Iraq is entering a crucial transition period, highlighted by its increased responsibility for its security and the national elections planned for next January, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on August 3.
In his latest report on the work of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ban wrote that while an increase in violence was anticipated during the redeployment of the United States military from cities on June 30, a "relative calm" was achieved and the Iraqi security forces have succeeded in assuming security responsibilities in critical parts of the country.
"I am hopeful that this is a trend that bodes well for the future of Iraq," he said in the report issued here on Monday.
At the same time, the secretary-general says that he is concerned about the relationship between the Federal Government in Baghdad and the leadership of the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
He urges the Kurdistan Regional government and the Iraqi Kurdistan Parliament to reconsider the provisions in the draft Kurdistan regional constitution, which could have the potential to aggravate tensions and affect ongoing discussions on the disputed boundaries.
Meanwhile, Ban also called for an end to provocative statements, including those which pre-judge in any way the future of areas such as Kirkuk, and to any unilateral actions on the ground which the other side is likely to see as hostile in intent.