Plasschaert: The new Iraqi government has confirmed its commitment to combating corruption and improving services

Baghdad-INA 

The UN representative in Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, said today, Thursday: The new Iraqi government has confirmed its commitment to combating corruption and improving services, while calling on Baghdad and Erbil to reach a sustainable agreement and include it in the current year's budget.

During her briefing to the Security Council and followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Plasschaert explained that "the Iraqi government needs political support to move forward and achieve the aspirations of citizens, and affirmed its commitment to combating corruption and improving services, which are commendable efforts.".

"I encourage the Iraqi government to persevere in combating corruption," she added, noting that "the government is making more efforts to recover smuggled funds.".

Plasschaert continued, "The government confirmed its commitment to settling outstanding issues with the Kurdistan region, and we look forward to a sustainable agreement between Baghdad and Erbil and its inclusion in the 2023 budget," stressing the importance of quickly approving the federal budget.

She also stressed the need to prioritize economic diversification and not rely on oil alone, including the development of a private sector with the ability to create job opportunities.

The special representative pointed out, "The Iraqi government is implementing a successful policy of openness and balance in its foreign relations, especially regional ones, and respect for the principles of sovereignty.".

On the political issue in the Kurdistan region, Plasschaert confirmed, "Unfortunately, the divisions between the ruling parties in the Kurdistan region still have negative effects on its institutions and people, and there is an urgent need for quick settlements regarding the outstanding monetary, administrative, security and electoral disputes."

Plasschaert continued, "The delivery of messages through bombing from outside Iraq will only lead to an increase in tensions and cause the killing of people and the destruction of property," indicating, "The existing diplomatic means are within everyone's reach.".

And she pointed out, "The challenges facing Iraq did not appear overnight, pointing out that," it is very important for political parties and other actors to give priority to the country's interest over other interests.