US Statement on Iraq, to UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations, on the Situation in Iraq, Pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1546, in the Security Council, September 21, 2005

As mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1546, I am pleased to report to the Security Council, on behalf of the thirty countries making up the Multinational Force (MNF), on the efforts and progress of the Force to fulfill its mandate.

There have been important developments since our last report. Most notably, the Iraqi people met another critical milestone by submitting a draft constitution for referendum. We congratulate the Iraqis on their steady and courageous progress in their political transition. We urge all Iraqis to eschew violence and participate in the referendum and elections as they set the course for Iraq's future.

SECURITY SITUATION

Mr. President, the insurgents remain capable, adaptable, and intent on carrying out attacks against Iraqi civilians, officials and security forces with a goal of destabilizing and de-legitimating the Iraqi government to pursue their own goals.

We witnessed -- and the Council condemned -- the atrocious murders of members of the Transitional National Assembly, a member of the constitutional Drafting Committee, a Committee advisor, officials, electoral workers, and countless other Iraqis, as well as appalling attacks on senior Algerian, Egyptian and Pakistani diplomats, and Iraqi and Multinational forces.

The total number of terror incidents has been relatively steady in the post-election period, with attacks concentrated in four of Iraq’s eighteen provinces. The frequency of attacks on Iraq’s infrastructure, such as electricity generation and oil facilities, has decreased since the election, but they continue to have an adverse impact on the availability of electricity and on oil revenues.

MNF MANDATE

Mr. President, as previously reported, the goal of the MNF is to assist Iraqis to provide for their own security. The capacity of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) is increasing, reducing the influence and effectiveness of insurgents, and strengthening Iraqi rule of law capabilities. MNF and the coalition, in close coordination with the Iraqi government, are assisting to strengthen Iraqi law enforcement, justice, and corrections systems as well.

In addition, the Multinational Force works with the Iraqi government and security forces, international donors, and national and international NGOs to complete critical infrastructure projects ranging from water purification facilities and electrical power stations to educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings. During July and August alone, the Multinational Force in the Central-South sector completed approximately 100 reconstruction projects.

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES

Mr. President, turning to progress in training the Iraqi Security Forces, the Iraqi Government, working with the Multinational Force, has identified a force structure to meet Iraq’s needs for internal and external security. The majority of these personnel have completed individual entry training and been equipped.

As of September 19, there were a total of 193,200 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. This included 104,200 police, highway patrol, and other forces under the Ministry of Interior, as well as 89,000 in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Even as the Multinational Force helps build and train the ISF, Iraqi forces are employed in active combat operations. A key indicator of progress is the ISF’s role in the recent counter-insurgency campaign in Tall Afar. Eleven Iraqi combat units were employed as independent maneuver elements during that operation.

Iraqi Security Forces, in partnership with the Multinational Force, increasingly conduct the full-spectrum of counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. Special Border forces consisting of over 17,000 trained and equipped personnel are arrayed into 36 battalions that man 258 border forts around Iraq. To stem the flow of foreign fighters, priority has been placed on securing the Iraq-Syrian border.

To further advance Iraqi capacity for independent operations, the Multinational Force has implemented, in partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, a program to embed Military Transition Teams at the battalion, brigade, and division level. These teams provide Transition Readiness Assessments, identifying areas of progress and shortcomings, ultimately preparing individual units to assume independent control of their area of responsibility.

Mr. President, while the Multinational Force’s work is far from complete, it has already been able to transfer some security responsibilities. The following are some examples:

-- On June 1, the Multinational Force officially transferred full responsibility for security at a base in Dibbis to the Iraqi Army.

-- On August 21, the Multinational Force turned over Camp Zulu in As Suwayrah, Iraq, in the Central South sector, to the Iraqi Army.

-- On August 31, the Iraqi Base Support Unit assumed control of all perimeter force protection in a sector in Kirkuk.

-- On September 6, the MNF handed over security responsibility in Najaf.

-- Iraqi Army units continue to assume security responsibility in the western region. They currently are conducting independent security and offensive operations in Rawah and combined zone reconnaissance near the Syrian border.

The Multinational Force and the Iraqi Government are developing a conditions-based security plan to define the environment necessary for further and greater transfers of responsibility from MNF-I to Iraqi Security Forces.

SECURITY FOR THE UNITED NATIONS IN IRAQ

Per UN Security Council Resolution 1546, the Multinational Force, notably the Georgians and Romanians, continue to "take all necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq …so that, inter alia, the United Nations can fulfill its role in assisting the Iraqi people." The UN has made important contributions in Iraq, especially in the constitutional process. The UN continues to have leading roles, including supporting the Iraqis for the October referendum and December election, and helping to coordinate reconstruction and donor assistance. We urge the UN to assume its role fully and to deploy the necessary experts rapidly.

We remind member states that as the UN expands its activities in Iraq, its security needs increase. We attach a priority to our efforts to ensure full security coverage for the UN and welcome the contributions of South Korea and Mongolia in Irbil. We encourage countries to consider providing monetary and/or troop assistance for this effort.

CONCLUSION

Mr. President, success will be achieved when Iraqis themselves can guarantee their own liberty, security and prosperity. Training Iraqi Security Forces to take over primary responsibility for security is critical. Continued progress in national reconciliation will also assist ISF development and hasten the process of bringing security and stability. The international community, particularly Iraq's neighbors, and especially Syria, must do more to stop foreign terrorists entering Iraq and retarding efforts to stabilize and secure the country.

Finally Mr. President, the MNF, and combined MNF-ISF efforts, continue to provide a shield for democracy to take shape, evolve and take hold in Iraq. The MNF remains committed to staying the course and to ensuring success. We in this chamber also owe it to the Iraqi people to do our part to help ensure success. Thank you.

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