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IOM Deputy Director General Ambassador Laura Thompson Visits Iraq Mission

December 13-16, 2011 News

13-16 December 2011
Baghdad, Erbil, Amman

The Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Ambassador Laura Thompson, paid an official visit to the Iraq Mission this December. Over an intensive three-day tour, Ambassador Thompson visited Hubs in Baghdad and Erbil, as well as the IOM Iraq support cell in Amman, Jordan.

In the first such visit to the Iraq Mission, DDG Thompson met with senior governmental officials from the Central Iraqi Government, representatives from the Kurdish Regional Government, various international counterparts, and IOM Iraq staff. Ambassador Thompson was accompanied by Mr.Pasquale Lupoli, IOM's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, and Mr. Hassan Abdel Moneim Mostafa, IOM's Senior Regional Advisor to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf States.

In the Iraqi capital, the IOM delegation held meetings with the Chairman of the Iraqi Parliament, Mr. Usama Abdu'l Aziz Al Nujayfi, and Iraq's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Jawed Al Doraki. Led by DDG Thompson, the IOM delegation also met with three representatives from the Prime Minister's Office: Dr. Amir Al Khuzae, National Reconciliation Advisor; Dr. Dia'a Aldeen Al Quraishe, Office Manager; and Dr. Khalil Al Rubayee, Director General of the Office of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reconciliation.

Various issues were discussed during the aforementioned meetings, including Iraq's potential membership with IOM. Ambassador Thompson indicated that IOM has been growing rapidly, and at its 60th Anniversary, had reached a total of 146 Member States. During this conversation, the Chairman of the Parliament, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Representatives from the Prime Minister's Office all expressed strong interest in having Iraq also join IOM. Chairman Al-Nujayfi stated, "I will personally advocate for Iraq to become a full IOM Member State."

Additionally, the Iraqi officials unanimously expressed their gratitude for IOM's already established initiatives in country. "IOM's Program for Human Security and Stabilization has immensely helped Iraqis rebuild their own economies," Dr. Al Doraki stated. "We are looking forward to continuing work with IOM in order to support the most vulnerable communities in Iraq," added the Deputy Foreign Minister.

Iraqi officials from the Prime Minister's office specifically expressed a desire to partner with IOM on future national reconciliation initiatives. As stated by Dr. Al Quraishe: "IOM has expertise. The Government of Iraq wants to utilize it." The representatives noted that this expertise is especially important as Iraq focuses greater attention on sustainable peace building, and transitions away from conflict.

DDG Thompson thanked the Iraqi officials for their continued partnership, and in particular, for the recent ratification of the IOM-GoI status agreement. As it was concluded, the IOM-GoI status agreement will open further possibilities for cooperation between IOM and the Government of Iraq.

IOM has been operational in Iraq for the last 20 years. As stated by Ambassdor Thompson, "IOM will continue to help strengthen the capacities of the Iraqi government, and most importantly, will continue to assist the people of Iraq."

DDG Thompson and the IOM delegation also met with Senior Officials from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). In the Regional Capital of Erbil, meetings were held with Mr.Faiq Tofiq Aziz, Vice Minister of the Interior; Mr. Shakir Yaseen Yaseen, Director General of the Bureau of Migration and Displacement; and General Nazar Aziz, Director General of Passports, Residency, and Migration.

These conversations not only reinforced the existing relationship between IOM and the KRG, but also solidified the role IOM will play into the future. Vice Minister Aziz stated: "In order to support both Internally Displaced Persons and Returnees into Kurdistan, the Ministry of the Interior will maintain close cooperation with IOM on all upcoming activities."

Ambassador Laura Thompson also liaised with members of the international community, in efforts to coordinate assistance for the government and the people of Iraq.

DDG Thompson met with various international counterparts, including Claire Bourgeouis, UNHCR Country Representative; Mr. Daniel Augstberger, UN Chief Humanitarian Affairs Officer; Mr. David Reimer, United States Embassy to Iraq Refugee Coordinator; and Mr. Sokol Kondi, KRG UNAMI Representative; amongst others.

During their discussions, Ambassador Thompson encouraged her international partners to develop joint programmes with IOM.

Lastly, DDG Thompson spent time with IOM Iraq Staff in Baghdad, Erbil, and Amman, where she attended celebrations in honor of IOM's 60th Anniversary. Ambassador Thompson also contributed to the discussion surrounding the internal restructuring of the Mission, which is happening in parallel with changes on the ground in Iraq.

IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Mike Pilinger states: "The Deputy Director General's visit has come at a crucial time, as Iraq is continuing to make large transitions as a country. Her visit has bolstered the relationship between IOM and the Iraqi Government, and has also helped strengthen IOM's relationships with other International Organizations present in Iraq."

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