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New York, 13 June (AKI) - Successful completion
of the political transition in Iraq requires real
progress in the security and living conditions of
all Iraqis, as well as a constitutional process that
is credible to all groups, United Nations
secretary-general Kofi Annan says in a new report.
"Every effort must be made to alleviate the daily
deprivations and dangers that degrade the lives of
so many Iraqis and contribute to filling the ranks
of the disaffected," he says in his latest report to
the Security Council.
To that end, the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq, in
close cooperation with the UN country team, has
taken a lead role in the reconstruction, development
and delivery of humanitarian assistance. It also
stands ready to serve as a facilitator for donor
coordination on development issues, the
secretary-general says.
The drafting of a national constitution over the
coming months provides a historic opportunity for
Iraqis to come together, he continues. To serve that
purpose, however, it must be an inclusive process.
"The more the Transitional National Assembly engages
in outreach to Iraq's key constituencies and the
more responsive it is to their views and concerns,
the more effective it will be in producing a
constitution that all Iraqis will consider their
own," he says, urging the assembly to increase its
efforts to find a formula for wide participation.
According to the secretary-general's report, the UN
Mission's Office of Constitutional Support, headed
by Nicholas Haysom, is working with key members of
the Iraqi Transitional Government. In the coming
months, the UN will further increase its efforts in
assisting the constitutional process.
The United Nations is equally committed to
continuing its role supporting the Independent
Electoral Commission of Iraq in preparation for the
planned constitutional referendum, slated to occur
by 15 October, as well as for the next elections,
which are planned before 15 December. In addition,
the United Nations stands ready to assist in
drafting new legislation related to the elections,
including a referendum law, the report says.
Despite such political activity, Annan says that the
volatile security situation remains a formidable
challenge to the transition process. Stabilising the
country requires security sector reform that
includes continued training and the assurance of
armed forces that reflect the diversity of Iraq's
population.
In addition, he says, reports of alleged human
rights abuses by all sides need to be taken
seriously. "In the wake of the recent large-scale
offensives in different parts of the country, I call
again upon all parties to strictly adhere to their
obligations under international humanitarian and
human rights law," he says.
While assuring UN support in all areas of
assistance, the secretary-general reiterates that
the continued lack of a secure environment continues
to severely limit the ability of the UN Mission to
implement its mandate fully, and exposes its staff
to considerable risk.
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