UN has needed expertise and experience to help Iraq, envoy tells aid conference

The United Nations has the expertise and experience to help support Iraq's aspirations for reconstruction and democracy, a senior UN envoy today told a meeting of donors gathered in the United Arab Emirates.

Addressing the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq Donor's Committee Meeting in Abu Dhabi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's acting Special Representative, Ross Mountain, pointed out that even over the past year the UN has been conducting humanitarian activities in Iraq, channeling 90 per cent of the $2.2 billion raised by a flash appeal in 2003.

Iraqi UN staff across the country are carrying out the world body's work, he said, adding, “and we are remobilizing more.”

Among the many pressing challenges ahead – including meeting basic needs, helping vulnerable groups, and establishing good governance – adequate employment is the “most essential need,” he said. “The UN shares Iraqis' very deep concerns that failing to address this issue may invite widespread social unrest and disruption.”

Stressing that the UN has “a repository of expertise and experience” available to help Iraq, he said, “Overall we stand ready for robust re-engagement at all levels as required.”

The envoy noted that security, while a major concern, cannot be an excuse for inaction. “There is no such thing as elimination of risk in situations like this, but risk exposure can be mitigated,” he said.

The UN Assistance Mission in Iraqi, while starting small, expects “to deepen our role in activity coordination and information sharing, drawing on the expertise of the UN system and of partners to support Iraqi institutions and make a difference for the Iraqi people, hopefully from within Iraq itself in the not-to-distant future,” Mr. Mountain told participants.

Given the need to move to full Iraqi sovereignty, he emphasized that the Iraqis must own and lead the reconstruction and transformation process

“It is not easy at present in Iraq, and may not get any easier for some time to come,” he acknowledged. “Nevertheless, I have genuine hope that we can meet the challenges together under Iraqi leadership of the reconstruction process – through trust, commitment, and confidence.”