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Iraqis Demand Dividends of Recent Democratic Gains

The people of Iraq today voiced their demands for dividends that were promised to them by their leaders.

Recent political and democratic gains in Iraq will seem hollow to the country's people unless its leaders produce the benefits that they have promised, the top United Nations envoy to Iraq told the Security Council.

Ad Melkert, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), briefed Council members on the latest developments in Iraq, where a national partnership Government was formed in December after nine months of political stalemate.

Protests have been taking place in Iraq since late February, part of the wider pro-democracy movement that has emerged across the Middle East and North Africa this year.

Mr. Melkert said the protesters have legitimate concerns about the lack of job opportunities, the delivery of basic services and the accountability of those in power.

"Unless these demands are addressed, the political and democratic gains made thus far may seem hollow to ordinary Iraqis."- Ad Melkert

Mr. Melbert also stressed that the new Government faces a significant challenge in trying to achieve the demands.

Source: United Nations