MaximsNewsNetwork: 16 November 2009 - UNTV: United Nations: Special Representative for Iraq Ad Melkert tells the Security Council that "there will be no shortcuts" in completing UNAMI's work in Iraq and warns that elections will take place under threat of new attacks. With upcoming Iraqi elections marking a crucial step on the road to stability, the United Nations must redouble its long-term commitment to a country that is still threatened by both insurgents and potential conflict between the central government and the Kurdish region, the top UN official for Iraq warned today (16 November). Stressing the utmost importance of the Councils enabling the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to live up to the expectations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moons Special Representative Ad Melkert told the Security Council that there will have to be a commitment over a long period of time and there will be no shortcuts as change is underway in many aspects but will take time for it to take root. He added that the upcoming elections, slated tentatively for 18 January, will take place under threat of repetition of the atrocious attacks at the heart of government on August 19 and October 25. Melkert stressed that soon after Election Day, the serious issues of internal boundaries between the federal government and Iraqi Kurdistan, and revenue sharing, including oil extraction, must be addressed. He warned that without resolving these key issues the new Iraq will be permanently at risk of being pulled back or dragged into fundamentally destabilizing conflict. Iraqi Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati told the Council that by reaching consensus on election law, the Iraqi people and their representatives in parliament proved their ability to reach an agreement on this issue, just as they previously reached an agreement on the constitution, elections and forming the National Unity Government and it initiates a new phase of responsible competition and collective work on Iraq, moving away from narrow loyalties in order to serve the general interests of the country. At a later press conference Melkert told reporters that time between now and Election Day is short, but he thinks it is doable as the Independent High Electoral Commission has built considerable capacity over the last few years and UNAMI will continue to support and to be stand-by for any issues that would emerge. The press conference was cut short as the Security Council reconvened to issue a Presidential Statement. In the statement read by Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting of Austria, which holds the monthly presidency for November, the Council reaffirmed its full support for UNAMI in helping Iraq to strengthen democratic institutions, develop a just and fair solution for the disputed internal boundaries, and hold the elections. It welcomed the agreement reached on amendments to the electoral law and emphasized UNAMIs efforts to assist the Iraqi government and the Independent High Electoral Commission in the development of processes for holding elections. The Special Representative was presenting Mr. Bans latest report on Iraq to the 15-member body, with its call to the international community to help the country to deliver basic services in critically under-funded social sectors to ensure stability. MaximsNewsNetwork: News Network for the United Nations and the International Community. See: http://www.MaximsNews.com. "GIVING POWER & RESONANCE TO THE VOICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY" .

• published: 17 Nov 2009
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