Cablegate: Building Blocks for November 16 Unsc

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O 110058Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA IMMEDIATE 0000
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RUEHKU/AMEMBASSY KUWAIT IMMEDIATE 0000

UNCLAS STATE 116271

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC IZ
SUBJECT: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR NOVEMBER 16 UNSC
CONSULTATIONS ON UNAMI

1.(U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the
points in para 2 during the closed consultations on the
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in the
Security Council on November 16.

2. (SBU) Begin Points:

--Mr. President, I would like to thank the Secretary-General
for his report and UNAMI for its tireless work and commitment
to support a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

--Mr. President, the United States would like to acknowledge
the critical role that the United Nations continues to play
in Iraq. Under the leadership of Special Representative Ad
Melkert and at the invitation of the Government of Iraq,
UNAMI continues to expand the presence and capacity of the UN
throughout Iraq. From addressing disputed internal
boundaries to supporting free and fair elections - from
promoting national unity to assisting refugees and internally
displaced persons - UNAMI plays a critical role in support of
the Government of Iraq as it pursues the long-term peace,
security, and prosperity of Iraq.
--On behalf of the United States, I am proud to offer our
full support for UNAMI,s mandate. We particularly would
like to recognize the work of SRSG Ad Melkert and his staff,
and congratulate departing Deputy SRSG Andrew Gilmour on his
record of service. The United States is greatly appreciative
of your service.
--In the days and months ahead, UNAMI,s work will continue
to be especially significant.

--Building upon the success of January,s provincial
elections and Kurdistan Regional Government elections in
July, the people and Government of Iraq are preparing for
critical parliamentary elections in January 2010. UNAMI
successfully supported the efforts of Iraq's Council of
Representatives to secure a national election law, as well as
to provide technical assistance and advice to Iraq,s
Independent High Electoral Commission. These actions are
essential to ensure the success of the upcoming January
elections. Holding legitimate and transparent national
elections which encompass the peaceful transfer of power is
important for Iraq to move forward as a sovereign nation.

--Mr. President, the United States is strongly encouraged by
Iraq's Council of Representatives' action to adopt a national
election law that maximizes participation of all Iraqis )
including displaced Iraqis ) and provides for transparency
in the conduct of the electoral process. Enacting a
hybrid-open list system - previously used during Iraq's
January 2009 provincial council elections - is another
important step towards national unity and reflects the will
of the Iraqi people. We further encourage continued efforts
to ensure that out-of-country and IDP voters have the
opportunity to have their voices heard through the ballot
box. This process will advance the Iraqi citizenry's
engagement with their government and bring together groups to
inclusively function in a democratic environment.

--Mr. President, the United States also strongly supports
UNAMI's work to facilitate the sustainable and voluntary
return and reintegration of Iraqi refugees and internally
displaced persons. With as many as 225,000 returns in 2008
and nearly 155,000 returns so far in 2009, the U.S.
recognizes that this process is essential for the long-term
stability of Iraq. We welcome additional efforts on this
issue by the Government of Iraq.

--The United States is also acting to address Iraq,s
displacement issues by supporting returns and reintegration,
assisting those in displacement both inside and outside Iraq,
and resettling in the United States some of the most
vulnerable refugees. To this end, we recently allocated $100
million in new funding 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. We also recently
announced that Samantha Power will coordinate USG efforts for
Iraqi refugees and IDPs and welcome Prime Minister Maliki's
Senior Political Advisor Sadiq Rikabi as the GOI's
counterpart on this very important issue.

--The United States also supports UNAMI's important role in
addressing Iraq,s disputed internal boundaries,
particularly, UNAMI's facilitated High Level Task Force. The
U.S. encourages the continued engagement of senior officials
from both the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the Kurdistan
Regional Government (KRG) to use this important mechanism to
increase dialogue and foster cooperation as they work toward
a just and fair solution ) a key step in creating stability
for all of Iraq. We stand ready to assist in this effort and
call on all relevant parties to advance this process.

--Mr. President, last month, I traveled to Iraq to meet with
senior Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Regional Government, and
United Nations officials. On October 24, I stood with Iraqi
Foreign Minister Zebari at the site of the August 19 bombing
at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A day later,
another act of violence aimed to disrupt and undermine Iraq's
government institutions. In the strongest terms, the U.S.
condemns the series of terrorist attacks that occurred on
August 19 and October 25 in Baghdad, which caused numerous
deaths, injuries and damage. We reaffirm our deepest
condolences for these tragic attacks and our solidarity with
the people of Iraq as they build a secure, stable, sovereign
and democratic nation.

--We also stand with the people and government of Iraq
against those who use terror and violence in a vain attempt
to slow progress towards achieving a free and secure future.
As a friend and strategic partner, the United States firmly
supports Iraq,s continuing development as a sovereign,
democratic nation in which all communities can freely
participate in political, social and economic life, and whose
human and civil rights are protected. To this end, we fully
support the Government of Iraq in their investigation to
bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of
these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and the
on-going efforts of UN Secretary-General Ban's
representative, Assistant Secretary-General Oscar
Fernandez-Taranco, related to Iraq's security and
sovereignty. We also call on the international community to
cooperate actively with Iraqi authorities in this regard and
support the Iraqi people to thrive and prosper in peace.

--Mr. President, in closing, all of us here can be proud of
UNAMI,s effort and outstanding record of accomplishments to
date. The United States deeply appreciates your work and
expanded footprint in Iraq - and stands ready to assist as
necessary in accordance with the U.S.-UN Security Agreement.
We encourage all countries to do the same. We look forward
to your continued success.

--Thank you, Mr. President.

END POINTS
CLINTON

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