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Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People
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Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People
https://www.un.org/press/fr/2018/cs13573.doc.htm
[size=36]Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People[/size]
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
With the election on 2 October of Mr. Barham Salih as President of Iraq and the appointment of Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister, the time has come for the new Government to begin its work, and especially providing all services to the people, creating jobs, reforming and revitalizing the economy, and fighting corruption.
This appeal was launched this morning by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mr. Ján Kubiš, who has come to the Security Council to report on the situation in Iraq.
He urged the Government to go to work, as protests against the lack of basic services intensified and violence in the south of the country took place.
According to the report, the protesters and security forces clashed, the burning of official buildings and political party buildings, attacks on the consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran in Basra and the headquarters of the Basra People's Mobilization Forces, as well as indirect fire near the US Consulate in Basra and the US Embassy in Baghdad.
On August 20, because of the contamination of the water and the deterioration of the sanitary and environmental situation, the Independent High Commission of Human Rights even asked the Government to declare Basra "disaster zone", says the report.
In this context, it is urgent to provide for the needs of the population to avoid the persistence of violence, especially in the province of Basra, warned the Bolivian representative.
Other delegations made the same analysis, including those from Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia and the United States.
They invited the Government more generally to take general measures. According to them, the priority of the future Government must be the fight against unemployment.
It must guarantee access to electricity and water for the entire population of the country, as well as allow the return "in dignity" of displaced persons, for example explained the US representative.
In addition to financial and economic reforms, the new Government must also address security sector reform without delay, in the context of Iraq's failure to rid itself of terrorism, the delegation said. French.
Indeed, as Mr. Kubiš also said, Da'esh continues to be active in some parts of the country, including along the Syria border, in Deir el-Zor province, Kirkuk, Salaheddine and Diyala. .
The Government will also have the task of responding to the root causes of the conflict with a view to guaranteeing peace and long-term development. It will also need to better redistribute resources and preserve the influence of the different components of Iraqi society, Sweden said.
But these are the priorities of the government, assured the representative of Iraq, saying that the reforms are aimed at moving from an income economy to a market economy. They also seek to support the private sector and diversify the economy so as not to be excessively dependent on oil sales.
But for it to get to work and achieve these goals, it is still necessary that this Government be constituted. However, of the 22 members of which it is composed, only 14 were confirmed by the Parliament, recalled Mr. Kubiš, adding also that this Government does not include any woman or representative of the minorities.
To help it, the international community must not only support it, but especially respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, pleaded other delegations, including those of China, Peru, Equatorial Guinea or the Russian Federation.
According to them, Iraq should not bear the regional interest charges and in particular suffer "the consequences of measures aimed at destabilizing its Iranian neighbor. Iraq has the right to conduct good-neighborly relations with its Iranian neighbor, without interference or the use of force ", summed up the Russian representative.
THE SITUATION CONCERNING IRAQ ( S / 2018/975 and S / 2018/976 )
declarations
Mr. JÁN KUBIŠ, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) , said that since the election on 2 October of Mr. Barham Salih as President of Iraq, he appointed Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister. The Government it has composed of 22 ministers, 14 of which have already been confirmed by Parliament, including the holders of ministries, including those of finance, foreign affairs and petroleum. The Ministries of the Interior and Defense are not yet equipped for the moment. However, no women or minority representatives belong to this government, he said.
He also said that the formation of this Government was made without controversy, political blocs showing goodwill. They even expressed their support to the Prime Minister. Competition has largely been on a political and non-sectarian basis, thus breaking with the past. The Supreme Shiite leader Ayatollah al-Sistani has greatly influenced this process, while the negotiations with the Prime Minister were led by Mr. Moqtada al-Sadr and Mr. Hadi al-Ameri on behalf of their two respective political blocs, the Coalition Sa'iron and Fatah.
That said, the support of all the forces represented in Parliament will be essential, including the support of those who, for the first time since 2003, are now in opposition. Iraq must build on these foundations. The new government must start its work immediately and in particular provide all services, create jobs, reform and revitalize the economy, fight against corruption. Iraq will need the support of the international community, and it will not let it go, "said the UNAMI Chief.
With regard to security, the Special Representative indicated that the latest activities of Daesh were recorded in the Iraqi desert and in its Nineveh and Anbar provinces, located on its eastern border with Syria. The group continues to control several areas along this border, including Deir el-Zor province, Kirkuk, Salaheddine and Diyala. In response, the Government deployed troops along its border with Syria to continue fighting against this group.
For its part, UNAMI continues to advocate for justice and accountability for international crimes, in the context of 202 mass graves being discovered in the country. The Mission has also established a Women's Advisory Group for Reconciliation and Policy in Iraq, which will serve as a mechanism to ensure women's participation in all processes in Iraq.
On the humanitarian issue, donors contributed $ 482.1 million to fund the response plan. This sum covers 85% of the needs of the response plan. But two years after the military defeat of Daesh, 1.9 million people are still displaced, especially in the north and west of the country. One of the challenges for the return of refugees is the lack of mine-cleared homes and explosive remnants, the Special Representative said, calling on donors to fund the demining activity.
Mr. JONATHAN R. COHEN ( United States) thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, for his "exceptional" work in Iraq in recent years. On the political front, the representative welcomed the progress made in the country following the parliamentary elections last May. He called on the authorities to finalize the formation of the new government. He also called on the future government to fight against unemployment as a matter of priority, to guarantee access to electricity and water for the entire population of the country, and to allow the return "with dignity Displaced people. The US also urged the country's authorities to speed up the process of investigating crimes against civilians in the country.
With regard to the terrorist threat, the representative recalled that no terrorist act could overcome the determination of Iraqi citizens to complete the construction of a democratic State in Iraq. "This is a key moment in the history of the country," insisted the representative, urging in conclusion the new leaders of the country to live up to the expectations of their people.
Mr. MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI ( Kuwait ) commended the ability of the Iraqi people to rebuild their country on the basis of a democratic state, as evidenced, according to him, by the peaceful passage of power, within constitutional deadlines, following the May legislative elections latest.
In particular, he welcomed the election of Mr. Barham Salih as President of the Republic of Iraq and the appointment of Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister of the country. "There is no doubt that these leaders are trustworthy," he said, calling on the new leaders to finalize the formation of the Government within "reasonable" times.
With regard to UNAMI, he commended the United Nations for its efforts to build a "bright future" in Iraq, as part of the enhanced partnership between the Mission and the United Nations country team in Iraq. He called on the international community to continue to support the country to implement sustainable development.
In order to alleviate the suffering inflicted by Daesh on Iraqi residents, he said that his country financially supported rehabilitation programs for the liberated cities. However, Daesh continues to threaten the liberated areas, the spokesman said, calling for renewed efforts to combat the terrorist groups operating in Iraq and to prosecute the crimes committed against civilians.
With regard to Kuwaiti citizens and property reported missing since 1991, he commended the efforts of the Security Council to recover these assets and shed light on what happened at the time. He expressed his readiness to support Iraq in order to accelerate the conduct of the investigations, in keeping with the commitments made. However, since 2004, no progress has been made to find missing persons, he lamented, calling to close once and for all this file. He further emphasized that the missing Kuwaiti national archives were an invaluable asset for his country. He called for accelerating efforts to recover these assets.
Mrs ANNE GUEGUEN ( France ) recalled that Iraq had experienced a decisive shift this year, with its military victory over Da'esh and the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections and political alternation. "The new government must urgently address the implementation of electoral, economic and financial reforms as well as that of the security sector," said the representative. She said, however, that this dynamic of hope can only be successful if it remains mobilized in the fight against terrorism alongside the Iraqi forces to prevent Daesh from reappearing.
More generally, only national reconciliation and the implementation of inclusive governance that serves the interests of all parts of Iraqi society, including women, will help overcome terrorism, she said. After stressing the importance of supporting efforts to resume negotiations in Erbil in order to resolve the remaining outstanding issues, Ms. Gueguen said that priority should be given to rebuilding the country and, in particular, to implementation of the reconstruction plan drawn up at the Kuwait Conference. Finally, the French delegation reiterated its support for the Iraqis facing all the challenges facing them, recalling that France had spent nearly 60 million euros in Baghdad since 2017,
Mr. KACOU HOUADJA LÉON ADOM ( Côte d'Ivoire ) called on the new Government to make every effort to address the issue of the displaced, to ensure the reconstruction of the affected areas and to ensure equitable representation of women in the institutions. He praised the dialogue with the authorities of Kurdistan to overcome the dispute arising from the September 2017 referendum in order to settle the question of disputed borders once and for all.
Moreover, the recent discovery of 200 mass graves in areas previously under the control of "Islamic State" further convinces, in his view, the "urgent need" for the team of investigators for crimes committed by the Islamic State. ISIL to intensify its work in the field and to create "as soon as possible" a database modeled on the one established in Bosnia or Rwanda, in order to list the victims of barbarism.
Mr. VLADIMIR K. SAFRONKOV ( Russian Federation ) said that his country supported constructive measures to strengthen Iraq, which historically had been a factor of stability in the region. The Russian Federation appreciates that the elections went well and that a government was formed. His delegation respected the sovereign choice of the Iraqi people and believed that others should do the same.
The Russian Federation also welcomes the actions of its "partners" to combat terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), even though it finds that the group is still present in Iraq. In this regard, his delegation recalled that the Russian Federation had made an offer to create a grand global coalition for the fight against terrorism. This proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin remains valid, said the representative.
The Russian Federation is concerned, however, about the consequences for Iraq of measures aimed at destabilizing its Iranian neighbor. Iraq has the right to conduct good neighborly relations with its Iranian neighbor, without interference or the use of force, the Russian representative said.
Mr KAIRAT UMAROV ( Kazakhstan ) congratulated Iraq on the election of Mr Barham Salih as President of the Republic, the appointment of Mr Adil Abdul-Mahdi as his Prime Minister and the partial formation of the new Government. He also praised the Chamber of Deputies for overcoming the significant obstacles in the democratic process following the legislative elections last May. We are aware that "courageous measures" have been taken to encourage democracy and respect for the country's constitution, he said.
He then called on the Government to address as a priority the problem of access to public services for the entire Iraqi population. He also encouraged the authorities to strengthen the national economy and fight against the spread of religious and tribal tensions.
The Kazakh delegate also condemned the recent attacks in Baghdad and Sadr City, which he said were aimed at "demoralizing" Iraqi citizens as they are just beginning to "reap the benefits of peace." ". In the face of these crimes, Iraqis must above all preserve their unity, he said, calling on the authorities and the Special Representative to work for the integration of women and young people in the country's economic life, in particular to to avoid their radicalization.
The representative finally said he was horrified by the discovery of more than 200 mass graves in areas liberated from the yoke of Daesh. He called for ensuring that terrorists still in Iraq are "completely destroyed".
In addition, he welcomed the intention of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to return a first batch of Kuwaiti missing property through UNAMI. He called on the parties to redouble their efforts to resolve the issue of missing Kuwaiti property and citizens in order to normalize relations between the two countries.
Mr. GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA ( Peru ), while welcoming the composition of the Government of Iraq, said that it was "essential" for women to be represented in political forums. It is also important that it enjoys the support of all segments of Iraqi society and the international community, including the fight against impunity and the promotion of accountability.
Peru is also of the view that Iraq should not bear the regional interest charges. He must be able to be free, without the interference of investing and creating jobs for his youth, said the representative.
Mrs LISE GREGOIRE VAN HAAREN ( Netherlands ) called for the formation of a new inclusive government and for accountability, arguing that a diverse society wants to be reflected in its elected leaders, in an inclusive and representative government, with a strong participation of women. "Iraq can be proud to be the spearhead of women's empowerment in the Arab world for appointing a woman Minister in 1959," said the representative, hoping that this example is renewed. Ms. Van Haaren took the opportunity to congratulate Nadia Murad, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle for the Yazidi victims of sexual violence and the atrocities of Daesh.
The rehabilitation and integration of victims into society is precisely the priority of the second action plan on the implementation of Iraq's resolution 1325 (2000), said Van Haaren. But in the aftermath of Daesh's defeat, she hoped that the focus would also be on women's social and economic empowerment and the fight against impunity for perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence. She also highlighted UNAMI's commitment to the issue of Daesh's responsibility and the beginning of the investigation team's work in this regard, saying that it is up to the Mission and the Government to secure, collect and protect the evidence. The Netherlands, she said, decided to financially assist the investigation team.
Now that the Iraqi presidential election is over, Mr. MARIUSZ LEWICKI ( Poland) encouraged all political parties to work together not only in the implementation of economic and social reforms, but also in the reconstruction and stabilization of areas liberated from the yoke of the Islamic State. "As developments in recent months have shown, Iraqi citizens need an effective administration that meets the expectations of all," added the delegate. That is why he called on the newly elected government to focus on providing essential public services, good governance, job creation, improved living conditions, the fight against corruption, economic development as well as the return of displaced populations.
Regretting that no quality female politician had been elected to leadership positions, he called on the Government to ensure the representation of women at the highest levels of government. He finally focused on the justice that must be rendered to the victims of terrorist acts. Desiring fair trials and complying with international standards, he urged the Iraqi authorities to include sexual crimes in the prosecution of Islamic State fighters.
Mr SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLÍZ ( Bolivia ) commended the conduct of the parliamentary elections last May and the proclamation of the results by the Iraqi Supreme Court, following which the country had a new President and a Premier. Minister. He called on the various parliamentary coalitions to engage in dialogue to strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
In southern Iraq, the representative considered it urgent to provide for the needs of the population to prevent the persistence of violence, particularly in Basra province. He also regretted the persistence of asymmetric attacks by Daesh, including in Baghdad. He also took note of the discovery of more than 200 mass graves, in which there are thousands of Daesh victims. The Bolivian delegate called for preserving these mass graves, not only to return the bodies to the families of the victims, but also to accumulate evidence against the perpetrators of these crimes, in order to bring them to justice. It is also necessary to set up repair services for victims, he said.
Finally, he regretted the lack of progress in the return of Kuwaiti property and on the issue of missing Kuwaiti citizens. He noted the willingness of UNAMI to act as an intermediary in the process of property restitution. The representative called for a resolution of this issue once and for all, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries.
Mr. JOB OBIANG ESONO MBENGONO ( Equatorial Guinea ) saw the election of a new president in Iraq as a sign of goodwill from the political actors and the country, in addition to the fact that it helps to emerge from the crisis. However, the violent demonstrations referred to in the report, which in some cases have had repercussions on diplomatic and consular facilities, are worrying the delegation, which hopes that the authorities will take all the necessary measures, particularly to meet the needs of the authorities. populations.
Equatorial Guinea also believes that the Government must continue its fight against terrorism and free the areas still controlled by Daesh. He also said it was important for Iraq to work with neighboring countries, including to respond to complaints about the violation of Iraq's airspace. The stability of this country is essential in the region, concluded the representative.
Mr STEPHEN HICKEY ( United Kingdom ) commended Iraq for successfully completing the electoral process and for the ongoing training of its new Government. However, he regretted the absence of women among the Ministers appointed so far. He further called on the future government to prioritize economic reforms and improve the social protection of the poorest. According to him, recent events in the south of the country demonstrate the importance of providing basic services to all Iraqis, including access to water and electricity. The representative also called for combating gender-based violence and promoting the integration of women into the political and economic life of the country.
Faced with the recent discovery of more than 200 mass graves, the representative called for the preservation and protection of these mass graves, in order to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes committed by Daesh.
Finally, the representative congratulated Ms Nadia Murad on obtaining the Nobel Peace Prize. Finally, he stressed the importance of resolving the issue of the return of missing Kuwaiti property with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries.
After congratulating the Iraqi people for completing the electoral process, Mr. DAWIT YIRGA WOLDEGERIMA ( Ethiopia ) noted the election of President Barham Salih and the appointment of Prime Minister Adil Abdel-Mahdi. The representative hoped that the new leaders would make every effort to form the new government within constitutional deadlines and that would meet the aspirations and expectations of the Iraqi people. Encouraged by progress in relations between Baghdad and Erbil, including the formation of the new government, the representative wanted the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to capitalize more on the positive momentum generated recently.
The representative commended the Government and the security forces for their efforts to eliminate the remains of Daesh from Iraq, particularly in the north and center of the country. This is a huge challenge facing the Government and people of Iraq. "We believe that a comprehensive response is needed to ensure lasting peace, promote national unity, stability and reconciliation, deal with the humanitarian situation and rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure," said the representative. In this regard, heightened regional and international cooperation is essential, he added, reiterating the Secretary-General's call to honor the commitments made at the International Conference in Kuwait for the Reconstruction of Iraq.
Mr JOAKIM VAVERKA ( Sweden) welcomed the confirmation of Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, as well as the partial formation of the Council of Ministers. He expressed disappointment, however, at the lack of women among the ministers appointed so far, arguing for greater inclusiveness. The Government, he said, must now work to meet the many challenges, particularly in the area of economic reforms, taking into account the need to provide basic services to the population, to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. It will also be necessary to respond to the root causes of the conflict with a view to guaranteeing peace and long-term development, he said.
Sweden then declared support for initiatives to strengthen the accountability of justice for violations of international law, citing Resolution 2379 (2017) as an example, which created the team of investigators to gather evidence. against Daesh. Welcoming the progress made by the Baghdad-Erbil dialogue, the representative recommended that the United Nations make optimal use of its good offices to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. Finally, he welcomed the inclusion, for the first time in the UNAMI mandate, of a women, peace and security component.
Mr. MA ZHAOXU ( China ) said that he welcomed the appointment of the new Government of Iraq. China hopes that it will continue to promote economic development, national reconciliation, lasting peace and security. His delegation also believed that the international community should support Iraq for that purpose, but with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It must also support the efforts of the United Nations and the good offices of the Special Representative, in particular to help the Iraqi parties settle their disputes through political channels, as well as those with Kuwait. China will continue to participate in Iraq's development efforts as much as possible, the representative said.
Mr MOHAMMED HUSSEIN BAHR ALULOOM ( Iraq ) recalled his country's support for UNAMI. He thanked the Secretary-General for having acceded to his Government's request to extend the mandate of the Special Representative for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, until mid-January 2019.
The Iraqis have just successfully completed their legislative elections, then boasted the representative. In his view, Iraq has behaved on this occasion as a "model of democracy", as evidenced, in his view, by the "peaceful transition of power" and the formation of the new Government, all in accordance with the planned timetable. by the Constitution. All of this shows Iraq's willingness to form an open Government capable of meeting the expectations of the Iraqi people, he said, before going into detail on the priorities of the global ministerial plan recently adopted by the new Government.
One of the plan's priorities, he said, will be to provide basic public services to Iraqi citizens in Basra province. The Government also intends to focus on the outstanding oil and financial management issues in the Kurdistan region, he added.
In addition, the new Government will undertake economic reforms to move the country from "an income economy to a market economy", to further support the private sector and to diversify the national income so as not to rely excessively on sales. oil.
As part of this comprehensive ministerial plan, the new Government also wants to improve the performance of public services throughout the country, he said, calling on the international community to provide financial support to the Iraqi authorities in this regard. The fight against corruption and the strategic allocation of financial resources will also feature prominently in the plan's priorities, he added.
In addition, he said that his Government intended to follow up on the results of the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, hosted this year by "the sister state of Kuwait". He called on the international community to support the country's authorities to strengthen infrastructure in cities liberated from the yoke of Daesh.
While Iraq has entered a new phase of its fight against the terrorist group, the representative considered it essential to focus on the social, political and economic stability of the country. In order to combat all remaining terrorist cells and prevent them from reappearing, the representative stressed the intention of the Iraqi authorities to strengthen all categories of national security forces, including the police and the army. On the other hand, he said, the new Government wants to fight against any non-state armed group or militia in the country.
The representative also welcomed the recognition of the tragedy of the Yazidis after Nadia Murad obtained the Nobel Peace Prize. However, he found it strange that the Secretary-General had referred in his report to racial discrimination in Iraq. There is no racial discrimination in my country, he said, rejecting the serious precedent established by the latter report, likely to "undermine the social peace" of the country. There is no discrimination against any social stratum in my country, he insisted.
The representative also said that the Iraqi authorities were currently trying to include women in the new Government.
He highlighted the country's significant need for mine clearance, which he said is the main reason for delays in returning IDPs to areas in Daesh. He called on the United Nations to further support demining efforts across the country, strengthening the presence and capabilities of the Mine Action Service in Iraq.
In addition, the representative considered that the use of the death penalty in cases of terrorist crimes was a sovereign right of his Government. As the Iraqi Penal Code does not recognize international crimes, he said the country's parliament is finalizing a bill for these crimes, particularly those committed by Daesh.
The representative further stated that no group could use the territory of Iraq to carry out attacks against other countries.
With regard to the missing Kuwaiti property and citizens, the representative assured that his Government was seeking to further improve its relations with Kuwait. Recently, he said, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a campaign calling on all citizens of the country to provide information about missing Kuwaiti property and citizens.
Finally, the representative thanked Mr. Kubiš for his efforts in Iraq and wished his successor successor to the post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the country.
IRAQ
[size=36]Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People[/size]
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
With the election on 2 October of Mr. Barham Salih as President of Iraq and the appointment of Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister, the time has come for the new Government to begin its work, and especially providing all services to the people, creating jobs, reforming and revitalizing the economy, and fighting corruption.
This appeal was launched this morning by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mr. Ján Kubiš, who has come to the Security Council to report on the situation in Iraq.
He urged the Government to go to work, as protests against the lack of basic services intensified and violence in the south of the country took place.
According to the report, the protesters and security forces clashed, the burning of official buildings and political party buildings, attacks on the consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran in Basra and the headquarters of the Basra People's Mobilization Forces, as well as indirect fire near the US Consulate in Basra and the US Embassy in Baghdad.
On August 20, because of the contamination of the water and the deterioration of the sanitary and environmental situation, the Independent High Commission of Human Rights even asked the Government to declare Basra "disaster zone", says the report.
In this context, it is urgent to provide for the needs of the population to avoid the persistence of violence, especially in the province of Basra, warned the Bolivian representative.
Other delegations made the same analysis, including those from Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia and the United States.
They invited the Government more generally to take general measures. According to them, the priority of the future Government must be the fight against unemployment.
It must guarantee access to electricity and water for the entire population of the country, as well as allow the return "in dignity" of displaced persons, for example explained the US representative.
In addition to financial and economic reforms, the new Government must also address security sector reform without delay, in the context of Iraq's failure to rid itself of terrorism, the delegation said. French.
Indeed, as Mr. Kubiš also said, Da'esh continues to be active in some parts of the country, including along the Syria border, in Deir el-Zor province, Kirkuk, Salaheddine and Diyala. .
The Government will also have the task of responding to the root causes of the conflict with a view to guaranteeing peace and long-term development. It will also need to better redistribute resources and preserve the influence of the different components of Iraqi society, Sweden said.
But these are the priorities of the government, assured the representative of Iraq, saying that the reforms are aimed at moving from an income economy to a market economy. They also seek to support the private sector and diversify the economy so as not to be excessively dependent on oil sales.
But for it to get to work and achieve these goals, it is still necessary that this Government be constituted. However, of the 22 members of which it is composed, only 14 were confirmed by the Parliament, recalled Mr. Kubiš, adding also that this Government does not include any woman or representative of the minorities.
To help it, the international community must not only support it, but especially respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, pleaded other delegations, including those of China, Peru, Equatorial Guinea or the Russian Federation.
According to them, Iraq should not bear the regional interest charges and in particular suffer "the consequences of measures aimed at destabilizing its Iranian neighbor. Iraq has the right to conduct good-neighborly relations with its Iranian neighbor, without interference or the use of force ", summed up the Russian representative.
THE SITUATION CONCERNING IRAQ ( S / 2018/975 and S / 2018/976 )
declarations
Mr. JÁN KUBIŠ, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) , said that since the election on 2 October of Mr. Barham Salih as President of Iraq, he appointed Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister. The Government it has composed of 22 ministers, 14 of which have already been confirmed by Parliament, including the holders of ministries, including those of finance, foreign affairs and petroleum. The Ministries of the Interior and Defense are not yet equipped for the moment. However, no women or minority representatives belong to this government, he said.
He also said that the formation of this Government was made without controversy, political blocs showing goodwill. They even expressed their support to the Prime Minister. Competition has largely been on a political and non-sectarian basis, thus breaking with the past. The Supreme Shiite leader Ayatollah al-Sistani has greatly influenced this process, while the negotiations with the Prime Minister were led by Mr. Moqtada al-Sadr and Mr. Hadi al-Ameri on behalf of their two respective political blocs, the Coalition Sa'iron and Fatah.
That said, the support of all the forces represented in Parliament will be essential, including the support of those who, for the first time since 2003, are now in opposition. Iraq must build on these foundations. The new government must start its work immediately and in particular provide all services, create jobs, reform and revitalize the economy, fight against corruption. Iraq will need the support of the international community, and it will not let it go, "said the UNAMI Chief.
With regard to security, the Special Representative indicated that the latest activities of Daesh were recorded in the Iraqi desert and in its Nineveh and Anbar provinces, located on its eastern border with Syria. The group continues to control several areas along this border, including Deir el-Zor province, Kirkuk, Salaheddine and Diyala. In response, the Government deployed troops along its border with Syria to continue fighting against this group.
For its part, UNAMI continues to advocate for justice and accountability for international crimes, in the context of 202 mass graves being discovered in the country. The Mission has also established a Women's Advisory Group for Reconciliation and Policy in Iraq, which will serve as a mechanism to ensure women's participation in all processes in Iraq.
On the humanitarian issue, donors contributed $ 482.1 million to fund the response plan. This sum covers 85% of the needs of the response plan. But two years after the military defeat of Daesh, 1.9 million people are still displaced, especially in the north and west of the country. One of the challenges for the return of refugees is the lack of mine-cleared homes and explosive remnants, the Special Representative said, calling on donors to fund the demining activity.
Mr. JONATHAN R. COHEN ( United States) thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, for his "exceptional" work in Iraq in recent years. On the political front, the representative welcomed the progress made in the country following the parliamentary elections last May. He called on the authorities to finalize the formation of the new government. He also called on the future government to fight against unemployment as a matter of priority, to guarantee access to electricity and water for the entire population of the country, and to allow the return "with dignity Displaced people. The US also urged the country's authorities to speed up the process of investigating crimes against civilians in the country.
With regard to the terrorist threat, the representative recalled that no terrorist act could overcome the determination of Iraqi citizens to complete the construction of a democratic State in Iraq. "This is a key moment in the history of the country," insisted the representative, urging in conclusion the new leaders of the country to live up to the expectations of their people.
Mr. MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI ( Kuwait ) commended the ability of the Iraqi people to rebuild their country on the basis of a democratic state, as evidenced, according to him, by the peaceful passage of power, within constitutional deadlines, following the May legislative elections latest.
In particular, he welcomed the election of Mr. Barham Salih as President of the Republic of Iraq and the appointment of Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister of the country. "There is no doubt that these leaders are trustworthy," he said, calling on the new leaders to finalize the formation of the Government within "reasonable" times.
With regard to UNAMI, he commended the United Nations for its efforts to build a "bright future" in Iraq, as part of the enhanced partnership between the Mission and the United Nations country team in Iraq. He called on the international community to continue to support the country to implement sustainable development.
In order to alleviate the suffering inflicted by Daesh on Iraqi residents, he said that his country financially supported rehabilitation programs for the liberated cities. However, Daesh continues to threaten the liberated areas, the spokesman said, calling for renewed efforts to combat the terrorist groups operating in Iraq and to prosecute the crimes committed against civilians.
With regard to Kuwaiti citizens and property reported missing since 1991, he commended the efforts of the Security Council to recover these assets and shed light on what happened at the time. He expressed his readiness to support Iraq in order to accelerate the conduct of the investigations, in keeping with the commitments made. However, since 2004, no progress has been made to find missing persons, he lamented, calling to close once and for all this file. He further emphasized that the missing Kuwaiti national archives were an invaluable asset for his country. He called for accelerating efforts to recover these assets.
Mrs ANNE GUEGUEN ( France ) recalled that Iraq had experienced a decisive shift this year, with its military victory over Da'esh and the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections and political alternation. "The new government must urgently address the implementation of electoral, economic and financial reforms as well as that of the security sector," said the representative. She said, however, that this dynamic of hope can only be successful if it remains mobilized in the fight against terrorism alongside the Iraqi forces to prevent Daesh from reappearing.
More generally, only national reconciliation and the implementation of inclusive governance that serves the interests of all parts of Iraqi society, including women, will help overcome terrorism, she said. After stressing the importance of supporting efforts to resume negotiations in Erbil in order to resolve the remaining outstanding issues, Ms. Gueguen said that priority should be given to rebuilding the country and, in particular, to implementation of the reconstruction plan drawn up at the Kuwait Conference. Finally, the French delegation reiterated its support for the Iraqis facing all the challenges facing them, recalling that France had spent nearly 60 million euros in Baghdad since 2017,
Mr. KACOU HOUADJA LÉON ADOM ( Côte d'Ivoire ) called on the new Government to make every effort to address the issue of the displaced, to ensure the reconstruction of the affected areas and to ensure equitable representation of women in the institutions. He praised the dialogue with the authorities of Kurdistan to overcome the dispute arising from the September 2017 referendum in order to settle the question of disputed borders once and for all.
Moreover, the recent discovery of 200 mass graves in areas previously under the control of "Islamic State" further convinces, in his view, the "urgent need" for the team of investigators for crimes committed by the Islamic State. ISIL to intensify its work in the field and to create "as soon as possible" a database modeled on the one established in Bosnia or Rwanda, in order to list the victims of barbarism.
Mr. VLADIMIR K. SAFRONKOV ( Russian Federation ) said that his country supported constructive measures to strengthen Iraq, which historically had been a factor of stability in the region. The Russian Federation appreciates that the elections went well and that a government was formed. His delegation respected the sovereign choice of the Iraqi people and believed that others should do the same.
The Russian Federation also welcomes the actions of its "partners" to combat terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), even though it finds that the group is still present in Iraq. In this regard, his delegation recalled that the Russian Federation had made an offer to create a grand global coalition for the fight against terrorism. This proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin remains valid, said the representative.
The Russian Federation is concerned, however, about the consequences for Iraq of measures aimed at destabilizing its Iranian neighbor. Iraq has the right to conduct good neighborly relations with its Iranian neighbor, without interference or the use of force, the Russian representative said.
Mr KAIRAT UMAROV ( Kazakhstan ) congratulated Iraq on the election of Mr Barham Salih as President of the Republic, the appointment of Mr Adil Abdul-Mahdi as his Prime Minister and the partial formation of the new Government. He also praised the Chamber of Deputies for overcoming the significant obstacles in the democratic process following the legislative elections last May. We are aware that "courageous measures" have been taken to encourage democracy and respect for the country's constitution, he said.
He then called on the Government to address as a priority the problem of access to public services for the entire Iraqi population. He also encouraged the authorities to strengthen the national economy and fight against the spread of religious and tribal tensions.
The Kazakh delegate also condemned the recent attacks in Baghdad and Sadr City, which he said were aimed at "demoralizing" Iraqi citizens as they are just beginning to "reap the benefits of peace." ". In the face of these crimes, Iraqis must above all preserve their unity, he said, calling on the authorities and the Special Representative to work for the integration of women and young people in the country's economic life, in particular to to avoid their radicalization.
The representative finally said he was horrified by the discovery of more than 200 mass graves in areas liberated from the yoke of Daesh. He called for ensuring that terrorists still in Iraq are "completely destroyed".
In addition, he welcomed the intention of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to return a first batch of Kuwaiti missing property through UNAMI. He called on the parties to redouble their efforts to resolve the issue of missing Kuwaiti property and citizens in order to normalize relations between the two countries.
Mr. GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA ( Peru ), while welcoming the composition of the Government of Iraq, said that it was "essential" for women to be represented in political forums. It is also important that it enjoys the support of all segments of Iraqi society and the international community, including the fight against impunity and the promotion of accountability.
Peru is also of the view that Iraq should not bear the regional interest charges. He must be able to be free, without the interference of investing and creating jobs for his youth, said the representative.
Mrs LISE GREGOIRE VAN HAAREN ( Netherlands ) called for the formation of a new inclusive government and for accountability, arguing that a diverse society wants to be reflected in its elected leaders, in an inclusive and representative government, with a strong participation of women. "Iraq can be proud to be the spearhead of women's empowerment in the Arab world for appointing a woman Minister in 1959," said the representative, hoping that this example is renewed. Ms. Van Haaren took the opportunity to congratulate Nadia Murad, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle for the Yazidi victims of sexual violence and the atrocities of Daesh.
The rehabilitation and integration of victims into society is precisely the priority of the second action plan on the implementation of Iraq's resolution 1325 (2000), said Van Haaren. But in the aftermath of Daesh's defeat, she hoped that the focus would also be on women's social and economic empowerment and the fight against impunity for perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence. She also highlighted UNAMI's commitment to the issue of Daesh's responsibility and the beginning of the investigation team's work in this regard, saying that it is up to the Mission and the Government to secure, collect and protect the evidence. The Netherlands, she said, decided to financially assist the investigation team.
Now that the Iraqi presidential election is over, Mr. MARIUSZ LEWICKI ( Poland) encouraged all political parties to work together not only in the implementation of economic and social reforms, but also in the reconstruction and stabilization of areas liberated from the yoke of the Islamic State. "As developments in recent months have shown, Iraqi citizens need an effective administration that meets the expectations of all," added the delegate. That is why he called on the newly elected government to focus on providing essential public services, good governance, job creation, improved living conditions, the fight against corruption, economic development as well as the return of displaced populations.
Regretting that no quality female politician had been elected to leadership positions, he called on the Government to ensure the representation of women at the highest levels of government. He finally focused on the justice that must be rendered to the victims of terrorist acts. Desiring fair trials and complying with international standards, he urged the Iraqi authorities to include sexual crimes in the prosecution of Islamic State fighters.
Mr SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLÍZ ( Bolivia ) commended the conduct of the parliamentary elections last May and the proclamation of the results by the Iraqi Supreme Court, following which the country had a new President and a Premier. Minister. He called on the various parliamentary coalitions to engage in dialogue to strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
In southern Iraq, the representative considered it urgent to provide for the needs of the population to prevent the persistence of violence, particularly in Basra province. He also regretted the persistence of asymmetric attacks by Daesh, including in Baghdad. He also took note of the discovery of more than 200 mass graves, in which there are thousands of Daesh victims. The Bolivian delegate called for preserving these mass graves, not only to return the bodies to the families of the victims, but also to accumulate evidence against the perpetrators of these crimes, in order to bring them to justice. It is also necessary to set up repair services for victims, he said.
Finally, he regretted the lack of progress in the return of Kuwaiti property and on the issue of missing Kuwaiti citizens. He noted the willingness of UNAMI to act as an intermediary in the process of property restitution. The representative called for a resolution of this issue once and for all, with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries.
Mr. JOB OBIANG ESONO MBENGONO ( Equatorial Guinea ) saw the election of a new president in Iraq as a sign of goodwill from the political actors and the country, in addition to the fact that it helps to emerge from the crisis. However, the violent demonstrations referred to in the report, which in some cases have had repercussions on diplomatic and consular facilities, are worrying the delegation, which hopes that the authorities will take all the necessary measures, particularly to meet the needs of the authorities. populations.
Equatorial Guinea also believes that the Government must continue its fight against terrorism and free the areas still controlled by Daesh. He also said it was important for Iraq to work with neighboring countries, including to respond to complaints about the violation of Iraq's airspace. The stability of this country is essential in the region, concluded the representative.
Mr STEPHEN HICKEY ( United Kingdom ) commended Iraq for successfully completing the electoral process and for the ongoing training of its new Government. However, he regretted the absence of women among the Ministers appointed so far. He further called on the future government to prioritize economic reforms and improve the social protection of the poorest. According to him, recent events in the south of the country demonstrate the importance of providing basic services to all Iraqis, including access to water and electricity. The representative also called for combating gender-based violence and promoting the integration of women into the political and economic life of the country.
Faced with the recent discovery of more than 200 mass graves, the representative called for the preservation and protection of these mass graves, in order to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes committed by Daesh.
Finally, the representative congratulated Ms Nadia Murad on obtaining the Nobel Peace Prize. Finally, he stressed the importance of resolving the issue of the return of missing Kuwaiti property with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries.
After congratulating the Iraqi people for completing the electoral process, Mr. DAWIT YIRGA WOLDEGERIMA ( Ethiopia ) noted the election of President Barham Salih and the appointment of Prime Minister Adil Abdel-Mahdi. The representative hoped that the new leaders would make every effort to form the new government within constitutional deadlines and that would meet the aspirations and expectations of the Iraqi people. Encouraged by progress in relations between Baghdad and Erbil, including the formation of the new government, the representative wanted the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to capitalize more on the positive momentum generated recently.
The representative commended the Government and the security forces for their efforts to eliminate the remains of Daesh from Iraq, particularly in the north and center of the country. This is a huge challenge facing the Government and people of Iraq. "We believe that a comprehensive response is needed to ensure lasting peace, promote national unity, stability and reconciliation, deal with the humanitarian situation and rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure," said the representative. In this regard, heightened regional and international cooperation is essential, he added, reiterating the Secretary-General's call to honor the commitments made at the International Conference in Kuwait for the Reconstruction of Iraq.
Mr JOAKIM VAVERKA ( Sweden) welcomed the confirmation of Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, as well as the partial formation of the Council of Ministers. He expressed disappointment, however, at the lack of women among the ministers appointed so far, arguing for greater inclusiveness. The Government, he said, must now work to meet the many challenges, particularly in the area of economic reforms, taking into account the need to provide basic services to the population, to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. It will also be necessary to respond to the root causes of the conflict with a view to guaranteeing peace and long-term development, he said.
Sweden then declared support for initiatives to strengthen the accountability of justice for violations of international law, citing Resolution 2379 (2017) as an example, which created the team of investigators to gather evidence. against Daesh. Welcoming the progress made by the Baghdad-Erbil dialogue, the representative recommended that the United Nations make optimal use of its good offices to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. Finally, he welcomed the inclusion, for the first time in the UNAMI mandate, of a women, peace and security component.
Mr. MA ZHAOXU ( China ) said that he welcomed the appointment of the new Government of Iraq. China hopes that it will continue to promote economic development, national reconciliation, lasting peace and security. His delegation also believed that the international community should support Iraq for that purpose, but with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It must also support the efforts of the United Nations and the good offices of the Special Representative, in particular to help the Iraqi parties settle their disputes through political channels, as well as those with Kuwait. China will continue to participate in Iraq's development efforts as much as possible, the representative said.
Mr MOHAMMED HUSSEIN BAHR ALULOOM ( Iraq ) recalled his country's support for UNAMI. He thanked the Secretary-General for having acceded to his Government's request to extend the mandate of the Special Representative for Iraq, Mr. Ján Kubiš, until mid-January 2019.
The Iraqis have just successfully completed their legislative elections, then boasted the representative. In his view, Iraq has behaved on this occasion as a "model of democracy", as evidenced, in his view, by the "peaceful transition of power" and the formation of the new Government, all in accordance with the planned timetable. by the Constitution. All of this shows Iraq's willingness to form an open Government capable of meeting the expectations of the Iraqi people, he said, before going into detail on the priorities of the global ministerial plan recently adopted by the new Government.
One of the plan's priorities, he said, will be to provide basic public services to Iraqi citizens in Basra province. The Government also intends to focus on the outstanding oil and financial management issues in the Kurdistan region, he added.
In addition, the new Government will undertake economic reforms to move the country from "an income economy to a market economy", to further support the private sector and to diversify the national income so as not to rely excessively on sales. oil.
As part of this comprehensive ministerial plan, the new Government also wants to improve the performance of public services throughout the country, he said, calling on the international community to provide financial support to the Iraqi authorities in this regard. The fight against corruption and the strategic allocation of financial resources will also feature prominently in the plan's priorities, he added.
In addition, he said that his Government intended to follow up on the results of the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, hosted this year by "the sister state of Kuwait". He called on the international community to support the country's authorities to strengthen infrastructure in cities liberated from the yoke of Daesh.
While Iraq has entered a new phase of its fight against the terrorist group, the representative considered it essential to focus on the social, political and economic stability of the country. In order to combat all remaining terrorist cells and prevent them from reappearing, the representative stressed the intention of the Iraqi authorities to strengthen all categories of national security forces, including the police and the army. On the other hand, he said, the new Government wants to fight against any non-state armed group or militia in the country.
The representative also welcomed the recognition of the tragedy of the Yazidis after Nadia Murad obtained the Nobel Peace Prize. However, he found it strange that the Secretary-General had referred in his report to racial discrimination in Iraq. There is no racial discrimination in my country, he said, rejecting the serious precedent established by the latter report, likely to "undermine the social peace" of the country. There is no discrimination against any social stratum in my country, he insisted.
The representative also said that the Iraqi authorities were currently trying to include women in the new Government.
He highlighted the country's significant need for mine clearance, which he said is the main reason for delays in returning IDPs to areas in Daesh. He called on the United Nations to further support demining efforts across the country, strengthening the presence and capabilities of the Mine Action Service in Iraq.
In addition, the representative considered that the use of the death penalty in cases of terrorist crimes was a sovereign right of his Government. As the Iraqi Penal Code does not recognize international crimes, he said the country's parliament is finalizing a bill for these crimes, particularly those committed by Daesh.
The representative further stated that no group could use the territory of Iraq to carry out attacks against other countries.
With regard to the missing Kuwaiti property and citizens, the representative assured that his Government was seeking to further improve its relations with Kuwait. Recently, he said, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a campaign calling on all citizens of the country to provide information about missing Kuwaiti property and citizens.
Finally, the representative thanked Mr. Kubiš for his efforts in Iraq and wished his successor successor to the post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the country.
IRAQ
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Re: Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People
http://undocs.org/en/S/2018/975
United Nations S/2018/975 Security Council
Implementation of resolution 2421 (2018) Report of the Secretary-General I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 2421 (2018), in which the Secretary-General was requested to report every three months on progress made towards fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The report covers key developments relating to Iraq and provides an update on the activities of the United Nations in Iraq since my previous report, dated 9 July 2018 (S/2018/677), and the briefing to the Security Council by my Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI on 8 August. II. Summary of key political developments A. Political situation 2. On 9 August 2018, the Independent High Electoral Commission’s Board of Judges announced the provisional results of the parliamentary elections held in Iraq on 12 May. The announcement followed the completion of a partial manual recount, which led to minimal changes to the original results that were first announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission on 19 May. On 19 August, the Federal Supreme Court officially certified the election results, marking the start of the 90-day constitutional timetable for convening the Council of Representatives (the parliament) and forming the Government. In accordance with constitutional requirements, on 27 August the President of Iraq, Fuad Masum, issued a decree inviting the new Council of Representatives to convene its first session within the constitutional time frame. 3. On 3 September, the fourth Council of Representatives under the Constitution of 2005 held its inaugural session under the chairmanship of the eldest parliamentary member and interim Speaker, Mohammed Ali al-Zaini. Following a swearing-in ceremony, the new parliamentarians aimed to proceed with the formation of the largest parliamentary bloc and the election of a new Speaker and the two Deputy Speakers, in accordance with constitutional requirements. Two parliamentary blocs subsequently submitted their respective lists to the interim Speaker: the “Reform and Construction” bloc formed by Muqtada al-Sadr (Sa’iron Alliance), Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi (Nasr (Victory Alliance)), Ammar al-Hakim (National Wisdom Movement), Iyad Allawi (Wataniya Alliance) and Osama al-Nujaifi (Iraqi Decision S/2018/975 2/16 18-18269 Alliance); and the “Construction” bloc formed by Nouri al-Maliki (State of Law), Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) and individual parliamentarians previously affiliated with Nasr, the Iraqi Decision Alliance, the Wataniya Alliance and other groups. With each of the two blocs claiming to be the largest and thus entitled to form the Government, there was controversy over whether individual parliamentarians could join other political parties after the ratification of the election results. Amid legal and procedural disagreements, recommendations were made to seek the advice of the Federal Supreme Court as to which of the two blocs had the largest number of seats. The interim Speaker announced that the session would resume the following day, but on 4 September, the Council failed to convene due to the lack of a quorum. After consulting with the heads of the parliamentary blocs, the interim Speaker announced that the first session would resume on 15 September. 4. The emergence of two parliamentary blocs, each claiming authority to form the Government, reflects the political fragmentation that has characterized the negotiations on government formation. The two Shia election frontrunners, Muqtada al-Sadr (Sa’iron Alliance) and Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) have been competing to win the parliamentary majority. While the Fatah coalition reached out to Sunni and Kurdish parties to establish the “Construction” bloc, the Sa’iron Alliance consolidated the “Reform and Construction” bloc with the National Wisdom Movement, Nasr and Wataniya Alliance coalitions on 19 August. Earlier, on 14 August, prominent Sunni leaders, including Osama al-Nujaifi and Khamis al-Khanjar (Iraqi Decision Alliance), Jamal al-Karbouli (Al-Hal) and Salim al-Jubouri (Wataniya Alliance), had announced the formation of the “Mihwar al-Watani Alliance” to engage in negotiations as a single Sunni entity, but individual negotiations with the two larger blocs eventually led to the splitting of that Alliance. Divisions have also remained among the Kurdish political parties, both between the two larger parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and between those two parties and smaller opposition parties, including the Movement for Change (Gorran) and the Coalition for Democracy and Justice. 5. The first session of the Council of Representatives resumed on 15 September with the aim of electing the new Speaker and the two Deputy Speakers. By the time of voting, the list of candidates for the Speaker position had narrowed to three individuals: Mohammed al-Halbousi (Al-Hal), Khalid al-Obaidi (Nasr) and Osama al-Nujaifi (Iraqi National Decision). Securing 169 votes cast in a secret ballot, Mohammed al-Halbousi was elected the new Speaker. The posts of the First and Second Deputy Speakers went to Hassan al-Kaabi (Sa’iron Alliance) and Bashir Haddad (Kurdistan Democratic Party), respectively. 6. On 17 September, the Council of Representatives called for the candidates fo r the position of President of Iraq to submit their applications by 23 September, in accordance with the constitutional time frame. For the first time under the Constitution, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan did not present a common presidential candidate. The Kurdistan Democratic Party nominated Fuad Hussein, the current Chief of Staff to the President of the Kurdistan Region, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan nominated its former member Barham Salih. Notably, an independent female politician, Sarwa Abdul Wahid (formerly Movement for Change (Gorran)), nominated herself for the Presidency, as did many other female candidates. 7. On 2 October, the Council of Representatives held a voting session to elect the new President. Among 20 candidates, Barham Salih and Fuad Hussein received the highest number of votes, 165 and 89 respectively. Female candidate Sarwa Abdul Wahid received 18 votes. As no candidate achieved the required two-thirds majority, the new Speaker called for a second round of voting with the two leading candidates. In the second round, Barham Salih garnered the required majority with 219 votes. S/2018/975 18-18269 3/16 Fuad Hussein obtained 22 votes. Thereafter, Barham Salih was sworn in as President of Iraq before the Council of Representatives. 8. Following his election, the President held a meeting with the new Speaker, the Chair of the Federal Supreme Court, Medhat al-Mahmoud, representatives of the “Reform and Construction” and the “Construction” parliamentary blocs and former Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi in order to discuss the nomination of the Prime Ministerdesignate. Upon an agreement between and the recommendation of the two largest alliances, the President appointed Adil Abdul-Mahdi as the Prime Minister-designate, charging him with forming a new Government within the 30-day constitutional timeline. 9. Demonstrations intensified over the lack of basic services in southern Iraq during the reporting period. On 20 August, owing to water contamination and the deteriorating health and environmental situation, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights called on the Government to declare Basrah a “disaster area”. Street protests resumed and, though they were initially peaceful, violent incidents began occurring in early September. Incidents included clashes between the protesters and the security forces, the burning of official and political party buildings, attacks against the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Basrah and the Basrah headquarters of the popular mobilization forces, as well as indirect fire in the vicinity of the Consulate of the United States of America in Basrah and the United States Embassy in Baghdad. On 7 September, protests were reported in Baghdad. On 25 September, a female civil activist was shot dead in Basrah. On 28 September, the United States decided to close and evacuate its Consulate in Basrah Governorate owing to security concerns. 10. Many political parties and leaders expressed grave concerns about the situation in Basrah, urging the Government to ensure the safety of the protesters and to respond to the legitimate demands of citizens. Notably, in a televised speech on 6 September, Muqtada al-Sadr called on the new Council of Representatives to hold an extraordinary session to discuss possible actions. On 8 September, the Council held its first extraordinary session under the interim Speaker and in the presence of Prime Minister Al Abadi, the Ministers for Health, Interior, Electricity, Water Resources and Reconstruction, as well as the Governor of Basrah, Asaad al-Aidani. The Council agreed on several measures to support the people of Basrah, including the deployment of a ministerial team to oversee the implementation of those measures, the release of funds to the Governorate, the provision of support for civil society reconstruction initiatives and the promotion of dialogue with youth on reforms. 11. The Government has sustained its efforts to address the demands of citizens, taking a series of administrative and security measures. On 10 September, the Prime Minister led a ministerial delegation to Basrah. In the wake of his visit, the Government issued a number of resolutions pertaining to the maintenance and rehabilitation of water and sewage facilities, the provision of funds and mat erials, the distribution of food allowances and the development of procedures to address unemployment in Basrah. As part of security measures, on 28 September, the Prime Minister ordered immediate action by the Ministry of Interior to investigate recent incidents of assassination and kidnapping in Basrah, Baghdad and other locations. On 2 October, the Prime Minister stated that 2,000 additional security personnel had been deployed to Basrah and called for an evaluation of the performance of provincial police forces. On 18 September, the new Speaker visited Basrah to discuss the situation with governorate officials. On 27 September, the Council of Representatives endorsed a series of recommendations, including a proposal to investigate the performance of the Ministers for Health, Water Resources and Municipalities and to request those ministries to develop a strategic plan to resolve the crisis in Basrah. S/2018/975 4/16 18-18269 12. On 30 September, the Kurdistan Region held its fourth parliamentary elections, which were the first electoral process to be conducted by the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission. Field reports gathered by the Commission indicated that all 5,941 polling stations in 1,260 polling centres throughout the Region opened and closed on time. In addition, on 28 September, 471 polling stations in 99 polling centres were set up for the use of security forces, so they could vote in advance. Of approximately 3 million eligible voters, the Commission reported voter turnout at 58.0 per cent for regular voting and 91.7 per cent for special voting by security forces. A total of 773 candidates belonging to 29 entities ran for 111 seats. A total of 241 female candidates (31 per cent) ran for election, in line with Kurdistan parliamentary election law, which stipulates that 30 per cent of parliamentary seats be allocated to women. 13. Election day unfolded, by and large, in a peaceful and orderly fashion across the Kurdistan Region. In the days that followed, allegations of fraud and vote -rigging surfaced. On 1 October, the New Generation Movement stated it would reject the results of the elections and boycott the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region because of the alleged fraud. 14. On 1 October, the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission announced that the results of the elections would be issued only after all complaints filed by political entities had been settled. On 3 October, the Commission stated that it would delay the announcement of the preliminary results owing to outstanding complaints. On 4 October, based on a tally of 85 per cent of the ballot, partial results were announced indicating the number of votes garnered by various coalitions and political parties. The Commission has yet to announce the final results. B. Relations between Baghdad and Erbil 15. Deliberations between the federal Government and Kurdistan Regional Government over outstanding issues were overshadowed by the negotiations on government formation. Nonetheless, progress occurred on issues related to oil and transport. On 14 August, the Federal Supreme Court held a session to rule on an appeal over the unconstitutionality of the Kurdistan Region extracting oil from its territory for direct sale. The lawsuit was brought by the Iraqi Minister for Oil against the Kurdistan Region Minister for Natural Resources. The Court ruled that the case included technical aspects which required the expertise of a legal specialist and decided to postpone the hearing until such a specialist was designated. On 3 October, the Federal Supreme Court announced that it had appointed three oil experts, who were expected to submit their report on 6 November. 16. On 19 August, the main road connecting Erbil and Kirkuk was officially reopened. It had been closed since 16 October 2017 during clashes between Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces. 17. Also on 19 August, the Sunni Mihwar al-Watani Alliance visited Erbil to discuss the political process in Iraq, including the formation of the new Government. The Alliance met separately with the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, and a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. They reiterated the need for a political agreement with written guarantees and commitments to be respected by all political parties. They decided to continue a collaborative relationship and maintain active participation in the political process. On 25 August, the Mihwar al-Watani Alliance confirmed that negotiations with the Kurdish side had reached an advanced stage in preparation for the signing of a document that could be the basis for rebuilding the State. S/2018/975 18-18269 5/16 18. The following day, on 26 August, a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan met with President Masum in Baghdad to consult on the formation of a large parliamentary bloc in preparation for the formation of the new Government. The delegation visited Baghdad again on 1 September to meet with political parties. 19. On 27 August, a joint delegation comprising members of Sa’iron Alliance, Nasr, National Wisdom Movement and Wataniya Alliance coalitions visited Erbil and met with Masoud Barzani and a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The topics discussed included the formation of the new Government, the programme of the new Iraqi Council of Representatives and ways to build partnership to administer the country, implement the Constitution, respond to the demands of protesters in the southern governorates, reconstruct the liberated areas and enhance social justice. 20. On 4 October, Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) visited Erbil and met Masoud Barzani, Kurdish Regional Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Kurdish Regional Security Council Chair Masrour Barzani. The topics discussed included the participation of all Kurdistan parties in the government formation process, which would facilitate addressing outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. C. Security situation 21. Operations conducted by Iraqi security forces during the reporting period concentrated on pursuing remnants of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in northern and north-central Iraq, in conjunction with ongoing efforts to clear liberated areas of explosives and other hazardous materials. The capacity of Iraqi security forces to remove armed elements from cleared areas, or at least to suppress insurgent activity, is vital to the country’s transition from recovery to reconstruction. 22. Iraqi civilians continue to bear the brunt of the insecurity in the country. Meanwhile, asymmetric attacks continue to target the Iraqi security forces in northern and north-central Iraq (Ninawa, Salah al-Din and Kirkuk) and in the central region (Diyala, Anbar and Baghdad). 23. In northern Iraq, Turkish airstrikes against Kurdistan Workers’ Party targets continued along the border between Iraq and Turkey. On 15 August, the Armed Forces of Turkey reported the killing of Ismail Özden, a leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in Sinjar. In reaction to the airstrikes, hundreds of Yazidis demonstrated on 16 August in Sinuni, demanding the establishment of a no-fly zone in Sinjar. On 17 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Turkish attacks on Sinjar and denied any coordination between Baghdad and Ankara on the airstrikes. The Ministry urged Turkey to withdraw its ground forces from Ba‘shiqah as, in its stated view, their presence violated international conventions and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty. On 18 August, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that military operations would continue along the southern borders of Turkey, including inside the Sinjar and Makhmur districts of Iraq. Between 22 August and 5 September, Turkish airstrikes targeted the northern Governorates of Dahuk and Erbil. Turkish forces have reported that the attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 20 Kurdistan Workers’ Party members. On 16 September, the Prime Minister of Iraq ordered the deployment of Iraqi federal border guards along the Iraq -Turkey border to protect the border and prevent violations of national sovereignty. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document and report such violations to the United Nations and the National Security Council. 24. On 6 September, protesters in Basrah set fire to a number of government, media and political party buildings. No casualties were reported. On 7 September, unknown S/2018/975 6/16 18-18269 perpetrators attacked and set fire to the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Basrah (the Consulate has in the meantime been reopened in other premises). Protesters then attacked and set fire to the headquarters of the popular mobilization forces. During the night of 7 and 8 September, three mortars struck the International Zone in Baghdad in the vicinity of the United States Embassy. On the same day, four mortars were fired towards the United States Consulate in Basrah, next to Basrah airport. On 28 September, another instance of indirect fire was reported in the vicinity of the United States Consulate in Basrah. On the same day, the United States decided to close and evacuate its Consulate in Basrah over security concerns. 25. On 8 September, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps fired seven shortrange surface-to-surface missiles at the headquarters of two Iranian opposition groups in Kuyah, northern Iraq. At least 11 persons affiliated with those groups were reportedly killed. In reaction, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Ibrahim Al-Jafari, underlined the country’s opposition to Iranian bombings of Iranian Kurdish communities on Iraqi soil. 26. During the reporting period, disputes arose over the structure and deployment of the popular mobilization forces. On 2 and 18 August, the Deputy Director of the Popular Mobilization Commission, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, issued three orders on the restructuring and redeployment of the popular mobilization forces, commencing in Sunni-populated areas of Ninawa. On 9 August, the popular mobilization forces began to withdraw from the Rabi’a and Zummar subdistricts of Tall Afar and from parts of Sinjar. On 21 August, the Prime Minister cancelled the orders, recalling that the Popular Mobilization Commission leadership did not have the legal authority to reorganize or redeploy the popular mobilization forces without prior consultation with the Commander-in-Chief and coordination with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. On 24 August, the Prime Minister’s office released a statement highlighting that the removal of popular mobilization forces units from large cities should not be subje ct to political pressure and that redeployments might offer an opportunity for terrorists to launch attacks. On 3 September, the Prime Minister declared that he would henceforth head the Popular Mobilization Commission. D. Regional and international developments 27. There have been widespread calls among the international community for the swift formation of an inclusive, non-sectarian and pro-reform Government to respond to the aspirations of the Iraqi people. Neighbouring countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, transmitted congratulatory messages to the new Iraqi government officials for their election wins and appointments. On 3 October, the new Speaker of the Council of Representatives participated in the Arab Parliament Conference held in Cairo, where he expressed his country’s aspirations for stronger relations with Arab States with regard to economic issues and fighting global terrorism. 28. In early September, escalating violence in the southern part of Iraq resulted in calls, including by the European Commission and regional neighbours, for calm and restraint on the part of the Iraqi security forces. 29. The Government of Iraq has continued to seek support from neighbouring countries and the wider international community, including the international counterISIL coalition and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to address the country’s urgent economic, political and security challenges. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Ministers for Oil, Agriculture and Water Resources, met the President of Turkey in Ankara on 14 August to discuss issues related to trade, transboundary water quotas, agriculture, energy and security. Reportedly, the S/2018/975 18-18269 7/16 President of Turkey committed to providing Iraq with its water quota in full. Condemning attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party against neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister of Iraq stated that the National Security Council had prepared a plan to prevent such attacks through joint control of the borders with Turkey. He also expressed support for the reopening of Turkish consulates in Basrah and Mosul and the opening of a second border-crossing point on the Iraq-Turkey border to expand oil exports through Turkey. 30. On 7 August, the Prime Minister stated that although Iraq considered the sanctions by the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran a strategic mistake, it would abide by them to protect its own interests. The next day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement calling on the international community to exert pressure on the United States Administration to withdraw the sanctions. The Prime Minister clarified, on 13 August, that his previous statement had only referred to transactions in United States dollars with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that the Central Bank of Iraq had issued a directive to that effect. On 28 August, the Government of Iraq said it would send a delegation to the United States to request sanctions exemptions for Iraq. 31. On 1 and 2 September, Iraq hosted a meeting of the quadrilateral alliance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic to discuss joint efforts in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. Following the Prime Minister’s request for further NATO support, and the approval of a NATO training mission for Iraq earlier in the year, Iraq welcomed the decision by NATO to support the professionalization of the Iraqi security forces through the establishment of military schools. In addition, Operation Inherent Resolve issued a statement on 19 August confirming that United States troops remained committed to providing support for Iraq on the ground, an effort deemed essential for stabilization efforts and cooperation against ISIL. III. Update on the activities of the Mission and the United Nations country team A. Political activities 32. My Special Representative for Iraq and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance continued to engage with the Independent High Electoral Commission, representatives of political parties, government officials, parliamentarians, women’s groups, civil society, religious and community leaders. On 9 August, the Independent High Electoral Commission’s Board of Judges announced the final electoral results. Throughout the recount process, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance visited recount centres in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. Throughout the recount process, an experienced team of United Nations electoral experts provided advice and assistance. 33. In anticipation of the formation of the new Government, my Special Representative met with numerous political leaders and actors, as well as the newly elected Council of Representatives in Baghdad. My Special Representative visited Amman, Tehran and Washington, D.C., to seek regional and international support for an inclusive and balanced Government in Iraq, and also held high-level meetings in New York on the margins of the General Assembly. My Special Representative urged the newly elected parliamentarians to assume their duties and act responsibly without delay in the government formation process. 34. As part of the Mission’s advocacy efforts to promote effective participation and representation of women in political and decision-making processes in Iraq, my S/2018/975 8/16 18-18269 Special Representative and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance met separately with Iraqi women who ran for election to the Council of Representatives. Similarly, they also met with women activists from the Iraqi Women Network and from Alliance 1325, each of which comprised more than 200 civil society representatives, lawyers, academics and media activists. Discussions with parliamentarians focused on their efforts and vision for working collaboratively across the political spectrum, including the possible establishment of a women’s parliamentary caucus to promote and strengthen gender equality in Government programmes, the inclusion of women in leading positions and the adoption of laws that would help advance women’s rights. My Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative continued to meet with the heads of political blocs to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of women in the government formation negotiations and their representation at all levels of decision-making in the executive branch. 35. On 3 October, a cross-sector task force on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), with support from Euromed Feminist Initiative, organized a high-level consultation meeting to develop a second national action plan on implementing Council resolution 1325 (2000). My Special Representative impressed on political leaders the need to deliver on their pledges to empower women and advance their rights as part of the democratic entitlement of all Iraqis, thus strengthening equal representation and inclusiveness. 36. In the lead-up to the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance and the UNAMI office tasked with managing electoral affairs continued to engage with the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission to discuss progress on preparations for the elections and respond to the Commission’s request for the provision of United Nations technical support, in line with the Mission’s mandate and resources. 37. My Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance met with members of the Black Iraqi, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, Christian and Shabak communities in Basrah, Erbil and Ninawa as part of efforts by UNAMI to address the concerns of the diverse ethnic and religious minority communities of Iraq. In line with those efforts, my Deputy Special Representative addressed the first international conference on the human rights abuses committed against the Yazidi that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and, possibly, genocide, supporting the efforts of Iraqi and Kurdistan Region authorities to tackle impunity and bring to justice the perpetrators of those horrendous crimes. B. Electoral assistance 38. On 9 August, the Board of Judges appointed to conduct the recount process announced the provisional results of the parliamentary elections of 12 May. During the subsequent appeal period, a total of 253 appeals were received and forwarded by the Independent High Electoral Commission to the Electoral Judicial Panel. On 16 August, the Panel completed the adjudication of all 253 appeals, well ahead of the 10-day legal time limit, which triggered the submission of the results for certification by the Federal Supreme Court. On 19 August, the Federal Supreme Court formally endorsed the list of the 329 newly elected parliamentarians, marking the start of the constitutionally mandated timeline for convening the Council of Representatives and the subsequent government formation process. 39. In line with the provisions of the third amendment to the Council of Representatives electoral law, the task of the assigned Board of Judges ended upon the certification by the Federal Supreme Court of the final election results. Although S/2018/975 18-18269 9/16 the Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission tried to resume their duties, they were barred from doing so owing to an ongoing investigation initiated by the Government concerning fraud allegations during the holding of the elections. 40. The Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission managed preparations for the holding of regional parliamentary elections on 30 September. Pursuant to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Iraqi and Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commissions, the latter submitted letters to the former requesting United Nations support in organizing the regional parliamentary electio ns. Support by UNAMI was requested and provided in the areas of data transfer and entry, the tabulation of results, electoral complaints and dispute resolution. On 15 August, the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission published the names of 773 candidates, 241 of whom were women. The Kurdistan Commission also announced the start of the process of recruiting more than 42,000 staff for election day. 41. In addition to providing electoral technical expertise, UNAMI also deployed teams of election watchers on election day. They visited scores of polling centres and stations in all the governorates of the Kurdistan Region to get a snapshot of election day developments. My Special Representative visited polling locations in Erbil, and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance visited polling locations in Sulaymaniyah and Halabjah, and spoke to the media, urging voters to participate in the polls and highlighting the importance of strengthening and consolidating the democratic processes in the Kurdistan Region. Following his visit to the polling stations, my Special Representative met with the Board of Commissioners of the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission, who expressed appreciation and requested that United Nations electoral support be continued. 42. At the close of the submission period, a total of 1,045 complaints were submitted concerning the parliamentary elections of 30 September and the special voting of the security forces that took place on 28 September. A special panel was formed by the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission to process those complaints, with UNAMI providing advice on methodology. On 4 October, the Commission released a partial tally of the votes, based on 85 per cent of the ballot, indicating the votes garnered by the political entities that ran in the elections. Data entry of the results regarding entities and their candidates is ongoing, with the Commission aiming to announce the full results once all ballots are tabulated and the Commission completes the review and adjudication of all the complaints. C. Human rights and rule of law developments and activities 43. Civilian casualties from 9 August to 9 October totalled 281: 96 killed, including 6 women, and 185 wounded, including 8 women. That was a far lower number than during the same period in 2017, when 708 civilian casualties were recorded (266 killed and 442 wounded). The leading cause of civilian casualties during the reporting period was improvised explosive devices. Such attacks, often claimed by ISIL, pose a threat to civilians in Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Ninawa, Kirkuk, Diyala, Anbar and Sulaymaniyah Governorates. Another leading cause of civilian casualties was small arms fire. 44. ISIL continued to kill and wound civilians, police and members of popular mobilization forces in Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninawa and Salah al-Din Governorates. On 18 August, in Bayya‘, south-western Baghdad, ISIL claimed responsibility for an improvised explosive device attack on public transport that killed three and wounded S/2018/975 10/16 18-18269 eight more. On 10 August, at a football game in Sharqat district of Salah al-Din Governorate, ISIL gunmen shot and killed five civilians and wounded six others, including two children. In Baghdad, six explosions were carried out by unknown persons in a one-week period, killing 6 civilians and wounding 16. 45. The Iraqi authorities conducted a series of raids in and around Mosul, arresting and killing several ISIL fighters, including women fighters. Iraqi authorities also found an ISIL explosives factory in Sinjar district. On 13 August, local police arrested five Iraqi women suspected of being affiliated with ISIL at their home in the Amin neighbourhood in eastern Mosul. On 26 August, local police arrested 41 individuals, including five women, suspected of affiliation with ISIL, in the Badush and Qayyarah subdistricts of Mosul. 46. In Kirkuk and Ninawa Governorates, ISIL continued to target and kill local mayors, accusing those officials of providing information on their movements to the Government. Between 1 January and 18 August, in Ninawa Governorate, seven mayors were killed and two others wounded. On 15 August, an armed group shot and killed the mayor of the Tall al-Rumman neighbourhood in western Mosul. Similarly, on 17 August, two masked gunmen on a motorbike shot and killed the mayor of the Yarmuk neighbourhood in western Mosul. 47. Since June 2014, UNAMI has received reports of 202 mass graves, the overwhelming majority of which reportedly contain victims of ISIL. Current estimates provided to UNAMI range from 6,000 to more than 12,000 victims. UNAMI continues to advocate for the appropriate protection of the mass graves to collect, secure and preserve the evidence. In addition, UNAMI recommends that information on missing persons be centralized and greater transparency be provided with regard to the families of the missing. 48. Iraqi courts continued to issue death sentences for terrorism-related crimes. On 13 August, the Ninawa Criminal Court in Mosul sentenced an ISIL fighter to death for killing security personnel and improvised explosive device attacks in Ninawa Governorate in 2014. On 15 August, the court imposed life sentences on three defendants for providing logistical support to ISIL in Ninawa. On 16 August, the Salah al-Din Criminal Court sentenced one man to death for participating in the killing of the Police Chief of Dulu‘iyah. According to the Supreme Judicial Council, as of the time of writing, 100 persons have been sentenced to death in 2018: 24 women (23 of them foreigners, including 17 from Turkey, 3 from Kyrgyzstan, 2 from Azerbaijan and 1 from Germany) and 76 men. On 16 August, the Ministry of Justice announced the execution of six defendants, without further details. That brought the total number of executions publicly announced in 2018 by the Ministry of Justice to 32. UNAMI has made repeated requests to the Ministry of Justice for more details regarding death sentences and executions, to no avail. 49. On 29 August, the Department of Yazidi Affairs in the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in the Kurdistan Regional Government reported that of the 6,417 Yazidis (3,548 women and 2,869 men) abducted by ISIL since August 2014, fewer than half have been freed or escaped. On the same day, the Department also reported that 3,095 Yazidis (1,845 children and 1,250 women) remained in ISIL captivity or were missing. No men remain in ISIL captivity. Those abducted have either escaped or been freed, or have been executed by ISIL. 50. Bodies of civilians continued to be recovered from the rubble in Mosul. The civilian defence corps informed UNAMI that 4,514 bodies, all civilians, had been recovered as of the time of writing. 51. UNAMI continued its monitoring of trials in Iraq (including those of alleged ISIL members) and remains concerned about the lack of consistent adherence to the
requirements of due process and a fair trial, in particular the failure of the courts to investigate allegations by defendants that confessions were obtained through torture or other forms of ill-treatment and the passive role played by defence counsel, thus undermining a defendant’s right to effective counsel. 52. UNAMI continued its engagement on ISIL accountability. UNAMI provided assistance to the Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), to support Iraqi efforts to hold the group accountable for its crimes committed in Iraq. During the first visit of the Special Adviser to Iraq, from 6 to 14 August, UNAMI staff briefed the Special Adviser on their concerns regarding the country’s compliance with national law and international human rights law and standards. UNAMI also supported the Special Adviser’s meetings with key government actors, judicial officials, civil society, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Commission on Missing Persons. 53. During the reporting period, public protests continued in 10 governorates with regard to the lack of employment opportunities and basic services and the ubiquity of corruption. According to the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, reported casualties between 9 August and 3 October from the Basrah demonstrations reached 18 civilians killed (17 men and 1 woman), 155 civilians injured (all men) and 43 members of the security forces injured. On 6 September, the bodies of four men were received by the Forensic Department in Jamhouriyah Hospital in Basrah. According to several reports, three of them had been shot in the head. On 25 September, Suad Habeeb Lijlaj al-Ali, a human rights activist, was killed in the Abbasiyah area of Basrah. UNAMI has been calling for prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into those killings. Since 1 September, according to the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, 27 men have been arrested in Basrah for participating in demonstrations; 18 of them have been released, but the remaining 9 are being detained under judicial orders. UNAMI continues to monitor the issue of access by families to their relatives in detention in Basrah. 54. On 14 August, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights and authorities in the Kurdistan Region met and agreed, in accordance with Law No. 53 of 2008 of the Commission, to open a regional office affiliated with the Commission in Erbil. Attempts in 2012 to open such an office were prevented by the conditions prevailing in the country. 55. The country task force on monitoring and reporting, co-chaired by UNAMI and the United Nations Children’s Fund, verified 16 grave violations against children that resulted in the killing of 3 boys and 4 girls and the maiming of 14 boys and 4 girls. The incidents mainly related to explosive hazards and weapons in Anbar, Karbala ’, Kirkuk, Ninawa and Dhi Qar Governorates. There were also four additional incidents of killing and maiming which have been reported but not yet verified. During the reporting period, the country task force initiated discussions with the Government and submitted for consideration a draft action plan to prevent and end the recruitment and use of children by the popular mobilization forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated that they would revert with comments and feedback after formation of the new Government. 56. The Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements Technical Working Group on conflict-related sexual violence has increased its efforts to analyse trends and patterns on conflict-related sexual violence, with a view to enhancing coordination in programmatic responses, advocacy and accountability. To that end, on 16 August, the Working Group undertook a mission to an internally displaced persons camp in Ninawa Governorate to examine the extent to which indicators on S/2018/975 12/16 18-18269 conflict-related sexual violence were prevalent in the camp, identify gaps in response to conflict-related sexual violence and propose recommendations. D. Humanitarian assistance, stabilization and development 57. The humanitarian context in Iraq is entering a new stage. More than 1.8 million people remain displaced inside Iraq, and many express an unwillingness to return to their areas of origin owing to concerns regarding security and community reconciliation, the destruction of property, insufficient services and livelihoods and the lack of progress in clearing explosive hazards. While the decline in the number of internally displaced persons to less than 2 million (after a high of more than 5 million) is a significant achievement, the focus must now be placed on integration and resettlement into third locations inside Iraq. Additional attention and resources also need to be directed towards prioritizing the cases of internally displaced persons who need protection, especially with regard to families who have perceived ISIL affiliations. 58. Humanitarian actors reached 382,621 vulnerable Iraqis with some form of humanitarian assistance during the reporting period. Some partners reported that delays in disbursements and shortages in funding continued to negatively affect their programming; by the end of August, the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan had received only $343 million (60 per cent) of the $569 million requested. 59. With regard to stabilization, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Funding Facility for Stabilization reached a new milestone by completing more than 1,200 projects across all major sectors in 31 areas of operation. Hospitals in Ramadi and Fallujah are now under construction, and together will support nearly a million women, children and men in Anbar Governorate. The second phase o f the Hamdaniyah Hospital in Ninawa is under way, while the completed surgical wards, maternity ward and other repaired facilities are already in operation. Outside the health sector, bridges were an important focus for expanded stabilization during the reporting period, with the completion of the iconic Fallujah Iron Bridge, following the removal by experts from the Mine Action Service of explosive hazards found underwater. Repairs to another three major bridges are ongoing in Fallujah and Ramadi. UNDP has also begun a vital housing project to support returnees in western Mosul. 60. The United Nations country team continued to support longer-term recovery and reconstruction efforts. The recovery and resilience programme, established at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in February 2018, finalized its results framework to define expected impacts in four key development areas. In addition, the programme’s terms of reference for its funding mechanism were drafted in close coordination with the Government of Iraq, the World Bank and the UNDP Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office. 61. In September 2018, my Deputy Special Representative for Development and Humanitarian Affairs and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator participated in an international conference for the rehabilitation of the city of Mosul entitled “Revive the spirit of Mosul”, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of Iraq, in Paris. During the conference, a high-level initiative to support the reconstruction of heritage sites and the revival of cultural life and educational institutions in Mosul was launched. The United Arab Emirates has funded the ongoing restoration and reconstruction of the Nuri mosque and its Hadba’ minaret. 62. UNDP is also establishing and maintaining local peace committees in Ninawa, Salah al-Din, Anbar and Diyala Governorates. During August, training sessions on S/2018/975 18-18269 13/16 conflict management and mediation were delivered to four of those committees, targeting 100 community leaders (with a focus on minorities), to strengthen skills and capacities for community reconciliation at the local level. 63. Also in August, UNDP began a pilot project with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to collect stories from women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in newly liberated areas. The initiative will develop a new therapeutic approach to support victims and provide information to the Government of Iraq as it refines its social protection and transitional justice policies. 64. From 3 to 5 September, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Government of Iraq and the Gender-Based Violence Sub-Cluster rolled out inter-agency standard operating procedures for gender-based violence in the southcentral region of Iraq. They consist of guiding principles, procedures, roles and responsibilities for all actors in Iraq with regard to preventing and responding to gender-based violence; they also facilitate coordination and referrals to provide the immediate support that survivors of gender-based violence need. In addition, from 9 to 19 September UNFPA held a second stage of training to strengthen the capacity of the staff of women’s shelters. 65. In August, the Mine Action Service began a 15-week training on the disposal of explosive ordnance improvised explosive devices for police officers from Diyala, Ninawa, Anbar, Muthanna, Salah al-Din, Wasit and Kirkuk Governorates to increase the capacity of the Government to provide critical life-saving responses to suspected explosive hazards in affected liberated areas. 66. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations supported the rehabilitation of land and agricultural infrastructure for 4,000 conflict-affected people in 12 villages in Salah al-Din and Ninawa Governorates. That work has allowed farming activities to resume and introduced cash flows that have revitalized local markets and involved local communities to ensure sustainable results. 67. More traditional development work is increasingly building on stabilization, recovery and reconciliation. In August, the United Nations country team established a programme management team to better coordinate development activities across the United Nations system in Iraq. In response to the growing public demand for employment opportunities, the country team also formed a working group on job creation and livelihoods, which is co-chaired by UNDP and the World Bank. 68. On 5 September, UNESCO and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs launched, for the first time in Iraq, a national competency-based training programme targeting 300 young people, one third of them women, that meets the requirements of an agreed technical and vocational qualifications framework for Iraq. The training is focused on practical skills and, over the course of six months, will lead to recognized qualifications aligned to the needs of the labour market. 69. As the Government rebuilds its health systems, the World Health Organiza tion (WHO) is working closely with the Government through the Ministry of Health and other line ministries to agree on an action plan for the period 2018–2021. The plan will define priority areas where WHO will support the Government in rebuilding health systems that can substantially contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages, with three interlinked strategic priorities to achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies and promote healthier populations. 70. UNDP extended technical and financial support to the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the Sustainable Development Goals. At the federal level, in early August UNDP and the Ministry of Planning began a new project S/2018/975 14/16 18-18269 that focuses on the localization of the Goals with a view to channelling assistance on the Goals across Iraq at the national and subnational levels. 71. In August, the International Organization for Migration finalized a demographic survey of the Kurdistan Region in partnership with the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Planning and UNFPA. The survey provides a comprehensive profile of the current population’s demographics, including employment and income, housing, household possessions and literacy and education levels. The survey will support the capacity of the Government to shape its policies and deliver effective services to citizens. 72. Finally, UNDP held a national consultation in support of the efforts of the Government of Iraq to draft a strategy on critical infrastructure protection. The objective is to put in place capacities and systems to ensure that the country’s major facilities and important installations are protected from any form of risks triggered by natural, human-caused or technological hazards and security threats. E. Security and operational issues 73. The United Nations in Iraq continued to implement robust security risk mitigation measures to provide maximum safety and security to its agencies in the delivery of their programmes in a constantly fluid security environment. Mandatory security support for its political, humanitarian and development engagements and activities in the country remained closely coordinated with the Government of Iraq. The result of that strengthened coordination has been the successful provision of security to United Nations operations and personnel. 74. The implementation of the recommendations of the independent external review continued. The review of the function and staffing of the Integrated Coordination Office for Development and Humanitarian Affairs was completed in July and has led to a refocusing of the tasks of the Office of the Deputy Special Representative for Development and Humanitarian Affairs and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. In that context UNAMI has identified areas for potential efficiencies, to be presented as appropriate to the relevant United Nations budgetary bodies. In response to the review’s recommendations on establishing integrated teams, UNAMI and the United Nations country team are working more collaboratively by including representatives in their respective planning and strategy groups, such as the operations management team of the United Nations country team; strategy sessions on the crisis in the south of Iraq; the joint country team and UNAMI task force on coordination, common action and information-sharing; and a joint assessment mission which recently concluded the review of United Nations security architecture, pending the finaliz ation of its report. 75. In support of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), the Mission has secured the Government’s agreement to refurbish and reallocate an existing building in the International Zone, currently managed by UNAMI, to the Investigative Team. Simultaneously, the Mission has begun the procurement process needed to start renovating the structure, in coordination with and at the request of the Investigative Team. 76. Regarding progress made on the integrated United Nations compound in Baghdad, the construction of residential building “C” is likely to be completed by December 2018. That will add 116 accommodation units for staff. Meanwhile, a contract has been issued for the construction of a new office building that is expected to be completed by March 2020, providing 228 additional workstations for UNAMI and the United Nations country team. S/2018/975 18-18269 15/16 77. The United Nations system has agreed on a local cost-sharing budget that will include the expenses of the United Nations Guard Unit: the Mission will cover 70 per cent of the Unit’s costs, while the United Nations country team will cover 30 per cent. The costs are expected to be offset by contributions to common security arrangements made by the Investigative Team once it is deployed. IV. Observations 78. I congratulate Nadia Murad for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition she receives on behalf of all Yazidi and other Iraqis who were victims of and gravely suffered from the atrocities committed by ISIL. That recognition gives impetus to the efforts to locate the more than 1,000 Yazidi and other women and children who remain missing after their kidnapping by ISIL, and to the efforts to hold accountable those responsible for those crimes. 79. I congratulate the people of Iraq on the completion of their 2018 national electoral process, paving the way for the ongoing process of government formation. The orderly, smooth conduct of the recount and subsequent processes showcases the capacity within Iraqi institutions to address electoral-related complaints and appeals in line with established constitutional and legal parameters. I commend the efforts of the Independent High Electoral Commission staff and the Board of Judges on the partial manual recount process and welcome the certification by the Federal Supreme Court of the 2018 parliamentary election results. With the electoral process completed, it is now time for the country’s electoral and other institutions to review lessons learned from recent experiences, with the aim of taking forward electoralrelated reforms that meet public expectations. The United Nations remains available to support and engage with those processes. 80. The first Council of Representatives session held on 3 September, in accordance with the constitutional time frame, was a positive step towards establishing the new Government. I urge all political actors to remain committed to upholding peace and completing the formation of the Government in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions. I urge all political leaders, including the newly elected Council of Representatives and Prime Minister-designate, to act without delay in taking all the necessary steps to establish a new national, pro-reform Government that will effectively respond to people’s longstanding needs and deliver on their valid demands. 81. I welcome the smooth, democratic election of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, the election of Barham Salih as President of Iraq and the appointment of Adil Abdul-Mahdi as the Prime Minister-designate. The United Nations looks forward to working with the new constitutional leadership, the Council of Representatives and the future Governments in Iraq and in the Kurdistan Region. At the same time, I regret that none of the eminently qualified female political figures have so far been elected to senior leadership positions and I urge members of the Council of Representatives and political leaders to be true to their pledges and to elect women to senior leadership positions in the Council of Representatives and the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region, as well as future Governments in Baghdad and Erbil. 82. I note with grave concern the public service crisis in Basrah and other southern governorates, deplore the violence during protests and regret the casualties. I urge calm and call upon the authorities to avoid using disproportionate force against the demonstrators, provide the necessary protection for the people of Basrah and other governorates, ensure human rights while protecting law and order and investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the outbreak of violence. I call upon the S/2018/975 16/16 18-18269 Government of Iraq to do its utmost to respond to the people ’s rightful demands for clean water and electricity supplies, as a matter of urgency. 83. Following the Iraqi parliamentary elections of 12 May, relations between Baghdad and Erbil have displayed a positive trend. The elections provided Kurdistan political parties with an opportunity to participate constructively in the national political process. The federal Government continued to pay part of the salaries of civil servants in the Kurdistan Region and reopened the main road between Erbil and Kirkuk. However, many political issues have yet to be resolved. I am encour aged by the level of communication between Baghdad and Erbil during the government formation process, the commitment of both sides to expedite that process and the desire to resolve their outstanding issues on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution. 84. I emphasize that UNAMI remains strongly committed to providing all possible support to the Iraqi people, as well as to the Government of Iraq, in their quest to form an inclusive, non-sectarian and pro-reform Government. It is imperative that Iraq be allowed to pursue its own national interests in the process of government formation and not become a proxy theatre for confrontation by regional interests. Given the current social and economic pressures that the Government of Iraq is facing, I repeat my previous calls for all pledges made at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, held in February 2018, to be honoured. 85. I would like to thank my outgoing Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, Ján Kubiš, for his service at a challenging time in the country and the region. I would also like to express my gratitude to the national and international staff of UNAMI for their continued efforts in implementing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq.
United Nations S/2018/975 Security Council
Implementation of resolution 2421 (2018) Report of the Secretary-General I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 2421 (2018), in which the Secretary-General was requested to report every three months on progress made towards fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The report covers key developments relating to Iraq and provides an update on the activities of the United Nations in Iraq since my previous report, dated 9 July 2018 (S/2018/677), and the briefing to the Security Council by my Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI on 8 August. II. Summary of key political developments A. Political situation 2. On 9 August 2018, the Independent High Electoral Commission’s Board of Judges announced the provisional results of the parliamentary elections held in Iraq on 12 May. The announcement followed the completion of a partial manual recount, which led to minimal changes to the original results that were first announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission on 19 May. On 19 August, the Federal Supreme Court officially certified the election results, marking the start of the 90-day constitutional timetable for convening the Council of Representatives (the parliament) and forming the Government. In accordance with constitutional requirements, on 27 August the President of Iraq, Fuad Masum, issued a decree inviting the new Council of Representatives to convene its first session within the constitutional time frame. 3. On 3 September, the fourth Council of Representatives under the Constitution of 2005 held its inaugural session under the chairmanship of the eldest parliamentary member and interim Speaker, Mohammed Ali al-Zaini. Following a swearing-in ceremony, the new parliamentarians aimed to proceed with the formation of the largest parliamentary bloc and the election of a new Speaker and the two Deputy Speakers, in accordance with constitutional requirements. Two parliamentary blocs subsequently submitted their respective lists to the interim Speaker: the “Reform and Construction” bloc formed by Muqtada al-Sadr (Sa’iron Alliance), Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi (Nasr (Victory Alliance)), Ammar al-Hakim (National Wisdom Movement), Iyad Allawi (Wataniya Alliance) and Osama al-Nujaifi (Iraqi Decision S/2018/975 2/16 18-18269 Alliance); and the “Construction” bloc formed by Nouri al-Maliki (State of Law), Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) and individual parliamentarians previously affiliated with Nasr, the Iraqi Decision Alliance, the Wataniya Alliance and other groups. With each of the two blocs claiming to be the largest and thus entitled to form the Government, there was controversy over whether individual parliamentarians could join other political parties after the ratification of the election results. Amid legal and procedural disagreements, recommendations were made to seek the advice of the Federal Supreme Court as to which of the two blocs had the largest number of seats. The interim Speaker announced that the session would resume the following day, but on 4 September, the Council failed to convene due to the lack of a quorum. After consulting with the heads of the parliamentary blocs, the interim Speaker announced that the first session would resume on 15 September. 4. The emergence of two parliamentary blocs, each claiming authority to form the Government, reflects the political fragmentation that has characterized the negotiations on government formation. The two Shia election frontrunners, Muqtada al-Sadr (Sa’iron Alliance) and Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) have been competing to win the parliamentary majority. While the Fatah coalition reached out to Sunni and Kurdish parties to establish the “Construction” bloc, the Sa’iron Alliance consolidated the “Reform and Construction” bloc with the National Wisdom Movement, Nasr and Wataniya Alliance coalitions on 19 August. Earlier, on 14 August, prominent Sunni leaders, including Osama al-Nujaifi and Khamis al-Khanjar (Iraqi Decision Alliance), Jamal al-Karbouli (Al-Hal) and Salim al-Jubouri (Wataniya Alliance), had announced the formation of the “Mihwar al-Watani Alliance” to engage in negotiations as a single Sunni entity, but individual negotiations with the two larger blocs eventually led to the splitting of that Alliance. Divisions have also remained among the Kurdish political parties, both between the two larger parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and between those two parties and smaller opposition parties, including the Movement for Change (Gorran) and the Coalition for Democracy and Justice. 5. The first session of the Council of Representatives resumed on 15 September with the aim of electing the new Speaker and the two Deputy Speakers. By the time of voting, the list of candidates for the Speaker position had narrowed to three individuals: Mohammed al-Halbousi (Al-Hal), Khalid al-Obaidi (Nasr) and Osama al-Nujaifi (Iraqi National Decision). Securing 169 votes cast in a secret ballot, Mohammed al-Halbousi was elected the new Speaker. The posts of the First and Second Deputy Speakers went to Hassan al-Kaabi (Sa’iron Alliance) and Bashir Haddad (Kurdistan Democratic Party), respectively. 6. On 17 September, the Council of Representatives called for the candidates fo r the position of President of Iraq to submit their applications by 23 September, in accordance with the constitutional time frame. For the first time under the Constitution, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan did not present a common presidential candidate. The Kurdistan Democratic Party nominated Fuad Hussein, the current Chief of Staff to the President of the Kurdistan Region, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan nominated its former member Barham Salih. Notably, an independent female politician, Sarwa Abdul Wahid (formerly Movement for Change (Gorran)), nominated herself for the Presidency, as did many other female candidates. 7. On 2 October, the Council of Representatives held a voting session to elect the new President. Among 20 candidates, Barham Salih and Fuad Hussein received the highest number of votes, 165 and 89 respectively. Female candidate Sarwa Abdul Wahid received 18 votes. As no candidate achieved the required two-thirds majority, the new Speaker called for a second round of voting with the two leading candidates. In the second round, Barham Salih garnered the required majority with 219 votes. S/2018/975 18-18269 3/16 Fuad Hussein obtained 22 votes. Thereafter, Barham Salih was sworn in as President of Iraq before the Council of Representatives. 8. Following his election, the President held a meeting with the new Speaker, the Chair of the Federal Supreme Court, Medhat al-Mahmoud, representatives of the “Reform and Construction” and the “Construction” parliamentary blocs and former Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi in order to discuss the nomination of the Prime Ministerdesignate. Upon an agreement between and the recommendation of the two largest alliances, the President appointed Adil Abdul-Mahdi as the Prime Minister-designate, charging him with forming a new Government within the 30-day constitutional timeline. 9. Demonstrations intensified over the lack of basic services in southern Iraq during the reporting period. On 20 August, owing to water contamination and the deteriorating health and environmental situation, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights called on the Government to declare Basrah a “disaster area”. Street protests resumed and, though they were initially peaceful, violent incidents began occurring in early September. Incidents included clashes between the protesters and the security forces, the burning of official and political party buildings, attacks against the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Basrah and the Basrah headquarters of the popular mobilization forces, as well as indirect fire in the vicinity of the Consulate of the United States of America in Basrah and the United States Embassy in Baghdad. On 7 September, protests were reported in Baghdad. On 25 September, a female civil activist was shot dead in Basrah. On 28 September, the United States decided to close and evacuate its Consulate in Basrah Governorate owing to security concerns. 10. Many political parties and leaders expressed grave concerns about the situation in Basrah, urging the Government to ensure the safety of the protesters and to respond to the legitimate demands of citizens. Notably, in a televised speech on 6 September, Muqtada al-Sadr called on the new Council of Representatives to hold an extraordinary session to discuss possible actions. On 8 September, the Council held its first extraordinary session under the interim Speaker and in the presence of Prime Minister Al Abadi, the Ministers for Health, Interior, Electricity, Water Resources and Reconstruction, as well as the Governor of Basrah, Asaad al-Aidani. The Council agreed on several measures to support the people of Basrah, including the deployment of a ministerial team to oversee the implementation of those measures, the release of funds to the Governorate, the provision of support for civil society reconstruction initiatives and the promotion of dialogue with youth on reforms. 11. The Government has sustained its efforts to address the demands of citizens, taking a series of administrative and security measures. On 10 September, the Prime Minister led a ministerial delegation to Basrah. In the wake of his visit, the Government issued a number of resolutions pertaining to the maintenance and rehabilitation of water and sewage facilities, the provision of funds and mat erials, the distribution of food allowances and the development of procedures to address unemployment in Basrah. As part of security measures, on 28 September, the Prime Minister ordered immediate action by the Ministry of Interior to investigate recent incidents of assassination and kidnapping in Basrah, Baghdad and other locations. On 2 October, the Prime Minister stated that 2,000 additional security personnel had been deployed to Basrah and called for an evaluation of the performance of provincial police forces. On 18 September, the new Speaker visited Basrah to discuss the situation with governorate officials. On 27 September, the Council of Representatives endorsed a series of recommendations, including a proposal to investigate the performance of the Ministers for Health, Water Resources and Municipalities and to request those ministries to develop a strategic plan to resolve the crisis in Basrah. S/2018/975 4/16 18-18269 12. On 30 September, the Kurdistan Region held its fourth parliamentary elections, which were the first electoral process to be conducted by the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission. Field reports gathered by the Commission indicated that all 5,941 polling stations in 1,260 polling centres throughout the Region opened and closed on time. In addition, on 28 September, 471 polling stations in 99 polling centres were set up for the use of security forces, so they could vote in advance. Of approximately 3 million eligible voters, the Commission reported voter turnout at 58.0 per cent for regular voting and 91.7 per cent for special voting by security forces. A total of 773 candidates belonging to 29 entities ran for 111 seats. A total of 241 female candidates (31 per cent) ran for election, in line with Kurdistan parliamentary election law, which stipulates that 30 per cent of parliamentary seats be allocated to women. 13. Election day unfolded, by and large, in a peaceful and orderly fashion across the Kurdistan Region. In the days that followed, allegations of fraud and vote -rigging surfaced. On 1 October, the New Generation Movement stated it would reject the results of the elections and boycott the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region because of the alleged fraud. 14. On 1 October, the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission announced that the results of the elections would be issued only after all complaints filed by political entities had been settled. On 3 October, the Commission stated that it would delay the announcement of the preliminary results owing to outstanding complaints. On 4 October, based on a tally of 85 per cent of the ballot, partial results were announced indicating the number of votes garnered by various coalitions and political parties. The Commission has yet to announce the final results. B. Relations between Baghdad and Erbil 15. Deliberations between the federal Government and Kurdistan Regional Government over outstanding issues were overshadowed by the negotiations on government formation. Nonetheless, progress occurred on issues related to oil and transport. On 14 August, the Federal Supreme Court held a session to rule on an appeal over the unconstitutionality of the Kurdistan Region extracting oil from its territory for direct sale. The lawsuit was brought by the Iraqi Minister for Oil against the Kurdistan Region Minister for Natural Resources. The Court ruled that the case included technical aspects which required the expertise of a legal specialist and decided to postpone the hearing until such a specialist was designated. On 3 October, the Federal Supreme Court announced that it had appointed three oil experts, who were expected to submit their report on 6 November. 16. On 19 August, the main road connecting Erbil and Kirkuk was officially reopened. It had been closed since 16 October 2017 during clashes between Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces. 17. Also on 19 August, the Sunni Mihwar al-Watani Alliance visited Erbil to discuss the political process in Iraq, including the formation of the new Government. The Alliance met separately with the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, and a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. They reiterated the need for a political agreement with written guarantees and commitments to be respected by all political parties. They decided to continue a collaborative relationship and maintain active participation in the political process. On 25 August, the Mihwar al-Watani Alliance confirmed that negotiations with the Kurdish side had reached an advanced stage in preparation for the signing of a document that could be the basis for rebuilding the State. S/2018/975 18-18269 5/16 18. The following day, on 26 August, a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan met with President Masum in Baghdad to consult on the formation of a large parliamentary bloc in preparation for the formation of the new Government. The delegation visited Baghdad again on 1 September to meet with political parties. 19. On 27 August, a joint delegation comprising members of Sa’iron Alliance, Nasr, National Wisdom Movement and Wataniya Alliance coalitions visited Erbil and met with Masoud Barzani and a joint delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The topics discussed included the formation of the new Government, the programme of the new Iraqi Council of Representatives and ways to build partnership to administer the country, implement the Constitution, respond to the demands of protesters in the southern governorates, reconstruct the liberated areas and enhance social justice. 20. On 4 October, Hadi al-Amiri (Fatah) visited Erbil and met Masoud Barzani, Kurdish Regional Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Kurdish Regional Security Council Chair Masrour Barzani. The topics discussed included the participation of all Kurdistan parties in the government formation process, which would facilitate addressing outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. C. Security situation 21. Operations conducted by Iraqi security forces during the reporting period concentrated on pursuing remnants of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in northern and north-central Iraq, in conjunction with ongoing efforts to clear liberated areas of explosives and other hazardous materials. The capacity of Iraqi security forces to remove armed elements from cleared areas, or at least to suppress insurgent activity, is vital to the country’s transition from recovery to reconstruction. 22. Iraqi civilians continue to bear the brunt of the insecurity in the country. Meanwhile, asymmetric attacks continue to target the Iraqi security forces in northern and north-central Iraq (Ninawa, Salah al-Din and Kirkuk) and in the central region (Diyala, Anbar and Baghdad). 23. In northern Iraq, Turkish airstrikes against Kurdistan Workers’ Party targets continued along the border between Iraq and Turkey. On 15 August, the Armed Forces of Turkey reported the killing of Ismail Özden, a leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in Sinjar. In reaction to the airstrikes, hundreds of Yazidis demonstrated on 16 August in Sinuni, demanding the establishment of a no-fly zone in Sinjar. On 17 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Turkish attacks on Sinjar and denied any coordination between Baghdad and Ankara on the airstrikes. The Ministry urged Turkey to withdraw its ground forces from Ba‘shiqah as, in its stated view, their presence violated international conventions and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty. On 18 August, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that military operations would continue along the southern borders of Turkey, including inside the Sinjar and Makhmur districts of Iraq. Between 22 August and 5 September, Turkish airstrikes targeted the northern Governorates of Dahuk and Erbil. Turkish forces have reported that the attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 20 Kurdistan Workers’ Party members. On 16 September, the Prime Minister of Iraq ordered the deployment of Iraqi federal border guards along the Iraq -Turkey border to protect the border and prevent violations of national sovereignty. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to document and report such violations to the United Nations and the National Security Council. 24. On 6 September, protesters in Basrah set fire to a number of government, media and political party buildings. No casualties were reported. On 7 September, unknown S/2018/975 6/16 18-18269 perpetrators attacked and set fire to the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Basrah (the Consulate has in the meantime been reopened in other premises). Protesters then attacked and set fire to the headquarters of the popular mobilization forces. During the night of 7 and 8 September, three mortars struck the International Zone in Baghdad in the vicinity of the United States Embassy. On the same day, four mortars were fired towards the United States Consulate in Basrah, next to Basrah airport. On 28 September, another instance of indirect fire was reported in the vicinity of the United States Consulate in Basrah. On the same day, the United States decided to close and evacuate its Consulate in Basrah over security concerns. 25. On 8 September, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps fired seven shortrange surface-to-surface missiles at the headquarters of two Iranian opposition groups in Kuyah, northern Iraq. At least 11 persons affiliated with those groups were reportedly killed. In reaction, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Ibrahim Al-Jafari, underlined the country’s opposition to Iranian bombings of Iranian Kurdish communities on Iraqi soil. 26. During the reporting period, disputes arose over the structure and deployment of the popular mobilization forces. On 2 and 18 August, the Deputy Director of the Popular Mobilization Commission, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, issued three orders on the restructuring and redeployment of the popular mobilization forces, commencing in Sunni-populated areas of Ninawa. On 9 August, the popular mobilization forces began to withdraw from the Rabi’a and Zummar subdistricts of Tall Afar and from parts of Sinjar. On 21 August, the Prime Minister cancelled the orders, recalling that the Popular Mobilization Commission leadership did not have the legal authority to reorganize or redeploy the popular mobilization forces without prior consultation with the Commander-in-Chief and coordination with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. On 24 August, the Prime Minister’s office released a statement highlighting that the removal of popular mobilization forces units from large cities should not be subje ct to political pressure and that redeployments might offer an opportunity for terrorists to launch attacks. On 3 September, the Prime Minister declared that he would henceforth head the Popular Mobilization Commission. D. Regional and international developments 27. There have been widespread calls among the international community for the swift formation of an inclusive, non-sectarian and pro-reform Government to respond to the aspirations of the Iraqi people. Neighbouring countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, transmitted congratulatory messages to the new Iraqi government officials for their election wins and appointments. On 3 October, the new Speaker of the Council of Representatives participated in the Arab Parliament Conference held in Cairo, where he expressed his country’s aspirations for stronger relations with Arab States with regard to economic issues and fighting global terrorism. 28. In early September, escalating violence in the southern part of Iraq resulted in calls, including by the European Commission and regional neighbours, for calm and restraint on the part of the Iraqi security forces. 29. The Government of Iraq has continued to seek support from neighbouring countries and the wider international community, including the international counterISIL coalition and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to address the country’s urgent economic, political and security challenges. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Ministers for Oil, Agriculture and Water Resources, met the President of Turkey in Ankara on 14 August to discuss issues related to trade, transboundary water quotas, agriculture, energy and security. Reportedly, the S/2018/975 18-18269 7/16 President of Turkey committed to providing Iraq with its water quota in full. Condemning attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party against neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister of Iraq stated that the National Security Council had prepared a plan to prevent such attacks through joint control of the borders with Turkey. He also expressed support for the reopening of Turkish consulates in Basrah and Mosul and the opening of a second border-crossing point on the Iraq-Turkey border to expand oil exports through Turkey. 30. On 7 August, the Prime Minister stated that although Iraq considered the sanctions by the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran a strategic mistake, it would abide by them to protect its own interests. The next day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement calling on the international community to exert pressure on the United States Administration to withdraw the sanctions. The Prime Minister clarified, on 13 August, that his previous statement had only referred to transactions in United States dollars with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that the Central Bank of Iraq had issued a directive to that effect. On 28 August, the Government of Iraq said it would send a delegation to the United States to request sanctions exemptions for Iraq. 31. On 1 and 2 September, Iraq hosted a meeting of the quadrilateral alliance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic to discuss joint efforts in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. Following the Prime Minister’s request for further NATO support, and the approval of a NATO training mission for Iraq earlier in the year, Iraq welcomed the decision by NATO to support the professionalization of the Iraqi security forces through the establishment of military schools. In addition, Operation Inherent Resolve issued a statement on 19 August confirming that United States troops remained committed to providing support for Iraq on the ground, an effort deemed essential for stabilization efforts and cooperation against ISIL. III. Update on the activities of the Mission and the United Nations country team A. Political activities 32. My Special Representative for Iraq and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance continued to engage with the Independent High Electoral Commission, representatives of political parties, government officials, parliamentarians, women’s groups, civil society, religious and community leaders. On 9 August, the Independent High Electoral Commission’s Board of Judges announced the final electoral results. Throughout the recount process, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance visited recount centres in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. Throughout the recount process, an experienced team of United Nations electoral experts provided advice and assistance. 33. In anticipation of the formation of the new Government, my Special Representative met with numerous political leaders and actors, as well as the newly elected Council of Representatives in Baghdad. My Special Representative visited Amman, Tehran and Washington, D.C., to seek regional and international support for an inclusive and balanced Government in Iraq, and also held high-level meetings in New York on the margins of the General Assembly. My Special Representative urged the newly elected parliamentarians to assume their duties and act responsibly without delay in the government formation process. 34. As part of the Mission’s advocacy efforts to promote effective participation and representation of women in political and decision-making processes in Iraq, my S/2018/975 8/16 18-18269 Special Representative and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance met separately with Iraqi women who ran for election to the Council of Representatives. Similarly, they also met with women activists from the Iraqi Women Network and from Alliance 1325, each of which comprised more than 200 civil society representatives, lawyers, academics and media activists. Discussions with parliamentarians focused on their efforts and vision for working collaboratively across the political spectrum, including the possible establishment of a women’s parliamentary caucus to promote and strengthen gender equality in Government programmes, the inclusion of women in leading positions and the adoption of laws that would help advance women’s rights. My Special Representative and Deputy Special Representative continued to meet with the heads of political blocs to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of women in the government formation negotiations and their representation at all levels of decision-making in the executive branch. 35. On 3 October, a cross-sector task force on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), with support from Euromed Feminist Initiative, organized a high-level consultation meeting to develop a second national action plan on implementing Council resolution 1325 (2000). My Special Representative impressed on political leaders the need to deliver on their pledges to empower women and advance their rights as part of the democratic entitlement of all Iraqis, thus strengthening equal representation and inclusiveness. 36. In the lead-up to the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance and the UNAMI office tasked with managing electoral affairs continued to engage with the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission to discuss progress on preparations for the elections and respond to the Commission’s request for the provision of United Nations technical support, in line with the Mission’s mandate and resources. 37. My Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance met with members of the Black Iraqi, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, Christian and Shabak communities in Basrah, Erbil and Ninawa as part of efforts by UNAMI to address the concerns of the diverse ethnic and religious minority communities of Iraq. In line with those efforts, my Deputy Special Representative addressed the first international conference on the human rights abuses committed against the Yazidi that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and, possibly, genocide, supporting the efforts of Iraqi and Kurdistan Region authorities to tackle impunity and bring to justice the perpetrators of those horrendous crimes. B. Electoral assistance 38. On 9 August, the Board of Judges appointed to conduct the recount process announced the provisional results of the parliamentary elections of 12 May. During the subsequent appeal period, a total of 253 appeals were received and forwarded by the Independent High Electoral Commission to the Electoral Judicial Panel. On 16 August, the Panel completed the adjudication of all 253 appeals, well ahead of the 10-day legal time limit, which triggered the submission of the results for certification by the Federal Supreme Court. On 19 August, the Federal Supreme Court formally endorsed the list of the 329 newly elected parliamentarians, marking the start of the constitutionally mandated timeline for convening the Council of Representatives and the subsequent government formation process. 39. In line with the provisions of the third amendment to the Council of Representatives electoral law, the task of the assigned Board of Judges ended upon the certification by the Federal Supreme Court of the final election results. Although S/2018/975 18-18269 9/16 the Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission tried to resume their duties, they were barred from doing so owing to an ongoing investigation initiated by the Government concerning fraud allegations during the holding of the elections. 40. The Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission managed preparations for the holding of regional parliamentary elections on 30 September. Pursuant to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Iraqi and Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commissions, the latter submitted letters to the former requesting United Nations support in organizing the regional parliamentary electio ns. Support by UNAMI was requested and provided in the areas of data transfer and entry, the tabulation of results, electoral complaints and dispute resolution. On 15 August, the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission published the names of 773 candidates, 241 of whom were women. The Kurdistan Commission also announced the start of the process of recruiting more than 42,000 staff for election day. 41. In addition to providing electoral technical expertise, UNAMI also deployed teams of election watchers on election day. They visited scores of polling centres and stations in all the governorates of the Kurdistan Region to get a snapshot of election day developments. My Special Representative visited polling locations in Erbil, and my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance visited polling locations in Sulaymaniyah and Halabjah, and spoke to the media, urging voters to participate in the polls and highlighting the importance of strengthening and consolidating the democratic processes in the Kurdistan Region. Following his visit to the polling stations, my Special Representative met with the Board of Commissioners of the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission, who expressed appreciation and requested that United Nations electoral support be continued. 42. At the close of the submission period, a total of 1,045 complaints were submitted concerning the parliamentary elections of 30 September and the special voting of the security forces that took place on 28 September. A special panel was formed by the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission to process those complaints, with UNAMI providing advice on methodology. On 4 October, the Commission released a partial tally of the votes, based on 85 per cent of the ballot, indicating the votes garnered by the political entities that ran in the elections. Data entry of the results regarding entities and their candidates is ongoing, with the Commission aiming to announce the full results once all ballots are tabulated and the Commission completes the review and adjudication of all the complaints. C. Human rights and rule of law developments and activities 43. Civilian casualties from 9 August to 9 October totalled 281: 96 killed, including 6 women, and 185 wounded, including 8 women. That was a far lower number than during the same period in 2017, when 708 civilian casualties were recorded (266 killed and 442 wounded). The leading cause of civilian casualties during the reporting period was improvised explosive devices. Such attacks, often claimed by ISIL, pose a threat to civilians in Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Ninawa, Kirkuk, Diyala, Anbar and Sulaymaniyah Governorates. Another leading cause of civilian casualties was small arms fire. 44. ISIL continued to kill and wound civilians, police and members of popular mobilization forces in Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninawa and Salah al-Din Governorates. On 18 August, in Bayya‘, south-western Baghdad, ISIL claimed responsibility for an improvised explosive device attack on public transport that killed three and wounded S/2018/975 10/16 18-18269 eight more. On 10 August, at a football game in Sharqat district of Salah al-Din Governorate, ISIL gunmen shot and killed five civilians and wounded six others, including two children. In Baghdad, six explosions were carried out by unknown persons in a one-week period, killing 6 civilians and wounding 16. 45. The Iraqi authorities conducted a series of raids in and around Mosul, arresting and killing several ISIL fighters, including women fighters. Iraqi authorities also found an ISIL explosives factory in Sinjar district. On 13 August, local police arrested five Iraqi women suspected of being affiliated with ISIL at their home in the Amin neighbourhood in eastern Mosul. On 26 August, local police arrested 41 individuals, including five women, suspected of affiliation with ISIL, in the Badush and Qayyarah subdistricts of Mosul. 46. In Kirkuk and Ninawa Governorates, ISIL continued to target and kill local mayors, accusing those officials of providing information on their movements to the Government. Between 1 January and 18 August, in Ninawa Governorate, seven mayors were killed and two others wounded. On 15 August, an armed group shot and killed the mayor of the Tall al-Rumman neighbourhood in western Mosul. Similarly, on 17 August, two masked gunmen on a motorbike shot and killed the mayor of the Yarmuk neighbourhood in western Mosul. 47. Since June 2014, UNAMI has received reports of 202 mass graves, the overwhelming majority of which reportedly contain victims of ISIL. Current estimates provided to UNAMI range from 6,000 to more than 12,000 victims. UNAMI continues to advocate for the appropriate protection of the mass graves to collect, secure and preserve the evidence. In addition, UNAMI recommends that information on missing persons be centralized and greater transparency be provided with regard to the families of the missing. 48. Iraqi courts continued to issue death sentences for terrorism-related crimes. On 13 August, the Ninawa Criminal Court in Mosul sentenced an ISIL fighter to death for killing security personnel and improvised explosive device attacks in Ninawa Governorate in 2014. On 15 August, the court imposed life sentences on three defendants for providing logistical support to ISIL in Ninawa. On 16 August, the Salah al-Din Criminal Court sentenced one man to death for participating in the killing of the Police Chief of Dulu‘iyah. According to the Supreme Judicial Council, as of the time of writing, 100 persons have been sentenced to death in 2018: 24 women (23 of them foreigners, including 17 from Turkey, 3 from Kyrgyzstan, 2 from Azerbaijan and 1 from Germany) and 76 men. On 16 August, the Ministry of Justice announced the execution of six defendants, without further details. That brought the total number of executions publicly announced in 2018 by the Ministry of Justice to 32. UNAMI has made repeated requests to the Ministry of Justice for more details regarding death sentences and executions, to no avail. 49. On 29 August, the Department of Yazidi Affairs in the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in the Kurdistan Regional Government reported that of the 6,417 Yazidis (3,548 women and 2,869 men) abducted by ISIL since August 2014, fewer than half have been freed or escaped. On the same day, the Department also reported that 3,095 Yazidis (1,845 children and 1,250 women) remained in ISIL captivity or were missing. No men remain in ISIL captivity. Those abducted have either escaped or been freed, or have been executed by ISIL. 50. Bodies of civilians continued to be recovered from the rubble in Mosul. The civilian defence corps informed UNAMI that 4,514 bodies, all civilians, had been recovered as of the time of writing. 51. UNAMI continued its monitoring of trials in Iraq (including those of alleged ISIL members) and remains concerned about the lack of consistent adherence to the
requirements of due process and a fair trial, in particular the failure of the courts to investigate allegations by defendants that confessions were obtained through torture or other forms of ill-treatment and the passive role played by defence counsel, thus undermining a defendant’s right to effective counsel. 52. UNAMI continued its engagement on ISIL accountability. UNAMI provided assistance to the Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), to support Iraqi efforts to hold the group accountable for its crimes committed in Iraq. During the first visit of the Special Adviser to Iraq, from 6 to 14 August, UNAMI staff briefed the Special Adviser on their concerns regarding the country’s compliance with national law and international human rights law and standards. UNAMI also supported the Special Adviser’s meetings with key government actors, judicial officials, civil society, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Commission on Missing Persons. 53. During the reporting period, public protests continued in 10 governorates with regard to the lack of employment opportunities and basic services and the ubiquity of corruption. According to the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, reported casualties between 9 August and 3 October from the Basrah demonstrations reached 18 civilians killed (17 men and 1 woman), 155 civilians injured (all men) and 43 members of the security forces injured. On 6 September, the bodies of four men were received by the Forensic Department in Jamhouriyah Hospital in Basrah. According to several reports, three of them had been shot in the head. On 25 September, Suad Habeeb Lijlaj al-Ali, a human rights activist, was killed in the Abbasiyah area of Basrah. UNAMI has been calling for prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into those killings. Since 1 September, according to the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, 27 men have been arrested in Basrah for participating in demonstrations; 18 of them have been released, but the remaining 9 are being detained under judicial orders. UNAMI continues to monitor the issue of access by families to their relatives in detention in Basrah. 54. On 14 August, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights and authorities in the Kurdistan Region met and agreed, in accordance with Law No. 53 of 2008 of the Commission, to open a regional office affiliated with the Commission in Erbil. Attempts in 2012 to open such an office were prevented by the conditions prevailing in the country. 55. The country task force on monitoring and reporting, co-chaired by UNAMI and the United Nations Children’s Fund, verified 16 grave violations against children that resulted in the killing of 3 boys and 4 girls and the maiming of 14 boys and 4 girls. The incidents mainly related to explosive hazards and weapons in Anbar, Karbala ’, Kirkuk, Ninawa and Dhi Qar Governorates. There were also four additional incidents of killing and maiming which have been reported but not yet verified. During the reporting period, the country task force initiated discussions with the Government and submitted for consideration a draft action plan to prevent and end the recruitment and use of children by the popular mobilization forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated that they would revert with comments and feedback after formation of the new Government. 56. The Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements Technical Working Group on conflict-related sexual violence has increased its efforts to analyse trends and patterns on conflict-related sexual violence, with a view to enhancing coordination in programmatic responses, advocacy and accountability. To that end, on 16 August, the Working Group undertook a mission to an internally displaced persons camp in Ninawa Governorate to examine the extent to which indicators on S/2018/975 12/16 18-18269 conflict-related sexual violence were prevalent in the camp, identify gaps in response to conflict-related sexual violence and propose recommendations. D. Humanitarian assistance, stabilization and development 57. The humanitarian context in Iraq is entering a new stage. More than 1.8 million people remain displaced inside Iraq, and many express an unwillingness to return to their areas of origin owing to concerns regarding security and community reconciliation, the destruction of property, insufficient services and livelihoods and the lack of progress in clearing explosive hazards. While the decline in the number of internally displaced persons to less than 2 million (after a high of more than 5 million) is a significant achievement, the focus must now be placed on integration and resettlement into third locations inside Iraq. Additional attention and resources also need to be directed towards prioritizing the cases of internally displaced persons who need protection, especially with regard to families who have perceived ISIL affiliations. 58. Humanitarian actors reached 382,621 vulnerable Iraqis with some form of humanitarian assistance during the reporting period. Some partners reported that delays in disbursements and shortages in funding continued to negatively affect their programming; by the end of August, the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan had received only $343 million (60 per cent) of the $569 million requested. 59. With regard to stabilization, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Funding Facility for Stabilization reached a new milestone by completing more than 1,200 projects across all major sectors in 31 areas of operation. Hospitals in Ramadi and Fallujah are now under construction, and together will support nearly a million women, children and men in Anbar Governorate. The second phase o f the Hamdaniyah Hospital in Ninawa is under way, while the completed surgical wards, maternity ward and other repaired facilities are already in operation. Outside the health sector, bridges were an important focus for expanded stabilization during the reporting period, with the completion of the iconic Fallujah Iron Bridge, following the removal by experts from the Mine Action Service of explosive hazards found underwater. Repairs to another three major bridges are ongoing in Fallujah and Ramadi. UNDP has also begun a vital housing project to support returnees in western Mosul. 60. The United Nations country team continued to support longer-term recovery and reconstruction efforts. The recovery and resilience programme, established at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in February 2018, finalized its results framework to define expected impacts in four key development areas. In addition, the programme’s terms of reference for its funding mechanism were drafted in close coordination with the Government of Iraq, the World Bank and the UNDP Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office. 61. In September 2018, my Deputy Special Representative for Development and Humanitarian Affairs and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator participated in an international conference for the rehabilitation of the city of Mosul entitled “Revive the spirit of Mosul”, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of Iraq, in Paris. During the conference, a high-level initiative to support the reconstruction of heritage sites and the revival of cultural life and educational institutions in Mosul was launched. The United Arab Emirates has funded the ongoing restoration and reconstruction of the Nuri mosque and its Hadba’ minaret. 62. UNDP is also establishing and maintaining local peace committees in Ninawa, Salah al-Din, Anbar and Diyala Governorates. During August, training sessions on S/2018/975 18-18269 13/16 conflict management and mediation were delivered to four of those committees, targeting 100 community leaders (with a focus on minorities), to strengthen skills and capacities for community reconciliation at the local level. 63. Also in August, UNDP began a pilot project with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to collect stories from women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in newly liberated areas. The initiative will develop a new therapeutic approach to support victims and provide information to the Government of Iraq as it refines its social protection and transitional justice policies. 64. From 3 to 5 September, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Government of Iraq and the Gender-Based Violence Sub-Cluster rolled out inter-agency standard operating procedures for gender-based violence in the southcentral region of Iraq. They consist of guiding principles, procedures, roles and responsibilities for all actors in Iraq with regard to preventing and responding to gender-based violence; they also facilitate coordination and referrals to provide the immediate support that survivors of gender-based violence need. In addition, from 9 to 19 September UNFPA held a second stage of training to strengthen the capacity of the staff of women’s shelters. 65. In August, the Mine Action Service began a 15-week training on the disposal of explosive ordnance improvised explosive devices for police officers from Diyala, Ninawa, Anbar, Muthanna, Salah al-Din, Wasit and Kirkuk Governorates to increase the capacity of the Government to provide critical life-saving responses to suspected explosive hazards in affected liberated areas. 66. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations supported the rehabilitation of land and agricultural infrastructure for 4,000 conflict-affected people in 12 villages in Salah al-Din and Ninawa Governorates. That work has allowed farming activities to resume and introduced cash flows that have revitalized local markets and involved local communities to ensure sustainable results. 67. More traditional development work is increasingly building on stabilization, recovery and reconciliation. In August, the United Nations country team established a programme management team to better coordinate development activities across the United Nations system in Iraq. In response to the growing public demand for employment opportunities, the country team also formed a working group on job creation and livelihoods, which is co-chaired by UNDP and the World Bank. 68. On 5 September, UNESCO and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs launched, for the first time in Iraq, a national competency-based training programme targeting 300 young people, one third of them women, that meets the requirements of an agreed technical and vocational qualifications framework for Iraq. The training is focused on practical skills and, over the course of six months, will lead to recognized qualifications aligned to the needs of the labour market. 69. As the Government rebuilds its health systems, the World Health Organiza tion (WHO) is working closely with the Government through the Ministry of Health and other line ministries to agree on an action plan for the period 2018–2021. The plan will define priority areas where WHO will support the Government in rebuilding health systems that can substantially contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 3 on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages, with three interlinked strategic priorities to achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies and promote healthier populations. 70. UNDP extended technical and financial support to the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the Sustainable Development Goals. At the federal level, in early August UNDP and the Ministry of Planning began a new project S/2018/975 14/16 18-18269 that focuses on the localization of the Goals with a view to channelling assistance on the Goals across Iraq at the national and subnational levels. 71. In August, the International Organization for Migration finalized a demographic survey of the Kurdistan Region in partnership with the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Planning and UNFPA. The survey provides a comprehensive profile of the current population’s demographics, including employment and income, housing, household possessions and literacy and education levels. The survey will support the capacity of the Government to shape its policies and deliver effective services to citizens. 72. Finally, UNDP held a national consultation in support of the efforts of the Government of Iraq to draft a strategy on critical infrastructure protection. The objective is to put in place capacities and systems to ensure that the country’s major facilities and important installations are protected from any form of risks triggered by natural, human-caused or technological hazards and security threats. E. Security and operational issues 73. The United Nations in Iraq continued to implement robust security risk mitigation measures to provide maximum safety and security to its agencies in the delivery of their programmes in a constantly fluid security environment. Mandatory security support for its political, humanitarian and development engagements and activities in the country remained closely coordinated with the Government of Iraq. The result of that strengthened coordination has been the successful provision of security to United Nations operations and personnel. 74. The implementation of the recommendations of the independent external review continued. The review of the function and staffing of the Integrated Coordination Office for Development and Humanitarian Affairs was completed in July and has led to a refocusing of the tasks of the Office of the Deputy Special Representative for Development and Humanitarian Affairs and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. In that context UNAMI has identified areas for potential efficiencies, to be presented as appropriate to the relevant United Nations budgetary bodies. In response to the review’s recommendations on establishing integrated teams, UNAMI and the United Nations country team are working more collaboratively by including representatives in their respective planning and strategy groups, such as the operations management team of the United Nations country team; strategy sessions on the crisis in the south of Iraq; the joint country team and UNAMI task force on coordination, common action and information-sharing; and a joint assessment mission which recently concluded the review of United Nations security architecture, pending the finaliz ation of its report. 75. In support of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), the Mission has secured the Government’s agreement to refurbish and reallocate an existing building in the International Zone, currently managed by UNAMI, to the Investigative Team. Simultaneously, the Mission has begun the procurement process needed to start renovating the structure, in coordination with and at the request of the Investigative Team. 76. Regarding progress made on the integrated United Nations compound in Baghdad, the construction of residential building “C” is likely to be completed by December 2018. That will add 116 accommodation units for staff. Meanwhile, a contract has been issued for the construction of a new office building that is expected to be completed by March 2020, providing 228 additional workstations for UNAMI and the United Nations country team. S/2018/975 18-18269 15/16 77. The United Nations system has agreed on a local cost-sharing budget that will include the expenses of the United Nations Guard Unit: the Mission will cover 70 per cent of the Unit’s costs, while the United Nations country team will cover 30 per cent. The costs are expected to be offset by contributions to common security arrangements made by the Investigative Team once it is deployed. IV. Observations 78. I congratulate Nadia Murad for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition she receives on behalf of all Yazidi and other Iraqis who were victims of and gravely suffered from the atrocities committed by ISIL. That recognition gives impetus to the efforts to locate the more than 1,000 Yazidi and other women and children who remain missing after their kidnapping by ISIL, and to the efforts to hold accountable those responsible for those crimes. 79. I congratulate the people of Iraq on the completion of their 2018 national electoral process, paving the way for the ongoing process of government formation. The orderly, smooth conduct of the recount and subsequent processes showcases the capacity within Iraqi institutions to address electoral-related complaints and appeals in line with established constitutional and legal parameters. I commend the efforts of the Independent High Electoral Commission staff and the Board of Judges on the partial manual recount process and welcome the certification by the Federal Supreme Court of the 2018 parliamentary election results. With the electoral process completed, it is now time for the country’s electoral and other institutions to review lessons learned from recent experiences, with the aim of taking forward electoralrelated reforms that meet public expectations. The United Nations remains available to support and engage with those processes. 80. The first Council of Representatives session held on 3 September, in accordance with the constitutional time frame, was a positive step towards establishing the new Government. I urge all political actors to remain committed to upholding peace and completing the formation of the Government in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions. I urge all political leaders, including the newly elected Council of Representatives and Prime Minister-designate, to act without delay in taking all the necessary steps to establish a new national, pro-reform Government that will effectively respond to people’s longstanding needs and deliver on their valid demands. 81. I welcome the smooth, democratic election of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, the election of Barham Salih as President of Iraq and the appointment of Adil Abdul-Mahdi as the Prime Minister-designate. The United Nations looks forward to working with the new constitutional leadership, the Council of Representatives and the future Governments in Iraq and in the Kurdistan Region. At the same time, I regret that none of the eminently qualified female political figures have so far been elected to senior leadership positions and I urge members of the Council of Representatives and political leaders to be true to their pledges and to elect women to senior leadership positions in the Council of Representatives and the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region, as well as future Governments in Baghdad and Erbil. 82. I note with grave concern the public service crisis in Basrah and other southern governorates, deplore the violence during protests and regret the casualties. I urge calm and call upon the authorities to avoid using disproportionate force against the demonstrators, provide the necessary protection for the people of Basrah and other governorates, ensure human rights while protecting law and order and investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the outbreak of violence. I call upon the S/2018/975 16/16 18-18269 Government of Iraq to do its utmost to respond to the people ’s rightful demands for clean water and electricity supplies, as a matter of urgency. 83. Following the Iraqi parliamentary elections of 12 May, relations between Baghdad and Erbil have displayed a positive trend. The elections provided Kurdistan political parties with an opportunity to participate constructively in the national political process. The federal Government continued to pay part of the salaries of civil servants in the Kurdistan Region and reopened the main road between Erbil and Kirkuk. However, many political issues have yet to be resolved. I am encour aged by the level of communication between Baghdad and Erbil during the government formation process, the commitment of both sides to expedite that process and the desire to resolve their outstanding issues on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution. 84. I emphasize that UNAMI remains strongly committed to providing all possible support to the Iraqi people, as well as to the Government of Iraq, in their quest to form an inclusive, non-sectarian and pro-reform Government. It is imperative that Iraq be allowed to pursue its own national interests in the process of government formation and not become a proxy theatre for confrontation by regional interests. Given the current social and economic pressures that the Government of Iraq is facing, I repeat my previous calls for all pledges made at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, held in February 2018, to be honoured. 85. I would like to thank my outgoing Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, Ján Kubiš, for his service at a challenging time in the country and the region. I would also like to express my gratitude to the national and international staff of UNAMI for their continued efforts in implementing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq.
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Re: Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People
http://undocs.org/en/S/2018/976
United Nations S/2018/976 Security Council Distr.
: General 31 October 2018
Original: English 18-18271 (E) 061118 *1818271* Twentieth report of the Secretary-General
pursuant to paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013) I. Introduction 1. The present report, submitted pursuant to paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013), covers developments pertaining to the issues of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, since the issuance of my previous report, dated 10 July 2018 (S/2018/683). 2. On 23 September, in New York, my Special Representative for Iraq met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, to discuss ongoing efforts in the search for missing Kuwaiti persons and property. My Special Representative reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to implementing its mandate and outlined some of the current activities of the Mission, including support provided in transporting located property to Kuwait. II. Recent activities with regard to the repatriation and return of all Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, or their remains 3. During the reporting period, the Ministry of Defence of Iraq carried out excavation and exploration works at the Karbala’ and Samawah sites. Human remains previously recovered from the Karbala’ site and sent to the Iraqi Medico-Legal Directorate for DNA analysis and genetic profiling have proven to belong to a single person. The results were passed on to the Kuwait delegation for cross-checking and were later found not to have a corresponding match in their records. No human remains or grave-like features were found at the Samawah site. The Ministry of Defence of Iraq continued its investigation of the naval base site in Kuwait and of the Khamisiyah, Radwaniyah, Sulaymaniyah and Salman Pak sites in Iraq. The Ministry followed up with witnesses and with relevant government bodies to verify the information it had acquired in its efforts to identify exact burial locations. While there were no further developments, the sites in question will remain open as the Ministry continues to search for more information. Notably, the Ministry established contact with a new witness regarding a potential burial site in Najaf Governorate. By disseminating calls in newspapers and on satellite television, most recently on 17 July 2018, the Office of the Spokesperson of the Ministry continued to encourage witnesses who might have information on missing Kuwaiti persons and missing Kuwaiti property to come forward. S/2018/976 2/3 18-18271 4. On 8 July, my Deputy Special Representative for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Alice Walpole, briefed the Ambassador of Kuwait to Iraq, Salem Ghassab Mohammed al-Zamanan, on the latest efforts undertaken by UNAMI in the implementation of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013). The Ambassador emphasized the significance of the resolution of the file on missing Kuwaiti and third - country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property for the normalization of relations between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Defence of Iraq, in particular for its expertise, information-sharing practices and proactive approach. He reiterated his support for the UNAMI proposal to undertake a survey of mass grave sites using ground-penetrating radar, which members of the tripartite mechanism are currently considering. 5. On 25 July, UNAMI attended, in its observer capacity, the 104th meeting of the Technical Subcommittee of the tripartite mechanism in Kuwait. In a positive development, the delegations of France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America provided the mechanism with an update on information they had shared with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) pertaining to available maps, imagery and analysis of imagery from the 1990–1991 period — material that might help to identify and pinpoint potential burial locations. The Committee indicated that it had finally received sets of satellite imagery of the Samawah site dating back to the years 1990 to 1992. ICRC confirmed that the imagery was being analysed by its experts and that their findings would be shared at subsequent meetings. UNAMI updated the tripartite mechanism on its efforts to gain access to relevant archives of the United Nations Special Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 687 (1991) and the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, which might contain useful information on the Salman Pak site. Having exhausted all available possibilities for identifying reliable witnesses and information, the members of the tripartit e mechanism agreed to close the file on the al-Razi site in Diyala Governorate in Iraq. The members further agreed to continue joint Iraq-Kuwait-ICRC excavation and exploration works at the Samawah and Karbala’ sites. 6. UNAMI set out its proposal to undertake a ground-penetrating radar pilot project to conduct mass grave site surveys in Iraq, with the help of the Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy. The first step would be to analyse relevant satellite imagery as a prerequisite for further action. 7. ICRC informed the members of the mechanism that the report on the ICRC review project, integrating feedback from members, was being finalized and would be shared once completed. The final document will form the basis for an action plan to be shared with delegations at the 105th meeting of the Technical Subcommittee. III. Recent activities with regard to the return of Kuwaiti property 8. During the reporting period, no progress was made on the issue of the return of Kuwaiti property. UNAMI has been in communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and the Embassy of Kuwait in Baghdad to schedule an official handover of the first package of Kuwaiti property that has been located. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq expressed its readiness to submit the Kuwaiti property to UNAMI for safekeeping until the date of the transfer is set by the parties. UNAMI has already undertaken the necessary logistical preparations, should both sides reach an agreement. According to officials from the Ministry, the property comprises a sword, videotapes and approximately 3,000 books. The Ministry also continued its efforts to collect and itemize the remainder of located Kuwaiti property. UNAMI has proposed dates for a working-level meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs S/2018/976 18-18271 3/3 of Iraq, the Embassy of Kuwait in Baghdad and UNAMI to discuss the necessary arrangements. 9. On 8 July, during the meeting with my Deputy Special Representative, Mr. Al-Zamanan welcomed the readiness of UNAMI to provide air transport for items of property that had been uncovered by Iraq and to facilitate and observe the official handover. IV. Observations 10. As in previous reports, I would like to emphasize the critically important role that the closure of the file on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, plays in normalizing relations between the two countries. 11. Although tangible results have yet to be achieved in the search for missing persons, some progress has been made through the efforts of the Ministry of Defence of Iraq. I commend the Government of Iraq on its determination to continue to pursue the matter, including by carrying out excavation and exploration missions, identifying new witnesses and collecting information to complement the search, and I am confident that its resolve to bring this humanitarian file to closure will bear results. I would also like to thank the Government of Kuwait for its continued positive and constructive engagement on a matter of great sensitivity and national importance. 12. A number of positive developments have demonstrated the commitment of all members of the tripartite mechanism to persevere, notwithstanding the challenges and the accumulated frustration from the lack of results. Discussions during the most recent meeting of the Technical Subcommittee were informative and constructive. The acquisition of new imagery and mapping material provided by the individual members of the tripartite mechanism is another promising step in obtaining muchneeded information. I would like to thank the members of the mechanism in this regard and encourage them to provide continuing support. Nevertheless, the procurement of field equipment and the provision of forensic, DNA, and anthropological training and capacity-building for Iraqi and Kuwaiti technical teams remain major challenges and are integral to progress on the file. The support of the international community in those areas is thus paramount. 13. ICRC remains a valuable actor in this process, and I thank them for supporting and guiding these efforts. I am confident that the new action plan, which will be developed on the basis of the findings of the ICRC review project, has the potential to reinvigorate the process. I hope that the efforts of UNAMI to provide additional information and to support the mechanism by implementing a ground-penetrating radar pilot project will contribute substantively to this important humanitarian effort. 14. While I welcome the ongoing discussions between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and Kuwait on setting a date for the official handover of already located Kuwaiti property, I urge both sides to move the process forward expeditiously, as it has been pending for over a year. UNAMI remains ready to facilitate the transfer of identified property and observe the official handover. I also urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq to make further efforts in its search for the missing national archives of Kuwait and to explore new avenues to advance the process, including through a public outreach campaign. 15. My Special Representative, Deputy Special Representative and the staff of UNAMI remain proactive and fully committed to promoting and facilitating efforts in support of this important mandate.
United Nations S/2018/976 Security Council Distr.
: General 31 October 2018
Original: English 18-18271 (E) 061118 *1818271* Twentieth report of the Secretary-General
pursuant to paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013) I. Introduction 1. The present report, submitted pursuant to paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013), covers developments pertaining to the issues of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, since the issuance of my previous report, dated 10 July 2018 (S/2018/683). 2. On 23 September, in New York, my Special Representative for Iraq met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, to discuss ongoing efforts in the search for missing Kuwaiti persons and property. My Special Representative reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to implementing its mandate and outlined some of the current activities of the Mission, including support provided in transporting located property to Kuwait. II. Recent activities with regard to the repatriation and return of all Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, or their remains 3. During the reporting period, the Ministry of Defence of Iraq carried out excavation and exploration works at the Karbala’ and Samawah sites. Human remains previously recovered from the Karbala’ site and sent to the Iraqi Medico-Legal Directorate for DNA analysis and genetic profiling have proven to belong to a single person. The results were passed on to the Kuwait delegation for cross-checking and were later found not to have a corresponding match in their records. No human remains or grave-like features were found at the Samawah site. The Ministry of Defence of Iraq continued its investigation of the naval base site in Kuwait and of the Khamisiyah, Radwaniyah, Sulaymaniyah and Salman Pak sites in Iraq. The Ministry followed up with witnesses and with relevant government bodies to verify the information it had acquired in its efforts to identify exact burial locations. While there were no further developments, the sites in question will remain open as the Ministry continues to search for more information. Notably, the Ministry established contact with a new witness regarding a potential burial site in Najaf Governorate. By disseminating calls in newspapers and on satellite television, most recently on 17 July 2018, the Office of the Spokesperson of the Ministry continued to encourage witnesses who might have information on missing Kuwaiti persons and missing Kuwaiti property to come forward. S/2018/976 2/3 18-18271 4. On 8 July, my Deputy Special Representative for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Alice Walpole, briefed the Ambassador of Kuwait to Iraq, Salem Ghassab Mohammed al-Zamanan, on the latest efforts undertaken by UNAMI in the implementation of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013). The Ambassador emphasized the significance of the resolution of the file on missing Kuwaiti and third - country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property for the normalization of relations between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Defence of Iraq, in particular for its expertise, information-sharing practices and proactive approach. He reiterated his support for the UNAMI proposal to undertake a survey of mass grave sites using ground-penetrating radar, which members of the tripartite mechanism are currently considering. 5. On 25 July, UNAMI attended, in its observer capacity, the 104th meeting of the Technical Subcommittee of the tripartite mechanism in Kuwait. In a positive development, the delegations of France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America provided the mechanism with an update on information they had shared with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) pertaining to available maps, imagery and analysis of imagery from the 1990–1991 period — material that might help to identify and pinpoint potential burial locations. The Committee indicated that it had finally received sets of satellite imagery of the Samawah site dating back to the years 1990 to 1992. ICRC confirmed that the imagery was being analysed by its experts and that their findings would be shared at subsequent meetings. UNAMI updated the tripartite mechanism on its efforts to gain access to relevant archives of the United Nations Special Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 687 (1991) and the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, which might contain useful information on the Salman Pak site. Having exhausted all available possibilities for identifying reliable witnesses and information, the members of the tripartit e mechanism agreed to close the file on the al-Razi site in Diyala Governorate in Iraq. The members further agreed to continue joint Iraq-Kuwait-ICRC excavation and exploration works at the Samawah and Karbala’ sites. 6. UNAMI set out its proposal to undertake a ground-penetrating radar pilot project to conduct mass grave site surveys in Iraq, with the help of the Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy. The first step would be to analyse relevant satellite imagery as a prerequisite for further action. 7. ICRC informed the members of the mechanism that the report on the ICRC review project, integrating feedback from members, was being finalized and would be shared once completed. The final document will form the basis for an action plan to be shared with delegations at the 105th meeting of the Technical Subcommittee. III. Recent activities with regard to the return of Kuwaiti property 8. During the reporting period, no progress was made on the issue of the return of Kuwaiti property. UNAMI has been in communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and the Embassy of Kuwait in Baghdad to schedule an official handover of the first package of Kuwaiti property that has been located. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq expressed its readiness to submit the Kuwaiti property to UNAMI for safekeeping until the date of the transfer is set by the parties. UNAMI has already undertaken the necessary logistical preparations, should both sides reach an agreement. According to officials from the Ministry, the property comprises a sword, videotapes and approximately 3,000 books. The Ministry also continued its efforts to collect and itemize the remainder of located Kuwaiti property. UNAMI has proposed dates for a working-level meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs S/2018/976 18-18271 3/3 of Iraq, the Embassy of Kuwait in Baghdad and UNAMI to discuss the necessary arrangements. 9. On 8 July, during the meeting with my Deputy Special Representative, Mr. Al-Zamanan welcomed the readiness of UNAMI to provide air transport for items of property that had been uncovered by Iraq and to facilitate and observe the official handover. IV. Observations 10. As in previous reports, I would like to emphasize the critically important role that the closure of the file on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, plays in normalizing relations between the two countries. 11. Although tangible results have yet to be achieved in the search for missing persons, some progress has been made through the efforts of the Ministry of Defence of Iraq. I commend the Government of Iraq on its determination to continue to pursue the matter, including by carrying out excavation and exploration missions, identifying new witnesses and collecting information to complement the search, and I am confident that its resolve to bring this humanitarian file to closure will bear results. I would also like to thank the Government of Kuwait for its continued positive and constructive engagement on a matter of great sensitivity and national importance. 12. A number of positive developments have demonstrated the commitment of all members of the tripartite mechanism to persevere, notwithstanding the challenges and the accumulated frustration from the lack of results. Discussions during the most recent meeting of the Technical Subcommittee were informative and constructive. The acquisition of new imagery and mapping material provided by the individual members of the tripartite mechanism is another promising step in obtaining muchneeded information. I would like to thank the members of the mechanism in this regard and encourage them to provide continuing support. Nevertheless, the procurement of field equipment and the provision of forensic, DNA, and anthropological training and capacity-building for Iraqi and Kuwaiti technical teams remain major challenges and are integral to progress on the file. The support of the international community in those areas is thus paramount. 13. ICRC remains a valuable actor in this process, and I thank them for supporting and guiding these efforts. I am confident that the new action plan, which will be developed on the basis of the findings of the ICRC review project, has the potential to reinvigorate the process. I hope that the efforts of UNAMI to provide additional information and to support the mechanism by implementing a ground-penetrating radar pilot project will contribute substantively to this important humanitarian effort. 14. While I welcome the ongoing discussions between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and Kuwait on setting a date for the official handover of already located Kuwaiti property, I urge both sides to move the process forward expeditiously, as it has been pending for over a year. UNAMI remains ready to facilitate the transfer of identified property and observe the official handover. I also urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq to make further efforts in its search for the missing national archives of Kuwait and to explore new avenues to advance the process, including through a public outreach campaign. 15. My Special Representative, Deputy Special Representative and the staff of UNAMI remain proactive and fully committed to promoting and facilitating efforts in support of this important mandate.
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Re: Iraq: New Government Appeals to the Security Council to Get to Work to Meet the Expectations of Its People
http://www.uniraq.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9927:briefing-to-the-security-council-by-srsg-for-iraq-jan-kubis-new-york-13-november-2018-as-delivered&Itemid=712&lang=en
Tuesday, 13 November 2018 22:00
Mr. President,
Distinguished members of the Security Council,
Following the certification of the election results on 19 August, the government formation process moved forward with the election of Mohammad al-Halbousi as Speaker of the Council of Representatives on 15 September, and Barham Salih as President of Iraq on 2 October, who then nominated Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi, as Prime Minister-designate.
On 24 October, the Iraqi Parliament reviewed the new governmental programme, endorsed 14 out of 22 Cabinet ministers, and confirmed Mr. Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister. Of the five sovereign ministries, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Oil were endorsed, but the ministries of Defence and Interior are yet to be allocated. No female or minority candidates were appointed to ministerial positions, but the PM intends to consider them for governmental posts and other key positions in subsequent rounds of government formation.
Mr. President,
While the government formation process has not been without controversy, the political blocs have demonstrated a willingness to act in support of the Prime Minister. Competition and differences have been largely political and not sectarian, and in this way, a break from the past. The guidance of the Supreme Shia religious authority Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani has significantly influenced the process. The main negotiations with PM Abdul-Mahdi have been led by cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr (Sai’roun) and Mr. Hadi al-Ameri (Fateh) on behalf of their alliances – Islah and Binaa respectively. All of these primary partners and political forces now share a responsibility for creating an enabling environment for the new PM and government to deliver on its programme, and for its stability. The support of all the political forces represented in parliament will be essential, including those who will now be in the opposition, for the first time since 2003. Barring this, Iraq’s political forces and leaders will fail their people.
Mr. President,
The Government’s programme, which includes advisory inputs from the UN represents a general outline of a national project to respond to the needs and demands of the Iraqi people. As stated in the programme, its focus and pillar should be the citizen. The programme outlines specific plans for reforms, investment and the private sector, and for transitioning Iraq from a crisis context to sustainable development, recommends steps to tackle corruption across all sectors, and sets out a framework to guide the planning and work of each ministry. In addition to delivering tangible improvements in the daily lives of Iraqi citizens, a key focus area of the programme includes job creation for the unemployed, and young people in particular. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of liberated areas and the return of IDPs are also key priorities. The programme aims at strengthening security, fighting terrorism, enhancing law and order and the rule of law, i.a. by putting all arms under the strict control of the State. It also stresses the prevention of militia formation outside the framework of the State, and the withdrawal of troops from the cities. The programme confirms that special attention will be given to resolving pending challenges with the Kurdistan Region, including the issues of budget allocation and financial resources, oil and disputed areas.
Mr. President,
I commend the exemplary democratic transfer of power between the outgoing Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, and incoming Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi. At the handover ceremony on 25 October, Mr. Abadi recalled the achievements of his government in defeating Da’esh and uniting the country based on the Constitution, at a time when the economic situation deteriorated due to deep-rooted corruption and a massive decrease in oil prices. He recalled the return of millions of displaced families to liberated areas and the establishment of a national army and security forces. He also noted improved relations with all of Iraq’s neighbours, including the Arab countries. Finally, he underlined that political processes in Iraq have witnessed a gradual departure from sectarian approaches and rhetoric. For all of this, he and his government, the Kurdistan regional government, diverse armed forces and formations, and the people of Iraq deserve acknowledgment and gratitude.
Iraq must now build on these foundations. The new Government intends to start immediately, particularly on the delivery of services and jobs, and justice, on reforming and energizing the economy, and effective governance, including fighting corruption and administrative red-tape. In this regard, Iraq will require and counts on the continued support of the international community. We must not let them down.
Mr. President,
On 30 October, the Kurdistan region parliamentary elections held on the 30 September were approved. The first session of the new KR Parliament took place on 6 November, but failed to elect its Speaker and the two deputies.
The dominant Kurdistan Democratic Party now intends to consult with all Kurdistan Region political parties, notably the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, on the government formation.
Mr. President,
The new government of Iraq intends to introduce robust measures to further improve and achieve sustainable security throughout the country, intensifying efforts to uproot Da’esh terrorist cells to counter this insurgency. There are almost daily reports about arresting or eliminating Da’esh terrorists, their leaders, sleeper-cells and hide-outs.
Security measures put in place for the Arba’een pilgrimage were successful. Among the 15 million pilgrims, close to 2 million foreign visitors were recorded to have legally and safely entered Iraq. Efforts to disturb this massive movement of people failed.
Most Da’esh movements in recent months have been reportedly through the desert joining central Iraq and its Anbar and Ninewa provinces to the western border with Syria. In response, Iraq has deployed thousands of troops on its border with Syria to curb Da’esh, who remains in control of several areas across the borders in the Syrian Deir ez-Zor province. Also, Da’esh remains active in some other Iraqi provinces, notably in Kirkuk, Salah ad-Din and Diyala.
Mr. President,
UNAMI continues to advocate for justice and accountability for international crimes. On the 6 of November, UNAMI and OHCHR jointly launched a report entitled “Unearthing Atrocities: Mass Graves in territory formerly controlled by ISIL.” At least 202 mass graves have been discovered in Iraq, believed to contain the remains of many thousands of victims of Da’esh-perpetrated atrocities.
I am pleased to advise that the Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for Da’esh crimes (UNITAD), Mr. Karim Khan, has arrived in Iraq on 30 October.
Mr. President,
In October, UNAMI established a Women Advisory Group on Reconciliation and Politics in Iraq (WAG) that will serve as a political inclusion mechanism to ensure that the voices, concerns and experiences of Iraqi women are included in political processes that shape national reconciliation, based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and non-discrimination.
Mr. President,
Nearly two years after the defeat of Da’esh by Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition allies, more than 1.9 million Iraqis remain displaced, primarily in the north and west of the country. Although four million people have returned home since the end of the conflict, the rate of return has decreased significantly. Humanitarian actors and the UNAMI Senior Women’s Protection Advisor are also concentrating on how to best strengthen the centrality of protection around women and children with perceived affiliations to extremist groups.
A critical barrier to the returns of IDPs is that the need for residential buildings to be cleared of mines by mine action actors remains unmet. The Funding Facility for Stabilization (or FFS) reached a significant milestone, having now completed 1,517 projects across all nine sectors of work in the five liberated governorates of the country. There are 245 new projects already tendered, but these will not be implemented without additional donor support.
We also urge the Government to begin making its own contributions to donor-funded international development programmes including those under the FFS.
Mr. President,
The need for concrete results in public projects beyond the current focus on liberated areas is perhaps most evident in the southern city and province of Basra. There, a combination of water scarcity and high levels of contamination in drinking supplies led to more than 100,000 people being admitted to the hospital with gastroenteritis symptoms between mid-August and mid-October.
Mr. President,
On the 28 of October, the Government of Iraq chaired the first formal meeting of the Executive Committee on Recovery, Reconstruction and Development. This high-level committee is mandated to provide a coordination platform for strategic guidance on national priorities to take forward the work set out in the Kuwait Conference on the Reconstruction of Iraq in February of this year. This signals a Government’s determined shift towards development and investment.
Mr. President,
I am delighted to report that on 11 and 13 November 2018, after over a year of preparations, President Saleh and respectively Iraqi Foreign Ministry representatives delivered to the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs numerous property items taken during the invasion of Kuwait, including a sword and a valuable painting, over 2,300 books, and an archive of Kuwait Television video tapes.
I welcome this clear indication of commitment by the Government of Iraq to resolving the complex file of outstanding issues with Kuwait. When I met the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Mohammad Al-Hakim, on 5 November, he assured me of his highest attention to, and support for, efforts on this important file.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, as this is my last report to you in my current capacity, I would like to express my gratitude to you and your predecessors, to the members of the Security Council for the support you have kindly provided to me during the 3 years and 9 months I have served in my tenure.
I would also like to express my highest appreciation to UNAMI and the UNCT staff, for their dedication, professionalism, proactive efforts and unwavering commitment to work in support of UNAMI’s and UN mandates, serving Iraq and its people.
I would also like to express my gratitude to and appreciation of Madame Alice Walpole, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance and Madame Marta Ruedas, my Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs and Development, for their cooperation, capable leadership and management of UN activities across Iraq.
Finally, I would like to warmly welcome my successor, Madame Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and wish her success in leading the Mission, in helping Iraq toward a durable and sustainable peace, stability and prosperity for its people. I encourage the authorities and society of Iraq to offer Madame Hennis-Plasschaert the same generous support and cooperation that they have shown to me during my tenure.
I have had the honour of serving the UN and Iraq during a particularly difficult period that has against all odds and scepticism ended well, with a promising future prospect for the country and its people. Iraq is a success, a positive story, in the region marked by many negative trends and developments. The UN in Iraq has shown its relevance and will continue to build on the firm foundations of its strong partnership with Iraq and its people.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[/size]
[size=36]Briefing to the Security Council by SRSG for Iraq Ján Kubiš New York, 13 November 2018 (AS DELIVERED)
Tuesday, 13 November 2018 22:00
Mr. President,
Distinguished members of the Security Council,
Following the certification of the election results on 19 August, the government formation process moved forward with the election of Mohammad al-Halbousi as Speaker of the Council of Representatives on 15 September, and Barham Salih as President of Iraq on 2 October, who then nominated Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi, as Prime Minister-designate.
On 24 October, the Iraqi Parliament reviewed the new governmental programme, endorsed 14 out of 22 Cabinet ministers, and confirmed Mr. Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister. Of the five sovereign ministries, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Oil were endorsed, but the ministries of Defence and Interior are yet to be allocated. No female or minority candidates were appointed to ministerial positions, but the PM intends to consider them for governmental posts and other key positions in subsequent rounds of government formation.
Mr. President,
While the government formation process has not been without controversy, the political blocs have demonstrated a willingness to act in support of the Prime Minister. Competition and differences have been largely political and not sectarian, and in this way, a break from the past. The guidance of the Supreme Shia religious authority Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani has significantly influenced the process. The main negotiations with PM Abdul-Mahdi have been led by cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr (Sai’roun) and Mr. Hadi al-Ameri (Fateh) on behalf of their alliances – Islah and Binaa respectively. All of these primary partners and political forces now share a responsibility for creating an enabling environment for the new PM and government to deliver on its programme, and for its stability. The support of all the political forces represented in parliament will be essential, including those who will now be in the opposition, for the first time since 2003. Barring this, Iraq’s political forces and leaders will fail their people.
Mr. President,
The Government’s programme, which includes advisory inputs from the UN represents a general outline of a national project to respond to the needs and demands of the Iraqi people. As stated in the programme, its focus and pillar should be the citizen. The programme outlines specific plans for reforms, investment and the private sector, and for transitioning Iraq from a crisis context to sustainable development, recommends steps to tackle corruption across all sectors, and sets out a framework to guide the planning and work of each ministry. In addition to delivering tangible improvements in the daily lives of Iraqi citizens, a key focus area of the programme includes job creation for the unemployed, and young people in particular. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of liberated areas and the return of IDPs are also key priorities. The programme aims at strengthening security, fighting terrorism, enhancing law and order and the rule of law, i.a. by putting all arms under the strict control of the State. It also stresses the prevention of militia formation outside the framework of the State, and the withdrawal of troops from the cities. The programme confirms that special attention will be given to resolving pending challenges with the Kurdistan Region, including the issues of budget allocation and financial resources, oil and disputed areas.
Mr. President,
I commend the exemplary democratic transfer of power between the outgoing Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, and incoming Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi. At the handover ceremony on 25 October, Mr. Abadi recalled the achievements of his government in defeating Da’esh and uniting the country based on the Constitution, at a time when the economic situation deteriorated due to deep-rooted corruption and a massive decrease in oil prices. He recalled the return of millions of displaced families to liberated areas and the establishment of a national army and security forces. He also noted improved relations with all of Iraq’s neighbours, including the Arab countries. Finally, he underlined that political processes in Iraq have witnessed a gradual departure from sectarian approaches and rhetoric. For all of this, he and his government, the Kurdistan regional government, diverse armed forces and formations, and the people of Iraq deserve acknowledgment and gratitude.
Iraq must now build on these foundations. The new Government intends to start immediately, particularly on the delivery of services and jobs, and justice, on reforming and energizing the economy, and effective governance, including fighting corruption and administrative red-tape. In this regard, Iraq will require and counts on the continued support of the international community. We must not let them down.
Mr. President,
On 30 October, the Kurdistan region parliamentary elections held on the 30 September were approved. The first session of the new KR Parliament took place on 6 November, but failed to elect its Speaker and the two deputies.
The dominant Kurdistan Democratic Party now intends to consult with all Kurdistan Region political parties, notably the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, on the government formation.
Mr. President,
The new government of Iraq intends to introduce robust measures to further improve and achieve sustainable security throughout the country, intensifying efforts to uproot Da’esh terrorist cells to counter this insurgency. There are almost daily reports about arresting or eliminating Da’esh terrorists, their leaders, sleeper-cells and hide-outs.
Security measures put in place for the Arba’een pilgrimage were successful. Among the 15 million pilgrims, close to 2 million foreign visitors were recorded to have legally and safely entered Iraq. Efforts to disturb this massive movement of people failed.
Most Da’esh movements in recent months have been reportedly through the desert joining central Iraq and its Anbar and Ninewa provinces to the western border with Syria. In response, Iraq has deployed thousands of troops on its border with Syria to curb Da’esh, who remains in control of several areas across the borders in the Syrian Deir ez-Zor province. Also, Da’esh remains active in some other Iraqi provinces, notably in Kirkuk, Salah ad-Din and Diyala.
Mr. President,
UNAMI continues to advocate for justice and accountability for international crimes. On the 6 of November, UNAMI and OHCHR jointly launched a report entitled “Unearthing Atrocities: Mass Graves in territory formerly controlled by ISIL.” At least 202 mass graves have been discovered in Iraq, believed to contain the remains of many thousands of victims of Da’esh-perpetrated atrocities.
I am pleased to advise that the Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for Da’esh crimes (UNITAD), Mr. Karim Khan, has arrived in Iraq on 30 October.
Mr. President,
In October, UNAMI established a Women Advisory Group on Reconciliation and Politics in Iraq (WAG) that will serve as a political inclusion mechanism to ensure that the voices, concerns and experiences of Iraqi women are included in political processes that shape national reconciliation, based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and non-discrimination.
Mr. President,
Nearly two years after the defeat of Da’esh by Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition allies, more than 1.9 million Iraqis remain displaced, primarily in the north and west of the country. Although four million people have returned home since the end of the conflict, the rate of return has decreased significantly. Humanitarian actors and the UNAMI Senior Women’s Protection Advisor are also concentrating on how to best strengthen the centrality of protection around women and children with perceived affiliations to extremist groups.
A critical barrier to the returns of IDPs is that the need for residential buildings to be cleared of mines by mine action actors remains unmet. The Funding Facility for Stabilization (or FFS) reached a significant milestone, having now completed 1,517 projects across all nine sectors of work in the five liberated governorates of the country. There are 245 new projects already tendered, but these will not be implemented without additional donor support.
We also urge the Government to begin making its own contributions to donor-funded international development programmes including those under the FFS.
Mr. President,
The need for concrete results in public projects beyond the current focus on liberated areas is perhaps most evident in the southern city and province of Basra. There, a combination of water scarcity and high levels of contamination in drinking supplies led to more than 100,000 people being admitted to the hospital with gastroenteritis symptoms between mid-August and mid-October.
Mr. President,
On the 28 of October, the Government of Iraq chaired the first formal meeting of the Executive Committee on Recovery, Reconstruction and Development. This high-level committee is mandated to provide a coordination platform for strategic guidance on national priorities to take forward the work set out in the Kuwait Conference on the Reconstruction of Iraq in February of this year. This signals a Government’s determined shift towards development and investment.
Mr. President,
I am delighted to report that on 11 and 13 November 2018, after over a year of preparations, President Saleh and respectively Iraqi Foreign Ministry representatives delivered to the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs numerous property items taken during the invasion of Kuwait, including a sword and a valuable painting, over 2,300 books, and an archive of Kuwait Television video tapes.
I welcome this clear indication of commitment by the Government of Iraq to resolving the complex file of outstanding issues with Kuwait. When I met the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Mohammad Al-Hakim, on 5 November, he assured me of his highest attention to, and support for, efforts on this important file.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, as this is my last report to you in my current capacity, I would like to express my gratitude to you and your predecessors, to the members of the Security Council for the support you have kindly provided to me during the 3 years and 9 months I have served in my tenure.
I would also like to express my highest appreciation to UNAMI and the UNCT staff, for their dedication, professionalism, proactive efforts and unwavering commitment to work in support of UNAMI’s and UN mandates, serving Iraq and its people.
I would also like to express my gratitude to and appreciation of Madame Alice Walpole, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance and Madame Marta Ruedas, my Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs and Development, for their cooperation, capable leadership and management of UN activities across Iraq.
Finally, I would like to warmly welcome my successor, Madame Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and wish her success in leading the Mission, in helping Iraq toward a durable and sustainable peace, stability and prosperity for its people. I encourage the authorities and society of Iraq to offer Madame Hennis-Plasschaert the same generous support and cooperation that they have shown to me during my tenure.
I have had the honour of serving the UN and Iraq during a particularly difficult period that has against all odds and scepticism ended well, with a promising future prospect for the country and its people. Iraq is a success, a positive story, in the region marked by many negative trends and developments. The UN in Iraq has shown its relevance and will continue to build on the firm foundations of its strong partnership with Iraq and its people.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[/size]
claud39- Elite Member
- Posts : 18423
Join date : 2018-11-04
Dinar Daily :: DINAR/IRAQ -- NEWS -- GURUS and DISCUSSIONS :: IRAQ and DINAR -- ARTICLE BASED INFORMATION and DISCUSSIONS
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