Iraq has become “The whole world’s problem ” – Ban

By NNN-KUNA

United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that circumstances permitting, the UN will have an “important” role to play in Iraq following the Security Council’s decision to expand the UN’s role last August, because Iraq has “become the whole world’s problem.”


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“Iraq has become the whole world’s problem. With the new Security Council Resolution 1770, the UN has an important role in promoting political negotiation and national reconciliation, as well as in providing humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people. But we recognise that the safety and security of UN staff is paramount,” Ban said in his first participation in the annual debate of the General Assembly Tuesday.

On the Middle East issue, Ban called for an end to occupation and to violence. “Peace in the Middle East is vital to the stability of the region and the world. We know what is required — an end to violence, an end to occupation, the creation of a Palestinian state at peace with itself and Israel, and a comprehensive regional peace between Israel and the Arab world,” he said.

“With renewed leadership from the Arab world and the United States, coupled with the efforts of Quartet Representative Tony Blair, the elements for a renewed push for peace are being brought together,” he said.

On the situation in Darfur, Ban pledged to “leave no stone unturned to end the tragedy” there, calling on Khartoum to honour its pledge to join comprehensive peace talks and implement a ceasefire. “The crisis in Darfur grew from many causes. Any enduring solution must address all of them — security, politics, resources, water, humanitarian and development issues. There, as elsewhere, we must deal with root causes of conflict, however complex and entangled,” he said.

Ban called on the international community to back his efforts to bolster the United Nations in the interests of the world. “Our changing world needs a stronger UN,” he declared. “My vision is an administration focused on results-efficient, directed, pragmatic and accountable, an administration representing excellence, integrity and pride in serving the global good.”

Some 193 speakers are expected to participate in this year’s general debate, including more than 70 heads of state and nearly 30 heads of government. The debate is scheduled to continue until Oct 3.

Tuesday’s opening of the Assembly’s general debate follows high-level meetings in recent days on climate change, the Darfur conflict, Iraq, Afghanistan and the situation in the Middle East.

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