UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The situation in Iraq is improving, though pockets of conflict remain challenging to the security environment in the country, the United Nations said.
In its report to the U.N. Security Council, the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq hailed the continued development of Iraqi national security forces, the acquisition by Baghdad of the Sunni Sons of Iraq militia and the durability of a cease-fire by the Mehdi Army of Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr.
UNAMI cautioned, however, that several regional disputes have the potential to erase the security gains. A dispute over jurisdiction in Khanaqin in the north of Diyala province between Kurdish and Iraqi fighters remains "tense but stable," while targeted attacks against the minority Christian population in northern Iraq are a cause for concern.
Meanwhile, Baghdad continues to restore diplomatic ties with its Arab neighbors, as Jordan, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all resumed their duties in Iraq. Egypt, UNAMI said, was also moving toward reopening its embassy in Baghdad soon.
The report also took note of the Oct. 26 U.S. raid in Syria, saying regional cooperation was needed to solve the issues of border security.
