UNITED NATIONS - The Security Council voted Friday to expand the United Nations' role in Iraq in a move aimed at promoting talks among ethnic and religious rivals and winning support from the country's neighbors.
The resolution, approved unanimously, authorizes the UN, at the request of the Iraqi government, to promote political talks among Iraqis and a regional dialogue on issues including border security, energy and refugees.
The United Nations pulled out of Iraq in October 2003 after two bombings at UN headquarters in Baghdad and a spate of attacks on humanitarian workers. The first bombing, on Aug. 19, 2003, killed the top UN envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21 others. The UN allowed 35 staffers to return in August 2004, but the numbers remains small because of security concerns.
The United States and Britain, cosponsors of the resolution, believe the world body, which is viewed by many as a more neutral party, can facilitate talks among feuding parties.
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said the resolution "marks an important new phase in the UN's role in Iraq," and expressed hope it will be "a springboard to greater international support for Iraq's government and people."
"This resolution underscores the widespread belief that what happens in Iraq has strategic implications not only for the region but for the entire world," he said.
Khalilzad said the resolution expands the UN's involvement in Iraq in three ways: by providing assistance and expertise to the Iraqi people and government on domestic reconciliation leading to a national compact, by promoting regional understanding that supports Iraqi reconciliation, and by marshaling resources to help Iraqis affected by the humanitarian crisis.
"We are indeed grateful for expanding the UN's role to help the Iraqi people shape their future," Khalilzad said. "However, let me be clear, the United States will continue to shoulder all of its responsibility to assist Iraq's government and people. We are fully dedicated to success in Iraq."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the council's decision to renew the UN mandate for a year and strengthen its mission.
"The United Nations is deeply committed to helping the people of Iraq and I'm pleased to have the opportunity now to enhance, where possible, our contributions in crucial areas such as national reconciliation, regional dialogue, humanitarian assistance and human rights," Ban told the council.
In a letter to the council, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said "Iraq's interests" require an expansion of the UN role "on both the humanitarian and the political tracks, domestically and regionally."
This is essential, he said, "particularly in respect to facilitating the return to Iraq of UN specialized agencies, funds and programs ... to rebuild and stabilize Iraq ... and to begin a comprehensive effort to reverse the deterioration of Iraq's infrastructure."
The UN mission has helped organize elections, draft Iraq's constitution and develop institutions for representative government.
The resolution authorizes it to "advise, support and assist the government and people of Iraq on advancing their inclusive, political dialogue and national reconciliation."
It also authorizes the UN to facilitate "regional dialogue, including on issues of border security, energy and refugees." It asks the UN to help develop ways "to resolve disputed internal boundaries" that are acceptable to the government.
The initial text was revised to focus more on human rights, humanitarian issues, protecting civilians, and promoting the safety of humanitarian personnel.
Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan had complained that the original text was completely "silent on the gross human rights abuses taking place on a daily basis in Iraq, and on the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country," a view echoed by other rights groups.
Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynne Pascoe said Tuesday the United Nations expects to raise the ceiling for international staff in Iraq from 65 to 95 by October. Hours later, however, the UN Staff Council called on the secretary-general to pull all UN personnel out of the country until security improves.
Pascoe stressed that there are two constraints to an expanded UN role: Iraqi political leaders must decide what they want the UN to do, and security conditions must be sufficient for U.N. staffers to work.
Khalilzad pledged that the United States would "do our part to help the UN with security, with logistics."
