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STORY: UN / IRAQ
TRT: 02:27
SOURCE: UNIFEED
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 30 MAY 2018, NEW YORK CITY
RECENT - NEW YORK CITY
1. Wide shot, UNHQ exterior
30 MAY 2018, NEW YORK CITY
2. Wide shot, Security Council
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Ján Kubiš, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, United Nations:
“The decision by more than half of the voting population not to exercise their democratic right sends a strong signal to the elites ruling the country since 2003. I urge the elites to draw the necessary conclusions on improved representation, justice for all, accountability and good governance void of sectarian quota system, nepotism and patronage.”
4. Wide shot, Security Council
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ján Kubiš, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, United Nations:
“The post-election phase represents a crucial time for Iraq. Building on the achievements of the current government, we urge political leaders to prioritise inclusive, non-sectarian dialogue, and to ensure the swift formation of a new truly national Government which reflects the will of the people of Iraq.”
6. Med shot, Iraqi ambassador
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Nikki Haley, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations:
“As Iraq emerges from the shadow of ISIS’s terror, the government has to focus on getting the basics right. Keeping the lights on and paving roads might seem like small steps, but delivering these services will be essential for the credibility of the new Iraqi government. It will also be vital for the government to respect and promote human rights. Especially after ISIS’s crimes, Iraqis must be confident that their leaders will uphold the rule of law and pursue accountability for atrocities.”
8. Wide shot, Security Council
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammed Hussein Bahr AlUloom, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations:
“On May 12th 2018, Iraqis marched to the voting polls to elect the members of the House of Representative of Iraq, these elections have a significant importance because it followed the deceleration of victory over Da'eash which makes the Iraqi 2018 elections another chapter of the War against Terrorism in Iraq.”
10. Wide shot, Security Council
UN Special Representative in Iraq Ján Kubiš told the Security Council today (30 May) the recent elections in the country were held in a generally calm and stable environment but warned that the “decision by more than half of the voting population not to exercise their democratic right sends a strong signal to the elites ruling the country since 2003.”
According to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), some 10.8 million of the 24.3 million eligible voters, 44.5 percent, participated in the elections marking a significant decrease in comparison with previous elections. Kubiš urged Iraqi elites to “draw the necessary conclusions on improved representation, justice for all, accountability and good governance void of sectarian quota system, nepotism and patronage.” He also urged political leaders to ensure the full participation of women in negotiations on the formation of the next government.
The Special Representative called on the electoral commission to address all complaints expeditiously and seriously and conduct partial manual recounts as necessary, notably in Kirkuk. He said the post-election phase “represents a crucial time for Iraq” and urged political leaders to “prioritise inclusive, non-sectarian dialogue, and to ensure the swift formation of a new truly national Government which reflects the will of the people of Iraq.” He noted that it was essential that the new Government works as one across the sectarian and ethnic divides in pursuing political, economic and social reforms, based on the principles of patriotism and citizenship with equal rights, justice and opportunity for all.
United States ambassador Nikki Haley said Iraq is very different than it was three years ago when ISIS controlled Mosul and captured territory within 30 minutes of Baghdad. She said today Iraq is liberated and displaced persons are returning to their homes and beginning to rebuild. She said, “As Iraq emerges from the shadow of ISIS’s terror, the government has to focus on getting the basics right; keeping the lights on and paving roads might seem like small steps, but delivering these services will be essential for the credibility of the new Iraqi government.”
Iraqi ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr AlUloom said the elections in his country had a “significant importance because it followed the deceleration of victory over Da'eash which makes the Iraqi 2018 elections another chapter of the war against terrorism in Iraq.” He said a positive sign was the unprecedented participation of female candidates as well as a large participation of youth, both as voters and candidates. He added that the Iraqi government succeeded in providing a secure electoral environment which enabled Iraqis to cast their votes in a safe and confident manner. Bahr AlUloom said Iraq would focus in the next phase on revitalizing the economy, restoring social life, and supporting development and stability in all its provinces.
