The UN’s top envoy in Iraq warned on Tuesday that the country is on a “knife edge”, where even the tiniest miscalculation could lead to a major conflagration.
“The Middle East is at a critical juncture and the same is true with Iraq,” Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, told the Security Council.
“For Iraq to further continue on its path of stability and progress, an enabling environment will prove essential. And such an environment requires restraint from all sides – from Iraq’s armed actors and … Iraq’s neighbours and other countries.”
US deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said Washington remained committed to working with Baghdad but noted that Iran-allied militia groups threatened to undermine Iraq's hard-fought gains since the territorial defeat of ISIS seven years ago.
“Armed groups operating outside of state control represent a significant challenge to the Iraqi government's authority and for the Iraqi people, threatening to upend the stability that Iraqis have fought hard to achieve,” he said.
Ms Hennis-Plasschaert, a former Dutch defence minister, also announced to the 15 members of the Security Council that she expects to step down at the end of May after more than five years in the role.
“It is time to say goodbye,” she said.
“This is not easy, I have to say. Through the many highs and lows, Iraq simply has become part of me. That said, today’s briefing could very well be my last address to the Security Council on Iraq.”
The UN mission in Iraq aims to advance inclusive political dialogue and helps to co-ordinate humanitarian and development aid.
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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
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New Zealand 144-4
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if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
