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22:30 GMT
NEW YORK, May 21 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council approved Tuesday Resolution 2470 to extend, until May 31 2020, mandate of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which the UN said would bring about stability to a troubled area.
The resolution reaffirmed independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, and supported Iraq in confronting challenges towards achieving stability, reconstruction and reconciliation.
The UNSC assigned UNAMI chief to give priority to offering advice, support and assistance for the Iraqi government and people in a drive to boost political dialogue.
UNAMI's chief Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the UNSC the Iraqi authorities and institutions were struggling to overcome many challenges like reconstruction, security and development.
She said corruption was deeply-rooted at all levels in Iraq. "Corruption is stealing the money that should have been spent on public services ... and it is derailing economic activity and development."
She said Iraq would not realize full potentials without political, social and economic contributions of women and youth.
She added Iraq could act as a stabilizing factor for the whole region. (end)
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