Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
PM, Swedish foreign minister
discuss greater UN Iraq role
AMMAN (JT) - Jordanian and Swedish officials discussed on Monday preparations
for the first follow-up meeting of the International Compact with Iraq (ICI) in
late May in Sweden, with a view to rally international support for the stability
and reconstruction of Iraq.
Prime Minister Nader Dahabi discussed preparations with Swedish Minister for
Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt during a meeting yesterday, the Jordan News Agency,
Petra, reported.
The follow-up ICI meeting seeks to empower the UN to play a more central role in
Iraq in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1770.
Under the resolution, the Security Council expanded the UN’s political role in
Iraq, a move aimed at uniting the strife-torn country’s rival factions,
garnering broader support from neighbouring countries and tackling the deepening
humanitarian crisis.
The resolution - co-sponsored by the UK, US, Italy and Slovakia - underscores
the need for all Iraqi communities to reject sectarianism and to participate in
the political process “for the sake of Iraq’s political stability and unity”.
The measure also authorises the special representative of the secretary general
- the head of United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and top UN official in
Iraq - to aid the government and related institutions in developing the capacity
to hold elections and referendums.
At the meeting yesterday, Dahabi discussed with the Swedish official ways to
bolster bilateral cooperation in several fields.
They also exchanged views on developments in the region and the constructive
role the EU can play in pushing the peace process between the Palestinians and
the Israelis forward.
The premier stressed that the Palestinian issue is important to the region and
the world, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah called on the international
community, including the EU, to support negotiations between Palestinians and
Israelis and ensure Israel meets its commitments, particularly facilitating the
movement of Palestinians, ending military operations and the expansion of
settlements. Dahabi also stressed the need for continued financial support by
the EU to the Palestinian Authority.