UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- A year after its formation, the Iraqi government has taken significant initiatives. Yet, the population's needs demand more action, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq told the Security Council on Tuesday.
During the presentation of the mission's recent report, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special envoy for Iraq, informed ambassadors about major developments since her May briefing.
She emphasized actions taken under Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's guidance, such as the new federal budget, finance reforms and introducing a social security law.
While commending the government's notable efforts, she stated, "At the same time, it is clear that the intricate web of graft and vested interests, built up in Iraq over decades, will not be dismantled overnight."
Iraq's economy is also deeply anchored in oil revenues, and the public sector is "so big that it is simply unsustainable."
The UN representative identified additional "threat multipliers," such as climate change and water shortages. Iraq experienced temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius earlier this summer. Moreover, drought conditions displaced around 14,000 families in 10 provinces last June, as the International Organization for Migration reported.
She discussed the ongoing electoral delays in northern Iraq's Kurdistan region. Initially set for October 2022, the parliamentary elections were rescheduled to November and have since been postponed to February.
"We expect all parties to ensure that this new election date will not again fall victim to internal political strife. With the current administration in a caretaker capacity, the region's democratic process must prevail. There is so much at stake," Hennis-Plasschaert said. ■
