Plasschaert in her last briefing... Iraqi division towards her... and accusations of “bias”
Thursday, February 8, 2024 10:26 PM
National News Center/Private
The UN representative in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, concludes her work by warning against armed groups and undermining the stability of the country, while criticizing the Kurdistan region authorities for postponing the local elections more than once.
Plasschaert’s speech included romantic phrases at the end of the speech about Iraq, as she expressed “her hope that people from all over the world will one day get to know Iraq,” describing it as: “a country of enormous beauty, a country of rich diversity and culture, where there are many opportunities.” To seize it.”
On the other hand, the opinions of local political observers varied about the performance of the UN official in Iraq, with some describing her as a neutral international observer regarding the political divisions and partisan competition taking place over central authority in Baghdad, while others accused Plasschaert of political bias in favor of one party at the expense of other parties.
The United Nations replaces the mission of the official of the UN mission it represents in developing countries every five years, as the mission has been present in Iraq since 2003, and the presence of UN representatives has continued over the past 20 years, the most notable of which was the presence of former representative Sergio DeMelo, who was killed in a terrorist bombing carried out by Al-Qaeda in 2005 in Baghdad.
The need for real reform
The head of the UNAMI mission, Jeanine Plasschaert, said during a briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Iraq,
“The bickering continues between Baghdad and Erbil over financial and budgetary issues.” It is the people who are suffering,” she said, noting at the same time that “the January funding is welcome, but there is an urgent need for a more permanent solution.”
Plasschaert criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government for postponing the region’s elections, saying that “the continued postponement of the elections does not serve the already low levels of confidence, and does not contribute to the stability of Iraq.” The UN envoy stated that
“the need for sustainable progress, towards real reform, and improving living standards will not decline, as the population of Iraq grows every year, and
while the government’s plans hold the key to meeting these needs, achieving them will become more difficult as the years pass,” stressing by saying, “It has It's time to work".
Restrain the militants
Plasschaert reiterated her emphasis on “the importance of creating an enabling environment, and the urgent need to stop attacks from inside or outside Iraq,” stating, “
As we mentioned in the past, this must include curbing armed actors operating outside the control of the state, and the enormous risks cannot be overestimated.” “And the potentially devastating consequences of such actions.” The UNAMI mission official explained,
“In December 2018, I arrived in Baghdad. Now, after five years, it is almost time to say goodbye, and I expect to leave my position at the end of May. It is not easy. For better or worse, Iraq has simply become a part of me, and I can only hope that one day people from all over the world will get to know the real Iraq. It is a country of immense beauty. “A country with rich diversity and culture, where there are many opportunities to seize.”
Regarding Iraq’s participation in the Conference of the Parties (COP28), Plasschaert said,
“This participation resulted in some promising commitments, and the focus must now shift to mitigating the effects and adaptation.” Without moving from promises to action, opportunities may quickly be lost.”
Plasschaert concluded her speech by “praising all Iraqi men and women.” For their sacrifices, strength and deep commitment to building a prosperous, democratic and peaceful Iraq.”
Plasschaert points out risks
On the other hand, some observers believe that Plasschaert’s statements clearly and explicitly indicated the extent of the dangers facing Iraq in light of the ruling political class’ continued “ignorance” of the problems the country is suffering from.
Researcher and academic Aqeel Abbas says, “Farewell speeches are often the most frank, and this is what actually happened with her briefing on Tuesday.” Abbas added in a press statement,
“What the UN envoy spoke about is not new to many specialists and observers, which is that the
poor economic and financial management of the country and the
struggle between political forces will lead the country to collapse.”
Abbas points out that “the situation in Iraq in general is bleak, although there is some relative improvement in certain aspects.”
Criticism of its international role
For their part, other observers criticized the role of the outgoing UN representative in Iraq, describing her role as “biased” with one party at the expense of other parties, a role that does not befit an impartial international observer.
Haider Al-Barzanji, head of the Alwan Center for Studies, says,
“Plasschaert tried to interfere in Iraqi internal affairs, and she is an unfair and negative character within the political system, and supports one party at the expense of another,” indicating that
“Iraq does not need a United Nations mission at the present time.”“. He added,
“The presence of missions is when the country is under international guardianship, and we do not need international guardianship,” noting that
“yesterday’s briefing was devoid of reference to the recent targeting by the Americans of the headquarters of the security forces, and
this confirms Plasschaert’s negative performance in her management of the UN mission.” in Baghdad".
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Thursday, February 8, 2024 10:26 PM
National News Center/Private
The UN representative in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, concludes her work by warning against armed groups and undermining the stability of the country, while criticizing the Kurdistan region authorities for postponing the local elections more than once.
Plasschaert’s speech included romantic phrases at the end of the speech about Iraq, as she expressed “her hope that people from all over the world will one day get to know Iraq,” describing it as: “a country of enormous beauty, a country of rich diversity and culture, where there are many opportunities.” To seize it.”
On the other hand, the opinions of local political observers varied about the performance of the UN official in Iraq, with some describing her as a neutral international observer regarding the political divisions and partisan competition taking place over central authority in Baghdad, while others accused Plasschaert of political bias in favor of one party at the expense of other parties.
The United Nations replaces the mission of the official of the UN mission it represents in developing countries every five years, as the mission has been present in Iraq since 2003, and the presence of UN representatives has continued over the past 20 years, the most notable of which was the presence of former representative Sergio DeMelo, who was killed in a terrorist bombing carried out by Al-Qaeda in 2005 in Baghdad.
The need for real reform
The head of the UNAMI mission, Jeanine Plasschaert, said during a briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Iraq,
“The bickering continues between Baghdad and Erbil over financial and budgetary issues.” It is the people who are suffering,” she said, noting at the same time that “the January funding is welcome, but there is an urgent need for a more permanent solution.”
Plasschaert criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government for postponing the region’s elections, saying that “the continued postponement of the elections does not serve the already low levels of confidence, and does not contribute to the stability of Iraq.” The UN envoy stated that
“the need for sustainable progress, towards real reform, and improving living standards will not decline, as the population of Iraq grows every year, and
while the government’s plans hold the key to meeting these needs, achieving them will become more difficult as the years pass,” stressing by saying, “It has It's time to work".
Restrain the militants
Plasschaert reiterated her emphasis on “the importance of creating an enabling environment, and the urgent need to stop attacks from inside or outside Iraq,” stating, “
As we mentioned in the past, this must include curbing armed actors operating outside the control of the state, and the enormous risks cannot be overestimated.” “And the potentially devastating consequences of such actions.” The UNAMI mission official explained,
“In December 2018, I arrived in Baghdad. Now, after five years, it is almost time to say goodbye, and I expect to leave my position at the end of May. It is not easy. For better or worse, Iraq has simply become a part of me, and I can only hope that one day people from all over the world will get to know the real Iraq. It is a country of immense beauty. “A country with rich diversity and culture, where there are many opportunities to seize.”
Regarding Iraq’s participation in the Conference of the Parties (COP28), Plasschaert said,
“This participation resulted in some promising commitments, and the focus must now shift to mitigating the effects and adaptation.” Without moving from promises to action, opportunities may quickly be lost.”
Plasschaert concluded her speech by “praising all Iraqi men and women.” For their sacrifices, strength and deep commitment to building a prosperous, democratic and peaceful Iraq.”
Plasschaert points out risks
On the other hand, some observers believe that Plasschaert’s statements clearly and explicitly indicated the extent of the dangers facing Iraq in light of the ruling political class’ continued “ignorance” of the problems the country is suffering from.
Researcher and academic Aqeel Abbas says, “Farewell speeches are often the most frank, and this is what actually happened with her briefing on Tuesday.” Abbas added in a press statement,
“What the UN envoy spoke about is not new to many specialists and observers, which is that the
poor economic and financial management of the country and the
struggle between political forces will lead the country to collapse.”
Abbas points out that “the situation in Iraq in general is bleak, although there is some relative improvement in certain aspects.”
Criticism of its international role
For their part, other observers criticized the role of the outgoing UN representative in Iraq, describing her role as “biased” with one party at the expense of other parties, a role that does not befit an impartial international observer.
Haider Al-Barzanji, head of the Alwan Center for Studies, says,
“Plasschaert tried to interfere in Iraqi internal affairs, and she is an unfair and negative character within the political system, and supports one party at the expense of another,” indicating that
“Iraq does not need a United Nations mission at the present time.”“. He added,
“The presence of missions is when the country is under international guardianship, and we do not need international guardianship,” noting that
“yesterday’s briefing was devoid of reference to the recent targeting by the Americans of the headquarters of the security forces, and
this confirms Plasschaert’s negative performance in her management of the UN mission.” in Baghdad".
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]