![]() ![]() Julie Mason: I mean, maybe this question isn't allowed. So, there is now an international and Iraqi domestic effort to de-escalate and get the energy of the political class to dialogue and hoping that there is a way out. The situation escalated to the brink of violence, actually several episodes of violence happened, but they were contained. ![]() There have been several attempts, but unsuccessful. ![]() Since then, the political class has not been able to form a government. Sarhang Hamasaeed: Sure, yes, Iraq there's a continuing political gridlock, eleven months after national elections, which occurred in November, I'm sorry, October, of last year. So, I mean, I think, you know, we've all been so consumed with what was happening in Afghanistan and Ukraine and elsewhere, we really took our eye off Iraq, which is in a terrible situation politically. ![]() Julie Mason: Sarhang Hamasaeed is director for Middle East programs at the United States Institute of Peace. Institute of Peace experts discuss the latest foreign policy issues from around the world in On Peace, a brief weekly collaboration with SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124. It is just the political class … that makes that a longer fight.” “The Iraqi people are actually fighting for democracy. “Bottom line … this is a fight over power” and differing views on foreign influence, says USIP’s Sarhang Hamasaeed. October’s elections, which can and must go ahead as scheduled, offer an opportunity to rebuild citizens’ confidence in a brighter future for all.After recent episodes of violence, Iraq’s political stalemate continues. We urge all parties to focus on working together, to improve the quality of life for all citizens, and to make progress on the agreed aim of Euro-Atlantic integration. Politics of division and hatred are dangerous distractions from the issues of importance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These are not motivated by the interests of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but by a desire to undermine regional security for geopolitical objectives. We condemn attempts to undermine the High Representative and to close his office prematurely. We firmly support the work and the role of the High Representative, including the judicious use of his executive powers - as he did recently to suspend unconstitutional and divisive legislation. We have recently used our own sanctions regime to send a clear message to those threatening the country’s future. We commit to remaining an active member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, and fully support the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign state, comprising two entities. The UK takes its role under the Dayton Agreement extremely seriously. The UK welcomes the increased presence of the EUFOR mission to reassure the population during this challenging time. We should promote collaborative and constructive politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council should refrain from undermining or destabilising the situation. So, it is more important than ever that the Security Council maintains its support for the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, including the role of the High Representative and EUFOR. This could lead to the undoing of 26 years of hard-won peace and progress. We are concerned by the actions of some members of the Republika Srpska leadership, particularly Mr Milorad Dodik, whose threat to re-establish a Republika Srpska army and to pull out of other state-level institutions - attempts to engineer de facto secession - are dangerous and risk conflict. Political gridlock and instability continue at many levels. Unfortunately, Mr Schmidt’s briefing and report, yet again, paint a worrying picture of the situation in the country. I also welcome the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr Sefik Dzaferovic, and thank him for travelling to New York to take part in this meeting. It remains vital for the Security Council to have a full, open and informed dialogue with Mr Schmidt on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And I start by welcoming the participation, in this meeting, of the High Representative. ![]()
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