New York

09 August 2014

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in Iraq

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the evolving humanitarian and security situation in Iraq.  The United Nations and the international community are also closely watching political developments in the country.

The Secretary-General calls upon all Iraqi political parties to abide by the constitutional timeline that governs the nomination of the Prime Minister.  He also calls for reason and wisdom to prevail and urges all leaders in Iraq to form a broad-based government that is acceptable to all components of Iraqi society. Such a government should be able to mobilize the nation to confront the threat from the Islamic State (IS) in a way that will bring security and stability to the whole country.