YouSaid · the spoken record

Al-Istrabadi

lines on the record: 42
first: 2004-09-14
most recent: 2006-03-15
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“I must also express the gratitude of my Government and that of the people of Iraq to the Security Council, and to each of its member States, since the liberation of my homeland from tyranny for the unwavering support we have received from this body in the difficult task we have undertaken. We look forward to working closely with the United Nations, as well as our friends in the region and beyond, to continue the Vital work of rebuilding our country.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“My Government again asks the Security Council to review and rescind prior mandates imposed upon Iraq's previous regime, as they are no longer relevant. Despite ongoing difficulties, for their genuine accomplishments, particularly on the political track, achieved under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, the Iraqi people have justly earned the admiration of freedom-loving peoples the world over. Yet I would be remiss if I reached the end of my remarks today without pausing to commend the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Ashraf Qazi, and the entire UNAMI staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of Iraq.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Third, Iraq's new permanent constitution enshrines the principles of international human rights law, principles sacred to civilized peoples the world over. While there is still work to be done for us to reach the lofty standard to which we ourselves aspire, we have also accomplished much in the brief span of 21 months since the transfer of authority to a sovereign Government. My Government warmly welcomes the Secretary- General's statement that it is time to normalize Iraq's relationship with the Security Council by lifting the barriers to Iraq's full reintegration into the community of nations. Those barriers and sanctions were first introduced when Iraq was governed by a rogue and lawless dictatorship that had attacked and occupied a fellow Member State. Those days are now behind us.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“First among them is the presence, for the first time in 46 years, of a Vibrant and robust civil society sector with unfettered access to a variety of governmental agencies, including jails, prisons and courthouses. When allegations of abuse do arise, they are reported in the media, and, as the report itself acknowledges, they are investigated by Government authorities. Second, there is now extensive training of police and security forces, including jailers and prison guards, in international human rights standards. The Ministry of Human Rights has been tasked with conducting such training, and it has created and publicized the existence of mechanisms for reporting and investigating alleged abuses.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“My Government is determined to make those improvements, and it welcomes any constructive criticisms in this respect. At the same time, we note that the report does not take into account the extent to which the current security situation has contributed to the Government's inability fully to implement its human rights agenda. Moreover, the report should have made it plain that it regarded the terrorism extant in Iraq as itself constituting an unacceptable attack on fundamental human rights. The duties arising under international human rights and humanitarian law, after all, apply not only to Governments, but to all, universally. t is appropriate to take note of those steps undertaken by the Government of Iraq to improve human rights practices in the country, notwithstanding the security situation.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Doing so demonstrates the unity of the civilized world and its determination to defeat the forces of terrorism, whether they are in New York, London, Beslan or Baghdad. In this respect, we are cognizant that resolution 1618 (2005) reaffirmed the duty of Member States in our region to undertake specific acts to prevent terrorism from being planned, funded or otherwise projected from their territories into Iraq. We renew the call on our neighbours to abide by those obligations. The Secretary-General's report expends some effort reporting on the status of human rights in Iraq. Let me be clear: the Government of Iraq is committed to respect for human rights and for the rule of law, as it acknowledges that there is yet room for improvement in that area.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Yet Iraqis from across confessional, ethnic and political lines stand united in their horror and condemnation of such attacks, as they condemn attacks on all houses of worship. The people of Iraq overwhelmingly reject attempts by terrorists to incite sectarian conflict through such heinous tactics. We are mindful of and grateful for the Security Council's repeated support of our people as they combat the scourge of terrorism. Not least among that support was resolution 1618 (2005), in which the Council unreservedly condemned terrorism in Iraq. My Government believes that it is right and fitting for the Security Council to continue to condemn that barbarity without qualification or equivocation of any sort.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Unfortunately, attacks on and around houses of worship, bearing the hallmarks of supporters of the previous regime, are not a new phenomenon, as terrorists have been employing the tactic since 2003. But while previous attacks targeted worshippers or individuals, late last month a new type of attack occurred: terrorists targeted the holy shrine in Samarra itself, a shrine holy to and honoured by all Muslims and, indeed, all Iraqis, regardless of faith. The purpose was not merely to destroy the building itself. The ultimate goal of the attack - and of attacks on other mosques throughout the country - was to foment a civil war along confessional lines, to pit Shia against Sunni.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Iraq will continue to need the active engagement of the United Nations as an Organization. To that end, we again ask for an increase in the number of staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) operating throughout Iraq in the three offices established for that purpose. We will need active UNAMI participation as the political process continues to unfold in the constitutional phase, as amendments are considered, and as laws enforcing constitutional provisions are drafted by the first parliament. In a very real sense, the work of reconstructing our political institutions is only now beginning, and the United Nations has much to offer us in that respect. I must turn my attention to the ugly and cowardly turn which terrorism has taken in Iraq.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“It is a matter of clear policy for us that effective Iraqi security and police forces be trained as quickly as possible so that Iraqis can assume all responsibility for Iraq's security needs, thus eventually obviating the need for the continued presence of the Multinational Force. My Government believes that the economic development of Iraq must be an integral part of the political stabilization of the country. Iraq has too long been isolated from the world economy. To the extent that those who oppose Iraq's political development succeed in keeping Iraq so isolated, they will have accomplished a major strategic aim. We therefore call upon the world community to continue to engage in Iraq. We are grateful for the pledges made by many donor nations, but we call on them to redeem those pledges and transfer the pledged amounts.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“My Government understands that that sense of enfranchisement is a vital necessity in further isolating those whose agenda is merely to interrupt the completion of the political transformation of the country. As a first step towards achieving the formation of the Government, it is expected that the parliament will be convened for its first session tomorrow. With respect to security, the Iraqi police and security forces have assumed many of the functions previously performed exclusively by the multinational forces. Major checkpoints in the capital are controlled by Iraqis, and it is Iraqi forces that patrol the streets. Ministries and other Government offices are guarded and controlled by Iraqi units. Iraqi forces are also assuming an ever-increasing role in enforcement operations throughout the country.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Still, the next time a representative of Iraq sits in this Chamber to report on events unfolding there, he will do so - for the first time in five decades - as a representative of an elected Government operating under a permanent constitution. Negotiations are now under way for the formation of a new Government. The negotiations are bound to take some more time, as the various parties explore the formation of a national unity Government. There is a sense among Iraq's political leadership that such a Government will likely help to improve the security climate in the country, as it will allow all of Iraq's various groupings - political, ethnic and confessional - to become enfranchised.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“Allow me at the outset, Mr. President, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to commend your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of the United States, for his tenure last month. The past three months have been critical to Iraq's transition from dictatorship to a united, federal, pluralistic, constitutional democracy. The results of Iraq's elections were certified in the middle of last month. The elections were free, fair and transparent, and, in distinction to those of a year ago, all of Iraq's communities participated in them. Iraqis know that democracy is not a destination but a process, and an evolutionary process at that. We know that we are still at the very beginning of the process.”
2006-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5386 (2006) · source
“As a country which itself is suffering from a terrorist campaign which targets civilians as a matter of course on a daily basis, we are disappointed that momentum has stalled on completing a convention on terrorism in the General Assembly. A clear and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism by the Assembly would go a long way towards affirming the commitment of the international community to enforce the duty to protect civilians at all times in all places. We congratulate the Security Council for repeatedly taking a unanimous stand to condemn those who target civilians, not least in resolution 1618 (2005), which condemns such tactics in Iraq. We pledge to redouble our efforts to achieving progress on this vital issue in the General Assembly and urge all Member States to do the same.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We urge the international community to take up those proposals. To the extent that the Council again uses economic sanctions in the face of aggression against civilians, it is particularly appropriate for Iraq to remind it that it must ensure that such sanctions do not exact a toll from the most vulnerable in society, including children. It is also time to establish strict protocols safeguarding against the transportation of light and automatic weapons across international boundaries. Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism wherever it may occur, coupled with controls on the transport of weapons, will undoubtedly result in decreased suffering by civilian populations worldwide.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Our position is clear and unequivocal: the targeting of civilians is wrong at all times and in all places, regardless of the cause. Nothing can justify a derogation from the universally applicable principle that all belligerents must protect civilians at all times. No grievance, however legitimate, no religion and no political dispute can justify any deviation from this settled principle. It is fundamental in international humanitarian law, as it is in the conduct of the affairs of all civilized peoples. But it is time to do more than just accept and debate another report on this issue. The United Nations and Member States should undertake practical steps to combat this scourge. In his report, the Secretary- General has made several concrete proposals to deal with States and groups that fail to discharge their duties to protect civilians.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“In Iraq, this has resulted this year alone in an estimated death toll of 30,000 civilian men, women and children. The goal of this senseless carnage, whether committed in Iraq or elsewhere, is clear: to disrupt ordinary life and engender fear and panic in the civilian population. In the specific case of Iraq, it is also designed to dissuade the international community from engaging with us in the reconstruction of our country. Sadly, many have become inured to this condition. It is rare indeed that a colleague, even here in the halls of the United Nations, thinks to condole us on any given day when another hundred or so Iraqi civilians have been killed. The new Iraq stands today along with the civilized countries of the world in condemning the senseless and unjustifiable targeting of civilians.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“I should like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Council for again convening this important and timely debate on protecting civilians in armed conflict. Regrettably, this topic is all too poignant and relevant for Iraq, as it is in too many places around the globe. We suffer daily from repeated and senseless attacks on our civilian population - children, women and men. Our schools are targeted by terrorists, as are the playgrounds in which our children play. Houses of worship and religious leaders, particularly in the Shia community, have often been the targets of terrorist attacks. Funerals and even hospitals have also been repeatedly targeted. The ubiquity of light and automatic arms and the ease with which they are transported across international borders feed the terrorists' assembly line of death and mayhem.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“By the end of the year, we expect to have a permanent constitution in place and another set of elections. It has been a remarkable journey, from a rogue and outlaw State whose Government retained power by terrorizing its citizens to an elected Government substantially on the way to reintegrating us, with the help of the international community, into the society of civilized nations. Our transformation is not yet complete, but I believe the process is by now irreversible. We have tasted freedom, and we will not turn back.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“The second fundamental consideration is that, as Iraq continues to reintegrate itself into the world system, including by accepting international norms governing those weapons systems, Iraq expects to be treated no differently than any other Member State. I cannot help reflecting on the fact that next month it will be two years since the first Iraqi Governing Council delegation arrived from Baghdad to meet with the Security Council. It has been a long road for us, and, despite many difficulties, we have made remarkable progress. We have gone from occupation to reasserting our sovereignty, a year ago. Now, for the first time in my lifetime, we have freely elected a Government in elections whose outcome was uncertain and unknown until after the votes were counted. The Government's term of office is fixed and known.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“In this regard, I refer to the national report of Iraq submitted in accordance with resolution 1540 (2004), document S/AC.44/2004/(02)/ 116, in which Iraq stated that it is "strongly committed to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) and ready to cooperate with the Committee established under that resolution". There are thus certain fundamental considerations that should guide the discussion for which I have called. The first fundamental consideration is that Iraq has no desire to acquire, manufacture or stockpile weapons of mass destruction. The people of Iraq were among the first to suffer from the use of those weapons. I need only to mention Halabja to make the point.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“Last month, the Security Council appropriately considered the mandates of the multinational force and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board. Resolution 1546 (2004) mandated that review. Yet we respectfully remind members of the Council that, in paragraph 22 of the resolution, the Security Council asserted its "intention to revisit the mandates of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency". We recognize that this is one of the more complex issues relating to our full reintegration into the world system. Yet we believe that it is appropriate to begin discussing this issue and ways of garnering consensus, we hope, in the relatively near term.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“While the previous regime allowed itself to accrue arrears for over 11 years, my Government regards the full payment of Iraq's dues as an essential step towards our continued reintegration into the community of nations and the assumption of our normal responsibilities like any other Member State. To accomplish this step, Minister Zebari addressed a letter to the Secretary-General asking him to transfer a sufficient amount of funds from the escrow account established by resolution 986 (1995) to extinguish all of our outstanding contributions to the United Nations. We greatly appreciate the positive responses of the members of the Security Council and the Secretariat with respect to that issue.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“We welcome the appointment of an elections adviser to assist in preparations for the constitutional referendum and end-of-year elections. Over the past two years, whenever a representative of Iraq has sat in this Chamber, we have called for an ever-greater assumption of responsibilities and duties by the United Nations in Iraq. It is now appropriate for Iraq - with its first elected Government in 51 years - to raise the issue of its own obligations and the duty it owes to this Organization. Aside from being a good world citizen, the first among these is the duty of all Member States to pay their dues to the United Nations in a timely fashion.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“We welcome the appointments to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq noted in the Secretary-General's report. Nicholas Haysom, as the head of the Office of Constitutional Support, and Michael von der Schulenburg, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs in Iraq, will bring a wealth of technical expertise to bear as we begin drafting the permanent constitution and complete the political process. My Government notes with particular satisfaction that at least those two officials have taken up their responsibilities within Iraq, and once again urges all their United Nations colleagues in neighbouring States to join them - if not in Baghdad, then in Basrah or Erbil.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General notes in his report that many of the funds expended in Iraq by the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and the World Bank have been for capacity-building and the training of trainers. My Government welcomes those disbursements and notes that enhancing capacity is an important part of our reconstruction. However, funds expended on the ground in Iraq - developing infrastructure, for example - should be the priority at this time. Capacity-building does not have the multiplier effect of dollars spent in direct economic development, an essential element for stability. Although we appreciate that UNDG and World Bank disbursement rates may be higher than those of some other donors, we believe it essential to increase rates of disbursement and to increase the amount of dollars spent inside Iraq.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“International human rights organizations, which had to work outside the country in the past, relying on anecdotal evidence gathered from expatriates, are now free to work within Iraq. They have offices in Baghdad and throughout the country, and have also had unprecedented access to governmental institutions, including our judicial and penal systems. Such access may well be unparalleled in our region. We will continue to explore ways of improving the state of human rights in our country, and we look to the world community to assist us in this endeavour. After 35 years of utter brutality, it will take some effort for our State institutions again to be acculturated towards respect for basic human rights, but we are determined to accomplish that goal, so vital to our transition.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“I am pleased to note that, in support of those aims, the European Troika visited Baghdad on 9 June 2005. Allow me to discuss a few salient points made in the Secretary-General's report (S/2005/373) about Iraq's transition to democracy. The report states that there is ongoing concern about the state of human rights in Iraq. Let me assure the Council and the world community that the Government of Iraq is also concerned about, and committed to continually improving, the state of human rights. While we have a way to go, we have also covered much ground in the past two years. We have created a Ministry of Human Rights to assist in implementing Iraq's commitments under international human rights law. Civil society organizations committed to promoting human rights, tolerance and women's rights have flourished in Iraq over that time.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“The Government of Iraq remains committed to producing the draft text of a permanent constitution by 15 August 2005. The second event now being planned is the international conference to be held in Brussels next week. It will be a major step towards the reintegration of Iraq into its rightful place in the community of nations. The invitations to the conference were issued to 85 participants, based upon the request of the Government of Iraq, which has been playing a leading role in organizing the conference. The purposes of convening the conference, pursuant to resolution 1546 (2004), are to garner international support for Iraq generally; to extend practical assistance in implementing the political, economic and reconstruction processes; and to promote the rule of law.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“I refer, of course, to the process of writing a permanent constitution. Let me assure the Council that my Government is keenly aware of the need to open the process of drafting to all segments of Iraqi society. We understand the need for wider acceptance of the process of drafting, as well as the substantive results. Several proposals are now under consideration for ways and means of accomplishing this all-important task. In the meantime, the work of establishing the general mechanisms of drafting - such as the creation of committees to consider various individual issues - has begun. We are aware that the transitional administrative law requires the work of drafting to be completed by 15 August, and that resolution 1546 (2004) endorsed that schedule.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“At the outset, I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to commend your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Denmark, for her tenure last month. In making this statement, I am mindful that, only two weeks ago, Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, the Foreign Minister of Iraq, made a comprehensive report about the situation in Iraq. I shall endeavour, therefore, not to revisit the issues he raised. I am also aware that since the last time I addressed the Council, in September 2004, it has become a matter of routine for Iraq's representatives to do so on occasions such as these. Two significant events are now under way in Baghdad. The first relates to Iraq's domestic evolution and internal transition to democracy.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“We need the help of every Member State and of the Organization to achieve these goals. The consequences of failure are too great - not only for Iraqis but for the region and, indeed, the world. No one sitting at this table needs to be reminded of the strategic significance of Iraq and the dangers such a failure would pose. With the help of the United Nations and of those generous Member States who join the process, we pledge to strive to vindicate our goal of building the Iraq I have described. We are confident of success.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“Allow me one final observation, Mr. President. Although peace has not yet obtained throughout Iraq - due mostly to the intervention of foreign religious militants and extremists and remnants of the previous regime - Euro-American pundits who predicted inter-ethnic or inter-confessional strife in post-war Iraq have been proven wrong. Whatever other problems Iraqis may now be experiencing, a civil war like that in the former Yugoslavia is not one of them. Unchastened by their prior error, many of those same pundits now call for the de facto dissolution of the country along ethnic and confessional lines. They were wrong before, and they are wrong now. It is significant that no Iraqi today calls for the dismemberment of Iraq. We are united in our determination to forge a federal, democratic and unified Iraq.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“On the one hand, we are determined that no one will achieve political ascendancy - much less legitimacy - through force of arms. Those determined to impose themselves on Iraq's polity through violence in order to return us to tyranny will find Iraqis ready to join the battle to prevent their doing so. On the other hand, we encourage those individuals and movements who are willing to lay down their arms and abide by the rule of law and by the terms set forth by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to enter the political process, to engage Iraq's electorate and to abide by the results of forthcoming elections. The Prime Minister has been in dialogue with groups that have hitherto not entered the political process. We are hopeful that many will chose to join us in rebuilding Iraq, rather than continuing to obstruct the effort.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“The purpose and function of this force, as we see it, would be, in the first instance, to provide protection for United Nations workers as they engage in the essential activities of assisting Iraqis in holding true, fair and clean elections throughout Iraq, perhaps for the first time in our history. Let me say a word about the political process in Iraq in the light of the security situation. We are determined to rebuild our country. We are determined never again to be subject to government by coercion and oppression. We are determined never again to be ruled against our will by men who came to power without our consent. It is to that end that our Government has announced a two-track approach to the current violence.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“In the brief time since I assumed my responsibilities here in New York, I have been heartened to learn that several countries have agreed either to provide security forces to protect United Nations workers or to provide funding for such operations. We are grateful to those States, but more is needed. We urge other countries to pledge forces and funds to assist in securing the safety of United Nations workers in Iraq. Security is, of course, the ultimate responsibility and duty of the Iraqi Government - a fact affirmed in resolution 1546 (2004). Recognizing the exigencies, Iraq has turned to the multinational force to assist in these vital responsibilities. But the multinational force is now engaged in activities far different than the security forces about which I am speaking.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“Countless other such issues in need of discussion and solution exist, and the expertise of the United Nations in resolving these issues is indispensable. There is simply no other place for us to turn; no one does a better job than the United Nations of assisting in organizing credible, honest elections in emerging democracies. Here, I must commend Ambassador Qazi for his efforts in Iraq in the time that he has been there. We understand the concern for security, however. We have appealed to the United Nations, as a body, fully to engage in Iraq. And we appeal to the world community to do the same - for Iraq needs you, as well.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“And so do the terrorists. They are determined, at any cost, to prevent that vital assistance from going forward. They must not succeed. It is also a fact that the number of United Nations workers now in Iraq is inadequate. The Secretary- General notes that the total number of United Nations employees has been limited to 35. Yet for the United Nations to have adequate teams of elections experts in Iraq, it must increase that number. More is needed on a going-forward basis than the administrative expertise provided up to this point, however invaluable it has been. The daunting job now begins, for instance, of doing the fieldwork to set up registration sites and to register voters. Iraq's sons and daughters, scattered in diaspora for too long, desperately and universally wish to participate in these elections.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“It is, no doubt, those events which the Secretary- General contemplates in his report, whose most consistent theme is the extant security situation. Those events, recalled in light of the heinous murder of Sergio Vieira de Mello - a man I had the privilege of getting to know and to whom Iraq will long owe a debt of gratitude - are no doubt factors in the apparent reticence of the United Nations and some countries to engage fully in Iraq. Yet keeping the United Nations and the world out of Iraq is one of the tactical goals of the terrorists - and they have, unfortunately, already met with some success in that respect. It is a fact that Iraq needs the technical support of the United Nations in order to hold elections. We know that. The United Nations knows that. The countries represented at this table and beyond know that.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“As Iraqis meet each landmark date - and particularly as we approach and hold elections - the terrorists know that, increasingly, their days are numbered. They are now working, in a frenzy, therefore, to delay elections. How else do we explain the most recent violence, particularly events such as the barbarous bombings of Christian churches on a Sunday evening, while men, women and children were in the very act of worshipping God? I must also note the events that took place today. This is not the first time that those who are attempting to participate in rebuilding the security infrastructure of Iraq have been targeted. Just as the efforts to dissuade Iraqis from participating in forming the security structures have failed in the past, I am convinced that they will fail today, as well.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“Pursuant to the annex to the TAL, a national conference was held in August, and an Interim National Assembly has been formed. Today, its government is truly the most representative in Iraq's history, not merely in terms of ethnic or confessional make-up, but - equally importantly - in terms of the broad range of political ideologies and beliefs held by its members. It is truly a Government of national unity. While there are difficulties - of which this Council is aware - we are, brick by brick, rebuilding a cohesive Iraqi State based upon the consent of the governed. A principal function of the interim Government is to provide for elections, as required by the TAL and affirmed in resolution 1546 (2004). As in the past, terrorists are determined to frustrate this progress.”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source
“At the outset, I should like to take this opportunity, Mr. President, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to commend your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, for his efforts last month. I thank each of the members of the Security Council for allowing me the great privilege of addressing the Council today. Since I last sat here on 8 June 2004, I can say that we have made genuine progress in re-integrating Iraq into the community of nations. Despite an unprecedented rise in terrorist violence, whose aim was to impede the transfer of authority to a sovereign Government, such a Government took office ahead of the schedule set by the Law of Administration of the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period (TAL).”
2004-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5033 (2004) · source