SRSG Melkert commends all Iraqi parties and their leaders for their extensive efforts to reach agreements on the first transition between elected governments under full Iraqi sovereignty.  In this regard, SRSG Melkert acknowledges the valuable contribution of the President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, to the negotiations process by convening the meeting between the Iraqi blocs that was held early this week in Erbil with the aim to reach agreement on the formation of the government.

SRSG Melkert notes that a number of key issues are yet to be settled during the Parliament session that will convene on Saturday, 13 November, and looks forward to the completion of the formation of an inclusive government within the time frame stipulated in the Constitution.  He calls on all parties to work hand in hand and looks forward to an early agreement on a government programme that serves the collective interest of the Iraqi people and addresses the numerous challenges the country is facing in its path towards sustainable stability, security and development.

SRSG Melkert expresses UNAMI’s readiness to continue its support to the Iraqi Government in accordance with its mandate.