Iraq Dinar Speculation

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.

The UK, represented by Philip Parham, strongly supports UNAMI and plans to be out of Iraq by the end of July, but will continue to provide assistance where needed.

Iraqi Rep HAMID AL-BAYATI notes that much debt has been repaid: Specifically, he pointed out that Iraq had recognized Kuwait and its borders in accordance with relevant Council resolutions, and both countries had continued to cooperate towards the maintenance of border pillars. Among other measures, he also said that, through April, Iraq had paid some $27 billion in total compensation. However, there was still some $25 billion due that was a heavy burden on Iraq, which needed those monies for services, reconstruction and development.

JEAN-MAURICE RIPERT ( France) added support for UNAMI and stressed importance on borders (Kuwait and Kurdistan).

Jorge Urbina for Costa Rica urged Iraq to continue progress on the political front. However, Costa Rica does not approve of the death penalty use and wants more human rights movement to take place.

RUSSIA – Vitaly Churkin is concerned about security and doesn’t feel UNAMI is doing enough.

China (La Yifan) believes Iraq is still facing challenges, but supports and is confident in future success.

MICHEL KAFANDO ( Burkina Faso) stressed the importance of holding the course for various reasons. “No effort, therefore, should be spared to restore security quickly and definitively to Iraq.”

THOMAS MAYR-HARTING ( Austria) echoed Costa Ricas sentiments regarding the death penalty, but called for renewed efforts to combat attacks against civilians.

Mexico representative Claude Heller also opposed the death penalty, but supports the progress in Iraq and encouraged further success via UNAMI.

Croatia rep Ranko Vilovic addressed corruption and supported UNAMI. He also made a comment encouraging Iraq to move forward with the HCL (hydro carbon law).

Libya speaker Ibrahim Dabbashi supported UNAMI progress and called for a removal of all foreign military troops, stating that only harm is being done by the presence of foreign military.

Le Luong Minh commends the UNAMI on their progress, but noted that challenges remained tough due to economic situations. “Against that background, it (is) crucial for the Government and people of Iraq to strengthen the progress made so far and to move ahead with national reconciliation, reconstruction and reintegration.”

Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda commends UNAMI efforts and applauds Iraqs progress.

Yukio Takasu of Japan sees many challenges ahead, but believes UNAMI will play a major role in overcoming obstacles. For its part, Japan had provided $1.7 billion in grant aid and an Exchange of Notes for a Japanese official development assistance (ODA) loan of up to $2.43 billion had just been signed for 12 projects in such fields as transportation, energy, industrial plants and irrigation.