UNAMI confirms confidence in Iraq's security forces

[Stillw8n]

UNAMI confirms confidence in Iraq's security forces
22/11/2011 08:26


Najaf, Nov. 22 (AKnews) - The office of the United Nations' Iraqi representative Martin Kobler confirmed that Kobler voiced confidence in the ability of the Iraqi security forces to handle the situation after the U.S. withdrawal.

Kobler, the Sprecial Representative for the Secretary General, spoke at a press conference in Najaf after he met with Sayyid Ali-al-Sistani, a religious authority.

"The withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country is a great opportunity for the Iraqi people to prove that they can manage the country," Kobler said, according to his office. His staff denied a previous report which quoted Kobler saying the withdrawal was "a great opportunity".

His office also confirmed the U.N. will help Iraq politically and in development but did not give any further information.

The talk with Sistani was about the U.S. withdrawal, the role of the U.N. in 2012 and "the problems of young people in Iraq".

Kobler was also asked about the chances to lift Chapter 7 sanctions imposed on Iraq, but he only answered that he is going to visit Kuwait this week.

His office did not give any further information.

So-called Chapter 7 sanctions were imposed on Iraq after the Second Gulf War in 1991. Kuwait demanded reparations for the Iraqi invasion, disclosure of the fate of Kuwaiti soldiers missing in action and the return of the remains of Kuwaiti prisoners. Without Kuwait’s approval, it is not likely the U.N. Security Council will lift the Chapter 7 sanctions.

CU

RN/JS/AKnews


http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/4/273835/