POINTS FOR OPEN DEBATE ON UNSCR 1830 (UNAMI)

UNCLAS STATE 017766 SENSITIVE SIPDIS USUN FOR GERMAIN AND KUJAWINSKI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC IZ SUBJECT: POINTS FOR OPEN DEBATE ON UNSCR 1830 (UNAMI) ¶1. (U) USUN should draw from the points in para 2 during the open debate on UNSCR 1830 (UNAMI) in the Security Council on February 26. ¶2. (SBU) Begin points: -------------- General -------------- -- The end of the MNF-I mandate on December 31 of last year marked a new beginning for Iraq and its relationship with the United Nations and the international community. [Note: UNSCR 1790 did not expire, only the MNF-I mandate contained within it] -- A new Iraq -- committed to democratic rule, to a policy of peace and cooperation with its neighbors and with the wider international community -- has emerged. We welcome and applaud the new Iraq as a friend and as a partner. -- The sovereign government of Iraq continues to look to the international community for support. We all still have an important role to play. This is particularly true in: helping Iraq strengthen its democratic institutions, building capacity in its workforce and institutions of government, strengthening the rule of law, and in developing peaceful and productive relations with all its neighbors. -- It is also true in dealing with Iraq's displaced citizens. The international community must continue to assist Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, support efforts to facilitate their safe return home, and take in or resettle those who are most needy and vulnerable. -- The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has played and will continue to play a vital role in these endeavors. Under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary General Staffan de Mistura and at the invitation of the Iraqi government, UNAMI has expanded and enhanced its presence in Iraq. It is assisting with such vital issues as national reconciliation, disputed internal boundaries, the planning and holding of free and fair elections, and the provision of assistance to vulnerable groups, including refugees and internally displaced persons. -- The United States wholeheartedly welcomes and supports UNAMI's work and congratulates its entire staff on their accomplishments. -------------- Elections -------------- -- To cite one notable example of UNAMI's contributions, let me turn to the recent provincial elections, in which the Iraqi people elected new provincial councils in 14 out of 18 provinces. The elections were a significant milestone for Iraqi democracy. Participation in the elections was high. All major parties and communities participated. There were no boycotts and no significant violence. There were no major disruptions and citizens across Iraq voted freely and peacefully. The elections were inclusive and legitimate. -- The Independent High Electoral Commission and the government and people of Iraq deserve the greatest credit for this exercise in peaceful political change. UNAMI played an important supporting role in this endeavor, providing technical assistance and advice based on longstanding UN experience. All of us can be proud of what they accomplished. -- International attention now turns to national elections, which are expected to be held late this year or very early next year. UNAMI again will play a vital supporting role. -------------- U.S. Role -------------- -- As I noted earlier, the United States remains fully committed to assisting the development of a democratic nation in which all communities participate in political, social and economic life and whose human and civil rights are protected -- a nation at peace with its neighbors and the wider international community. -- The time has come to reduce our military presence in Iraq. Our bilateral Security Agreement requires U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities no later than this summer. The process of withdrawing U.S. forces will proceed thereafter, in consultation and with the support of the Government of Iraq, and consistent with the Security Agreement, which calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces by the end of 2011. -- That reduction in no way diminishes our long-term commitment to a stable, democratic Iraq that is a force for peace in the region. Indeed, we have signed a broad agreement with Iraq which sets out a program of long-term cooperation in fields as diverse as education, trade, technology and energy. We and the government of Iraq already are working to make that vision a reality and to establish a strong foundation for cooperative and mutually beneficial relations. -- That is our commitment to the new Iraq. -------------- Close -------------- -- Together, we can responsibly advance the cause of Iraqi sovereignty without undermining the imperative of Iraqi security. -- I would like to take this opportunity once again to congratulate UNAMI for its accomplishments in Iraq. The United States will continue to offer its full support to UNAMI and to encourage all countries to lend their support as well. END POINTS CLINTON