Kadhimi: We are Preparing for Fair Elections that Meets Iraqis' Aspirations

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi during his meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (Iraqi News Agency (INA))
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi during his meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (Iraqi News Agency (INA))
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Kadhimi: We are Preparing for Fair Elections that Meets Iraqis' Aspirations

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi during his meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (Iraqi News Agency (INA))
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi during his meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (Iraqi News Agency (INA))

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi stressed the government's keenness to hold “free and fair” elections that meet the international standards and the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

This came during Kadhimi's discussions with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, during which the two went over the political and security developments in the country, including preparations for early elections.

A statement issued by Kadhimi’s media office, carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that the Prime Minister and Plasschaert discussed cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, and supporting stability in the country.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the UN's role in supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission with the technical and training needs.

He pointed out that the government is keen on holding free and fair elections that meet international standards, avoiding mistakes of previous elections. He stressed his government's determination to ensure logistical support for holding early elections within a safe environment.

The meeting also addressed the recent demonstrations, emphasizing the right to peaceful protests and the need to protect them, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions.

Kadhimi and Plasschaert also discussed the security situation in Kirkuk and Sinjar and the efforts of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in the governorates.



UN Official Says Israel Strikes Lebanon-Syria Border Crossing

 People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
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UN Official Says Israel Strikes Lebanon-Syria Border Crossing

 People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said an Israeli air strike hit "humanitarian structures" Saturday at a border crossing between Lebanon and Syria that was previously hit last month.

The crossing, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, became a key escape route for those fleeing the Israel-Hezbollah war after the main border crossing between the two countries was hit.

But it was put out of service late last month when an Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic.

"A new Israeli air strike hit the border post of Jousieh, where many Lebanese and Syrians cross from Lebanon to Syria," Grandi said on social media platform X.

"Humanitarian structures were also struck," he said, adding that "even fleeing and taking care of those who flee are becoming difficult and dangerous as the war continues to spread."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said two Israeli strikes hit the Jousieh crossing on Saturday.

The raid came after the main crossing between Beirut and Damascus, known as Masnaa on the Lebanese side, was forced to close by an Israel strike on October 4.

There are six official crossings between Lebanon and Syria, although there are many unofficial routes across the porous border.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of transporting weapons to Lebanon from Syria through the crossings.