Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, said Baghdad stands an excellent chance of rapidly advancing towards sustainable development if it indeed seizes the opportunities.
“As the end of the year approaches, we usually take stock of the past year’s events and what has been achieved. We also look ahead and reflect on what we hope to do better in the year to come,” Plasschaert said in a year-end message on Saturday.
“There is no one denying it, 2022 has been a trying year for Iraq,” she stressed.
But as the year drew towards its close, she noted that government institutions were able to resume their functions, providing Iraq with a great opportunity to embark on a path towards stability and progress.
For the sake of future generations, the UN official called on all parties to work together in 2023, and beyond, to tackle the multiple challenges Iraq faces, while ensuring a public space conducive for dialogue, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The country’s rich cultural, ethnic and religious heritage, as well as its geography and untapped resources, hold considerable potential, she added in her message.
“Buoyed by political stability and steady revenues, and if opportunities are indeed seized, Iraq stands an excellent chance of rapidly advancing towards sustainable development.”
In this case, a promising future awaits the Iraqi people who have triumphed over so many hardships.
Separately, Leader of al-Hal (Solution) Party Jamal al-Karbouli slammed on Saturday Plasschaert and the US ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski and accused them of “corruption.”
The Iraqis are tired of Plasschaert pretending to be mindful through her selective visits, while turning a blind eye towards human rights violations inside prisons and obstructing the return of the displaced to their cities, Karbouli said in a series of tweets.
He also questioned Plasschaert’s role in the reconstruction of destroyed Iraqi cities, stressing that the country fought terrorism on behalf of the world.
He also asked: “Why did she remain silent about the flagrant fraud in the elections?”
