Today was SRSG Kobler's last day in Iraq as head of the UN Mission

Today was SRSG Kobler's last day in Iraq as head of the UN Mission. He said farewell with a visit to the ancient city of Babylon. "Iraq's rich culture is one of its most important resources and I am honoured to finish my mission here with this symbolic trip to the cradle of civilization," Mr. Kobler said.

Martin Kobler UN Special Representative for Iraq at the EU Parliament in Brussels

 Exchange of views with Martin Kobler at the EU Parliament

 ITF EU Representative Dr Hassan Aydinli  speaking with UN Special Representative for Iraq Martin Kobler

 

On 29 May 2013 the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the EU Parliament held an exchange of views with Martin Kobler, UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Iraq. 

Mr Kobler, expressed serious concerns over the situation in Iraq. After 10 years of a challenging transition to democracy, the country stands at a crossroads and might slide toward escalating sectarian strife if decisive action is not taken. Mr Martin Kobler called for a stronger role of the EU in dealing with the developments in the county.

UN envoy in Iraq welcomes beginning of parliamentary voting process

Special Representative Martin Kobler. UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz


13 April 2013 – The top United Nations official in Iraq today welcomed the smooth conduct of the Governorate Council Elections' Special Voting, where Iraqi soldiers and policeman cast their ballots ahead of next week's main vote.

“Today's special voting marks the beginning of the voting process,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Martin Kobler said in a news release.

The country's electoral body, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), demonstrated “a high level of professionalism in this first election organized under full Iraqi ownership,” Mr. Kobler stressed.

“Now that Iraqi security forces, police and military have exercised their right to cast their ballot, all eyes are focused on the election day on 20 April,” the UN Envoy noted. He urged the security forces to ensure a free and secure environment for the elections.

At least 15.5 million Iraqis are eligible to vote in the 20 April polls, according to official estimates, where more than 8,000 candidates are reportedly vying for 378 seats on provincial councils.

Provincial councils are responsible for nominating governors who take charge of the provinces' administration, finances and reconstruction projects.

“It is of the utmost importance that voters turn out in an orderly and safe environment free of violence, threats and intimidation,” Mr. Kobler concluded.

Next week's elections are the first Iraq has held since parliamentary elections in 2010.