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:

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General
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-- 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.

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Elections
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-- 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.

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U.S. Role
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-- 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.

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Close
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-- 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