patronage and nepotism. This has resulted in a bloated and inefficient public sector that functions more as a tool for political services than as a tool for the people.      

  

While Iraq is by no means a poor country, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from important investment in national development.      

  

What I'm saying is: The political system and system of governance in Iraq are ignoring the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively working against them.      

  

The rampant corruption is a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. Frankly, no leader can claim to be protected from him.      

  

Keeping the system  " as is "  will have negative results sooner rather than later, so it is important to formulate what I say accurately and as follows: the system, not a group of individuals or a series of events.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

As calls for early national elections have become clearer, let me address this issue in more detail.      

  

In addition to the clear benefits that accrue to political parties when clarifying a number of matters in advance, we stressed the importance of following the established (legal) procedures and mechanisms.      

  

We have also made it clear that - at this stage - we will not be able to confirm the ability of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to provide assistance in the conduct of new elections, because that will depend on a formal request by the Iraqi government to your Council, and (of course) on the deliberations that follow. .      

  

There are other questions worth asking as well, for example:      

  

What are the guarantees that holding new national elections will not be in vain again?      

  

How will Iraqi citizens be convinced that it is worth casting a vote?      

  

What reassurances will the international community need to support the new elections?      

  

Mr. President,      

  

On the subject of elections, we have also communicated effectively with the Kurdistan Region authorities and political parties on many outstanding issues related to the sixth parliamentary elections of the Kurdistan Region.      

  

Initially, these elections were scheduled to take place on the first of October, that is, three days ago. However, the political parties in the Kurdistan region have not yet found common ground, with the split (between the two main Kurdish parties) again remaining the biggest obstacle to any progress.      

  

We have made it clear, in unequivocal terms, here also, that we do not have a magic wand, and that it is also a matter of political will. Here, too, the leaders of political parties must understand that one cannot be truly influential unless one accepts the influence of others, and therefore a willingness to compromise is essential. More generally: monopolizing power generates instability, and this applies to Iraq as a whole and to the Kurdistan region.      

  

Now, let me emphasize the following: The political fallout from not holding parliamentary elections for the Kurdistan Region in a timely manner, not handling public expectations properly, and neglecting basic democratic principles, will be costly. And if that were to happen, it would not be because he had not been warned.      

  

Therefore, we are eagerly waiting for the parties to fulfill their many promises and work to serve the citizens of the Kurdistan Region.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

When I addressed the Council last May, I warned that Turkish and Iranian bombing in the north was poised to become the "new normal" in Iraq. In light of last week's Iranian attacks, I can't help but repeat what I have said.      

  

Reckless acts that have the dire consequences of killing and injuring people must stop.      

  

No neighbor should treat Iraq as if it were his own backyard, and no neighbor should be allowed to systematically violate Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity. Yet this happens frequently.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

Concerning the issue of missing Kuwaitis and nationals of other countries and missing Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives:      

  

We are pleased to see Iraq's efforts to access new witnesses continue and unimpeded. These witnesses are of paramount importance to help identify potential new burial sites. Equally important is the contribution of the member states of the Tripartite Commission by providing analysis of satellite images.     

  

Iraq's July 4 handover of more lost Kuwaiti property, including a historical sword, two historical copies of the Holy Qur'an, and materials belonging to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information represents another positive step.      

  

We hope that with the determination, determination and commitment of all, more results will appear soon.    

  

Mr. President,      

  

In conclusion, let me reiterate the importance of embarking on a path towards political stability, and let me say again: there are solutions.      

  

Any Iraqi leader can drag the country into a prolonged and deadly conflict, and he can put the national interest first and pull the country out of this crisis.      

  

Thank you, Mr. President      

[yota691]

Talk about a parliamentary session

The rule of law: Plasschaert's briefing broke the closed doors in the case of dialogue with the current

2022.10.05 - 22:37

 

Baghdad - people  

A member of the State of Law coalition, Adel Al-Manea, considered, on Wednesday, the briefing of the UN Representative, Jenin Plaschaert, before the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq, that she "broke down the closed doors" in the issue of dialogue with the Sadrist movement.  

 

  

  

Al-Manea said in an interview with his colleague Adnan Al-Tai, followed by "Nass" (October 5, 2022), that "the current framework movement has never calmed down, and the doors for dialogue are open, and the dialogue is going on, whether directly or indirectly with Mr. Al-Sadr."  

  

He added, "Blaschart's briefing overthrew something positive and threw something negative," noting that it (Blaschart's briefing), "toppled closed doors in the issue of dialogue with the current, and the evidence is Mr. Al-Sadr's tweet, this is positive."  

  

  

Read also: Muqtada al-Sadr comments on Blackshart's briefing.. Many governments were formed and harmed the country and the people  

  

  

He pointed out that "the negative issue that was mentioned in the UN representative's briefing is the attempt to overthrow the agreement concluded between the coordination framework, sovereignty and the Kurdistan Democratic Party."  

  

Al-Manea stated, "In her briefing, in the context of accelerating the formation of the government, she did not mean the formation of a government by the coordinating framework."  

  

And he indicated, "On the tenth of this month, a parliamentary session will be held," stressing that "the framework forces represent the largest Shiite political component, and it would be desirable if the Sadrist movement merged so that the component would be integrated."  

  

"Nass" published the full text of the briefing provided by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, earlier, on the developments of the situation in the country before the UN Security Council.  

  

Plasschaert spoke to the Security Council as follows:      

  

"There have been many calls for Iraq's leaders to overcome their differences and form a government since the elections were held a year ago.      

  

During the past twelve months, we have emphasized (repeatedly) the importance of maintaining calm and dialogue, complying with the constitution, respecting the principles of democracy, the unhindered functioning of state institutions, and an effective government that performs its functions effectively to address legitimate demands, to improve public services, provide job opportunities, maintain security, eliminate corruption, achieve justice and ensure accountability for But not limited to.      

  

Unfortunately, discord and the power game took precedence over a sense of shared duty. As a direct result of prolonged political inaction, Iraq has experienced very critical and dangerous times.      

  

With the outbreak of demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, tensions escalated for several months. Supporters of political parties, many of whom are armed, are becoming increasingly active. One did not need a crystal ball to predict what that might lead to. Meanwhile, the average Iraqi was held hostage to an unpredictable and unbearable situation.      

  

The situation was very dangerous, and escalated to its climax on Monday, August 29, when the country was on the brink of chaos. The political tensions turned into armed clashes in the heart of the capital and in other areas, which resulted in the sad results of the killing of dozens and the injury of hundreds of people.      

  

There is no doubt that these tragic developments are the result of the inability of the political class in Iraq to take effective measures.     

  

In other words: Actors across the political spectrum have failed to put the national interest first. They have left the country in a prolonged stalemate, further escalating an already simmering anger.      

  

While one might expect that recent events would have been a wake-up call, the bitter truth is that, so far, the conflict between the Shiite parties has not abated, and the Kurdish parties have not come close to agreeing on a presidential candidate.      

  

So what is the situation now? The situation remains highly volatile.      

  

After more than two months of paralysis, the House of Representatives resumed its sessions last Wednesday, September 28, amid tight (indeed very tight) security measures. However, these measures did not prevent further incidents, including the fall of a number of indirect fire projectiles, in addition to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.      

  

I say clearly: there is no justification for violence, but in this case, again, many people were injured, (11) civilians and more than (120) members of the security forces, all of them from the same country.      

  

We haven't seen an end to that yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra saw heavy fighting, while less serious incidents were reported in other southern governorates.      

  

Mr. President..    

  

On October 1, last Saturday, we remembered the victims of the October demonstrations.      

  

Three years ago, as you may recall, Iraqis took to the streets to protest the lack of political, economic and social prospects. It was a movement on an unprecedented level, but it turned into a tragedy. Hundreds of Iraqis have died and many more have been seriously injured, kidnapped, threatened or intimidated.      

  

As a result of these demonstrations, the previous government stepped down and early elections were organized a year ago. In other words, as I have said repeatedly, the elections last year were very difficult, and with that in mind it becomes difficult to justify the absence of a functioning government after 12 months.      

  

On Saturday, new demonstrations were expected. We had hoped that it would pass in peace, but in the early hours of the morning we woke up to the sound of the alarm system "sensing and warning". This was not a promising start.      

  

However, the numbers of protesters throughout the day remained relatively small, not because Iraqis are now suddenly complacent, but rather because they do not want to be taken advantage of in the midst of the ongoing power struggle – as many of those who took to the streets in 2019 made clear.      

  

The Iraqi security forces showed a great deal of restraint in the face of the demonstrations, showing strict adherence to the orders issued to them. But unfortunately, some rioting elements had a presence in the streets. I can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest away from violence. The truth is that the smallest spark can be enough to cause a major disaster.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

We gave our full support to the National Dialogue Initiative, which was announced under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Iraq, and is a forum that has met twice so far. But for this initiative to bear fruit, it is very important that all parties participate in it, I repeat: all parties.      

  

As an occasional note, it should be noted that women did not represent any of the parties.      

  

However, all parties must act responsibly in times of heightened tension. This means refraining from making provocative statements and feeding unconstructive, if not harmful, rhetoric.      

  

Although I am not usually inclined to broadcast our initiatives publicly, I would like to emphasize here our extensive participation over the past months and weeks, from participating in dialogue and holding countless bilateral meetings, to drafting road maps and carrying out shuttle diplomacy in various forms. Believe me, we have tried nonstop.      

  

Having said that, I assure you that we do not have a magic wand. In the end, it all comes down to political will. Equally important is our understanding that, in the end, one cannot be influential unless one accepts the influence of others, if only there is a willingness to compromise.      

  

One thing is clear: the apparent persistence of mistrust perpetuates the zero-sum game, a game in which commitment to concrete solutions is avoided.      

  

But with that said, Mr. President, I say: there are solutions.      

  

Of course, each situation has its own history and idiosyncrasies, but let me be clear: since the elections a year ago, all sides - and I mean all sides - have made strategic mistakes, miscalculation, and most importantly, missed many valuable opportunities to resolve their differences. With the still very real risks of further strife and bloodshed, focusing on  who did what and when  is no longer an option.      

  

So it is time for Iraq's leaders (all) to engage in dialogue, collectively identifying Iraq's basic needs and pulling the country back from the brink.      

  

In other words, all leaders must take responsibility and return the focus to where it should be: on the people of Iraq.      

  

 You have no doubt that the disappointment of the people has reached the sky. Many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq's political class to act for the benefit of the country and its people. Continued failure to address this loss of confidence will only exacerbate Iraq's problems.      

  

Focus is just as important, as we have seen a plethora of initiatives announced since the October elections of last year, but too many tracks and too many players to be distracting, confusing, and distorting the picture.      

  

As I said, there are solutions. But for those solutions to see the light of day, real and timely dialogue is essential, including a willingness to reach compromises.      

  

And yes, it goes without saying: having a functioning government is only the first step to overcoming the current crisis in a sustainable way. A wide range of pressing issues must be addressed, chief among which is the passage of the federal budget, in the absence of which government spending could come to a halt by the end of the year.      

  

Work should also proceed towards a radical change.      

  

Let's face it: Since 2003, many opportunities for meaningful and much-needed reform have been missed. Nearly 20 years later, Iraq's leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital to the country's future.      

  

Attempts to advance gradual reform, including in the area of anti-corruption, have so far failed, as they have been effectively undermined or hampered.      

  

I've said it many times, and also in this hall of yours: Corruption is an essential feature of the current Iraqi political economy, and it permeates everyday transactions. And it's not just me who says that, it's widely acknowledged.      

  

A related feature is Iraq's reliance on patronage and nepotism. This has resulted in a bloated and inefficient public sector that functions more as a tool for political services than as a tool for the people.      

  

While Iraq is by no means a poor country, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from important investment in national development.      

  

What I'm saying is: The political system and system of governance in Iraq are ignoring the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively working against them.      

  

The rampant corruption is a major root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. Frankly, no leader can claim to be protected from him.      

  

Keeping the system  " as is "  will have negative results sooner rather than later, so it is important to formulate what I say accurately and as follows: the system, not a group of individuals or a series of events.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

As calls for early national elections have become clearer, let me address this issue in more detail.      

  

In addition to the clear benefits that accrue to political parties when clarifying a number of matters in advance, we stressed the importance of following the established (legal) procedures and mechanisms.      

  

We have also made it clear that - at this stage - we will not be able to confirm the ability of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to provide assistance in the conduct of new elections, because that will depend on a formal request by the Iraqi government to your Council, and (of course) on the deliberations that follow. .      

  

There are other questions worth asking as well, for example:      

  

What are the guarantees that holding new national elections will not be in vain again?      

  

How will Iraqi citizens be convinced that it is worth casting a vote?      

  

What reassurances will the international community need to support the new elections?      

  

Mr. President,      

  

On the subject of elections, we have also communicated effectively with the Kurdistan Region authorities and political parties on many outstanding issues related to the sixth parliamentary elections of the Kurdistan Region.      

  

Initially, these elections were scheduled to take place on the first of October, that is, three days ago. However, the political parties in the Kurdistan region have not yet found common ground, with the split (between the two main Kurdish parties) again remaining the biggest obstacle to any progress.      

  

We have made it clear, in unequivocal terms, here also, that we do not have a magic wand, and that it is also a matter of political will. Here, too, the leaders of political parties must understand that one cannot be truly influential unless one accepts the influence of others, and therefore a willingness to compromise is essential. More generally: monopolizing power generates instability, and this applies to Iraq as a whole and to the Kurdistan region.      

  

Now, let me emphasize the following: The political fallout from not holding parliamentary elections for the Kurdistan Region in a timely manner, not handling public expectations properly, and neglecting basic democratic principles, will be costly. And if that were to happen, it would not be because he had not been warned.      

  

Therefore, we are eagerly waiting for the parties to fulfill their many promises and work to serve the citizens of the Kurdistan Region.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

When I addressed the Council last May, I warned that Turkish and Iranian bombing in the north was poised to become the "new normal" in Iraq. In light of last week's Iranian attacks, I can't help but repeat what I have said.      

  

Reckless acts that have the dire consequences of killing and injuring people must stop.      

  

No neighbor should treat Iraq as if it were his own backyard, and no neighbor should be allowed to systematically violate Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity. Yet this happens frequently.      

  

Mr. President,      

  

Concerning the issue of missing Kuwaitis and nationals of other countries and missing Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives:      

  

We are pleased to see Iraq's efforts to access new witnesses continue and unimpeded. These witnesses are of paramount importance to help identify potential new burial sites. Equally important is the contribution of the member states of the Tripartite Commission by providing analysis of satellite images.     

  

Iraq's July 4 handover of more lost Kuwaiti property, including a historical sword, two historical copies of the Holy Qur'an, and materials belonging to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information represents another positive step.      

  

We hope that with the determination, determination and commitment of all, more results will appear soon.    

  

Mr. President,      

  

In conclusion, let me reiterate the importance of embarking on a path towards political stability, and let me say again: there are solutions.      

  

Any Iraqi leader can drag the country into a prolonged and deadly conflict, and he can put the national interest first and pull the country out of this crisis.      

  

Thank you, Mr. President."      

[yota691]

Blackshart: The political situation in Iraq is tense and on the edge of the abyss

Sumerian special

2022-10-06 | 05:26

 

 

Source:

Sumerian

 

919 views

 

 

The UN envoy in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, details the political situation, and al-Sadr replies to her: No dialogue unless it is public.

The political situation in Iraq is tense and on the edge of the abyss. This is what the UN envoy in Iraq, Jenin Plasschaert, told the UN Security Council in a report on which the reactions of the first were from the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr.

 

In a very gray briefing, the UN envoy in Iraq, Jenin Plaschaert, from inside the UN Security Council building, details the Iraqi political situation with a report full of pessimism about the consequences of the blockage, warning all political forces against the continuation of differences, and calling on all parties without exception to sit at a real dialogue table.

A very few hours after the Plasschaert report and its calls for a comprehensive dialogue, the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, tweeted in support of identifying some points, such as cases of corruption, but in calling for dialogue, he stipulated that the negotiation be public and agreement on a government with new faces.

 

Between an abyss that Plasschaert warned about, and Sadr's conditions for dialogue, the framework is sailing his ship against the current, and political sources confirm that next week a parliamentary session will be held to complete the remaining constitutional entitlements.

 

 

 

[yota691]

POSTED ON 2022-10-06 BY SOTALIRAQ

The coordination framework fails to determine the session for selecting the president of the republic and refuses to “public dialogue”

Baghdad / Tamim Al-Hassan

Contrary to what is being promoted by parties within the coordination framework, a Shiite leader denied the existence of an upcoming session to elect the president of the republic.

On the other hand, Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement, refused to form a government in response to the briefing of the United Nations representative in Iraq, Jenin Plasschaert, before the Security Council.

Accordingly, it seems that the path to forming a government is going through difficult bumps, especially with the indications of an escalation of violence and what happened during the last two days of armed conflict in the south.

So far, the framework and its allies that leaked at the end of last month, what became known as the "state administration coalition", have not been able to release the name in public.

And the day before yesterday, Plasschaert said in her last briefing to the Security Council that any "Iraqi leader" can drag the country into a "protracted and fatal conflict."

According to sources from Dhi Qar, the outcome of the "masked" attack at dawn Tuesday on the governorate building in the latest political conflict in the south, caused the injury of about 70 civilians and soldiers.

The local authorities there also revealed that more than 50 people were involved in the attack, half of whom have been arrested so far.

Observers interpret what is happening in the south of the country as a temporary transfer of the armed conflict from Baghdad - following the Green Zone clashes at the end of last August - to the strongholds of the competitors in the provinces.

Despite the return of calm in Dhi Qar and Basra after a night in which rockets were fired and government buildings were burned, the conflict could renew at any moment, especially since clans were involved in the conflict.

Where the latest information from Basra, which witnessed, hours before the events of Nasiriyah (the center of Dhi Qar governorate), the firing of 3 missiles at the main headquarters of the crowd near the Shatt al-Arab, that tribes participated in the attacks against the background of a previous revenge by killing their sons at the hands of factions.

On the other hand, opinions in Basra speak of an "artificial involvement" of clans in these conflicts, which are mainly driven by political competition and the revenues of the oil-rich province.

In the meantime, the coordination framework tried to precede any future scenarios that might complicate his plan to proceed with the formation of the government, and he started talking about setting a date soon for the presidential election session.

But Muin Al-Kazemi, a leader in the Badr Organization led by Hadi Al-Amiri, denied in an interview with (Al-Mada) that "there will be any date that has been set for that session."

The moment of choosing the president of the republic is crucial in the way of forming the government, as the elected president, according to the constitution, assigns the candidate of the largest bloc to present the cabinet within a month.

And on how to reach that session, Muin Al-Kazemi, a deputy from the coordination framework, confirmed that "it is up to the Kurdish forces' agreement on one candidate, and so far there is no agreement."

On the other hand, there is talk behind closed doors that the problem is not related to the Kurdish forces, but rather to the "framework's" reluctance to resolve its issue due to the absence of al-Sadr.

Although the coordination framework had spoken more than a week ago about his new coalition (the State Administration), which includes all forces with the exception of al-Sadr, he has not officially launched it yet.

The hesitation of the "framework" is now justified, as the leader of the Sadrist movement has returned from his political silence, and criticized the day before yesterday's words about Plasschaert about forming a government.

Al-Sadr said in a tweet on Tuesday evening: "I stand against the insistence of some members of the Security Council to form a government in Iraq. Many governments have been formed, but they have harmed the country and the people."

Al-Sadr added, “The people’s aspirations are to form a government that is far from corruption, dependency, militias, and foreign interference, in order to be an independent and stable government that serves its people, not the interests of its parties and sects. Everyone brings fire to his party, sect, or race.”

Moreover, there are leaks about the readiness of al-Sadr's followers to take to the street again in the event the "framework" decides to hold a session to form a government.

Also, a resigned Sadrist deputy had threatened the political forces a few days ago, with what he considered the "last fight" in the presidential election session.

Representative Haider Abdul Karim al-Muhammadawi said on his Facebook page that "the session for selecting the president of the republic and assigning the prime minister will be the 'last fight'."

Despite this, the coordination framework still hopes to obtain a meeting with Al-Sadr, but it has not happened so far.

In Al-Sadr's response to the United Nations representative in Iraq, the leader of the movement agreed to the dialogue, but stipulated that it be "public", a condition he had revealed more than a month ago, following similar calls for dialogue.

So far, the Shiite forces have not responded to al-Sadr's requirement, and Mu'in al-Kazemi says that "public dialogue can cause tension in the street and lead to the opposite effect."

During the briefing, Plasschaert said: “There are still very real risks of further strife and bloodshed. We can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest away from violence. All parties must act responsibly in times of heightened tension.”

Plasschaert urged the need for all Iraqi parties to participate in the dialogue, and said, "In order for the dialogue to bear fruit, it is very important that all parties participate in it. There are solutions, but only if there is a willingness to reach settlements. In the end, it is all up to the political will." ».

[horsesoldier]

" The political situation in Iraq is tense and on the edge of the abyss." 

 

Haven't we been saying this for years?

Nearly 20 years on & it's out in the open . . . the 1000-pound beasty in the room and they're finally talking about it.

Guess that's something at least. How long before we see any positive forward momentum? " Soon"???

" Welcome to the Party Pal " 

Another exciting revelation in this installment of (like sand through the hourglass, these are) The Days of Our Lives.

[yota691]

Law: Plasschaert transcends its international borders

• Today 13:11

Information/Baghdad: 
The State of Law coalition criticized, on Saturday, what the United Nations representative in Baghdad, Jenin Plaschaert, presented during her recent briefing on the situation in Iraq, noting that Plasschaert for the third time exceeded its international borders and blatantly interfered in the internal affairs of Iraq. 

 

The leader of the coalition, Jassim Muhammad Jaafar, said in a statement to "Information", "What was presented by the representative of the United Nations in Baghdad, Jenin Plaschaert, during her briefing on the situation in Iraq recently, is untrue and a blatant interference in Iraq's internal affairs, as it is a fully sovereign country." 
Jaafar added, "We do not deny that part of the briefing that Plasschaert gave at the meeting of the UN Security Council is part of the truth, but our objection is to overstep it from its international role." 
He pointed out that "the leaders of the coordination framework, headed by al-Maliki, al-Amiri and al-Khazali, demanded that Plasschaert be changed with its international mission and that it should not be renewed after its legal term had expired." finished / 25 AD