Iraq: new UN envoy voices cautious optimism, but cites potential dangers

The new top United Nations envoy for Iraq voiced cautious optimism today as the country regains its sovereignty, but warned of potential dangers ahead, pledging full UN support for the economic and social development of the violence-scarred nation.

“Although statistics tell the story of a downward trend in the overall level of violence, reality is still tainted by an unacceptably high level of indiscriminate attacks on civilians,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative Ad Melkert told the Security Council, following his first visit to Iraq in his new capacity.

“This is an unparalleled moment of opportunity, but also one of great sensitivity,” he said, referring to the withdrawal of the multilateral force from the country’s cities on 30 June and their replacement by Iraqi security forces.

“There are many factors – some internal, some external – that could tip the scale,” he added, calling on the Iraqi Government and security forces to live up to the new responsibilities of their regained sovereignty by winning the people’s trust and respecting fundamental human rights.

In the face of a host of problems ranging from youth unemployment of one third and a budget deficit to drought and agricultural underperformance, the time has come to place economic and social issues upfront. Iraq will find a ready partner in the UN, which will base itself on “Iraqi ownership,” selective priorities and the nexus between national reconciliation and economic development, Mr. Melkert said.

But economic diversification, jobs for youth and better services cannot wait for political consensus, but can instead themselves become a platform for consensus, he added, with the UN aligning its aid with Iraq’s five-year National Development Plan, with a particular focus on agriculture and water resources.

Noting that the UN’s $547-million consolidated appeal for Iraq for 2009 was only 33 percent funded as of July, and that needs have since increased by over $100 million to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) returning to their homes, he called on Member States to fill the gap.

Turning to two of the most critical priorities currently facing the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) in promoting long-term stability, Mr. Melkert cited preparations for national elections in 2010 and the issue of ethnically disputed areas, including oil-rich Kirkuk, stressing the UN’s role as an “impartial connector.”

“Dialogue rather than precipitous decision-making should be the method to disentangle complex and sensitive facts and perceptions,” he said.

In his latest report on Iraq yesterday, Mr. Ban urged the Kurdistan Regional Government to reconsider the provisions in the draft Kurdistan regional constitution, which could have the potential to aggravate tensions and affect ongoing discussions on the disputed boundaries.

He called for an end to provocative statements, including those which pre-judge in any way the future of areas such as Kirkuk, and to any unilateral actions on the ground which the other side is likely to see as hostile in intent.

Mr. Melkert underlined the role that the international community still has to play in ensuring Iraq’s progress.

“Whilst working towards ‘normalization’ this is most certainly not the time for the international community to disengage on Iraq or lessen its commitment,” he declared.

“The theme I would prefer to stress at this early juncture is ‘strategic acceleration’ – building on progress in the political sphere and throwing our full support behind economic growth and social development benefiting the people, in partnership and constant consultation with Iraqis themselves.”