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