Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert asserts need for ‘sense of urgency to overcome internal divisions’
Chief of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has urged political powers in Iraq to overcome differences and form a new government.
“Many Iraqis increasingly wonder whether the national interest is actually ‘front and center’ in the ongoing negotiations,” UN envoy for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said in a briefing on Thursday.
The special envoy said that after over four months of parliamentary elections, “hampering the change and reforms the country so desperately needs,” has been witnessed in the Arab country.
She asserted the need for “a sense of urgency to overcome internal divisions, to agree on a program informing Iraqis on what they can expect in the next 4 years, to manage public expectations, and to rise to the challenge of meeting the aspirations of the 40 million people who call Iraq home.”
“A weak home front creates vulnerabilities. To Daesh for instance, ready to take advantage of any political and security vacuum. But also to continued external interference. In the case of Iraq, not a hypothetical point,” she warned.
Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, whose Sairoon Alliance led the Oct. 10, 2021 parliamentary elections results with 73 seats out of 329, seeks to form a national majority government.
The Council of Representatives, Iraq’s parliament, elects the president and confirms the prime minister.
Hennis-Plasschaers said lawmakers met for the first time last month and elected a speaker and two deputies. However, they failed to reach a quorum for the Feb. 7 session to elect a president.
While the nomination period was re-opened for another three days, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that one candidate, former Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, is ineligible.
The UN official explained that once elected, the president will have 15 days to task the prime minister-designate, the nominee of the…
In many Belgian municipalities it is raining fines for speeding offenses due to the unannounced activation of section controls and the (simultaneous) removal of warning signs. One motorist has already received 11 fines.
In many Belgian municipalities it is raining fines for speeding offenses due to the unannounced activation of section checks and the (simultaneous) removal of warning signs. One motorist has already received 11 fines.
Belgium is full of route checks. They are being installed at lightning speed, especially in Flanders. 225 section checks are planned, many of which have already been activated. The other checkpoints will be turned on in the coming months. In Wallonia, ‘only’ 25 section checks are planned, some of which have yet to be installed.
Although several new section checks were activated in recent weeks, the federal police failed to inform the municipalities. At the same time, the warning signs for section checks were also removed in many places by the Belgian Agency for Roads and Traffic. The result was a huge amount of fines in some regions.
Eleven fines
Many people were angry and frustrated that on average the fines did not arrive until two weeks later, so that the offenders were not immediately aware of their mistake. Several people have already received two or three fines for slightly exceeding the speed limit – 72 or 73 km/h where you can drive 70 km/h – but fear many more will follow. One motorist has already received eleven fines in the bus.
“Our goal is to make people drive slower, not to issue fines,” said the mayor of Kinrooi Jo Brouns to the Belgian newspaper. The newspapaer in a comment. “By silently activating the speed cameras and removing the warning signs, you only create frustration and misunderstanding. That is why the commissioning of a new speed camera or route control is always preceded by an information campaign.”
You can find the route checks in Flanders here. And…
unami fines removed warning from check department Belgium | the cars
In many Belgian municipalities, fines are imposed for speeding offenses due to the sudden activation of section controls and the (simultaneous) removal of warning signs. One motorist has already received 11 fines.
Belgium is full of road checks. They are installed at lightning speed, especially in Flanders. 225 department checks are planned, many of which have already been activated. Other checkpoints will be activated in the coming months. In Wallonia, it was planned to check “only” 25 departments, some of which have not yet been installed.
Despite activating several new departmental checks in recent weeks, the federal police have failed to inform municipalities. At the same time, the Belgian Road and Traffic Agency has removed the warning signs for section checks in many places. The result was a huge amount of fines in some areas.
eleven fine
Many people were angry and frustrated that fines, on average, did not arrive until two weeks later, so that offenders were not immediately aware of their wrongdoing. Many people have already received two or three fines for slightly exceeding the speed limit – 72 or 73 km/h where you can drive at 70 km/h – but many fear that will follow. Motorist already received 11 fine on the bus.
“Our goal is to get people to drive slower, not to impose…
King of Prussia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 14, to rehabilitate the Swamp Creek Road bridge over Unami Creek in Marlborough Township, Montgomery County.
PennDOT’s contractor will repair the structure’s foundation at the pier and near abutment to prevent future scouring. The three-span stone masonry arch bridge was closed in late December 2021 after undermining of the bridge pier was discovered during an underwater bridge inspection.
Since the closure, motorists have been directed to use Geryville Pike, Route 63 (Sumneytown Pike), Route 563 (Ridge Road), and Whites Mill Road. The closure will remain in place until late March.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work area because backups and delays will occur. The schedule is weather dependent.
Before the recent December closure, the Swamp Creek Road bridge was initially closed in September 2021 to repair the approach roadway due to damaged caused by Tropical Storm Ida. Approximately 203 vehicles travel across the 130-year-old, 89-foot-long, 20-foot-wide structure daily.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
For a complete list of construction projects impacting state-owned highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, visit the District 6 Traffic Bulletin.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties at www.penndot.gov/District6.
According to António Guterres, the hateful attacks are being directed at some, “simply because of their religion or belief, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.”
The UN chief’s message was broadcast during a virtual panel discussion with Member States, religious leaders, faith actors and civil society representatives, organized by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Missions of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The designation of 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity is the result of a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2020, as a way to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance.
Opportunity
Celebrating the date for the second time, the UN chief said it should be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of cultural and religious understanding, and mutual respect.
“I am grateful to religious leaders across the world who are joining hands to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony”, Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the declaration, Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, co-authored by the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Egyptian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, calling it “a model for compassion and human solidarity.”
“We need this spirit more than ever”, he declared.
Appeal
From deepening poverty and widening inequalities, to conflict, division, and mistrust, Mr. Guterres said that “our human family faces a cascade of challenges.”
“To confront them, we need to challenge those who exploit differences, traffic in hate, and instill fear of ‘the other’ in anxious hearts”, he continued.
Mr. Guterres believes “these heinous acts are violations of human rights and affronts to the values of the United Nations.”
The UN chief concluded with an appeal to stand firm against bigotry wherever and…
New York: Following reports on Wednesday of civilian casualties during airstrikes on the Iraqi city of Ninewa, the UN Assistance Mission (UNAMI) reiterated that Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity “must be respected at all times”.
According to news reports, Turkish warplanes struck suspected Kurdish insurgent positions in Iraq and Syria early on Wednesday, killing at least four people.
In a post on Twitter, UNAMI reiterated that “local populations must be protected” and “disputes should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation.”
Explosives on the ground
In the meantime, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday that four children - three boys and a girl – have died, and two have been maimed over the past week, due to explosive devices left behind by combatants.
The incidents occurred in Babel province and the capital, Baghdad, while children were simply carrying out daily chores, such as collecting wood.
According to the agency, these are not isolated incidents.
Over the last year, 125 children were killed or maimed by explosive remnants of war (ERW) and unexploded ordnance; 52 lost their lives, and 73 were seriously injured.
UNICEF says stronger efforts are needed to reduce the harm they cause, especially to curious boys, as the number of child casualties grew 67 per centcompared to the previous year.
In a statement, the agency Representative in the country, Sheema SenGupta, reminded all stakeholders that child safety must always remain the primary consideration.
“ERW continues to be a primary reason for the civilian casualties, with children being especially vulnerable – their smaller size makes them more likely to receive the full impact…
According to António Guterres, the hateful attacks are being directed at some, “simply because of their religion or belief, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.”
The UN chief’s message was broadcast during a virtual panel discussion with Member States, religious leaders, faith actors and civil society representatives, organized by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Missions of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The designation of 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity is the result of a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2020, as a way to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance.
Opportunity
Celebrating the date for the second time, the UN chief said it should be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of cultural and religious understanding, and mutual respect.
“I am grateful to religious leaders across the world who are joining hands to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony”, Mr. Guterres said.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the declaration, Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, co-authored by the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Egyptian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, calling it “a model for compassion and human solidarity.”
“We need this spirit more than ever”, he declared.
Appeal
From deepening poverty and widening inequalities, to conflict, division, and mistrust, Mr. Guterres said that “our human family faces a cascade of challenges.”
“To confront them, we need to challenge those who exploit differences, traffic in hate, and instill fear of ‘the other’ in anxious hearts”, he continued.
Mr. Guterres believes “these heinous acts are violations of human rights and affronts to the values of the United Nations.”
According to news reports, Turkish warplanes struck suspected Kurdish insurgent positions in Iraq and Syria early on Wednesday, killing at least four people.
In a post on Twitter, UNAMI reiterated that “local populations must be protected” and “disputes should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation.”
Following airstrikes in Ninewa with civilian casualties reported, we reiterate that Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected at all times. Local populations must be protected, disputes should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation.
In the meantime, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday that four children - three boys and a girl – have died, and two have been maimed over the past week, due to explosive devices left behind by combatants.
The incidents occurred in Babel province and the capital, Baghdad, while children were simply carrying out daily chores, such as collecting wood.
According to the agency, these are not isolated incidents.
Over the last year, 125 children were killed or maimed by explosive remnants of war (ERW) and unexploded ordnance; 52 lost their lives, and 73 were seriously injured.
UNICEF says stronger efforts are needed to reduce the harm they cause, especially to curious boys, as the number of child casualties grew 67 per centcompared to the previous year.
In a statement, the agency Representative in the country, Sheema SenGupta, reminded all stakeholders that child safety must always remain the primary consideration.
“At the United Nations, there are two worlds: Headquarters and the field. United Nations Headquarters in New York is our mothership. In iconic rooms such as the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber, our Member States make decisions that affect people across the globe. Meanwhile, the field is where those decisions are felt most acutely. It’s where you find our peacekeeping missions, our vital humanitarian operations, our mediators engaging in shuttle diplomacy.
In the summer of 2021, I was deeply enmeshed in the world of Headquarters. As Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, it was my job to tell the press and public what was going on in the Organization’s most democratic body. My focus was on resolutions, declarations and high-level meetings. I was surrounded by words—but not seeing first-hand if or how those words were actually improving people’s lives.
Abu Khair M Jamil Alam
United Nations staff member Brenden Varma in Kirkuk following meetings with electoral authorities and civil society, 25 August 2021
Deployed to a divided country
Around that time, I happened to stumble across a movie about Sérgio Vieira de Mello, a United Nations hero who lost his life following a shocking attack in Iraq in 2003. I had joined the Organization shortly before that attack and never forgot the impact that it had on my colleagues and me. The United Nations was suddenly a target. The field seemed like a much scarier place at the time.
But nearly two decades later, I didn’t feel fear when I watched the film; I…
