There’s been a bunch of talk about the 2.5 hour meeting that took place yesterday (Security Counsel 6145th meeting, link). The page is pretty long, so here’s a summary of actions and what the representatives of the countries involved had to say.
Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ahmet Davutoğlu, read a statement reaffirming it’s commitment to Iraq and also reaffirmed its full support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
Departing UNAMI leader Staffan de Mistura says the last two years have been highly successful in changing the way Iraq is viewed and credits it to hard work on everyone’s part.
We have together helped to turn the page on how the Iraqis view us, the Organization, the international community and their leaders. And we have contributed to Iraq assuming a new standing among the world community as an increasingly stable and sovereign nation.
Iraq’s representative (HAMID AL-BAYATI) noted a marked decline in violence compared to last year (down 76%!), impressive turnouts for voting, and a major influx of people returning to Iraq. He outlined the upcoming elections in July 2009 and January of 2010… to which Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Davutoğlu said Iraq had
…a bright future that was now within reach. And, given what had been achieved in the past six years, there was reason for optimism.
US representative Susan Rice stated that Us will withdraw it’s combat troops from Iraqi cities, towns, and villages no later than the end of the month (June 2009), paving the way for ALL US troops to be out by 2011. The US will continue to build a strategic alliance with Iraq.
(more…)
