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

“The Iraqi Government has been keen to entrench the culture of human rights and has achieved progress in that area by establishing a national system to control and monitor violations of human rights. Monitoring teams were formed in the Ministry of Human Rights to cooperate with human rights departments in all other ministries. The Iraqi Government, in cooperation with UNAMI, drafted a law pertaining to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Iraq. On the regional and international levels, the past few months have witnessed a regional and international openness towards Iraq since Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki travelled to Jordan and the United Arab Emirates and made a European visit to Italy and Germany.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“With regard to women's rights and the importance of their participation in the political process, the Iraqi Government has stressed that Iraqi women shall exercise their rights, contribute to the political process and effectively participate in the upcoming provincial council elections, in which the percentage of women candidates will be 25 per cent, the same as in the Iraqi Parliament. Moreover, Iraq has ratified a convention on the establishment of an Arab women's organization in the context of its aim to strengthen the role of women in Iraqi society. The Prime Minister has launched a project to form an institution to address the issues and problems of widows, divorcees and elderly women. The Government has allocated $200 million to that project.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that Iraq is moving towards the implementation of reconstruction and investment projects that cannot be implemented until all forms of corruption are eliminated. Therefore, the Iraqi Government launched a national initiative to fight financial and administrative corruption, which is one of the most dangerous burdens that Iraq inherited from the former dictatorial regime. Following the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, a conference was held in Baghdad at which the Baghdad declaration on fighting corruption was adopted. The Iraqi Government committed itself and has pledged to fight corruption in all its forms and to promote the principles of accountability and integrity. The conference also resulted in the establishment of a national council to fight corruption.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“In relation to oil wealth, the Iraqi Government has made plans to increase production to 3.5 million barrels per day, with the continuous development of that sector through the adoption of legislation and an investment framework and the fair distribution of oil revenue. The Iraqi Government is keen to utilize its revenues for the benefit of the Iraqi people in the budget of 2008 through a financial policy leading to lowered inflation and the adoption of the largest budget in Iraq's history. It is worth mentioning that the Iraqi House of Representatives adopted a law on combating the smuggling of oil and petroleum products and considers oil smuggling to be an economic crime that threatens the security and economy of the country.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“In addition, a number of specialized hospitals and health centres are to be built in collaboration with a number of international companies. The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with UNAMI and the World Health Organization, has made significant achievements, such as decreases in the infant, maternal and under-5 mortality rates and progress in controlling cholera. The Iraqi Government has launched a strategy to develop the agricultural sector, to achieve food security, to increase investment in agriculture and build capacity in that sector, to improve the quality of production, to protect the environment, to combat desertification and to provide modern machinery.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“A social protection network has been established to provide care for members of certain social segments, such as orphans, widows and the unemployed, and $812 million has been allocated for that project. The share of the State's general budget for the education sector has been increased, from 3 per cent in 2007 to 5 per cent in 2008, and 700 new schools have been built, with another 4,000 to be built by the end of this year. The process of health sector reform has been launched in order to provide primary health care and ensure the equitable provision of health services to all people. Approximately 300 health centres have been built, and approximately 37 general hospitals have been rehabilitated and expanded.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government was able to reduce the inflation rate from 65 per cent in 2006 to 22 per cent in 2007, and it is expected that the unemployment rate will have been reduced to 17 per cent by the end of 2008, as compared with 28 per cent in 2003. In April 2008, the Iraqi Council of Representatives adopted a law on civil servants and public sector salaries, as well as a university service law, in a step aimed at supporting higher education and scientific research institutes. That was part of an effort to support the public service sector, to prevent a brain drain and to take measures to encourage the return of qualified professionals to Iraq.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“The reports of the National Committee on Investment have indicated that the volume of investment in Iraq has reached $7.4 billion, which has been distributed among various basic facilities in the country. This has involved, inter alia, the building of factories, housing units, hospitals, pharmaceutical plants and refineries and the development of airports and ports with the involvement of Iraqi and foreign investors. Najaf International Airport was inaugurated on 20 July 2008. A large number of businessmen, investors and investment companies have already visited Iraq, and a number of investment agreements have been signed with many countries. The Iraqi Government's top priorities have been to improve economic conditions and revive trade in order to move the country away from the brink of economic and social collapse.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“Under that law, the Ministry of Justice has released 1,648 detainees; the Ministry of Interior has released 2,560, including 59 Arab nationalists; the Ministry of Defence has released 545; and the Ministry of Labour has released 314. These are in addition to the detainees released by the Multinational Forces. Political efforts have resulted in the return of the ministers belonging to the Tawafuq bloc to the Government of National Unity, and the Council of Representatives has voted to appoint 10 ministers to fill ministerial posts vacated when the members of a number of political blocs withdrew from the Government in 2007. At the socio-economic level, the improvement in the security situation has had positive effects on the economic situation in Iraq.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“Although the political process faces some challenges, it is witnessing progress towards a democratic transition, positive political developments and coexistence among all segments of society. Within the context of the continuing national reconciliation efforts, the Iraqi Government is seeking to convene an expanded religious conference bringing together religious clerics from various religions, sects and nationalities, as a step to build solidarity among all Iraqis and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes. Moreover, the Iraqi Government is currently implementing a campaign to renovate houses of worship, including mosques and churches. The adoption of a general amnesty law has had a positive role in enhancing the national reconciliation efforts.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“That legislation has been adopted to ensure the inclusion of all segments of Iraqi society and to ensure the holding of democratic elections without any external interference. We have just received information from Baghdad that a committee comprising Iraqi parliamentarians has been formed to discuss proposals regarding the provincial elections in Kirkuk and to bridge gaps in that regard. The Iraqi Government is keen to proceed with the process of national reconciliation to maintain the unity of the Iraqi people, make progress in the national dialogue policy and expand participation in the political process in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution, in order to build a free, multilateral, federal and democratic Iraq.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“That strategy also includes the evacuation of homes abandoned by their owners because of violence, the granting of financial incentives and the immediate and unconditional return of those who left their jobs. It is to be noted that 271 Iraqi families returned from Iran and 31 individuals returned from Refha camp, in Saudi Arabia, in May 2008. In addition, many Iraqi refugees have returned from Syria and Jordan in coordination with international organizations. Iraq has also provided support for countries hosting Iraqis. The Iraqi Council of Representatives has adopted a provincial elections law to ensure the holding of free and fair elections in all Iraqi provinces, counties and villages.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“The decline in violence in Iraq has led to a return to normal life in all parts of the country and has encouraged a number of internally displaced families and Iraqi refugees to return to their homes. The Iraqi Government, along with the Iraqi Council of Representatives and in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other international organizations, is conducting a national strategy to encourage the voluntary return of those families. The Cabinet has allocated more than $195 million for the repatriation of internally and externally displaced persons, and the Government has allocated $140 million to help Iraqi refugees.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“It is now clear that the loyalty of the Iraqi troops is only to Iraq, not to particular rulers, parties or sects. The Iraqi Government is keen to stress human rights principles regarding the conduct of the Iraqi armed forces and to prevent those forces from having political affiliations. The number of army, police and other security forces has increased in all provinces in accordance with their security needs. The Iraqi Government has assumed responsibility for security from the multinational forces in 10 Iraqi provinces - most recently, al-Diwaniya province, in July 2008. That is another step towards the assumption of full security responsibility for the remaining Iraqi provinces from the multinational forces and towards the achievement of complete control over security by the end of 2008.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“During the past few months, Iraq has witnessed a series of military operations, led by the Iraqi army and carried out with the support of the multinational forces, in Basrah, Baghdad, Meesan, Mosul and Diyala. The operations have targeted members of Al-Qaida and other armed militia groups as well as other outlaws, and they have led to the success of the law enforcement plan, the enforcement of Government control and an 80 per cent decrease in the number of terrorist operations and violent acts. The Iraqi Government has also succeeded in building its armed forces on a national, professional and neutral basis, which has led to their determination and will to confront Al-Qaida and other militias and to strike against those groups.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“Staffan de Mistura and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) team in Iraq and New York for their tireless work to help the Government and the people of Iraq. My delegation has taken note of the report of the Secretary-General on the work of UNAMI contained in document S/2008/495 and would like to present the following comments. On the political and security level,the Iraqi Government has succeeded in preventing a sectarian war in the country and has proven that it is not a sectarian Government, but that it is one that represents all Iraqis without discrimination, except on the basis of their ability to serve Iraq and defend its national interests.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to present our thanks to your predecessor, His Excellency the Permanent Representative of Viet Nam, for his distinguished efforts during his presidency in the month of July. I would like to thank His Excellency Ambassador Alejandro Wolff for the briefing he presented to the Council on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF-I) and for the efforts to support security and stability in Iraq during the previous months. Our thanks also go to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his statement, and our appreciation goes to Mr.”
2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source
“To conclude, we would like to express our full support for an action-oriented resolution that will put an end to these crimes and atrocities against women and girls, and my delegation hopes that this important debate will bring this issue to the world's attention and make it globally recognized.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Preventing and eliminating these atrocities must be the main goal of our endeavours, and to achieve that goal we must act globally. We commend the efforts of the United Nations in that regard, but we call upon all relevant United Nations agencies, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, civil society and non-governmental organizations to combine their efforts to combat these crimes and to establish early warning mechanisms to enable the international community to prevent these crimes from taking place. We also believe that an end must be put to impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes and that they should be held accountable for their actions.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Its purpose was to address the atrocities committed against women and girls during conflicts and even after peace agreements and in post-conflict situations. We agree that since the adoption of that resolution, progress towards reaching its main goals has been slow. We believe that one of the major problems facing our endeavours to stop these crimes is the issue of shame and the social exclusion of victims. Since we are discussing the issue of data collection on rape and sexual violence, we believe that due consideration should be given to cultural differences and to awareness-raising campaigns undertaken with the help of community leaders in post-conflict situations, in particular among the most vulnerable groups in society.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Another programme implemented in Iraq by various United Nations agencies involves disseminating knowledge on emerging issues and innovative solutions towards conflict resolution and increasing tolerance, in order to enhance the capacity of community groups and women's non-governmental organizations that promote the culture of peace and foster dialogue among various groups. As we are discussing sexual violence and rape as war crimes under international law, my delegation is of the view that such crimes against women should be considered as crimes against humanity, as those actions cannot find a place in any culture and should not be excused under any circumstances. Eight years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Government of Iraq, in partnership with the United Nations Development Fund for Women, is implementing programmes and projects to promote the role of women by strengthening the role of civil society organizations in mitigating violence and by contributing to building peace in Iraq. Support for that effort is provided in line with the framework of resolution 1325 (2000), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Beijing Platform for Action. That partnership also includes capacity-building for women's non-governmental organizations to promote women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict mitigation.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Iraq's current political situation provides an opportunity to redress persistent violations of women's rights, as the Iraqi constitution will be further amended as part of the political process. It will open space to continue to influence the process of addressing women's rights and promoting gender equality as part of Iraq's institutional rebuilding. It is anticipated that 60 laws will be either revised or formulated, as stipulated in Iraq's new constitution, providing an unprecedented opportunity to influence further the constitution and legislation and to align them with international conventions - in particular the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and both Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which my Government recently ratified.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For the first time, Iraqi women have also been playing an effective role as ministers of important ministries, including those responsible for human rights, municipalities and public works, women, housing and construction and the environment. I should also mention that the country has for the first time experienced the establishment of women's organizations, through which Iraqi women have proven their capabilities in defeating challenges by taking on difficult responsibilities on different levels. Those organizations have been playing an important role in advancing and empowering women in Iraq. My country is going through the phase of institutional reconstruction, and my Government realizes that without the effective participation and full role of women, many of the long-term goals will not be achieved.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For the past few years, they have been playing a larger and more effective role, as they are part of the political process in the new Iraq. They hold no less than 25 per cent of parliamentary and provincial council seats. They have recently become more empowered, with the creation of the cross-party women's caucus composed of 73 women members of parliament. In a joint effort with United Nations agencies, that party will advance the development of policies to help victims of conflict, including widows, orphans, the families of war victims and Iraqi refugees. The establishment of the cross-party women's caucus will enable Iraqi women members of parliament to emerge as more effective and influential actors in the legislature, by bridging different viewpoints held by the various parties to which they belong.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“More recently, terrorist groups have been recruiting and using Iraqi women to commit suicidal attacks against civilians. According to statistics, about 17 women have committed such acts. Terrorists have even used women with mental disabilities to commit suicidal attacks in a market crowded with women and children. With regard to the new Iraq, equality between women and men and protection against discrimination were enshrined in the Transitional Administrative Law and in the new Iraqi constitution that has been adopted. However, violence against women is rooted in some traditional practices and tribal codes, and is compounded by the socio-economic and security situation in the country. Throughout the difficulties the country has faced, Iraqi women have shown resilience, courage and determination.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, and Secretary of State Rice for convening this timely and important meeting, which, in my delegation's view, is crucial and necessary at a time when women and other vulnerable groups have become the main victims of armed conflict. Women's advancement, security and living conditions in Iraq had declined during the past three decades. Wars and economic sanctions and negligence and oppression by the former regime had eroded conditions for women. There had been systematic breaches of human rights, in particular against women, who were subject to gender-specific abuse and violence. In the past few years, thousands of Iraqi women lost their lives and suffered from terrorist acts, which have targeted the most vulnerable groups in society, namely, children, women and the elderly.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Allow me in conclusion to highlight the request of my Government for the support of the international community in putting an end to, and preventing, foreign interference in Iraq's internal affairs, which destabilizes the country and has a negative impact on its security. I would like also to express my appreciation to all countries that continue to support Iraq, to those that have not closed their missions in Iraq and to those that have reopened their embassies, such as the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has announced that it will send its ambassador to Baghdad in the near future. I invite all friendly and brotherly countries to reopen their missions in Iraq and to continue their relations with the Iraqi people.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Stockholm conference will be an important forum in which to review economic and political developments in Iraq and future prospects conducive to assisting the reconstruction process. In 2007 and 2008, the Iraqi Government settled $23 billion of the total external debt burden of $75 billion. The Government seeks to settle its debt in accordance with the pledges made at the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting in May 2007. Iraq's economy grew by 10.4 per cent during 2007. The International Monetary Fund estimates that in December 2007 consumer price inflation had stabilized at 20 per cent, down from 64.8 per cent in December 2006.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Allow me to emphasize that Iraq is positively looking forward to the International Compact meeting 08-3196] that will be hosted by Sweden on 29 May 2008 for the purpose of mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote development in Iraq and to review the attainment of commitments made by Iraq and the international community. Furthermore, we would like to stress the vital role that is being played by the United Nations in Iraq, in accordance with resolution 1770 (2007), in achieving the advancement of political dialogue and national reconciliation in a manner that would contribute to the fulfilment of the Iraq Compact and assist Iraq in achieving its national vision.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Government of Iraq considers this intention to be a step in the right direction on the part of our brothers in Kuwait, taking into consideration what is stated in paragraph 21 of resolution 1483 (2003): that the Security Council "[d]ecides further that 5 per cent of the proceeds referred to in paragraph 20 above shall be deposited into the Compensation Fund established in accordance with resolution 687 (1991) and subsequent relevant resolutions and that, unless an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq and the Governing Council of the United Nations Compensation Commission, in the exercise of its authority over methods of ensuring that payments are made into the Compensation Fund, decide otherwise, this requirement shall be binding on a properly constituted, internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq and any successor thereto".”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Iraq welcomes the willingness of the brotherly State of Kuwait to start bilateral consultations with the Iraqi Government under the umbrella of the United Nations Compensation Commission regarding the amount of $24 billion remaining after finalization of the payment of environmental compensation.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Prime Minister also called upon brotherly Arab countries to reinstate their diplomatic relations with Iraq, given that there are more than 45 diplomatic missions, consulates and international organizations operating in Iraq. The Prime Minister expressed the readiness of the Iraqi Government to provide security and protection for all diplomatic missions and their personnel. Iraq considers the agreement reached at the Kuwait meeting to hold the next neighbours' meeting in Baghdad to be among the positive indications that the Government of Iraq is capable of hosting such an important event and of providing all the measures required.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Prime Minister further requested the forgiveness of debts and a reduction in the percentage of compensation in order to send a positive message to the Iraqi people: that brotherly countries have the genuine intention to assist them in overcoming the obstacles and difficulties they are facing and in expediting the execution of reconstruction projects. It should be noted that more than 30 friendly countries - members and non-members of the Paris 08-3196] Club alike - have cancelled Iraq debts totalling $23 billion. We hope that our Arab brothers will take the initiative to cancel Iraq's debts to them, following the example set by Iraq's other friends.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“All those meetings supported the efforts of the Iraqi Government to establish security and stability, disband and disarm the militias and confront terrorism, which threatens several countries in the region. Such a threat requires collective efforts to confront its dangers and consequences. The victory in Iraq and our country's war against violence and terrorism will not be confined to Iraq alone, but will also enhance the security and stability of the entire region. The Prime Minister of Iraq addressed the Kuwait meeting with a message requesting all neighbouring countries to increase their efforts to prevent the infiltration of terrorists into Iraq and to eliminate their sources of funding.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Also, the Government has reinstated more than 98,000 members of the former army to serve in the current army and guaranteed the right to retire to more than 21,000 members. Retirement funds have been granted to more than 48,000 members of dismantled agencies. Moreover, 5,000 job opportunities to work in various civilian agencies were created for former members of the military-industrial sector with postgraduate degrees. The past few months have witnessed increased regional activity as regards the situation in Iraq. In addition to the expanded meeting of Iraq's neighbouring countries held in Kuwait on 22 April 2008, the three working groups - concerning security, energy and refugees - that emerged from the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting have met in Damascus, Istanbul and Amman.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The process will emphasize the culture of dialogue and tolerance and the process of renouncing disagreement and moving on from the past. The national reconciliation process has resulted in the formation of 49 supporting councils. Thirteen councils are yet to be established in a number of Iraq's provinces and cities that used to be hot spots. The councils receive full support from the Government. Reconciliation efforts have led to containing more than 35,000 former members of armed groups and Al-Qaida. Today they are participating in the Awakening Councils side by side with the Iraqi armed forces, in order to establish security and stability. The Government has provided the injured members of the councils with special grants, in addition to the retirement rights that are given to members of the security agencies.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“After all the wars, the deterioration in the security situation and the destruction of infrastructure, it is important to recognize the efforts of the Awakening Councils and the tribes and their significant and effective role with the Iraqi security forces in order to provide protection to troubled areas, reduce violence in Iraq and undermine the acts of Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups in Iraq. The Iraqi Government has pledged to integrate eligible members of the Awakening Council into Iraqi security forces, in accordance with a Government plan. With regard to the national reconciliation process, the Iraqi Government has announced that that approach is not so much a political slogan as a comprehensive strategic vision to reconstruct Government agencies on a correct basis.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“One hundred million dollars has also been allocated to support service projects in Sadr City, as well as $50 million for the Al-Shaala district of Baghdad. At the political level, my Government is determined to bring into being a Government of national unity on a nationally agreed upon basis. The immediate return of the various political blocs that have withdrawn will accelerate the formation of the national unity Government. Despite difficulties and challenges, the political process is moving forward, democratic transformation, positive political developments and co-existence among the Iraqi people will all pave the way for reconstruction projects in Iraq.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The recent military operations had the support of the Iraqi people and all political blocs, which stood firmly with the Government and its various security agencies in response to the militias and outlaws regardless of their affiliation. They valued the role played by the security forces to enforce law and order in Basra and other provinces. That is a significant development in the political process towards strengthening national unity and establishing democratic life. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to devote its efforts and resources to relieving the troubled areas subjected to military operations and to work towards improving basic services for all people in various regions and provinces. The Council of Ministers has decided to allocate $350 million for the provinces of Baghdad, Basra and Mosul, to support service projects.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“My Government stresses that the recent military operation carried out by the Iraqi armed forces is a message to all outlaws that they can no longer be above the law. The Government is determined to fight to prevent their activities of murder, robbery, assault on public assets, oil smuggling, organized crime, the infiltration of Government agencies and the spread of corruption at many levels. The Iraqi Government emphasizes that those operations do not target any particular political current, but rather are a message to the world in general and to the Iraqi people in particular. That message reflects the justice and neutrality of the Iraqi Government and its non-sectarian orientation in punishing all outlaws and sustaining those who abide by State law.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government is determined to limit weapons to the hands of the Government, disband militias and ensure that there is no army except for the Iraqi army. It is also determined to continue to pursue gangs, outlaws and terrorists who have not laid down their arms, in order to eliminate all criminal activities. At the same time, the Iraqi Government reiterates its position: to rely on the rational political dialogue required for reconciliation and to ease the political tension. It has called upon all those who take up weapons against the Government and civilians to lay down their weapons and to allow Iraqi citizens to live freely in their country. It has also emphasized that it will not hesitate to pursue all criminals who threaten civilians.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Iraqi Government has an initiative in place with UNHCR to develop a 08-3196] national strategy to assist Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries, and it has also pledged to provide the appropriate atmosphere to secure the return of Iraqis to their country to participate in the reconstruction process. In that regard, I would like to express our gratitude to the countries hosting Iraqi refugees. We stress our keenness to make every effort to normalize the situation in Iraq and provide the appropriate atmosphere to secure their return. My delegation would like to highlight the development of the security situation throughout Iraq in the light of recent military operations carried out by the Iraqi armed forces.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“With regard to the Iraqi Government's efforts to assist Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, the Ministry for Displacement and Migration, in coordination and cooperation with the High Commissioner for Refugees, is working to provide assistance to them. I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Government has announced the allocation of grants in the amount of ID150,000, for a period of six months, for families forcibly displaced from their homes. The Government has also begun to establish 300 housing units in the province of Al-Amara, which are to be distributed to displaced families.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The Council of Ministers has also launched a series of initiatives to create new job opportunities that contribute to the revitalization of economic activity and address the problem of unemployment - for example, by providing small and soft loans to citizens. For that purpose, the Government has allocated $60 million to each governorate and $100 million each to Baghdad, Mosul and Basra. Those initiatives also include expanding the network of those covered by social protection programmes, for which the Cabinet has decided to create 130,000 jobs, which should be filled by the end of May 2008. That is in addition to the 2,000 job opportunities provided by the Ministry for the Environment in its demining campaign.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“We must point out that Iraq has ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and, under the auspices of the United Nations, an anti- corruption convention was held in Baghdad in March 2008, where the Iraqi Government said that the danger of corruption is no less than that of terrorism to the reconstruction of Iraq. With regard to the Iraqi Government's efforts to improve the living standards and alleviate the burdens of Iraqi citizens, the Council of Representatives has passed a law to increase salaries of all State and public- sector employees to ensure better living standards for all Iraqis.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Of the 37,000 detainees under custody of United States and Iraqi forces and who are included in the Amnesty Law, 28,242 have been released in the period since the enforcement of the Amnesty Law began in February up to 10 April. Concerning the approval of Iraq's 2008 budget, which amounted to $48 billion, the Iraqi Government will issue a supplementary budget at the end of June to add $5 billion, due to the increased income of Iraq as a result of the high prices of 011. That will contribute to 08-3196] enhancing the State's ability to provide basic services to Iraqi citizens and to support displaced families, to strengthening the subsidies of those included in the social welfare network and to carrying out reconstruction projects.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“The implementation of the Amnesty Law is one of the main elements in the attempt to move towards national reconciliation and to create an atmosphere of stability and to restore security in Iraq. It has also provided a new impetus to the political process and a strong incentive to re-shape the map of Iraq. It should be noted that the relevant Iraqi authorities, in cooperation with the judicial authorities, are working continuously to examine the files of detainees, including in Amnesty Law, and to follow the rehabilitation of those who were released. Dozens of investigative committees have been set up to work intensively on the implementation of the Amnesty Law and to expedite the release of those included in it and to allow their return to their families and communities to participate in rebuilding their country.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the role played by the Mission, led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to assist the people and the Government of Iraq. We wish him success in his duties. My delegation would like to make the following comments on the development in Iraq during the past three months. We have seen during this last period the ratification of important laws such as the Justice and Accountability Law, which replaced the de-baathification law and has helped the reconciliation process. In February, the Council of Representatives endorsed the Iraqi General Amnesty Law and the law of the provincial councils' authorities and approved the general budget of 2008.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“Allow me at the outset, Mr. President, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month. I am confident that your wisdom and competence will continue to contribute to the success of the Council. I would also like to extend my thanks to your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, for his wise leadership in steering the Council's work last month. I would like to add my voice to that of all member States in welcoming the statement of the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Pascoe, and the statement of Ambassador Khalilzad on behalf of the multinational force in Iraq - MNF-I. My delegation has considered the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), as contained in document S/2008/266.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source