BUILDING BLOCKS FOR NOVEMBER 16 UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 116271 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC IZ SUBJECT: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR NOVEMBER 16 UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON UNAMI 1.(U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in para 2 during the closed consultations on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in the Security Council on November 16. ¶2. (SBU) Begin Points: --Mr. President, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report and UNAMI for its tireless work and commitment to support a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq. --Mr. President, the United States would like to acknowledge the critical role that the United Nations continues to play in Iraq. Under the leadership of Special Representative Ad Melkert and at the invitation of the Government of Iraq, UNAMI continues to expand the presence and capacity of the UN throughout Iraq. From addressing disputed internal boundaries to supporting free and fair elections - from promoting national unity to assisting refugees and internally displaced persons - UNAMI plays a critical role in support of the Government of Iraq as it pursues the long-term peace, security, and prosperity of Iraq. --On behalf of the United States, I am proud to offer our full support for UNAMI,s mandate. We particularly would like to recognize the work of SRSG Ad Melkert and his staff, and congratulate departing Deputy SRSG Andrew Gilmour on his record of service. The United States is greatly appreciative of your service. --In the days and months ahead, UNAMI,s work will continue to be especially significant. --Building upon the success of January,s provincial elections and Kurdistan Regional Government elections in July, the people and Government of Iraq are preparing for critical parliamentary elections in January 2010. UNAMI successfully supported the efforts of Iraq's Council of Representatives to secure a national election law, as well as to provide technical assistance and advice to Iraq,s Independent High Electoral Commission. These actions are essential to ensure the success of the upcoming January elections. Holding legitimate and transparent national elections which encompass the peaceful transfer of power is important for Iraq to move forward as a sovereign nation. --Mr. President, the United States is strongly encouraged by Iraq's Council of Representatives' action to adopt a national election law that maximizes participation of all Iraqis ) including displaced Iraqis ) and provides for transparency in the conduct of the electoral process. Enacting a hybrid-open list system - previously used during Iraq's January 2009 provincial council elections - is another important step towards national unity and reflects the will of the Iraqi people. We further encourage continued efforts to ensure that out-of-country and IDP voters have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the ballot box. This process will advance the Iraqi citizenry's engagement with their government and bring together groups to inclusively function in a democratic environment. --Mr. President, the United States also strongly supports UNAMI's work to facilitate the sustainable and voluntary return and reintegration of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. With as many as 225,000 returns in 2008 and nearly 155,000 returns so far in 2009, the U.S. recognizes that this process is essential for the long-term stability of Iraq. We welcome additional efforts on this issue by the Government of Iraq. --The United States is also acting to address Iraq,s displacement issues by supporting returns and reintegration, assisting those in displacement both inside and outside Iraq, and resettling in the United States some of the most vulnerable refugees. To this end, we recently allocated $100 million in new funding to support the return and reintegration of displaced Iraqis. These funds will be used to meet the needs of vulnerable families at the community level through activities such as rebuilding homes, creating jobs, and improving basic services. We also recently announced that Samantha Power will coordinate USG efforts for Iraqi refugees and IDPs and welcome Prime Minister Maliki's Senior Political Advisor Sadiq Rikabi as the GOI's counterpart on this very important issue. --The United States also supports UNAMI's important role in addressing Iraq,s disputed internal boundaries, particularly, UNAMI's facilitated High Level Task Force. The U.S. encourages the continued engagement of senior officials from both the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to use this important mechanism to increase dialogue and foster cooperation as they work toward a just and fair solution ) a key step in creating stability for all of Iraq. We stand ready to assist in this effort and call on all relevant parties to advance this process. --Mr. President, last month, I traveled to Iraq to meet with senior Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Regional Government, and United Nations officials. On October 24, I stood with Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari at the site of the August 19 bombing at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A day later, another act of violence aimed to disrupt and undermine Iraq's government institutions. In the strongest terms, the U.S. condemns the series of terrorist attacks that occurred on August 19 and October 25 in Baghdad, which caused numerous deaths, injuries and damage. We reaffirm our deepest condolences for these tragic attacks and our solidarity with the people of Iraq as they build a secure, stable, sovereign and democratic nation. --We also stand with the people and government of Iraq against those who use terror and violence in a vain attempt to slow progress towards achieving a free and secure future. As a friend and strategic partner, the United States firmly supports Iraq,s continuing development as a sovereign, democratic nation in which all communities can freely participate in political, social and economic life, and whose human and civil rights are protected. To this end, we fully support the Government of Iraq in their investigation to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and the on-going efforts of UN Secretary-General Ban's representative, Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, related to Iraq's security and sovereignty. We also call on the international community to cooperate actively with Iraqi authorities in this regard and support the Iraqi people to thrive and prosper in peace. --Mr. President, in closing, all of us here can be proud of UNAMI,s effort and outstanding record of accomplishments to date. The United States deeply appreciates your work and expanded footprint in Iraq - and stands ready to assist as necessary in accordance with the U.S.-UN Security Agreement. We encourage all countries to do the same. We look forward to your continued success. --Thank you, Mr. President. END POINTS CLINTON