Baghdad-3 September 2009- The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for (SRSG) Ad Melkert concluded on Wednesday, 2 September 09 a two day visit to Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Baghdad - 11 October 2009 - Today the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ad Melkert expressed UNAMI’s concerns that with 96 days before the election there remains no clarity on the election law. Mr. Melkert reiterated the United Nations’ support for election preparations and promised continued technical advice to the IHEC in all the essential areas of its activities. He stated that "holding parliamentary elections on 16 January appears to be something that is strongly desired by the people of Iraq, will be a vital milestone for the Iraq\'s democratization process, and called for by the Iraq Constitution".
Baghdad-Wednesday, 21 October 2009: The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expressed its concern today that the delay in passing the amendments to the 2005 Election Law could considerably disrupt the electoral calendar and preparations for the holding of parliamentary elections. The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG) Ad Melkert emphasized that the date of 16 January is crucial as it is still within the limits set by the Constitution. He urged all members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives (CoR) to bring together all efforts to make the needed progress and ensure that the democratic process leads to results.
Baghdad-26 October 2009: During his recent meeting with representatives of the diplomatic community in Baghdad, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General-for Iraq (SRSG) Ad Melkert expressed continued concern over the humanitarian situation at Camp Ashraf. He confirmed UNAMI\'s commitment for the duration of this critical period to monitor the situation in the Camp on daily basis.
Baghdad-4 November 2009-At the request of the Government of Iraq, the Secretary General dispatched Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs (ASG) Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and a team of advisors from United Nations Headquarters in New York, to conduct preliminary consultations with the Government on issues related to Iraq’s security and sovereignty.
Erbil, 1 December 2009 - A training workshop provided to Iraqi Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the essential skills for effective human rights reporting took place in Erbil from 21st – 25th November 2009.
Baghdad, 7 December 2009 - The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG) Ad Melkert congratulates the members of the Council of Representatives (CoR) on finalizing the Election Law that is broadly based and inclusive. Mr. Melkert said that, “During the past few weeks the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has worked intently and diligently with CoR members representing all political parties and entities to facilitate a process leading to a broad agreement”. He added, “Although the debate appeared intense at times it was always conducted with dignity and focused on Iraq’s democratic and political progress”.
Baghdad, 10 December 2009 - On the occasion of UN Human Rights Day, which this year focuses on Embracing Diversity and Fighting Against Discrimination, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG), Ad Melkert calls on all citizens of Iraq for tolerance towards each other and to respect each others’ political rights, as well as cultural, religious, ethnic and gender differences.
