Mladenov starts his mission as SRSG in Baghdad

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The newly appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, arrived today in Baghdad and immediately assumed his responsibilities as the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the United Nations top envoy in the country.

A statement by UNAMI received by IraqiNews.com cited “Mladenov of Bulgaria was appointed by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as his Special Representative for Iraq on 2 August 2013. He replaces former SRSG, Mr. Martin Kobler.”

“I look forward to working with the Government and the people of Iraq to support the country’s peaceful, stable and democratic development,” Mr. Mladenov said according to the statement.

“UNAMI and UN agencies, funds and programs stand ready to work with all in Iraq in support of reconciliation and building an inclusive state that respects the rule of law, human and minority rights, and provides opportunities for all. For more than two decades, the people of Iraq have gone through immense difficulties, but they have made many achievements to be proud of,” he added.

“My team and I will continue to work tirelessly with the authorities and civil society to ensure that as Iraq moves forward, it can rely on the impartial and honest advice, expertise and knowledge of the United Nations,” he concluded.