United States Military Withdrawal Marks ‘New Moment’, Says Secretary-General,

Urging Iraq’s Leaders to Steer Country towards Better Future

The following statement was issued on 20 December by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The completion of the withdrawal of United States military forces marks a new moment in Iraq’s recent history.  The Secretary-General strongly believes that this important development is an opportunity for Iraqi leaders to demonstrate to their people and to the world that they are fully capable of steering the country towards a better future.

The Secretary-General is closely following the current political situation in Iraq.  He urges Iraqi political leaders to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and build on the achievements that have been made so far in laying the ground for a democratic State.  Iraqi leaders owe it to the people of Iraq, who elected them to work together in spirit of partnership and national unity, to address the pressing challenges facing the country.

At this important juncture, the United Nations is strongly committed, through the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to assist the people and Government in Iraq in their endeavour to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Iraq.

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For information media • not an official record