YouSaid · the spoken record

Al-Bayati

lines on the record: 572
first: 2006-06-22
most recent: 2013-03-21
sittings or episodes: 33
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We hope for their continued support to improve the situation of Iraqi children and to put an end to their suffering. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Coomaraswamy, for her efforts in preparing the report. We are looking forward to her visit to Iraq, and we affirm the commitment of the Iraqi Government to cooperate constructively with her to help the children of Iraq.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“An open monitoring system for the assessment of children's institutions is a top priority, as is improving the skills of care-givers and accelerating community-based child care alternatives. It is also important to highlight the major role of the partnerships that have made these achievements possible, most notably those with the European Commission, Japan, Italy, Canada and other friendly countries, in addition to other United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Government and the people of Iraq would like on this important occasion to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all countries, international organizations and United Nations agencies, foremost among them UNICEF and the World Health Organization, for their continued tremendous efforts to help Iraqi children.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is to be recognized that 4.7 million Iraqi primary school children have benefited from the investment in education, including the distribution of critical school materials, the rebuilding and restoring of schools, the addition of extra classrooms for displaced children and the provision of accelerated learning opportunities. A Government-supported assessment of school attendance rates in 2007 is now under way. The Prime Minister of Iraq, His Excellency Mr. Nuri al-Maliki, has called for a national enquiry into the conditions of children in orphanages and is urging the Iraqi Government to make possible a rapid assessment of all the country's orphanages and juvenile centres as soon as possible.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government has been keen to operate with United Nations agencies, among them UNICEF, to invest donor contributions, which amounted to $40 million in 2007, in order to deliver critical health care, safe water and sanitation, education and other essential services to millions of children and their families. These funds have enabled the Iraqi health workers to conduct house-to-house immunization campaigns protecting over 4 million children against polio and more than 3 million against measles and mumps, in close partnership with the World Health Organization and UNICEF. As a result of these campaigns, Iraq remains polio-free, and measles cases are dramatically down, from 9,181 in 2004 to just 156 in 2007, as of November.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The authorities in Iraq are keen to organize children's festivals, theatres, art exhibitions, photo galleries and various other types of art events for children. They have also organized several workshops, symposiums and conferences focusing on violence against children and the means to combat it. The date 13 July has been set as Iraqi Child Day, which is celebrated officially by the Iraqi Government. A governmental committee was recently established to draft the Iraqi Child Law to be approved by the Iraqi Government and subsequently by the Iraqi parliament.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“They have also opened nine new nurseries, following approval by Ministry of Health authorities. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has started a special programme for children with mental disabilities. They have also computerized the centres for those with physical disabilities, in addition to starting advanced classes at those institutions. The ministry has also introduced intensive training courses for the teaching staff. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is focusing on families with children and provides them with salaries, under the social protection network. The number of beneficiary families has reached 93,553. The number of visually impaired children included in this programme has reached 20,416, and a further 24,350 paralysed children are included in the programme.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government is keen to start constructive and positive cooperation with the United Nations to improve the situation of children in Iraq and has extended a formal invitation to Ms. Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to visit Iraq and to examine the situation of children and the efforts of the Iraqi Government to alleviate their suffering. The Iraqi authorities, through the Permanent Mission of Iraq in New York, are conducting close consultations and coordination with the Office of Ms. Coomaraswamy on this important visit, planned for next month. The Iraqi authorities have started to implement their plan to train nursery staff and to include nurseries in nutrition programmes.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government has been keen to take all possible executive and legislative measures to minimize the suffering of children, to provide them with a decent life and to compensate them for the years of deprivation and suffering they have gone through. The Government has established an inter-ministerial committee - the National Committee for Children - to consider means of improving the situation of children in Iraq. The Iraqi Government has also completed the executive and legislative steps needed to ratify the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1994: the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography and the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, both of which entered into force in 2002.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The report has noted that there are indications of children being recruited as combatants by non-State armed groups, Al-Qaida and Al-Qaida-affiliated groups. In this regard, we would like to refer to what has recently been reported by the international media regarding documentaries prepared by Al-Qaida which show clearly the recruitment of children at the age around 11 to carry out suicide operations, kidnappings, armed robberies and the planting of explosive devices. Despite the difficult circumstances, Iraq has witnessed in 2007 positive progress in the situation of children, due to the decrease in the number of terrorist operations and the implementation of the Baghdad law enforcement plan.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“After the fall of the dictatorship in 2003, Iraqi children were the victims of terrorist acts and sectarian violence in Iraq. Many of them were subjected to daily threats to their lives because of the suicide bombings and the roadside bombs which led to the killing and maiming of several children. We agree with most of the facts outlined in the report concerning the suffering of the Iraqi children due to the terrorist acts of Al-Qaida and other armed groups who target civilians, foremost amongst which are children. The most recent terrorist act, which took place on 1 February 2008, was a dual bombing in the pet market in Baghdad. It led to casualties and loss of life for dozens of innocent children and women. This is another example of the ruthlessness of this terrorist enemy.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi children went through tremendously difficult circumstances during the last three decades due to the irresponsible policies of Saddam's regime. They were among the first victims of chemical weapons used by the former dictator in Halabja and other areas and cities of Iraq. They were victims of forced displacement and mass executions committed by the previous regime as a systematic policy to punish the Iraqi people. The innocent children of Iraq paid a heavy price because of international sanctions and the embargo imposed on Iraq due to the invasion of Kuwait by the dictatorship. The Iraqi regime used the suffering of the Iraqi people, including children, during 13 years of sanctions to pressure the international community and to avoid fulfilling its international obligation.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Allow me at the outset to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would like also to extend my appreciation to the delegation of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for its successful presidency of the Council last month. I wish further to welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Coomaraswamy, and to thank her for her constructive efforts to fulfil her mandate in following the situation of children and armed conflict. I also would like to thank Ms. Ann Veneman, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund, for her briefing. My delegation took note of the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2007/757) and would like to make the following comments on the situation concerning Iraq.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The invitation clearly attests to the keen desire of the Iraqi Government to maintain its relations with UNAMI on the basis of cooperation and coordination in the various areas of its mandate, without prejudice to sovereign Iraqi decisions. I would also like to express my Government's willingness to contribute to the building of UNAMI's new headquarters in Iraq in order to facilitate the fulfilment of its mandate under resolution 1770 (2007).”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“In conclusion, the Iraqi Government would like to express its appreciation to all brotherly and friendly countries that have supported the Iraqi people during a difficult period. We would also like to express our appreciation for the efforts of Mr. De Mistura and his team in Iraq and New York. The Iraqi Government reaffirms its ardent hope that the United Nations will strengthen its role in Iraq by increasing its field presence. We also reaffirm our cooperation with UNAMI in Iraq. In that regard, we would like to mention the invitation addressed to UNAMI's Human Rights Office from the Ministries of Justice, Defence, Interior, and Labour and Social Affairs in Baghdad and Kurdistan to visit detention facilities and prisons to look into the situation of prisoners and detainees.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“We would like to express our gratitude to all the countries - including, most recently, the Republic of Serbia - that recently cancelled Iraqi debt, and we would like to ask our brotherly countries to support the Iraqi people's efforts to rebuild their country by cancelling Iraqi debt. We look forward to the international community's continued support for the economic and development processes taking place in Iraq, through continued support for and contributions to the International Compact with Iraq. We also ask that the international community support the Iraqi Government's efforts to provide the basic services of electricity, clean water, fuel and health care and to develop the service sector.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“The Government and the people of Iraq, while working to rebuild their country and its infrastructure in order to fulfil the people's aspirations to development and prosperity, are requesting that the percentage of compensation paid from Iraqi oil revenues be reduced, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, from 5 per cent to 1 per cent. In that regard, the Iraqi Government is working with our brothers in the State of Kuwait to find suitable solutions that will serve the interests of both brotherly countries. The Iraqi Government is also working with other countries to resolve the issue of Iraqi debt in accordance with the Paris Club measures.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“Furthermore, the Government is seeking to make full use of its 2008 national budget to carry out projects and development plans, and it has declared 2008 a year for investment and development in Iraq. The Government is also determined to take decisive measures to combat corruption and to work to establish effective and transparent national institutions. It recently organized a conference, under the auspices of the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Nuri al-Maliki, to discuss ways to combat the dangerous phenomenon of corruption.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“We look forward to the reopening of its office in that city to provide needed assistance to the Iraqi people, in accordance with resolution 1770 (2007). My Government is keen to reform the Iraqi economy, which was damaged by the wars launched by the previous regime against its neighbours - wars that exhausted and wasted Iraqi wealth. The Iraqi Government is determined to utilize its revenues to improve the standard of living and to increase the prosperity of the Iraqi people. The Iraqi Council of Representatives has adopted a series of measures, including pension and salary increases for the retired and civil servants. It has also approved social security for the poor, orphans and the disabled.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government is keen to invest in those improvements in the security situation by taking over responsibility for security in the Iraqi provinces, which it has done in nine provinces thus far. The Government is working to increase the preparedness of the Iraqi security forces to assume their responsibilities throughout the country. In the light of the significant improvements in the security situation in Iraq, my Government would like to invite, from this rostrum, all brotherly and friendly countries to reopen their embassies in Iraq. We are also looking forward to support from the international community for our efforts to restore stability and security in Iraq. In addition, we welcome the recent steps taken by the United Nations to resume operations in Basra.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“In addition, the efforts of the Iraqi political and religious leadership have led to a ceasefire among the militias, including the Mahdi Army. The Iraqi Government has also made efforts to cleanse the security organs of corrupt elements that had infiltrated them. That step has led to the rebuilding of confidence between the people and the security organs. We should also mention the fact that the increase in the number of the multinational forces and the role that they have played in cooperating with the Iraqi forces have helped in restoring security and stability in Iraq and in reducing the number of terrorist activities and the amount of violence, in addition to implementation of the law enforcement plan and the deployment of the Awakening forces in troubled areas.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“We would like to reaffirm the continuous need for the support of the international community until this crisis comes to an end. As for the security situation, the Iraqi Government is determined to confront and defeat terrorism and to restore security and stability in all parts of Iraq. Last year, the Government began a law enforcement plan in the framework of its efforts to enforce the rule of law, promote and protect human rights and confront criminal and terrorist activities targeting innocent civilians. That plan has brought about results, and the Iraqi people are witnessing those positive results. Dozens of members of the Al-Qaida leadership have been killed, and many others in that terrorist organization, which has sought to provoke sectarian strife in Iraq, have been detained.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“With regard to Iraqi refugees abroad and internally displaced persons as a result of sectarian violence, the Iraqi Government is keen to follow up on this issue with the Governments of brotherly countries hosting Iraqi refugees, especially neighbouring countries, and to provide for the refugees' needs, facilitate their voluntary return to Iraq, coordinate with international organizations and support host countries. In that regard, the Iraqi Government would like to express its gratitude to host countries and international organizations for their contributions to ease that humanitarian crisis. My Government would also like to express its appreciation for the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the recent appeal issued to support its efforts in assisting Iraqi refugees.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“My Government also looks forward to the Security Council addressing Iraqi issues beyond Chapter VII and in line with the significant changes that have taken place in Iraq, and to starting a new chapter of friendly and normal relations with the international community. The efforts led by the Iraqi Government in cooperation with the United Nations during the second expanded meeting of foreign ministers of neighbouring States of Iraq, held in Istanbul in November 2007, led to the endorsement of an ad hoc Baghdad-based support mechanism. We expect that mechanism to contribute to achieving security and stability in Iraq and the whole region and to implementing what is to be agreed upon by the ministers.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“With regard to Iraq's efforts to normalize its situation in the international arena and establish relations based on mutual respect, cooperation and friendship, the Iraqi Government has signed a declaration of principles for a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, which will be a framework for future political, economic, security and diplomatic relations between the two countries. My Government looks forward to regaining Iraq's normal position in the international community and to overcoming the heavy burden inherited from the previous dictatorship, which subjected Iraq to special measures stipulated under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi political arena is currently witnessing active political interaction among political figures and leaders to advance the political process and reach agreement in favour of the Iraqi people. Moreover, the Iraqi Council of Representatives recently adopted the Justice and Accountability Law, which is considered to be a very positive step towards achieving national reconciliation and healing past wounds. The Council of Representatives is currently considering the ratification of the hydrocarbons law, the 2008 budget and the law on governorates.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“I would also like to thank Ambassador Khalilzad for his briefing on behalf of the multinational forces, which are not occupying forces but friendly forces helping Iraq and the Iraqi people to maintain security and to protect the borders, in accordance with resolutions 1546 (2004), 1637 (2005), 1723 (2006) and 1790 (2007). My Government has considered the Secretary- General's report contained in document S/2008/ 19. We would like to present our comments in the light of developments and progress in the situation in Iraq. With regard to the evaluation of the political situation, the Iraqi Government is determined to continue its efforts to achieve national reconciliation, to reinforce social cohesion and to avoid a civil war.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“Allow me, at the outset, to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Italy, for his successful presidency last month. I would also like to welcome Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Iraq, who is present at this meeting for the first time to present the Secretary-General's report (S/2008/19) on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). We commend his efforts to help Iraq and the Iraqi people.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“Finally, allow me to express our gratitude and appreciation to all members of the Security Council, to the United Nations and to all friendly and brotherly countries who have assisted the Government and the people of Iraq in ending long decades of dictatorship and injustice and in building a democratic, federal and prosperous Iraq in which generations will enjoy the fruits of security, stability and prosperity.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“In this regard, I would like to highlight the letter of the Prime Minister annexed to the resolution, in which he requested the Security Council to review its resolutions relating to the deposit of 5 per cent of Iraq's proceeds from oil into the Compensation Fund with a view to reducing that percentage as much as possible. The deposit of such a high percentage creates a financial burden for the Iraqi people at a time when it is in dire need of those funds to rebuild its infrastructure. Furthermore, the increase in oil prices means that the real amount represented by that 5 per cent is at least five times what it was.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“Before concluding, I would like to stress that for Iraq to achieve its goals, development programmes and reconstruction, Iraq must be capable of advancing itself; it should release itself from the legacy of the former regime and be liberated from its financial burdens. Iraq is still suffering from the heavy burden of compensation for the invasion of Kuwait by the Saddam regime, and it remains in need of the support of the international community and donor countries. Iraq has paid large sums, which add up to more than $22 billion - and it continues to pay.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The role played by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board serves the same purpose. We recognize that the DFI plays an important role in helping Iraq to convince donors and creditors that it is managing its resources and debts in a reasonable way, in the interest of the Iraqi people. Towards that end, the Government of Iraq has requested the Security Council to continue to apply the provisions of paragraph 22 of resolution 1483 (2003) until 31 December 2008, including in respect of the funds, financial assets, and economic resources described in paragraph 23 of resolution 1483 (2003).”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“We welcome this resolution on the understanding that it is the final extension of the mandate of the MNF and expect that, in future, the Security Council will be able to deal with the situation in Iraq without the need for action under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. My Government also welcomes the reflection in the resolution of its request to include language reaffirming respect for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and reaffirming further the importance of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq. We believe that the provisions of resolution 1546 (2004) on the deposit of proceeds into the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) will help to ensure that proceeds from Iraq's natural resources are used to serve the interests of the Iraqi people.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“My Government would also like to emphasize that it welcomes today's resolution on the understanding that the functions of recruiting, training, arming and equipping the Iraqi army and Iraq's security forces are the responsibility of the Iraqi Government. The Government would also assume responsibility for command and control of all Iraqi forces; the MNF, in coordination with the Iraqi Government, would provide support and backing to those forces. The Iraqi Government would also be responsible for arrest, detention and imprisonment tasks; when those tasks are carried out by the MNF, there will be maximum levels of coordination, cooperation and understanding with the Iraqi Government.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“My Government, while reaffirming the importance of the role of the multinational forces, alongside our national forces, in contributing to the efforts to establish security and the rule of law, requests that the Security Council consider extending the mandate of the multinational force in the light of Iraq's achievements over the past few years, namely the strengthened capacity of its army and security forces and significant successes in the security, political and economic spheres. This progress calls for a review of the role and authority of the MNF in order to strike a balance between the need to extend the mandate of the force one last time and the progress made by Iraq in the area of security. It is also essential for the Iraqi Government to be treated as that of an independent and fully sovereign State.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“Despite the apparent improvement in the security situation, we realize that Iraq needs still more time and continued intensive efforts to enable our armed forces to take over the security responsibilities from the multinational forces in all of the country, as they continue to play a very important role in supporting and backing our troops in combating terrorism, militias and outlaws.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The joint efforts between the forces have also resulted in the killing and detention of the main leadership of Al-Qaida, the takeover of thousands of weapons and ammunition depots, the ending of sectarian killing and forced displacement all over Iraq, the reduction of violence in Baghdad and other provinces by more than 75 per cent, and the tracking down of militias and all other outlaws. In addition, the capacity and capability of the Iraqi army and police have increased with respect to numbers and equipment through the efforts of the Ministries of Interior and Defence.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The Iraqi Government has also reintegrated 73,622 officers and soldiers from previously dismantled ministries into different Iraqi ministries, in addition to reintegrating 21,893 officers and soldiers into the military services. It has also re- employed 2,586 members of the previous security institutions into the new Ministry of Interior. It should also be mentioned that the joint efforts of the Iraqi and multinational forces over the last few months have resulted in the return of 6,000 displaced families to their homes.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The provincial support councils, which emerged from the national reconciliation process, are a pioneering exercise in combating terrorism and a reflection of the Government's strategy of not relying solely on the military option in the handling the security situation. The Government also succeeded in recruiting 350,000 volunteers in the army and security forces in Iraq. It has also made progress in training and equipping those forces and has recruited 27,500 tribal members to combat Al-Qaida fighters. Members of a number of factions that have split from Al-Qaida in Baghdad and served other provinces and that have joined training centres total more than 14,178 individuals.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“It has supervised a number of conferences to promote national reconciliation, including conferences of Iraqi tribes, political forces, civil society organizations, intellectuals and army officers, in addition to conferences held outside Iraq. The Government has also sent delegations to meet with political figures and parties in several countries in the region. Among the main results of the national reconciliation process is the openness and cooperation with Iraqi tribes which has had a positive influence in eliminating terrorist organizations and in restoring Government control and the rule of law.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“Towards that end, the Iraqi Government, in partnership with the United Nations, is working to implement the initiative of the International Compact with Iraq, which is contributing to the enhancement and strengthening of national and international counter-obligations in the political and economic fields and in the areas of the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights and the establishment of democracy. The continued efforts of the Iraqi Government have resulted in activating a national dialogue and reconciliation process and in disseminating tolerance, moderation and brotherhood. The Government also succeeded in preventing a sectarian war which had threatened the whole country.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The Government of Iraq continues its efforts to achieve national reconciliation, ensure expanded political participation of all national political forces, guarantee respect for human rights and the supremacy of law, achieve economic growth, and provide basic services for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi Government is working towards the adoption of ambitious plans to rebuild its economy on a sound and modern basis, which would enable the Iraqi economy to contribute effectively to the international economy.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“We look forward to Iraq's playing an active role in achieving stability and security in the Middle East. Iraq aspires to become an arena where all parties can engage in dialogue rather than a region for settling issues. Towards that end, we initiated the neighbouring countries' meeting and hosted the American-Iranian dialogue in Baghdad. The Government of Iraq has also signed a declaration of principles with the United States with a view to establishing a long-term cooperative and friendly relationship between the two countries. Establishing stability and security in Iraq reflects positively on the security and stability of the whole region and will contribute to the enhancement of international peace and stability.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“This handover is a positive indication that the Iraqi forces are capable of assuming control over the important city of Basra. I would like to concentrate on the main challenges facing Iraq. One such challenge is terrorism, which is placing a heavy burden on the Government and the people of Iraq. The security plans carried out by the Iraqi army and the national security forces with the assistance of the multinational forces have contributed to surrounding the terrorists in isolated pockets in Iraq. The remnants of Al-Qaida along with their allies have suffered continued defeats, which is clearly reflected in a tangibly improved security situation in Iraq and a decline in the levels and number of terrorist activities, together with a reduction in the threat of civil war in the country.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“While Iraqis remain grateful to all friendly countries that assisted in the liberation of Iraq from the previous tyrant and dictator, Saddam Hussein, no Iraqi Government official - indeed, no Iraqi citizen - wants the presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil one day longer than they are needed. The presence of the multinational forces in Iraq today, and for the coming year, is essential to accomplish the mission they started when Iraq was liberated. It is also necessary to mention here what was accomplished on 16 December 2007, namely, the handover of security responsibility to the Iraqi Government in Basra province, the second largest in Iraq and the ninth province to be handed over to the Iraqi Government by the multinational forces.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“The last few months have been a decisive test for the commitment and courage of the Government and the people of Iraq in their efforts to establish a stable democratic system in an exceptionally difficult environment. Iraq has completed the establishment of its constitutional and legal institutions and now possesses a permanent constitution, voted upon by the people of Iraq, a parliament representing all different social segments of society and a national unity Government consisting of all political parties. The Government of Iraq has made enormous strides towards the day when a self-sustaining Iraqi security force would be able to provide security to the Iraqi people.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“Mr. President, allow me at the outset to congratulate you for assuming the presidency of the Council for this month and to thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Indonesia, for his successful presidency last month. I would also like to express my gratitude to the non-permanent members of the Security Council whose membership concludes at the end of this month, and to congratulate the new members of the Council, wishing them every success in their work in the Council. It is an honour for me to address the Council on this historic day, as it adopts, upon the request of my Government, the resolution for the extension of the mandate of the multinational forces in Iraq for the last time.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5808 (2007) · source
“That would be achieved in coordination with the Compensation Committee until the matter can be addressed at an international conference or resolved bilaterally between Iraq and the countries concerned. We hope that the Council responds positively to Iraq's request.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“To achieve that goal, Iraq must be capable of advancing itself and should be able to shake off the legacy of the former regime and be liberated from its financial burdens. Iraq is still suffering from the heavy burden of compensating for the Kuwait invasion by the Saddam regime, while it remains in need of the support of the international community and the donor countries. Iraq has paid large sums amounting to more than $22 billion dollars, and it continues to pay. In that regard, I would like to refer to the letters of the Prime Minister of 24 June and of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of 15 August addressed to the Security Council concerning that issue. The letters request the Council at the present time to suspend the deductions and to reduce the proportion of deductions to a level that Iraq can maintain given its current situation.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“Without doubt, the effective implementation of that mandate requires the return of the specialized agencies, funds and programmes to work in Iraq and to increase their staff in the field. We look forward to Iraq's playing an active role in achieving stability and security in the Middle East. Iraq aspires to be an arena for all parties to engage in dialogue, rather than a space for settling issues. Towards that end, we initiated the neighbouring countries' meeting and hosted the American-Iranian dialogue in Baghdad because stability and security in Iraq positively affect the security and stability of the whole region and contribute to the enhancement of international peace and security.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“Pursuant to resolution 1770 (2007), UNAMI's mandate covers critical and essential issues related to the present and future of the new Iraq. The most important of those are UNAMI's role in national dialogue and reconciliation, the requirements of holding elections and referendums, and assisting in constitutional review, in addition to achieving compromise regarding internal borders and facilitating regional dialogue concerning the issues of border security, energy and refugees. There is no doubt that those issues are critical and should be addressed with specific mechanisms and with the prior approval of the constitutionally elected Iraqi Government, as stated in the letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of 6 August, contained in document S/2007/481, which refers to the Iraqi Government's desire to expand UNAMI's mandate.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source