GUIDANCE: UNAMI RENEWAL BUILDING BLOCKS

UNCLAS STATE 080200 SIPDIS USUN FOR GERMAIN AND KUJAWINSKI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC IZ SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: UNAMI RENEWAL BUILDING BLOCKS ¶1. (U) This is an action request. ¶2. (U) USUN is authorized to draw from the following points (para 3) in making its August 4 statement in the Security Council supporting adoption of the UNSC resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). ¶3. BEGIN POINTS: -- Mr. President, we welcome the Council,s adoption of this resolution to renew the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). -- Mr. President, the United States recognizes the significant progress the Government of Iraq (GOI) has made since UNAMI,s responsibilities were first enumerated in UNSCR 1546 in June of 2004. Since that time, the people of Iraq have held elections, adopted a constitution, seated a freely-elected government and established the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future. --As a friend and strategic partner, the U.S. is deeply committed to advancing this progress. We are committed to building a strong and long-term strategic relationship with Iraq, which respects both countries' sovereignty and serves both countries, interests - we will advance our work with the Iraqi people to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, support the voluntary return of the displaced, and develop peaceful and cooperative engagements with their neighbors. We will also encourage the wider international community to work with Iraq in order to further stabilize the region and use the tools necessary to eradicate the continuing threats to Iraq,s peace and security. Moreover, and in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement, the U.S. plans to build on the June 30, 2009 repositioning of combat forces from Iraq cities, towns, and villages, leading toward the drawdown of all U.S. forces by the end of 2011. --Mr. President, the United States would also like to recognize the vital role that the United Nations continues to play in Iraq. Under the leadership of the newly appointed SRSG Ad Melkert, and at the invitation of the Government of Iraq, UNAMI continues to expand the presence and capacity of the UN throughout Iraq. UNAMI is playing a critical supporting mission in promoting issues decisive to the long-term peace, security, and prosperity of Iraq by addressing disputed internal boundaries, holding of free and fair elections, promoting national unity, and assisting refugees and internally displaced persons. -- UNAMI represents the international community,s commitment to supporting Iraq,s efforts to build a vibrant nation in which all of its diverse communities participate in the political, social and economic life of the nation and in which the human rights of all are protected. --Over the next twelve months, UNAMI,s work will be increasingly important in supporting efforts to resolve some of Iraq's most important political challenges. --Mr. President, resolving ongoing Arab-Kurd disputes over internal boundaries is one such challenge. The U.S. strongly encourages senior officials from both the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to support the UNAMI facilitated High Level Task Force. The Task Force is an important mechanism to increase dialogue and a spirit of cooperation in an effort to work toward a just and fair solution ) a key step in creating stability for all of Iraq. We also stand ready to assist in efforts toward achieving Iraqi national unity, and call on all relevant parties to advance this process. --Holding legitimate and transparent national elections which encompass the peaceful transfer of power is also important for Iraq to move forward as a sovereign nation. The January 2010 national parliamentary elections represent another significant opportunity for Iraq to advance national unity. Through the ballot box, the Iraqi people can further their engagement with their government and bring together groups to inclusively function in a democratic environment. Achieving this task would be advanced by the passage of a national election law that maximizes participation of all Iraqis ) including displaced Iraqis ) and provides for transparency in the conduct of the electoral process. Iraqis and the international community viewed Iraq,s 2009 provincial council elections ) which used an open list system ) as successful and reflective of the will of the Iraqi people. UNAMI will play an important role in this process, especially in providing technical assistance and advice to Iraq,s Independent High Electoral Commission in preparation for Iraq's parliamentary elections in January 2010. --Supporting and facilitating the sustainable and voluntary reintegration of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons is also essential for the long-term stability of Iraq. The U.S.is acting to address Iraq,s displacement issues by supporting returns and reintegration, assisting those in displacement, and resettling in the United States some of the most vulnerable refugees. The U.S. recently announced $100 million in new contributions 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. With as many as 300,000 returns in 2008 and over 100,000 returns in 2009 as of June, the U.S. supports UNAMI,s engagement with the Iraqi Government in their efforts to provide security and access to housing, jobs, and basic services. We welcome additional efforts on this issue by the Government of Iraq. --Mr. President, I,d like to express my Government's deep appreciation to all the personnel of UNAMI for their commitment and resolve to engage on these critical issues in support of a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq. All of us can be proud of UNAMI,s efforts and record of accomplishment to date, look forward to your continued success. So on behalf of the United States, I offer our full support for the renewal of UNAMI,s mandate. This resolution renews UNAMI,s mission to advise and support the Iraqi government as it develops into a more stable and self-reliant nation. We unequivocally welcome and encourage UNAMI,s mission and stand ready to assist as necessary. We encourage all countries to do the same. END POINTS CLINTON