UN warns Iraq may plunge into chaos if it fails to revive political process

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) “I call on all parliamentarians to attend the forthcoming session of the Council of Representatives on Sunday, 13 July. Failing to move forward on electing a new Speaker, a new President, and a new Government risks plunging the country into chaos. It will only serve the interests of those who seek to divide the people of Iraq and destroy their chances for peace and prosperity”, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Nickolay Mladenov said in a statement received by Iraqi News.

“Iraq needs a team that can bring people together. Now is not the time for mutual accusations, now is the time for moving forward and compromising in the interest of the Iraqi people,” he assured.

“A functioning parliament will allow the country to work together against terrorism, revitalize the political process through which the concerns of all communities can be addressed, alleviate the humanitarian suffering of over one million people, and ensure that human rights and democratic achievements are protected”, he added.

“If serious solutions to the current problems are not found, then all political leaders will have to share their responsibility for failing to act with the necessary sense of duty at a time of crisis”, Mr. Mladenov further stated.

“As political blocs seek agreement on the key personalities, the first step is the election of a new Speaker during tomorrow’s scheduled parliament session,” he underscored. /End/