Blaskhart sends a message on the occasion of the end of its work in Iraq, 28 MAY

Blaskhart sends a message on the occasion of the end of its work in Iraq

The United Nations (UNAMI) envoy for Iraq, Jeanine Hennes-Plaschart, on Tuesday (May 28, 2024) sent a letter marking the end of her tenure in the country.

“As my tenure as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Iraq draws to an end, I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to all Iraqis, especially those I have met and worked with,” Plasskhartt said in her letter, according to a statement to the UNAMI mission, which was received by “Baghdad Today.”

“Over the past five years, I have been repeatedly influenced by the generosity and hospitality of a people who have never strayed from their traditions of welcoming the stranger or helping the needy, even at the expense of their comfort or time, and I have learned a lot of listening to Iraqi women and men as they proudly recount their history,” she added.

She pointed out that “although many faced serious challenges, the optimism for the coming days was always bright. They welcomed me and my other colleagues at the United Nations to their cities and homes, and invited us to share them in a meal or event and did not miss an opportunity to highlight Iraq’s rich culture and enormous beauty, and throughout the country, including the Kurdistan Region, countless people of all ages spontaneously shared, again and again, their hopes and aspirations. And I won’t forget any of them.”

“I also truly appreciate the professional meetings and discussions we have had with a wide range of partners, from civil society representatives, academics, clan leaders and religious leaders to local authorities, provincial authorities, national authorities, judges and security and political officials. Needless to say, their views and perspectives have taught us a lot and guided our work,” she continued.

Blaskhart pointed out that “some of these meetings included people who put daily differences aside to find solutions in the critical stages of Iraq, all of these interactions have left an indelible impact inside. And of course, I cannot exaggerate our gratitude to the various organs of the Iraqi government, which facilitated our work, through tireless efforts, and protected the staff and operations of the United Nations.”

“None of that means the UN has been immune to criticism – some of which has been justified, some simply based on misconceptions about who we are, what we can and cannot do,” she stressed. But talking to those who understand the values of the organization and what it stands has been very productive. As I have said many times, the UN does not have a magic wand. Ultimately, the balance between conflict and peace, or poverty and prosperity, depends on the political will of the nations. But if we can make a difference in people’s lives, it’s worth intensifying up work and keep trying. Ultimately, the UN has one key priority at its core: to promote peace and prosperity for all – regardless of affiliation, religion, background or race.”

Blaskhart concluded her message by saying, “Once again I would like to express my deep appreciation and thanks to the kind cooperation and support provided to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the wider United Nations family in Iraq and to me personally. Long live Iraq.”

https://baghdadtoday.news/250369-بلاسخارت-توجه-رسالة-بمناسبة-انتهاء-عملها-في-العراق.html