United Nations: The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq for one year, stressing that it has a vital role to play in the reconstruction of the country.
In a unanimous resolution, the 15-member Council reaffirmed that the UN should play a leading role in assisting the efforts of the Iraqi people and government in strengthening institutions for representative government, and in promoting national dialogue and unity.
In a recent letter to the President of the Council, Secretary-General Kofi Annan highlighted UNAMI's successful efforts to facilitate the country's political transition in the past year, particularly with regard to the holding of two national elections and the adoption of a new Constitution.
He noted, however, that Iraq "continued to face formidable political, security and economic challenges" and still needed support from the international community.
Insurgent, militia and terrorist attacks had continued unabated in many places, and sectarian violence posed an increasing threat to the Iraqi people.
Foreign Minister of Iraq, Hoshyar Zebari, wrote to the Secretary-General earlier this month to request UNAMI's extension for one year.
He noted that while the political transition has formally come to an end, "there remains much work for Iraqis to do to continue to build democratic legal and political institutions, to reintroduce the rule of law to engage in a national dialogue to build peace and security and to rebuild Iraq's shattered physical and economic infrastructure"
UNAMI, he said, continues to have a "vital role" in working with Iraq to build a productive and prosperous country at peace with itself and its neighbours.
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