UNAMI FOCUS Voice of the Mission August 2009 News Bulletin - Issue 36 Features UNAMI in Action Staff Corner Governorates Iraqi Words Contact Us

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Public Information Office UNAMI FOCUS Voice of the Mission August 2009 News Bulletin - Issue 36 Features UNAMI in Action Staff Corner Governorates Iraqi Words Contact Us

In This Issue: SRSG Ad Melkert’s First Address to SRSG Melkert’s First Address the United Nations Security Council to the United Nations Security Council (2)

Ramadan in Iraq (3)

Ramadan in Kerbala (4)

On World Humanitarian Day Let Us Double the Iraq Recov- ery and Reconstruction Efforts (4)

Iraq’s Changing Media Land- scape (5)

The United Nations in Iraq Marks the First World Humani- tarian Day (7)

The United Nations in Baghdad Commemorated the 6th Anni- versary of the Canal Hotel Bombing on August 19, 2003 (8) SRSG Ad Melkert Addressing the Security Council on 4 August 2009 (UN Photo/Jenny Rockett) The Erbil Citadel (9)

UN Agencies Active in Iraq Sectors Activities - August 2009 (10)

Quotes (10)

Iraqi child buys sweets for Ramadan (UN/Photo Zaid Erbil Citadel (UN Photo/Ihsan Barzinji) Fahmi).

UNAMI FOCUS - August 2009

drought and agricultural underperformance and SRSG Ad Melkert’s First reluctance of investors to step in—there is a strong case for joining forces to invest in the pro- Address to the United Na- ductivity and social cohesion of the country as a whole”. tions Security Council In asserting Iraq’s sovereignty, and the United Nations active role in the reconciliation and economic development efforts, the SRSG highlighted supporting the Iraq National Development Plan (NDP). For example, Mr. Melkert said that evidence shows that Iraq’s healthy future would depend on the diversification of its economy, creating jobs for youth, provision of better services for its citizens and stronger capacities for those who deliver them. “These are goals that cannot wait for political consensus—rather, they can become a platform for consensus”, he stressed. For Iraq’s economy, the SRSG noted that a shift from the current oil-dependent economy towards a healthy private sector that would encourage SRSG Ad Melkert Addressing the Security Council on 4 August 2009 (UN Photo/Jenny Rockett) entrepreneurship and international investments is central to stability and growth. Furthermore, he said that his priority, among others, is to ensure that the development support By Randa A. Jamal provided by the UN family will fully be aligned with Iraq’s NDP. “The UN Development Assis- Spelling out the challenges that remain and the tance Framework for 2011-2014 will be based on direction the Unite Nations (UN) mission will priorities of the NDP with emphasis on capacity take, under his leadership, the newly appointed building, and a final draft to be completed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General end of the year”. This will enable the Govern- (SRSG) for Iraq Ad Melkert told the UN body on ment of Iraq to co-sign after the national elec- August 4, 2009 that the UN mission in Iraq iden- tions are held in January 2010, moving the UN tified several areas of focus to which the UN will and Iraq into a true economic support and social assist with: supporting national development; development partnership. promoting internal consensus and stability; assisting with regional cooperation; fulfilling human The SRSG also focused on shifting the UN’s rights commitments; bolstering international en- humanitarian program from an emergency ap- gagement and increasing United Nations pres- peals based one towards more comprehensive ence as security and resources allow. support to the poor and vulnerable communities, expanding beyond Iraq’s displaced populations. With being optimistic about the improvements “We can only create conditions for return by re- made in Iraq (particularly in terms of security gains and Iraq’s national pride in taking full re- sponsibility for the protection of their cities as of 30 June 2009), SRSG Melkert elaborated on the facts still unfolding: high level of violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. “The upcoming period is a true challenge to the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Security Forces to show skill and determination, to gain the trust of the population and to respect fundamental human rights”. At the forefront of his agenda are economic and social conditions. The reasons are quite clear, especially that one third of Iraq’s youth are un- employed. With this background, Melkert views that “…a significant budget deficit combined with The Security Council meeting (UN Photo/Jenny Rockett) debt service and compensation obligations,

storing jobs and services where conflict and pov- follow: jobs will be available; streets will be clear; erty have undermined them, and by fostering a schools rejuvenated and communities will be climate conducive to human rights and to social safe. “We in the UN share the motivation. I can healing”. promise them that we will do all in our power over the coming months to gear ourselves to- In addition to supporting the NDP, the SRSG wards this challenge”. emphasized promoting internal consensus and stability, assisting with regional cooperation, fulfilling human rights promises and commitments, Extending UNAMI’s Mandate for 12 and increased UN presence. months In promoting international consensus and stabil- On August 7, 2009, the Security Council ex- ity, he underlined two critical priorities for the tended the Mandate of the United Nations mission: assisting with the preparations for the Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for the national elections in 2010 and finding a resolu- duration of 12 months, by unanimously adopt- tion for Iraq’s disputed internal areas through the ing resolution 1883 (2009). The Council de- High Level Task Force and the Article 23 Com- cided that the SRSG and UNAMI should con- mittee in Kirkuk. Additionally, UNAMI will assist tinue to pursue their expanded mandate in with constitutional issues particularly revenue- accordance with the request of the Govern- sharing and the Hydrocarbon Law. ment of Iraq and as stipulated in resolutions On regional cooperation, the SRSG emphasized 1770 (2007) and 1830 (2008). engagement on challenging issues dealing with

Iraq’s relationship with its neighbours. Amongst them is the normalization of Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations that is a priority. “…to pursue promising dialogue on cross-border initiatives such as border de-mining and border security that will boost Ramadan in Iraq regional confidence and cooperation”, he said. As for fulfilling human rights promises and commitments, he highlighted that the UN will focus on improving Iraq’s own capacity to secure legal and constitutional rights of its citizens and to fos- ter a climate of respect for human rights as a way of building trust in the institutions of the rule of law. The SRSG also indicated that the common understanding for any future formula for international engagement with Iraq needs to be generated by Iraq’s own vision for recovery, reconciliation and development. “The International Com- pact for Iraq has been critical to link Iraqi and international priorities to date; it may now be time Iraqi child buys sweets for Ramadan (UN/Photo Zaid Fahmi). for a next stage – one more naturally integrated into the NDP, with Iraq itself clearly in the lead”, he noted. By Zaid Fahmi In concluding, Mr. Melkert stressed that “strategic acceleration” will be paramount, at this For the first time in 10 years, the holy month of early juncture, to building progress in the political Ramadan began in Iraq on the same day for all sphere and throwing full support behind eco- Muslim communities, which brought joy and nomic growth and social development that would happiness and a sense of unity and spirituality benefit the people, in partnership and constant among them. consultation with Iraqis. However, that joy didn’t improve much the daily “We often talk of ‘ordinary Iraqis’ as the litmus struggle for the majority of Iraqis. “There are test for recovery, but even over these few short shortages in water, power and basic services weeks, I have come to think of them as supplies, security is still shaky, but despite these ‘extraordinary’ Iraqis”, he said. An overwhelming difficulties, we should go back to ourselves and majority have the motivation to see democracy ask for God’s forgiveness”, said Salah Abdul- take root, with the expectation that its fruits will Kareem, an Iraqi lawyer.

Abu Ala'a, a car shop owner in west of Baghdad believes in the spirituality of the holy month, but Ramadan in Kerbala worries about the slowdown of business and the subsequently reduced income for him and his customers: “Our business is almost about to By Ali Kamonah-Kerbala’s (Governorate Li- stop, because the time for breaking the fasting is aison Officer) the same as when people buy or sell cars”, he said. People’s concerns in Kerbala during the month of Ramadan do not differ from those in the rest of Iraq. It is “an opportunity to feel humanity against destruction”, said a journalist while a school teacher emphasized that he does not want to think of politics and economics during this holy month. Concerns are still evident: “Prices have jumped up", said a housewife, pointing to the Ministry or Trade who promised to distribute new food items, “but so far we received nothing”. Similar views were echoed by a civil servant Last minute shopping before Iftar (UN/Photo Zaid Fahmi). who said “we pray to God that Iraqi politi- cians would unify their ranks because the lack of it is the reason for Iraq’s crisis”. He Many other people like Mustafa Ibrahim a res- however admitted that one cannot forget taurant owner in central Baghdad agree with about politics and economics even in Rama- Abu Ala'a. "During Ramadan, less people come dan. “Politics have become part of every- to the restaurant, they break their fast at home, thing, even part of our prayers”, he said, un- with their families, and therefore the clients’ turn derlining that the Iraqis are still mourning the over is dramatically reduced”. hundreds who were killed only two days be- If some businesses suffer from a slowdown in fore the start of the holy month. activities, others on the contrary see their income on a sharp rise. These include cafes, where many people gather, after breaking the fast, around soft and hot drinks, playing traditional games, and smoking arguileh. "Most of our profits are made during the holy On World Humanitarian Day month”, said a sweets’ shop owner. Sweets are much praised after breaking fast, it helps adjust- Let Us Double the Iraq Recov- ing the sugar level in the body. ery and Reconstruction Efforts For health reasons, or sometimes because of the nature of their work, some people cannot fast during the whole month. A police officer standing at a checkpoint from early morning to By Dr. Naeema Al-Gasseer late at night says the nature of his job requires a lot of alertness. “Thirst, hunger and the hot sum- mer sun make me feel dizzy sometimes, so I The world celebrates today the first World Hu- can’t fast, because I need to be alert when per- manitarian Day. forming my duty”. "I fasted the first two days, The United Nations General Assembly desig- but because of the heat, the traffic jams and my nated this Day to shed light on the humanitarian heavy work load at the office and at home, I find situation in the world and to honour the memory it very difficult to fast, although I feel very bad of those who sacrificed their lives while deliver- about it, when I see people fasting around me, I ing relief services to the afflicted. can’t share it with them”, says Nihal Saad an employee at the Ministry of Oil.

This Day reminds us of the importance to sup- Iraq’s Changing Media Land- port the helpless, provide assistance to the most vulnerable groups and strengthen and promote scape the humanitarian principles and concepts to be best utilized in humanitarian work. CONVERGENCE UNDER ADVERSITY Iraq stands today at a challenging crossroads. It will determine its recovery and reconstruction as a society and a nation. Accordingly, the United Nations and in collabo- ration with the different humanitarian organiza- tions, is working to bridge humanitarian gaps and respond to urgent needs with the view of ensuring that all Iraqis have access to basic services including water and sanitation, education, food, employment and health services, in addition to poverty reduction and job creation.

This Day coincides with the sixth anniversary of Cartoon displayed at World Press Freedom Day in Baghdad (UN Photo / the horrific bombing of the United Nations Office Randa Jamal) in Baghdad in which 22 of our colleagues lost their lives. Among those killed, were the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Sergio By Jacky Sutton and Salam (PAX) AbdulMunem Vieira De Mello and his Chief of Staff Nadia Since 2003, the Iraqi media sector has expanded Younis. dramatically in all areas of news and information Despite that the United Nations has never left delivery, from traditional outlets such as print, the country, its committed staff members stayed radio and television (terrestrial and satellite), to in Iraq to provide urgent humanitarian services emerging technologies like the internet and mo- and emergency aid to the most vulnerable and bile phones. The sector is dynamic, complex and needy. volatile, presenting tremendous challenges and opportunities for intervention in the fields of legis- On this Day, we call upon all stakeholders to join lative reform and regulation, institutional develop- efforts to continue the journey we began to- ment and professional capacity building based on gether which will ensure that each Iraqi child will convergent business models and local content get his/her right to learn and play with friends production. Available data shows that Iraqis are safely, that each woman has access to the re- sophisticated users of media, especially televi- quired health care, right to participate in the la- sion, are quick to spot propaganda and bias, and bour force and the political process, that each believe that the media has an important role to Iraqi man has the right to get to his work to pro- play in promoting national identity and supporting vide food for his family with dignity and pride electoral processes. and that the youth enjoy achieving their aspira- Iraq is unique in the region in having an inde- tions and the elderly Iraqis live their old age in pendent, convergent media regulator which is safety. emerging as a key stakeholder in the UN’s strat- Our message today focuses on the need to egy to support independent media and promote achieve this mission and turn it into a reality to sustainable economic development. The Com- bring about peace and security to the hearts of munications and Media Commission (CMC) was Iraqis, Arabs and the whole world. modeled on the UK’s OFCOM and established in 2004 by executive fiat to regulate broadcast me- Dr. Naeema Al-Gasseer is a Bahraini national. dia content and licencing, mobile telephony and She currently assumes the position of Resident / frequency allocation. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq a.i next to her job as Director of World Health Organization in Although the convergent model is appropriate for the contemporary media environment, the proc- Iraq. esses of institutional capacity building and development were bypassed in Iraq and the CMC has been struggling to assert its mandate. It does not,

for example, have any functional authority in the CMC, and would give the government a monop- Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where media and com- oly over key aspects of communications infra- munications are managed by the Ministry of Cul- structure. Changes being proposed for the Iraqi ture and the Ministry of Communications. More- Media Network, giving it aspects of regulatory over for the last 18 months it has been without a control over private media as the Iraqi Media Cor- CEO and the new incumbent has requested UN poration, would effectively re-establish the Minis- support to ensure that the Commission can play try of Information while mobile telephony reve- its due role in governance and economic devel- nues would devolve to the Ministry of Communi- opment, including regulating the media during cations. elections. There is an unquestionable need to embed the Mobile telephony has become a critical engine of CMC within the national and political conscious- participatory governance, a development high- ness in order to ensure respect for the institution lighted in a recent Internews report which notes and its value in promoting an independent com- that by 2011 mobile telephony will have over- munications sector serving the needs of all Iraqis taken television in terms of information provision from mobile telephone users to news consumers. in the global south. Before May 2003 only a Discussions are already ongoing with the CMC to handful of Iraqi elite had a mobile phone, by the establish and embed this process of institutionali- end of 2008 total cellular subscribers for the three zation and establish national ownership. One of national operators stood at around 18 million, and the first steps is to determine institutional needs the sector recorded an annual growth rate of and capacity gaps and perceptions of the CMC 35%, one of the highest in the region. UNDP is by stakeholders, and steps have already been currently commissioning a survey of mobile te- initiated to gain the relevant authorizations to be- lephony use in Iraq. It is likely to indicate that gin these processes. Iraq, like many other post-conflict countries, is a vibrant market for this new media tool. Nowhere is this need to understand the changing Protecting Journalists or Censor- media environment truer than in Iraq, where Salam Pax’s blog ‘Where is Raed?’ received me- ship by Stealth? dia attention during and after the invasion of Iraq The UNDP with its partners UNAMI and in 2003 and changed the operational environ- UNESCO has renewed its support for the Iraqi ment of traditional newsrooms across the world. independent convergent media regulator, the Moreover, conditions in Abu Ghraib prison were Communication and Media Commission dur- made public as a result of photographs taken on ing recent meetings with the CMC’s newly mobile phones and distributed via the Internet. appointed CEO Dr. Burhan Shawi. Since then mainstream media organisations such as Al Jazeera, CNN and BBC have introduced The UN agencies and the Iraqi CMC are pre- modules for uploading raw footage from cell paring for a series of events to review a num- phones which are then validated according to ber of Iraqi media laws and to provide expert established editorial standards. constitutional and media law advice to strengthen the country’s pioneering conver- At between 1% and 3% Internet penetration is gent regulator. The first of these events will still limited in Iraq and the Internet remains a pre- open the discussion on the draft Journalism dominantly elite and urban technology. According Protection Law. to a June 2009 report ‘Mapping the Arabic Blo- gosphere’ by Harvard University Blogosphere The draft law calls on the government to cre- Iraqi bloggers are predominantly ‘bridge- ate a special force to protect journalists and bloggers’, Arabs writing in English as interpreters limits the definition of journalists to members of their communities, less engaged in local poli- of the Iraqi Journalist Union. The draft law has tics than in building bridges to Western audi- generated healthy debate, not only within jour- ences and linked to global hub sites such as You- nalistic circles but at the Iraqi Council of Rep- Tube and Wikipedia. resentatives about the role of the media and journalists in Iraqi society. In June 2009 UNDP and UNESCO commis- sioned a report on the state of media, telecoms The UN is facilitating this dialogue by organiz- and internet regulation in Iraq with recommenda- ing a series of meetings in October for stake- tions for stakeholders. The report shows that new holders on the law itself, on the role of an in- laws are being proposed that would pull all as- dependent regulator and on the legal provi- pects of communications regulation back under sions for freedom of information, data protec- the mandate of the executive branch of govern- tion and privacy which have not yet been de- ment, would abolish or significantly diminish the fined in Iraqi law or in the Constitution.

ties, he added, “the United Nations is neutral and The United Nations in Iraq impartial in delivering aid based on need and Marks the First World Hu- vulnerability irrespective of age, gender and re- manitarian Day ligion”. McDonagh emphasized that the UN’s role lies in focusing on the most vulnerable and needy people, particularly women, who are often widows and heads of their households. This role is sup- ported by information gathered at the governorates’ level throughout Iraq by 500 national staff (90% of OCHA). The most vulnerable and needy people also include 3.5 million recently displaced Iraqis. Daniel Endres, Head of the United Nations High Com- mission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iraq, said that their return and successful reintegration “is critical to Iraq’s recovery, stabilization and recon- ciliations process”. Endres reported that about

The Press Conference held in Baghdad on World Humanitarian Day (UN/ 340,000 have been able to return during the last Photo Sarmad Al-Safy) 18 months, which represents “significant im- provement over the situation in 2006 and 2007, when we witnessed large-scale violence and By Randa A. Jamal displacements”. In highlighting the significance of humanitarian Endres further noted that 1 in 4 Iraqis (approximately assistance, the United Nations General Assem- 7 million) are poor and currently live on less than bly in December 2008 designated 19 August, of US $2.20 per day. Additionally, as food prices every year, to honor all humanitarian workers have more than doubled in the last 4 years, world-wide; amongst them are those who lost about 930,000 Iraqis are considered food inse- their lives while determined to bring assistance cure. This has a negative impact, especially on and relief to the most vulnerable and needy. children under the age of 5, for whom there is a Additionally, marking this day is meant to gener- chronic malnutrition rate of 22%. ate and increase public awareness about hu- Although clearly overwhelmed by news of the manitarian assistance activities globally. bombings, the press focused on the topic of re- World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, falls on the turnees, the conditions they are returning to and anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Bagh- the impediments for those who would like to re- dad, perpetrated in 2003, that led to the death of turn, but cannot at this time. 22 people, including the SRSG Sergio Vieira de After the event, Mirna Yacoub, Officer in Charge Mello, and the injury of many others. of UNAMI’s Office of Development and Humani- The celebration of the first World Humanitarian tarian Support (ODHS), described how WHD Day in Baghdad was marked by unprecedented provided a forum for the UN agencies to advo- violence only 30 minutes before its scheduled cate for humanitarian needs in Iraq. She saw event. The coordinated large-scale bombings are WHD as an opportunity to show the rest of the considered to be the bloodiest since February world what was being done to meet the needs of 2008. Yet this horrific situation did not deter the the most vulnerable groups. UN from holding a press conference which gave Challenges remain: security continues to make it floor to the heads of agencies for Iraq to explain difficult for the UN to be mobile. Decades of war, their respective mission and the humanitarian sanctions, and foreign military intervention have support they provide throughout the country. left the country in shambles. This makes it im- In his opening remarks, Mike McDonagh, Head perative for the organization and other relevant of the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitar- actors to be more resilient than ever. Marking the ian Affairs (OCHA), reminded the audience that first World Humanitarian Day in Baghdad por- in addition to the 22 UN staff members who lost trays the persistence at the core of the UN and their lives at the Canal Hotel bombing, 700 hu- its determination to carry out its mandate— manitarian staff have been lost to violence world- regardless of conditions—to ensure a safe and wide over the past decade. Despite these atroci- stable Iraq and target the most needy and vulnerable people.

The United Nations in Baghdad Commemorated the 6th Anniver- sary of the Canal Hotel Bombing on August 19, 2003

Monument Fund (WMF) as one of a hundred The Erbil Citadel (100) international ancient monuments that should be protected under humanitarian culture. To this end, UNESCO and the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2007 in the Jordan capital, Amman. The agreement stipulates inter alia that UNESCO would help the KRG to restore the citadel, so that it could be identified as one of the World’s heritage sites. Accordingly, the KRG has evacuated with compensation all the inhabited Citadel families and relocated them in another area to be fully prepared for the UNESCO renovation project. The citadel is now cordoned off and access to its archeological sites is denied for ordinary people. Erbil Citadel (UN Photo/Ihsan Barzinji) Erbil Citadel contains a museum which displays hundreds of past artifacts and Kurdish-made

handcrafts reflecting Kurdish life over past cen- By: Ihsan Barzinji turies and until the 70s, the periphery of the cita-

del was replete with shops which were later re- Piled up on soil layers with the passage of time, moved. But, according to Erbil’s new master the Erbil Citadel (area: 102.190 m2; perimeter plan, the evacuation zone of the citadels’ periph- about 1.5 km; height: 415 m above sea level; 28 eries will reach some kilometers. -32 m above the surrounding city) is a rich his- torical repository which lies in the middle of the Erbil city, capital the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Some people believe that the 8,000-year old citadel is an artificial mound that has been formed by successive layers of settlements such as the Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian. It is the longest continuously inhabited site in the world. The citadel had 3 gates, one northward, one southward and one westward. According to some historians, the citadel was higher than now, but in 216 AD the Roman Emperor, Krakla, Erbil Citadel seen from the left (UN Photo/Ihsan Barzinji) destroyed the hill to take out the bones of Forth's kings. So, due to its importance, the citadel was picked “Lately, the KRG has tried hard to protect the by UNESCO and the New York-based World citadel and rebuild it on its old styles in a way that shows the Kurdish features and appearance much more. Following the signature of the KRG- UNESCO agreement, the KRG formed a special committee for that purpose, and rehabilitation work is still ongoing”, Erbil governor Nawzad Hadi was quoted by AKnews as saying. In May 2008, UNESCO and the KRG repre- sented by the High Committee for the Erbil Cita- del Revitalization (HCECR) signed an amend- ment to the previous MoU. The new amount of the project totally funded by the KRG amounts to 1,475,000 USD. Another view of Erbil Citadel from the right (UN Photo/Ihsan Barzinji)

issues related to network design, mainte- UN Agencies Active in Iraq nance and operation. UNESCO established a Project Steering Committee for its Kahrez Sectors Activities - August 2009 Initiative for Community Revitalization, in- volving representatives from key ministries and international Kahrez experts. • In response to H1N1 virus (Swine Influenza) the Health Sector Outcome Team (through • The project Support to the Rule of Law and WHO) and the Ministry of Health intensified Justice in Iraq, funded by the European Un- their regular disease surveillance, health ion and implemented by UNDP, UNOPS education and proper case management. In and its implementing local partner, held a the KRG and with the support of UNICEF, training on public relations and media for the Ministry of Health prepared a series of Ministry of Human Rights staff. The training TV and radio spots on preventive measures focused on use of mass media to promote to the H1N1 virus and seasonal influenza human rights awareness, acquire reporting have been prepared for public broadcasting. skills, prepare multi-media presentation and UNFPA handed over maternity wards under implement public relations strategies. the “Emergency Obstetric Care” Project to • UNOPS/ILO Private Sector Development the Iraqi government. Maternity wards were Project team participated at the UNIDO-led delivered to 24 hospitals and seven Primary round-table on legal assessment. Small and Health Centres were rehabilitated and Medium Enterprise development and labour equipped. These will provide services to an regime were discussed with government estimated four million Iraqi women. officials and legal experts including Small & • A five day training on family planning organ- Medium Enterprise types’ definition, law ized by WHO as part of its Maternal and drafting, simplified registration and reporting Child Health collaborative programme was and alternative commercial disputes resolu- conducted at Al-Yarmouk hospital, 30 doc- tion. tors and nurses participated. • A representative from the “Innovation Knowledge Management Team” from UNI- Quotes CEF met with the Director-General of Plan- ning and the IT Director in the Ministry of Education on behalf of the Education Sector • “Baghdad Operations Command suffers Outcome Team, on methods to improve from the absence of intelligence efforts in communication among the different depart- addition to reports over disputes among the ments of the ministry and their communities. ministers and security leaders and contra- A two-day workshop was conducted in dictory security information” - Sadrist Trend Baghdad where a national/local advocacy MP Maha al-Dori – (NINA) – 22 Aug action plan was established to increase primary-level enrolment rates with a priority • "Things should be named as they are and focus on the Marshland areas. we should stop making unnecessary optimistic statements. We should tell the truth to • The Shelter Sector Outcome Team, through the people. There has been a deterioration UNHABITAT, conducted an orientation in the security and the coming days may be workshop for planners of the Ministry of Mu- worse" - Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari - nicipal Affairs, including the KRG General (Reuters) – 22 Aug Director of Urban Planning and a private experts from KRG. A work plan for training • "The problems of disputed areas could be future planners and engineers was devel- solved through dialogue away from military oped as a result, to improve the capabilities solution, and we rule out the possibility of a of trainers with urban planning responsibili- racial or sectarian struggle" – IAF Spokes- ties within the Ministry. man Salim al-Jobouri - (IAF Website) – 21 Aug • In the KRG, the Water and Sanitation Sector Outcome Team, through UNOPS, pro- • "These explosions are aimed at toppling gressed its work on the rehabilitation of ar- Maliki's government. They are part of the eas of the water network, training officials on political parties’ games, flexing their muscles

to show they are the strongest" – Shop- keeper Mudher Hameed - (Reuters) - 20 Past Issues Aug • July 2009 • June 2009 • "I think U.S. forces will return to towns and • May 2009 cities, and I wish they would, because Iraqi forces can't protect the people" - Shop- Click here for additional past issues keeper Mazen Zeki - (Reuters) – 20 Aug • "I'm not afraid for myself, but for my chil- UNAMI Focus Is an internal bulletin produced by the Public Information Office dren. I've told my son not to go to college of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. The opinions until the elections are over or until there's expressed in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations. stability" - Retiree Jamal al-Safaa - For further information contact: (Reuters) – 20 Aug [email protected] or Randa Jamal at [email protected]

• "There has been a kind of tolerance ... in the Visit our web site www.uniraq.org treatment and investigation of detainees, under the pretext of believing in human Said Arikat - Spokesman / Director: rights, forgetting the rights of the hundreds [email protected] Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2640 of innocent victims..." - Deputy Speaker Baghdad: +964 79 01 931 281 Khalid al-Attiya - (Reuters) – 20 Aug Eliane Nabaa - Deputy Chief PIO / Spokesperson: • "I used to plant my entire 400-acre [160- [email protected] Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2643 hectare] farm with rice but this year we are Baghdad: +964 79 01 101 989 only using 50 acres [20 hectares] due to severe water shortages for the fourth con- Randa Jamal - Information Officer: [email protected] secutive year" - 78-year-old Abdullah from Amman: +962 6 550 4700 x2644 Najaf - (Reuters) - 31 Aug Baghdad: +964 79 01 940 146

• “Unfortunately the Kurdistan region is be- Salar A. Brifkani - Graphic Designer: having like a state towards Iraq. This strict- [email protected] Erbil: +964 75 04 498 646 ness of the government of Kurdistan with (Arabs) is unacceptable and they have to find other security methods ... so Iraqis from the 15 other provinces will not feel like they are going to a new country," MP Wael Abdul -Latif - (Reuters) - 30 Aug • "These are ordinary measures ... Iraqi citizens should be happy, if we didn't do that, there would be daily bombings in Kurdistan region." Ismat Hargoushi, Kurdistan's security chief - (Reuters) - 30 Aug