UN envoy urges Iraqi leaders to form an inclusive government

The UN envoy for Iraq today urged political leaders in the "crucial" post-election period to swiftly form an inclusive new government that works across sectarian and ethnic divides.

Jan Kubis told the Security Council it's essential that Iraq's new government "works as one" to pursue much needed political, economic and social reforms.

He also urged the country's "political elites to draw the necessary conclusions" from the lowest electoral turnout in parliamentary elections since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

Kubis said those conclusions are "the need for improved representation, justice for all, democratic accountability, and good governance void of corruption, sectarian quota system, nepotism and patronage."
Kubis stressed that all complaints should be addressed "expeditiously and seriously" and highlighted "the readiness and availability of United Nations electoral advice and expertise."
"And it will be responsible for governing inclusively," Haley said. "That means setting policies that allow Iraq to close the door on the extremism and the sectarian politics that have caused so much suffering before."
She said "bold leadership will be required," not only to keep the lights on and pave roads but also to respect and promote human rights, uphold the rule of law, and "be a force for stability in the region."