Top UN envoy deplores ‘repugnant’ double bombings in Iraqi capital

The top United Nations official in Iraq has condemned the double bombings that struck Baghdad’s Kasra district today, killing dozens of innocent civilians and wounding many others.

Staffan de Mistura described the attacks as “repugnant crimes aimed at re-instilling fear, distrust and division among the public just as Iraq prepares itself to assume political normalcy with the upcoming provincial elections,” in a statement issued by the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

According to media reports, a car bombing was followed by a suicide attack on the crowd that gathered around the car that exploded.

Mr. de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNAMI, extended the world body’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery for the wounded.

The UN is continuing to provide assistance to the Independent High Electoral Commission and other Iraqi institutions for the holding of provincial elections, slated to be staged by 31 January 2009. These will be the first provincial polls to be held in the country since 2005.

“The provincial elections in early 2009 represent the most significant political event in the coming months in Iraq as they can advance political dialogue, establish representative provincial councils and empower community leaders to meet the needs of local citizens in cooperation with the Government of Iraq,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

At the same time, Mr. Ban warns that there is potential for election-related violence and instability. “It is therefore essential that the elections be organized in a secure environment and a transparent manner,” he stressed in his latest report to the Security Council on the work of UNAMI, which was published today.

The holding of inclusive provincial and national elections is part of a wider process of national reconciliation, which remains the “main priority in Iraq and for ongoing United Nations efforts in the country,” he stated.

Other vital elements of the process include the resolution of the internal boundaries issue, and the adoption of constitutional and legislative measures in the political, economic and social fields. The Secretary-General noted that despite a generally improving socio-economic context in Iraq, the lack of jobs and basic services remains a concern and areas of humanitarian need persist.

“Private sector reform is among the most critical of the new initiatives undertaken by the United Nations,” he said, adding that “Iraq’s economy and private sector are fundamentally linked to its national reconciliation process.”

He also described the improvements in the security situation over the past several months as “fragile,” noting in particular the “dramatic” increase in violence in early October against Christians in Mosul, which led to over 2,200 families reportedly fleeing their homes.

Overall, the improvements in the security environment in recent months have proved positive with respect to human rights in Iraq, but continued violations pose serious concerns for Iraqi civilians and remain a priority of the UN, the Secretary-General added.

At the same time, the situation regarding women’s rights and conditions has shown no significant overall improvement and alleged suicides and suspected honour crimes continue to be reported with “alarming regularity.”

Given the “challenging” conditions on the ground, UNAMI still depends on Member States for security, logistical, operational and financial support.

In this regard, Mr. Ban appeals for the legal arrangements for the security of the Mission, and of the wider UN presence in Iraq, to be maintained or amended, as necessary, in the light of the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between Iraq and the United States on a status-of-forces agreement.

In August the Security Council extended UNAMI’s mandate for another year, so that it can continue to assist the Iraqi Government and its people with elections, reconciliation, the resolution of disputed boundaries, human rights and humanitarian concerns, as well as with reconstruction and development, as outlined in resolution 1770 of 2007.