Iraqi parliamentarians wrap up UN-backed study tour of Northern Ireland

10 March 2008 –Iraqi parliamentarians have concluded a weeklong United Nations-backed tour to meet with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to discuss issues including conflict resolution and consensus building.

Organized by the Office of Constitutional Support (OCS) of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) as well as the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the visit took place from 2-8 March.

The purpose of the tour was to give participants the chance to talk directly with elected members of Northern Ireland’s Assembly, public officials and members of civil society.
“Both the Iraqi and the Northern Ireland parliamentarians agreed on the importance of establishing a framework for inclusive dialogue and reiterated commitment to non-violence,” according to a press release issued by UNAMI.

Last May, an historic power-sharing accord was signed in Northern Ireland, creating a new Government involving politicians from Protestant and Roman Catholic communities.