US drawdown in Iraq affecting UN operations, Ban Ki-moon Says

The ongoing United States military drawdown in Iraq is making it more difficult for the United Nations to carry out its operations.

?While steps are being taken in this [security] regard, this will only be possible with strong financial support from Member States,? he says, adding that overall the withdrawal of US forces is likely to have a short- to medium-term effect on the security situation as the central Government attempts to assert itself.

?The breakthrough represents a major milestone in democratic progress for Iraq and should pave the way for the first peaceful transition between elected governments under full Iraqi sovereignty,? he says.

He urges leaders to swiftly complete forming the new government and ensure that it is inclusive and broadly participatory, adding: ?Progress in this regard will help put the country on the path towards democracy, national reconciliation and long-term stability.?

?In consultation with the new Government of Iraq, UNAMI will continue to support efforts to resolve these outstanding issues,? he says, referring to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq.

While the focus in Iraq is shifting to long-term development, there are still many humanitarian needs, particularly with respect to internally displaced persons and refugees, Mr. Ban writes, warning that no significant new contributions have been received for the Iraq Humanitarian Action Plan.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the report points out, have alleged that Iraqi domestic law and international human rights standards are being systematically violated, citing allegations of torture, ill-treatment and rape of detainees to extract confessions in both State and non-State illegal detention centres.

?It is my sincere hope that with the formation of a new government, the security situation in the country will improve,? he concludes. ?However, Iraq will still remain a challenging operating environment in the foreseeable future.?