UN urges Iraq to make fresh start after US troop withdrawal

Jan 3, 2012, 18:38 GMT

New York - Iraq has the opportunity to begin a 'promising new chapter in its history' now that the United States has withdrawn from the country, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

The last US troops left Iraq in late December, ending the US military invasion that began in 2003 to topple the former regime of Saddam Hussein.

Ban urged Baghdad to further strengthen its democratically elected institutions and promote peace and stability for the benefit of the Iraqi people. He warned also that recent political tensions could add to increased insecurity.

'It is essential that pending political issues are resolved in a way that respects the constitution and its provisions for the separation of powers, the rule of law and an independent judiciary,' Ban said.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), headed by Martin Kobler of Germany, will work with Iraqi leaders to provide any assistance they require at this critical juncture, Ban said.

Iraq has recently been hit by a wave of violence, with more than 70 people killed by a string of car bombings in Baghdad on December 22, shortly after US troops with drew. The attacks have raised fears the country could slide into civil war.

Iraq has also been beset by a political crisis, with tensions rising between the Shiite majority and the Sunni minority.

Iraq's interior ministry, which is effectively run by the prime minister, has also issued an arrest warrant against Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi and several of his security guards.

Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Malaki is accusing al-Hashemi of being behind a November terrorist attack targeting him. Al-Hashemi denies the charges.

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