Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert Expresses Gratitude to Iraqis as UN Tenure Ends

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert's five-year tenure concluding as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, she has expressed her deep appreciation and thanks to the Iraqi people for their hospitality and kindness.

Hennis-Plasschaert highlighted the generosity and welcoming nature of Iraqis, who shared their history, culture, and hopes for the future with her and other UN colleagues. Despite facing numerous challenges, many Iraqis remained optimistic about the future.

She praised the Iraqi people for their unwavering spirit and resilience, recounting how she was repeatedly touched by their hospitality. 'I was repeatedly touched by the generosity and hospitality of a people who never departed from their tradition of welcoming an outsider or assisting those in need, at the cost of their own comfort or time,' she said.

Why this matters: The farewell message of Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, highlights the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in promoting peace and stability in the region. The success of UNAMI's work in Iraq has significant implications for the country's future and the wider Middle East region.

Hennis-Plasschaert also valued her professional meetings and discussions with a wide range of partners, including civil society representatives, academics, tribal chiefs, religious leaders, and government officials. These interactions provided valuable insights and guided the UN's work in Iraq.

She extended her appreciation to the Iraqi government and security forces for facilitating the UN's work and protecting UN personnel and operations. *'I cannot overstate our appreciation to the many branches of Iraq's government, which, through relentless efforts, facilitated our work and protected UN personnel and operations,'* she emphasized.

Hennis-Plasschaert acknowledged that the UN is not immune to criticism, but emphasized that the organization's core priority is to advance peace and prosperity for all, regardless of affiliation, faith, background, or ethnicity. She noted, 'The UN does not have a magic wand. At the end of the day, the balance between conflict and peace, or poverty and prosperity, hinges on the political will of states.'

During her tenure, Hennis-Plasschaert worked with a wide spectrum of partners and engaged with individuals across Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region. She expressed her deep appreciation for the cooperation and support shown to UNAMI (United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq) and the broader UN family in Iraq.

In her farewell message, Hennis-Plasschaert reiterated her appreciation for the kind cooperation and support she received, concluding with a heartfelt 'Long Live Iraq.'

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert's tenure of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq has been marked by her dedication to promoting unity and resilience in the nation. Her farewell message highlights her deep connection with the Iraqi people and her commitment to advancing peace and prosperity in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert concludes 5-year tenure as UN Special Representative for Iraq.
• She thanks Iraqi people for hospitality, kindness, and generosity during her stay.
• Hennis-Plasschaert praises Iraqis' resilience, optimism, and welcoming nature.
• She appreciates cooperation from Iraqi government, security forces, and civil society.
• Hennis-Plasschaert reiterates UN's commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in Iraq.