Ban Ki-moon Graphic source: AFP
Who would have thought, even a year ago, that world leaders would laud the U.S. for its efforts in Iraq? But UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed Iraq's progress in combatting violence and stabilising the country. A declaration adopted by 100 delegations at a Stockholm conference said the participants "recognised the important efforts made by the (Iraqi) government to improve security and public order and combat terrorism and sectarian violence across Iraq." Moreover, it acknowledged political and economic progress, and stated that "given the difficult context, these successes are all the more remarkable." Ban stated that Iraq was "stepping back from the abyss that we feared most," and added that Iraq could fulfill its "vision of becoming a free, secure, stable and prosperous nation."
One drawback is Iraqi debt, which excluding interest, is some 140 billion dollars, including 10 billion dollars owed to Saudi Arabia and a little less to Kuwait.
The Stockholm conference was the first follow-up meeting since the International Compact with Iraq, a five-year peace and economic development plan, was adopted in Egypt in May 2007.
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