Category: Unami

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15 NOVEMBER 2021

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez (Mexico):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the Secretary-General’s report on Iraq’s electoral process and the assistance of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to that process, pursuant to resolution 2576 (2021).

The members of the Security Council welcomed the positive assessment of the international UNAMI election monitors and congratulated the Government of Iraq and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for conducting a technically well-managed and generally peaceful election on 10 October 2021.

The members of the Security Council also welcomed UNAMI and IHEC findings that partial manual recounts of polling stations have matched IHEC’s electronic results-transmission system.

The members of the Security Council commended the Iraqi people for their commitment to the electoral process in the face of dynamic security challenges.

They acknowledged the role of UNAMI in supporting the Government of Iraq’s and IHEC’s efforts to plan and execute genuinely free and fair Iraqi-led, Iraqi-owned elections. They welcomed the efforts of the Government of Iraq, IHEC and UNAMI to promote women’s political participation. The members of the Security Council commended UNAMI for demonstrating objectivity in its efforts to support Iraq throughout the election process.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation of both the 7 November 2021 assassination attempt against Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al‑Kadhimi and the persistent threats of violence against UNAMI, IHEC and others. The members of the Security Council deplored the use of violence to settle election-related grievances and urged all political parties to pursue legal and peaceful means to resolve these grievances. They condemned attempts to discredit the election.

The members of the Security Council encouraged all stakeholders to respect the legally defined process and to…

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LONDON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III has ordered the military’s top commander for the Middle East to brief him on details of a 2019 airstrike that killed dozens of women and children in Syria, the Pentagon said.

Austin requested the briefing after allegations by the New York Times that top officers and civilian officials sought to conceal the casualties of the strike, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

The 2019 strike, exposed by the NYT over the weekend, took place in the town of Baghuz, in Daesh’s last holdout before the end of its so-called caliphate.

A drone controller witnessed a jet drop a bomb on what the operator estimated to be 50 women and children, but the military has now admitted that 80 people were killed, dozens of them women and children.

“Who dropped that?” a confused analyst typed on a secure chat system being used by those monitoring the drone, two people who reviewed the chat log recalled. The NYT reported that another responded: “We just dropped on 50 women and children.”

Two more large bombs were dropped on the crowd, wiping out anyone who survived the initial blast.

It is one of the highest civilian casualty incidents in the international coalition’s war against Daesh, but it had never been publicly acknowledged by military officials.

Despite legal officers immediately reporting the incident up the chain of command, a thorough investigation into the bombing was never conducted.

Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., head of US Central Command — which oversaw the air war in Syria — will “brief (Austin) more specifically on that particular airstrike” and its handling, the Pentagon said.

Kirby refused to comment on the strike in a press briefing. “I’m not going to relitigate a strike…

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Nov. 11, 2021

Hooters may be adding burgers to the menu, thanks to a relationship with Unami Burger, one of 40 culinary brands owned by C3, a company offering cuisine from 40 concepts via shared kitchens, delivery-only venues as well as brick-and-mortar concepts.

The chicken chain is testing the Unami Burger menu item at select restaurants and may eventually roll it out to more restaurants, including its fast casual concept, Hoots Wings, said Sal Melilli, CEO and president of HOA brands, the parent company of Hooters and Hoots

“Through a relationship with C3 we will aim to further build on the exceptional experience that Hooters is known for,” he said in a company press release. “In addition to offering the iconic and exciting Hooters in restaurant, our goal is to further empower both Hooters and Hoots Wings customers by offering quality made food that is created in a timely and convenient way for an on-the-go lifestyle.”

Any expansion of the C3 / HOA Brands relationship will also provide Hooters and Hoots Wings access to C3’s proprietary Go by Citizens app, which provides a one-stop-shop digital experience allowing consumers to order from multiple digital restaurant brands in one transaction. The brands expect the Go by Citizens market to eventually offer both popular menu items from Hooters and Hoots Wings, said Sam Nazarian, C3s founder and CEO.

“We are thrilled for this opportunity to further expand C3’s reach, coupling our growing food tech eco-system with HOA Brands’ global kitchen infrastructure,” he said in the release. “Through this potential new relationship, we expect to work together to further the digital kitchen revolution, offering in-demand, quality food offerings and innovative recipes to customers around the world.”

In addition to the potential expansion among Hooters and Hoots Wings locations, C3 products are available in over 800 digital brand locations in the…

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LAS VEGAS, Nov. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HOA Brands, the parent company of both the Hooters® & Hoots Wings® restaurant® systems, has agreed to a test market and explore expanding a strategic relationship with Sam Nazarian’s C3 (Creating Culinary Communities), which has quickly become the fastest-growing global food tech platform today.

C3 Logo (PRNewsfoto/C3 by sbe)

C3 is re-imagining the food service industry by tapping into the power of exceptional culinary talent, digital brand IP, and bringing its portfolio of more than 40 culinary brands to C3 established shared kitchens and mobile delivery with the next-gen GO by Citizens app.

HOA Brands is the operator or franchisor of close to 400 Hooters® restaurants in 38 states and 20 countries and is known for its famed chicken wings and popular All-American Hooters Girl® waitstaff. Hooters® Restaurants have long been among the most well-known neighborhood destinations for food, fun and sports viewing. For nearly forty years, Hooters® has been an iconic player in the casual dining segment, focusing on timeless, craveable food. HOA Brands is expanding on that success by franchising a new brand, Hoots Wings®, which offers a fast-casual wings concept designed to compete head to head with Wingstop® and others. Already there are 9 Hoots Wings® in operation, with over 120 franchised locations under development deals.

Working with food tech, Hooters® Restaurants have agreed to test market the C3′ Unami Burger menu item at select Hooters® restaurants. Based on results, the parties may more broadly expand the relationship. The parties expect C3′ renowned Umami Burger to be a great addition to the Hooters® menu, as it was voted “America Best Burger” by GQ Magazine. The expectation is that C3′ items may be offered through Hoots Wings® as…

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GENEVA — The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has condemned “in the strongest terms” the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, following a drone attack overnight on Sunday, aimed on his house in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

According to news reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister’s security guards were injured in the attack. Al-Kadhimi, was sworn into office in May last year.

The Green Zone houses government offices and many foreign embassies. No group has so far claimed any responsibility for the attack and remains from the explosive-laden drone have been recovered, as part of an on-going investigation.

“The Mission expresses its relief that the Prime Minister was not hurt in the drone attack,” said the UNAMI statement.

No place for terrorism, violence

“Terrorism, violence and unlawful acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq’s stability and derail its democratic process,” it continued.

The attack has been condemned by both the government of Iran, and the United States.

On Friday, protests outside the Green Zone, against the results of the last month’s parliamentary elections turned violent, as demonstrators clashed with security forces, reportedly accusing Iraq’s political elite of rigging the vote.

One protester was reportedly killed, and dozens of security personnel were injured. The prime minister has ordered an investigation into what led to the violence.

Turnout for the election was low, with just 41 percent turning out to vote, and supporters of pro-Iranian parties and militias, lost ground, according to preliminary results.

Protesters are reportedly calling for the government, and Iraq’s independent electoral commission, to hold a recount.

Call for restraint

The UN Mission joined the prime minister, in calling for “calm and urging restraint” in the coming days following the assassination attempt.

“Moreover, UNAMI strongly encourages all sides to take responsibility for de-escalation and to engage in dialogue to…

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The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has condemned “in the strongest terms” the assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, following a drone attack overnight on Sunday, aimed at his house in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

According to news reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister’s security guards were injured in the attack.

Al-Kadhimi, was sworn into office in May last year.

The Green Zone houses Government offices and many foreign embassies. No group has so far claimed any responsibility for the attack and remains from the explosive-laden drone have been recovered, as part of an on-going investigation.

“The Mission expresses its relief that the Prime Minister was not hurt in the drone attack”, said the UNAMI statement.

In a statement, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also strongly condemned the attack, and called for the perpetrators “of this crime, to be held accountable.”

“The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqis to exercise utmost restraint and reject all violence and any attempts to destabilize Iraq. He urges all political actors to uphold the constitutional order and resolve differences through peaceful and inclusive dialogue.”

“Terrorism, violence and unlawful acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq’s stability and derail its democratic process”, it continued.

The attack has been condemned by both the Government of Iran, and the United States.

On Friday, protests outside the Green Zone, against the results of the last month’s parliamentary elections turned violent, as demonstrators clashed with security forces, reportedly accusing Iraq’s political elite of rigging the vote.

One protester was reportedly killed, and dozens of security personnel were injured. The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into what led to the violence.

Turnout for the election was low, with just 41 per cent turning out to vote, and supporters of pro-Iranian parties and militias, lost ground, according…

Continue reading

According to news reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister’s security guards were injured in the attack.

Mr. al-Kadhimi, was sworn into office in May last year.

The Green Zone houses Government offices and many foreign embassies. No group has so far claimed any responsibility for the attack and remains from the explosive-laden drone have been recovered, as part of an on-going investigation.

“The Mission expresses its relief that the Prime Minister was not hurt in the drone attack”, said the UNAMI statement.

In a statement, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, also strongly condemned the attack, and called for the perpetrators “of this crime, to be held accountable.”

“The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqis to exercise utmost restraint and reject all violence and any attempts to destabilize Iraq. He urges all political actors to uphold the constitutional order and resolve differences through peaceful and inclusive dialogue.”

No place for terrorism, violence

“Terrorism, violence and unlawful acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq’s stability and derail its democratic process”, it continued.

The attack has been condemned by both the Government of Iran, and the United States.

On Friday, protests outside the Green Zone, against the results of the last month’s parliamentary elections turned violent, as demonstrators clashed with security forces, reportedly accusing Iraq’s political elite of rigging the vote.

One protester was reportedly killed, and dozens of security personnel were injured. The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into what led to the violence.

Turnout for the election was low, with just 41 per cent turning out to vote, and supporters of pro-Iranian parties and militias, lost ground, according to preliminary results. Protesters are reportedly calling for the Government, and Iraq’s independent electoral commission, to hold a recount.

Call for restraint

The UN…

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Last week in Manhattan a foodie lover’s dream came true.

CITIZENS New York, a new culinary destination from C3 featuring a culinary market with 13 separate kiosks featuring C3’s restaurant brands and elevated dining options Katsuya and Casa Dani, hosted grand celebration for their launch. VIP guests, influencers, and driends were treated to a food-centric experience with performances by DJ’s NEVO, Chopstix Mami and Eli Escobar.

The epic soiree showcased the stunning delights of the venue. From topnotch design to scrumptious bites, the whole affair certainly created many magical memories.  

Citizens culinary market chef partners Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, Michelin Star Chef Dani Garcia, Chef Alvin Cailan, Cindy Kruse helped the shape the night that was the talk of the town.

Lucky guests got to enjoy great food and sounds, as well as mingle with the likes of Chef Alvin, who was on hand to speak about his new appointment with Umami Burger.

“This is simply an exciting moment in New York City,” said Chef Alvin, “It’s not just a place for people who like food here. It is so much more than that.

Check out the new space this weekend here. You will love all your moments there.

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10/25/2021 Iraq (International Christian Concern) – Following the preliminary results of Iraq’s October 10 parliamentary elections, Iranian proxies lost a significant portion of their seats and influence, inciting accusations of fraud and threats against Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).q

Iraqi Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako responded to the rising political tensions, calling on “all politicians to adhere to national and brotherly values, to give priority to the public interest over partisan agendas, and to sit together in a calm civilized dialogue for understanding and ending the current tension.” He urged restraint for threats to violence and arms and to prioritize the formation of the new government to “avoid the situation slipping to its worst possible outcome”.

Iranian proxies are likely to escalate violence or other forms of coercion against those with a perceived role in their political downturn, according to an article by Katherine Lawlor with the Institute for the Study of War. Those accused include the IHEC, UNAMI, United States, United Nations, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s parliamentary proxy, the Conquest Alliance which includes political wings of the Badr Organization and a US-designated terrorist group AAH, only received 16 seats. In 2018, the coalition had a high of 47 seats.

Lawlor continues on to suggest that a quick government formation would be most beneficial to domestic stability and US interests, so long as the leading member Muqtada al-Sadr can efficiently create a coalition. She writes, “In this scenario, Iran will likely tolerate a second Kadhimi government to retain stability but will allow some of its proxies, like Kata’ib Hezbollah, to directly, and sometimes violently, oppose that government. If a newly emboldened, Sadrist-led government elects to crack down on proxy militias, as Sadr threatened to do in his victory…

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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The United States condemned the threats of violence against the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), and other Iraqis in a State Department press statement on Monday.

“We urge all parties to respect the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement read. “We join the international community in condemning the threats of violence against UNAMI, IHEC, and other Iraqis.”

The United States also welcomed the UN Security Council’s recent press statement on Iraq.

In that Friday statement, the UN Security Council “welcomed interim reports that the election proceeded smoothly and featured significant technical and procedural improvements from previous Iraqi elections.”

That statement also “thanked UNAMI for its assistance, and commended UNAMI for demonstrating objectivity in its efforts to support Iraq throughout the election process.”

The State Department also extended its congratulations to “the people and the Government of Iraq for a secure, technically sound, and largely peaceful election process.”

“Iraq’s election was an opportunity for Iraqi voters to determine their future through a government that reflects their will,” Monday’s statement said.

Read More: US congratulates Iraqi government on elections; reaffirms right of self-defense against pro-Iran militias

“The United States looks forward to working with the new government once formed to strengthen our strategic partnership on our many shared interests, including Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, economic empowerment, anti-corruption efforts, energy independence, climate, and the protection of human rights,” the statement concluded.

Read More: US denounces threats against IHEC; no change to US troops in Iraq

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