YouSaid · the spoken record

Jalal TALABANI

lines on the record
97
first
2006-09-24
most recent
2011-09-24
sittings or episodes
5
sources
un-general-debate

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  1. We will continue to cooperate with him in a way that will enable him to carry out his task in accordance with Security Council resolution 1770 (2007) and subsequent resolutions. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq will receive all forms of support and assistance from us, in particular during the next phase, and we will do our utmost to provide the necessary protection for its staff and premises. We look forward with confidence and optimism to the future. Iraq is an emerging democracy and a country brimming with a wealth of natural and human resources. We are working to make it an important factor in regional stability, security and prosperity and a living example of democracy, federalism and the voluntary coexistence of different ethnic and sectarian groups and communities.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  2. Our economic, commercial and political relations with the People’s Republic of China are expanding and improving. Our relations with neighbouring Arab countries, India and Pakistan, are also constantly improving. Regarding our relationship with the United Nations, we will continue an approach of constructive cooperation with all United Nations bodies, in the forefront of which are the Security Council and the Secretariat, and we will keep the commitments we have made. I should like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the efforts by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Ad Melkert throughout his time in Iraq. I wish him and his family success and good 7 11-51185 health. I welcome the new representative of the Secretary-General.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  3. After the withdrawal of the United States forces from Iraq by the end of this year, we will work to enhance and expand the scope of cooperation on the basis of the strategic framework agreement signed between the two countries in 2008. According to that agreement, relations will be for the long term and will cover all aspects of life. The same is true for the European Union. After finishing the drafting of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Iraq and the European Union and its possible signing in the near future, and signing a memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership in the field of energy between Iraq and the European Union, the cooperation between the two parties will take a broader scope in various fields covered by those agreements.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  4. In the area of international cooperation, Iraq will work to promote cooperation with all countries that stood with it and supported it in the stability of the ongoing political process, in strengthening it and in reconstruction. We refer here to the United States of America and to the European Union. When we mention these two parties we mention them not because they are the only ones that stood with Iraq, but because we are linked by mechanisms of action that should be implemented. There are many other friends who stood with us in the difficult times that we have experienced, and we will remember that favour and develop relations of cooperation with them.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  5. The countries of the Arab world are witnessing significant developments and unprecedented reforms and political changes, the effects of which will be reflected in the future of the whole region and will extend to areas beyond. Iraq, as an early actor in initiating this change, supports the struggle of the Arab people of the region to gain their freedom, choose their political systems and exercise their right to peaceful demonstrations and protests in the so-called Arab Spring. We hope that these changes will contribute to regional stability and security and avoid anything that might threaten the unity and sovereignty of the countries of the region or stir up strife or sectarian and ethnic conflicts.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  6. Iraq calls on the international community and all peace-loving forces to stand by the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to achieve their goals and demands that the Israeli Government fully withdraw from all Arab territories occupied in 1967. That would essentially contribute to the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and bring a comprehensive and just peace to this vital region of the world. Making the Middle East an area free of weapons of mass destruction is crucial to achieve peace, security and stability. That requires Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to put its nuclear facilities under the comprehensive safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  7. On the other hand, any escalation will prejudice the interests of all parties and will put the security of the region at great risk. Iraq is concerned about the tragic situation of the brotherly Palestinian people as a result of Israeli practices, which are incompatible with international laws, customs and international humanitarian law. Iraq is doing everything in its power to support the struggle of the Palestinian people to obtain all their inalienable rights, in particular the right to establish an independent State in its homeland, with its capital in Jerusalem. In this regard, Iraq endorses and supports the path embarked on by the Palestinian Authority to come to the United Nations to achieve full international recognition of a Palestinian State during the current session of the General Assembly.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  8. In this context we wish to confirm the legitimate right of States to the peaceful use of nuclear power and its technologies according to the rules and provisions of the relevant international conventions. This right constitutes one of the foundations of the disarmament system and non-proliferation. Within this approach and with regard to the nuclear issue concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, we believe in the legitimate right of States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. That right is guaranteed by international instruments, at 11-51185 6 the forefront of which is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We affirm the importance of reaching a peaceful solution in dealing with this issue. Dialogue and calm diplomacy are the best means to achieve that goal.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  9. Article 9 E of the Iraqi Constitution provides that “The Iraqi Government shall respect and implement Iraq’s international obligations regarding the non-proliferation, non-development, non-production, and non-use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and shall prohibit associated equipment, materiel, technologies, and delivery systems for use in the development, manufacture, production, and use of such weapons.” On this clear position and commitment of Iraq to international instruments concerning disarmament, the Security Council on 15 December 2010 adopted resolution 1957 (2010), which lifted all restrictions that were imposed on Iraq.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  10. That is why we invite our two neighbours, Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran, to resort to diplomacy and positive dialogue in order to solve the issues and to stop bombing Iraqi territories in the Kurdistan region, which is causing many innocent civilian victims. I avail myself of this opportunity to thank His Holiness Khamenei of the Islamic Republic of Iran for releasing the two American prisoners in Iran. With regard to our obligations to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, the Constitution of Iraq was clear in determining the position of Iraq concerning this issue.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  11. Regarding Iraq’s international and regional relations, the Constitution of Iraq and the national programme of the current Iraqi Government determine the general foundations for our foreign policy. They provide that Iraq is a founding and effective member of the League of Arab States and is committed to its Charter. Iraq is also a member of the Islamic world. On this basis Iraq is working to host the Arab summit at the end of March 2012. Moreover, Iraq respects the principles of good neighbourliness and is committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of other States. It seeks to solve disputes by peaceful means, establishes its relations on the basis of common interests and reciprocity, and respects its international obligations.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  12. However, the need will push the Government of Iraq to keep numbers of American experts and others in order to benefit from their experience in the fields of training and capacity-building, according to Iraq’s needs. On this occasion, on behalf of the Government and people of Iraq, I should like to express our thanks and appreciation to the United States, other friendly States and the United Nations that provided assistance and support to the Iraqi people and Government in order to enhance democracy and reconstruction. I avail myself of the opportunity of being here in New York to express to the people of New York and to all Americans feelings of sympathy and solidarity on the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 11 September.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  13. Thousands of villages that were destroyed by the former regime have been rebuilt. Cities, towns and roadways have been modernized. The region now has more than 15 public and private universities with more than 100,000 students, compared to the past when there was only one university with a few thousand students. At the end of this year the United States forces will withdraw, according to the agreement signed between the two countries in 2008. During this year, our security forces have shown a great ability to combat terrorism and provide security. These forces are capable and will efficiently fill the vacuum that the withdrawal of the United States forces will create. That will promote Iraqi national abilities to maintain the gains achieved in the new Iraq.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  14. After that important stage in building our State, we feel that we are taking firm steps on the road to democracy and development and that we are opening 5 11-51185 the doors to investment in Iraq. Therefore, the economic policy of Iraq is essentially based on encouraging investment and providing the appropriate legislative environment to protect investors and their capital so that Iraq can become a safe and fertile investing environment in many essential sectors, such as oil, natural gas, electricity, reconstruction, infrastructure and other economic sectors. From this rostrum I call on all countries to open collaboration channels with Iraq in the field of investment and to take advantage of the available opportunities. Iraqi Kurdistan has witnessed important developments in the fields of construction, the economy, the culture and others.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  15. The plan would provide about four million job opportunities, which will positively deal with the unemployment problem in Iraq. It is hoped that by the end of this plan, the per capita income of Iraqi citizens will have increased to $8,000 annually and poverty levels will have decreased by 16 per cent. In addition, we were able to get rid of the sanctions and restrictions imposed on Iraq as a result of the invasion of Kuwait. On the basis of Security Council resolutions 1956 (2010), 1957 (2010) and 1958 (2010), adopted on 15 December 2010, Iraq has been freed completely from all the restrictions imposed on it, which had prevented the country from taking advantage of scientific and technological advances, and has gained sovereignty over its financial resources.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  16. We began to overcome these negative elements and they became history, thanks to our determination and steadfastness and with the help and support of the international community. With regard to development, having witnessed the big improvement in security in Iraq, we are still relying on the five-year plan for the years 2010-2014 announced by the Iraqi Government on 4 April 2010 and on the licensing rounds held between Iraq and major companies on oil and natural gas investments to improve our oil industry. That was done to turn the wheels of development and push the economy to advanced levels. It is expected that the five-year plan that has already started will include about 2,700 strategic projects in different sectors, with a cost of $186 billion.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  17. The values of change and reform, which Iraq has called and will continue to call for, have become an essential part of the aspirations of the Arab people for freedom and for their ability to choose their own political system on the basis of democracy and human rights. We have come a long way in building our political system, which is based on the National Collaboration Government. Iraq has started to restore the elements of strength that were lost due to more than three decades of internal and external wars conducted by the former dictatorship, due also to the international isolation and the sanctions that Iraq experienced and to the collapse of security institutions and outbreak of sectarian strife that threatened its national existence after the collapse of the former regime.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  18. It is an honour to stand in front of the Assembly one more time to brief members on the most notable developments that Iraq is witnessing as it works on building a modern State that lives in peace and security with its people and its neighbours. Iraq is building a homeland where everyone lives in peace and stability regardless of sectarian, ethnic or factional affiliations; a system where the rule of law prevails and human rights are respected; and a system that is based on democracy and the peaceful alternation of power. That is the basis for the path on which we have embarked and are continually implementing. The events currently taking place in the Arab region have proved the rightness of the path that we have been following.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  19. Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, and our brothers, the people of Qatar, on your election to the presidency of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. Our delegation will be of assistance to you in the performance of your duties, and we are confident that your experience and wisdom will be an important factor in the success of the Assembly’s work. Our thanks also go to your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Deiss, for his presidency of the General Assembly at its outgoing session. I should also like to warmly congratulate the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on his appointment to a second term and wish him every success in his work.

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  20. However, at this important stage in the life of the Iraqi people, we continue to need the political and economic support of and cooperation from the international community in order to stand on a firm foundation — one that will enable us to advance 43 10-54833 towards a future in which not only can we promote our country’s and our people’s stability, progress and prosperity, but also contribute fully as a member of the international community to the achievement of peace, security and sustainable development for all nations.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  21. The current political process in Iraq aims at building a federal, democratic, independent and united Iraq, where citizens work within a constitutional framework that guarantees the rule of law, where human rights are protected and where all segments of the Iraqi people are treated with full respect. We have great faith in our ability and potential, as a country rich in natural and human resources, to achieve those objectives.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  22. For that reason, and following the adoption of resolution 1859 (2008) and the publication of the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 5 of that resolution (S/2009/385), we believe that the time is ripe for the Council to act in accordance with the Secretary-General’s report and the mandate set out in resolution 1859 (2008). Also, in keeping with its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it is time for the Council to review resolutions pertaining specifically to Iraq, beginning with resolution 661 (1990), with a view to helping Iraq achieve the international standing it enjoyed before those resolutions were adopted.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  23. The newly elected Iraqi Government will also deal with the situation between Iraq and sisterly Kuwait and related issues, such as the maintenance of border pillars, compensation and missing Kuwaiti persons and properties. We will work seriously with our Kuwaiti brothers, other stakeholders and United Nations organs to reach a settlement that satisfies all parties without prejudice to our obligations under Security Council resolutions, concerning which we emphasize our respect and commitment. The situation in Iraq has changed as a result of the important positive developments since the collapse of the former regime and the end of the dictatorship. It is drastically different from the situation at the time the Security Council adopted resolution 661 (1990).

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  24. By reviewing those resolutions, in accordance with Council resolution 1859 (2008) and in response to the report of the Secretary-General in document S/2009/385, we have been working diligently with our friends and members of the Council to settle all the outstanding issues concerning the situation in Iraq. At the forefront of those issues are the remaining restrictions on Iraq in the field of disarmament, the conclusion of the remaining contracts under the Oil- for-Food programme and finding the right mechanism for guaranteeing Iraqi funds following the replacement of the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board for Iraq. Iraq would like to see those dossiers closed by the end of this year.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  25. With regard to the Iranian nuclear issue, Iraq believes in the legitimate right of States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. That is a right guaranteed by international conventions, including the NPT. We stress the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to that issue, and that dialogue and quiet diplomacy are the most effective ways to achieve that goal. Any escalation would harm the interests of all parties and would endanger regional security. The most important issue Iraq continues to face is the removal of the burden created by Security Council resolutions adopted against it under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  26. In this spirit we support the Palestinian people’s just struggle to secure their inalienable rights, including the establishment of a Palestinian State on the land of Palestine, as we work to implement the internationally legitimate resolutions aimed at returning the occupied Arab territories. We consider the Arab Peace Initiative to be a practical step towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieving security, peace and stability in the Middle East. We also call for making the Middle East a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, which would enhance the prospects for peace and security in the region. We call on all States that have not yet done so to accede to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and comply with its provisions.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  27. 10-54833 42 The Constitution formulated the basic principles of Iraq’s foreign policy, which focuses on observing good-neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, the resolution of disputes by peaceful means and the establishment of international relations based on shared interests and respect for Iraq’s international obligations. On that basis, we seek to establish the best relations with sisterly Arab and Islamic countries and are committed to the resolutions of the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  28. Iraqi women enjoy important status in the new federal and united Iraq and enjoy political rights equal to those of men. Women have been granted 25 per cent of the seats in the Iraqi Council of Representatives. Additionally, for the first time in many decades, the women of Iraq have assumed many important ministerial positions and have represented their country as ambassadors, this after having been deprived of those rights for more than 30 years. The Constitution also guarantees that women grant their nationality to their children.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  29. It contains around 2,700 strategic projects in various sectors at a total cost of $186 billion. That plan will help to develop the Iraqi economy and enhance the quality of services provided to Iraqis. It will also create 4 million jobs, thus helping the unemployment problem in Iraq. The national development plan will also help Iraqi refugees return to their homes. The Government of Iraq believes that the real solution for the problem of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons lies in their return to their homeland and their residences. Iraq needs the experience of all its citizens to help build the country’s future. We therefore call upon countries hosting Iraqi refugees, international organizations and civil society organizations to promote awareness of the culture of voluntary return.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  30. The appointment of new Iraqi ambassadors to various countries around the world has also helped to promote and broaden the horizons of those relations. Iraq’s assuming the presidency of the current session of the Arab League and of the Arab Summit Conference in March of next year will promote Iraq’s regional role and will be considered an important step in its efforts to regain its global standing as an effective and responsible member of the international community. The Government of Iraq will continue to move in that direction through strengthening its friendships, cooperation and good-neighbourly efforts, thus creating greater opportunity for stability and security in the region. In the development arena, on 4 April 2010 the Government of Iraq initiated a national development plan for the five-year period from 2010 to 2014.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  31. The principal political parties have been in continuous communication with the aim of holding a fruitful session of the newly elected Iraqi Council of Representatives to elect a Speaker for the new parliament and the President of the Republic of Iraq, after which, according to the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution, the elected President will ask a new Prime Minister to form a Government. It is our hope that that new Government will be formed as soon as possible, as any delay will negatively affect the security situation, reconstruction and prosperity. The improved security situation in Iraq has encouraged many Arab and other countries to reopen their diplomatic missions and has helped to develop Iraqi relations regionally and internationally.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  32. The complete pullout of those forces on 31 August 2010 was based on the Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq On the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq, signed by both parties on 17 November 2008. This year has also seen successful legislative elections, which were held on 7 March with considerable Arab, regional and international interest. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the observers from the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States, the international community and civil society organizations all expressed their belief that the elections were transparent, free and fair.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  33. Those groups have used various means, including the most heinous crimes, and have allied themselves with organized crime and transnational terrorist networks in order to destabilize the security situation in Iraq. The main task of the Government of Iraq was to provide security throughout the country and to strengthen national unity and the rule of law. There have been significant developments in Iraq since I stood before the Assembly last year. This year and last have witnessed a significant decrease in violence and a marked improvement in security in Iraq. Although there were some terrorist acts targeting innocent civilians in different places in the country, the overall security situation has improved, and that paved the way for the withdrawal of United States combat forces operating in Iraq.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  34. The political process in Iraq since the collapse of the dictatorial regime in 2003 has resulted in radical political change, as well as in the building of a federal, democratic, independent and united Iraq with respected constitutional institutions and a Government elected in accordance with the Constitution. Achieving that goal 41 10-54833 was neither easy nor simple. Iraq faced many challenges, foremost of which was confronting extremist, sectarian and factional forces and countering terrorist groups and groups of the former dictatorial regime that are attempting to take Iraq back to the dark era of mass graves and fruitless wars.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  35. Allow me at the outset to congratulate the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session, and the friendly people of Switzerland, on his election. Our delegation will cooperate with him to its fullest extent in the performance of his task. We are confident that his experience and wisdom will be important factors in the success of the Assembly’s work and in the achievement of the purposes of the United Nations. I also thank his predecessor, my close friend Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, for presiding over the Assembly at its last session.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  36. However, at this most critical stage, we need political and economic support and international cooperation to gain firm footing that will enable us to move towards a future where we will be able not only to develop our country and our people but also to cooperate with the international community in achieving peace, security and sustainable development for all peoples.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  37. The Iraqi Government, in cooperation with the United Nations, is working towards convening the second review conference, to be held in Baghdad next November. We will seek the greatest degree of international participation at the conference, following on from the success of the first review conference, held in Stockholm last year. The current political process in Iraq is aimed at building a federal, democratic and unified Iraq where the Iraqi people work under constitutional institutions, the rule of law, protection of human rights and full respect for all segments of society. We attach key importance to our ability and potential, as a country rich in natural and human resources, to achieve these goals.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  38. We are also working to implement the legitimate international resolutions concerning the return of occupied Arab land. We consider the Arab Peace Initiative to be a practical step in the right direction towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict in order to achieve security, peace and stability in the Middle East. We call for the Middle East to be made a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, so as to promote opportunities to achieve peace and security in the region. In this context, we call upon all States that have not yet acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so and to be bound by its provisions. Following years of isolation during the previous regime, Iraq seeks to form a new integrated economic partnership with the international community through the International Compact with Iraq.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  39. The Iraqi Constitution sets the basic principles of Iraq’s foreign policy, which focus on good- neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, the peaceful settlement of disputes and establishing international relations based on common interests and respect of Iraq’s international obligations. These are the established principles of Iraq’s foreign policy. On this basis, we seek to establish the best possible relations with other Arab and Islamic countries and are committed to the decisions of the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Accordingly, we endorse and support the struggle of the Palestinian people to uphold their inalienable rights, including the right to establish the State of Palestine on the land of Palestine.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  40. In this regard, I must point to the positive role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in providing advice and assistance. The promotion of mutual endeavours and cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, and improved results of that cooperation in many fields, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1770 (2007) and other resolutions, require that the United Nations agencies and institutions step up their presence in Iraq, undertake field activities and re-open their offices in Baghdad, as other diplomatic missions have done.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  41. After more than six years of hard and continuous work with the United Nations and its agencies, and within the framework of international and bilateral cooperation, Iraq has proven its desire and determination to return to the international community with all its resources and capabilities. Therefore, because the situation which necessitated the adoption of the aforementioned resolutions no longer exists, we request a clear resolution by the Security Council to terminate all resolutions issued under Chapter VII which affected the sovereignty of Iraq and gave rise to financial obligations that are still binding on Iraq. We and the Iraqi people look forward to the day when Iraq is released from Chapter VII sanctions.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  42. Here, I must point out that since the collapse of the former regime in 2003, Iraq has been eager to respect international legitimacy and to deal with Security Council resolutions relevant to Iraq and to the situation between Iraq and brotherly Kuwait with the highest degree of responsibility and respect. The current Iraqi Government inherited political and financial burdens and difficult commitments from 09-52425 26 the former regime through dozens of resolutions issued against the former regime because of its domestic practices and foreign policies. The Iraqi people are still bearing the consequences.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  43. Along with the adoption of Security Council resolution 1859 (2008) and the report of the Secretary- General pursuant to paragraph 5 of that resolution (S/2009/385), this shows that the time has come for the Security Council to act in response to the Secretary- General’s report pursuant to the aforementioned resolution, and on the basis of its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It should review resolutions relevant to Iraq adopted under Chapter VII, starting with resolution 661 (1990), with a view to restoring Iraq’s international standing.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  44. Iraq will continue to work with relevant parties and stakeholders at the United Nations to reach a settlement satisfactory to all parties and without prejudice to our obligations under Security Council resolutions. As a result of major positive developments that have taken place in Iraq since the fall of the former regime and the removal of the dictatorship, the current situation is fundamentally different from the situation that existed when the Security Council adopted resolution 661 (1990).

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  45. We seek the international community’s support and assistance in establishing an independent international commission to investigate the crimes of terrorism against the Iraqi people and to label those crimes as genocide. We look forward to improved cooperation and coordination with neighbouring countries and other concerned States to protect Iraq’s borders, exchange information, coordinate efforts, and to thwart groups that support terrorism and work against Iraq under any cover. We are currently working towards the settlement of issues regarding Iraq vis-à-vis the Security Council; these were inherited from the former regime and led to commitments which we are attempting to meet.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  46. We believe that acts at this level of organization, complexity and magnitude could not have been planned, funded and implemented without the support of external forces and parties. Indeed, preliminary investigations and evidence indicate the involvement of external parties in these attacks. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Iraq wishes to place this important matter before the Secretary-General. Because of the nature and scope of the crimes committed, which require an investigation beyond Iraq’s jurisdiction, we request the Security Council to form an international independent investigation commission to refer those responsible to a special international criminal court. The Iraqi Government found itself obliged to turn to the United Nations to protect its people and stop the haemorrhaging of innocent Iraqi lives.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  47. In an attempt to derail the security and stability achieved in Iraq during 2008 and 2009, they have recently engaged in a series of criminal bombings and terrorist attacks, the most recent of which were the Bloody Wednesday explosions of 19 August 2009, which targeted the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance — sovereign institutions of the country. These attacks killed many innocent victims, including many Government employees, as well as foreign administrators and diplomats. These criminal acts claiming such large numbers of victims have reached the level of genocide and crimes against humanity, which are subject to punishment under international law.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  48. They will also help us build national institutions strong enough to support a State that is based on law and order, that is at peace with its own people and its neighbours and that is a solid force for security and stability in the region. This in turn will improve Iraq’s Arab, regional and world relations and foster its active return to the international community. The real danger currently facing Iraq is outside interference in its internal affairs. The forces of such interference have committed the worst crimes against innocent Iraqis from many segments of society — men, women, children and the elderly.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  49. We therefore call upon States hosting Iraqi refugees and on international and civil society organizations aiding refugees to help promote a culture of voluntary return, because Iraq needs the capacities of all Iraqis to help build the future of their country. 25 09-52425 The most important challenge we face in the near future is the round of legislative elections scheduled for January 2010, for which the political parties have already started preparations. Successful elections will solidify the current political regime’s basis in democracy, pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power. Successful elections will move the political process forward from this initial stage to one of permanence and stability and will promote stability and security in Iraq.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  50. The Iraqi Government prepared an ambitious budget for this year, aiming not only at reconstruction, but also at building a sound and healthy economy to promote progress and general prosperity. The Iraqi Government has reviewed this budget and its economic programmes in the light of the financial crisis facing the world. Improvements in the economic sphere have encouraged a significant number of internally and externally displaced Iraqis to voluntarily return to the country. The Iraqi Government has taken a series of practical measures and decisions aimed at facilitating the voluntary return of displaced Iraqis because it believes that the best solution for them is to return to their homeland.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)