UN extends Iraqi mission one more year

UN extends Iraqi mission one more year

2011-07-29 06:16:50 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations UN on Thursday announced that it will be extending its mandate of its mission in Iraq for another year.

The UN welcomed recent security improvements in Iraq, but it also stressed the need for further progress on the humanitarian, human rights, and political fronts. As a result, the Security Council, in a unanimously adopted resolution, extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Council members agreed to continue the work of UNAMI for a period of 12 months, in line with the latest report of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the work of the mission.

Concerted political and security efforts have improved Iraq's security situation, the resolution noted, adding that further advances will be made through meaningful political dialogue. However, it called for all communities in the country to get involved in the political process, refrain from statements or actions that aggravate tensions and reach "a comprehensive solution on the distribution of resources."

Council members also urged the Government to continue to promote human rights, including by supporting the country's Independent High Commission for Human Rights and by developing strategies to ensure that women can play a much greater decision-making role in society.

The resolution also stressed the need for a coordinated response to Iraq's humanitarian needs for all aid workers to be able to do their jobs unhindered; for civilians, especially children, women and members of religious and ethnic minorities, to be able to feel safe, while the dignified; and orderly return of refugees and internally displaced persons to be encouraged.

Members also called on the Government to continue its ongoing cooperation with the Kuwaiti Government, with which it fought a war in 1990-91, and meet its outstanding international obligations on that issue.

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