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U.N. extends mission in Iraq by a year

UNITED NATIONS — The Security Council voted unanimously Friday to extend the U.N. civilian mission in Iraq, commending the country’s efforts to strengthen democracy but stressing the need to improve security and human rights.

A resolution adopted by the council reaffirms the U.N. mission’s importance in assisting the government to hold elections and in advising the government and Iraqi people on strengthening democratic institutions and advancing national reconciliation.

The Security Council underscored the need for all communities in Iraq to participate in the political process, to reach a comprehensive solution on the distribution of resources, to resolve disputes over internal boundaries, and to work toward national unity.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been criticized for failing to take advantage of security gains to make progress in overcoming disputes between Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and other groups, leaving a stalemate that has threatened to erupt into violence. It has also stalled a key bill on revenue-sharing and development of the country’s oil wealth and other legislation.

When the U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq was established in 2003, it focused mainly on helping with elections and monitoring human rights. In 2007, the council expanded the political role of the mission, known as UNAMI.

The resolution adopted Friday extends the mandate of the mission for a year, until Aug. 7, 2010. It includes about 315 international civilians, 425 Iraqi civilians, 225 troops to protect them, and 10 military observers.

Earlier this week, Ad Melkert, the new U.N. special envoy for Iraq, told the Security Council that during his initial visit to Baghdad he heard the same message from all parties: “This is an unparalleled moment of opportunity, but also one of great sensitivity.

“There are many factors — some internal, some external — that could still tip the scale,” he said.

Following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi cities June 30, Melkert said, “Iraq’s national pride was evident for the world to see as the Iraqi security forces reclaimed full responsibility for protection of Iraq’s cities.

“There is a new sense of optimism and energy spreading, with many Iraqis determined not just to have reclaimed their country’s sovereignty but to mobilize the full responsibilities of sovereignty — to deliver economic and social reforms, pursue political consensus and normalize regional relationships,” he said.

On the other hand, Melkert said that although there is a downward trend in the overall level of violence, “reality is still tainted by an unacceptably high level of indiscriminate attacks on civilians.”

Melkert said the U.N. will build on political progress and work to accelerate economic growth and social development.

He said two of the U.N.’s “most critical priorities” will be helping to prepare for national elections in 2010 and try to resolve disputes over internal areas through a high-level task force.