Concerned about Humanitarian, Security Situation, Secretary-General Urges

Iraqi Leaders to Confront Threats with Broad-Based Government

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the evolving humanitarian and security situation in Iraq.  The United Nations and the international community are also closely watching political developments in the country.

The Secretary-General calls upon all Iraqi political parties to abide by the constitutional timeline that governs the nomination of the Prime Minister.  He also calls for reason and wisdom to prevail and urges all leaders in Iraq to form a broad-based Government that is acceptable to all components of Iraqi society.  Such a Government should be able to mobilize the nation to confront the threat from the Islamic State in a way that will bring security and stability to the whole country.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record