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Friday 7 August 2009

Global Dictatorship to strengthen democratic institutions Iraq

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. More