UN Calls for Dialogue among Iraqi Leaders to Resolve Political Crisis, Offers Good Offices

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Acting Head of UNAMI, Gyorgy Busztin, said the crisis is threatening to paralyse State institutions and weaken national unity at a time when all efforts should focus on combatting Daesh, implementing reforms, reviving the economy and re-energizing the performance of the State.

“The only party that benefits from the political divisions and chaos as well as the weakening of the State and its institutions is Daesh. We should not allow this to happen,” he said.

He added that Iraq is going through a challenging period in its history. “It is important that Iraq’s elected representatives and political leadership now engage in a process of dialogue to find solutions based on principles of democracy and legality.”

Mr. Busztin added: “These solutions must ensure Iraq’s political stability while enabling progress in reforms that the people of Iraq have called for and duly deserve. It is critical that all political efforts at this juncture should be such that they strengthen the unity of Iraq’s people in fighting the terrorist and criminal gangs of Daesh”.

The DSRSG warned that political differences should not be allowed to be interpreted in sectarian terms. “The process of reforms should be one that brings Iraq’s political actors together, not one that divides them”.

Mr. Busztin said the United Nations is ready to assist in bringing Iraqi leaders together in the search for a solution and will spare no effort in this regard.

“The political leaders of Iraq should place the high national interest over any other consideration and work relentlessly to ensure the political process produces solutions that would lead Iraq out of its crisis and strengthen the State and its institutions. Only through unity can Iraq win.”