YouSaid · the spoken record

Bahr Aluloom

lines on the record: 416
first: 2017-11-21
most recent: 2023-01-18
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“Mr. Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): My delegation commends the efforts made by the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January for quickly convening this emergency meeting on the latest developments in north-east Syria related to the terrorist attack by terrorist Da’esh gangs on Al-Sina’a prison in Al-Hasakah governorate. The attack led to thousands of terrorists escaping from the prison, including dangerous terrorist leaders. Iraq expresses its deep concern over those latest attacks, which coincided with other dangerous attacks in Diyala governorate and other areas of Iraq, claiming the lives of dozens of martyrs from the Iraqi armed forces.”
2022-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8958 (2022) · source
“We are awaiting the evidence and the results of the tests carried out by the Team pursuant to paragraph 39 of UNITAD’s mandate, according to which UNITAD must provide the necessary legal assistance to the Government of Iraq in order to help it strengthen its judicial capacities. The principle of equity and justice must prevail. The fact that the Iraqi people are the primary victims of the crimes of Da’esh should motivate further efforts to elucidate the group’s crimes against the Iraqi people. We also call for the preservation of evidence, pursuant to resolution 2379 (2017). In conclusion, we would like to thank the members of the Council and the friendly States that have helped us to fight terrorism. We must work together to ensure that we bring the guilty to Iraqi justice. I would like to thank Mr.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“My Government is following and assessing UNITAD’s work this year, and it is critical to establish a strategic plan together with the Iraqi National Coordinating Committee in order to achieve the Team’s goals. At the same time, Iraq will continue to cooperate with the Investigative Team and will provide the necessary assistance thanks to the Committee. All of this must be conducted in full respect for Iraqi sovereignty and the competence of Iraq with regard to crimes committed against the Iraqi people on Iraqi soil. The use of criminal evidence beyond Iraqi jurisdiction must be subject to the agreement of the Iraqi Government.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“That law will make it possible for us to use the evidence related to crimes committed by Da’esh against the Iraqi people, and this evidence will be important for the families of the victims and the Iraqi Government, which each year renews its trust in the Investigative Team to provide justice to the victims. In that sense, the Investigative Team must act in full respect for the sovereignty of Iraq and its competence with regard to crimes committed on its territory against its own citizens and must be in accordance with the mandate given to it and now extended at the request of the Iraqi Government. We must re-establish justice and fight impunity, and we hope that, as time passes, the evidence will remain fresh, because providing justice will enable the victims to get on with their lives.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“We continue to do what needs to be done to put an end to this dangerous scourge. My Government is seeking to strengthen the capacity of the relevant authorities fighting terrorism, as well as the judicial system, in accordance with human rights, our international commitments and the Iraqi Constitution. We have also begun the necessary legal preparations to assess the evidence within our national court system once it has been provided to us by UNITAD. In that connection, the Iraqi Parliament has completed its first reading of the draft bill relating to an amendment to Law No. 10 of 2005 establishing the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“Ritscher’s briefing and welcome the seventh UNITAD report, which describes the progress made by the Team in Iraq thanks to its cooperation with the Government of Iraq and the relevant local authorities. The broader aim is to ensure accountability at the international level. We must therefore move from the collection of evidence to trials and the extradition of people to face Iraqi justice. The seventh report follows up on the sixth report, but does not propose concrete measures. The sixth report clearly stressed that the progress made and evidence gathered would make it possible to prosecute those responsible in Iraq. We hope that specific concrete measures will be taken to transfer that evidence to the Iraqi Government so that we can begin our national trials. Our position on terrorism has not changed.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“Ritscher on his appointment as Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), and I thank him for his work and his briefing and the introduction of the seventh report. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2597 (2021) approving the Iraqi Government’s request to extend UNITAD’s mandate for one more year to 17 September 2022. We are ready to make greater efforts to pursue those responsible for these crimes, those who have provided financial, logistical or technological support to these criminals and those who have supported Da’esh through the sale of antiquities. We also welcome the judgment of the German Federal Court against a member of Da’esh, and we hope that augurs well for the future. We heard Mr.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“Mr. Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): On behalf of Iraq, I would like to thank the United Nations for the various resolutions, recommendations and decisions concerning my country, and I welcome the international efforts under way to help us to pursue terrorists. I would like also to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month, and I wish you, the Permanent Representative of the Niger, every success. And I would like to thank the country of Mexico for the skill it demonstrated in its presidency last month. I would also like to congratulate Mr.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“In closing, I would like to thank the Secretary- General for his steadfast support to Iraq and its sovereignty and territorial integrity. I appreciate the continued support of the international community in our efforts to ensure the well-being and stability of Iraq. On behalf of my Government. I commend the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and its Head and their continued support to Iraq in all areas, especially humanitarian and development, during the period covered by the report.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“The authorities of Saudi Arabia also recently announced the identification of the remains of one individual. Given the difficulties in conducting research, investigation and identification, the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs of Iraq made a humanitarian appeal to Iraqis last August to provide any information they had on the remains of Kuwaitis and Iraqis who went missing during the war. Regarding compensation, Iraq has fulfilled most of its commitments to paying $52.4 billion in full, except for an amount of $629 million, which we will disburse in early 2022. Regarding Kuwaiti archives and property, so far Kuwait has received eight tons of property and archives. Iraq will soon hand over more archives, including books and video tapes, to Kuwait through the appropriate channels.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Iraq has also adopted its nationally determined contribution, in line with our commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The Government has also adopted and launched a project to modernize the management of the Tigris and the Euphrates to generate renewable energy. Regarding relations with Kuwait, establishing strong and solid relations with the State of Kuwait remains a priority of our foreign policy. We attach particular importance to the issue of missing persons, compensation, maritime borders and property. In that respect, I note the following. Regarding the issue of missing persons, we are pursuing our bilateral cooperation under the Tripartite Commission. Most recently, the State of Kuwait received the remains of 19 individuals and was able to identify them through DNA testing.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Regarding the coronavirus disease, the Supreme Committee for Health and National Safety continues to implement treatment and preventive measures to contain the number of cases. It will soon expand the number of people eligible for vaccination to include those 12 years of age and older . Regarding the relationship between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, relations have never been better. Meetings continue at the highest levels with a view to reaching a comprehensive agreement, especially on issues related to oil, the budget and the deployment of security forces Regarding desertification and climate change, the Iraqi Government has adopted a plan on the use of the closed-loop irrigation system.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“The Secretary-General’s report mentions that the International Organization for Migration issued nine birth certificates. We find that strange, especially since issuing birth certificates is the exclusive right of the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Regarding internally displaced persons, especially men and boys who were previously detained and have recently completed their sentences, the report states that those individuals could be rejected by their communities given the disparity in the application of counter-terrorism laws by the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. We do not understand the link between the possible rejection of those individuals by their communities and the disparity in the application of the law.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“To date, we have not received a response to our memorandum. Regarding the execution of seven prisoners, we stress that the proceedings against those defendants were conducted in line with national laws and procedures. In that regard, I note General Assembly resolution 75/183, adopted on 16 December 2020 (2011), in which the General Assembly stresses the sovereign right of all countries to develop their own national legal systems, including determining appropriate legal penalties, in accordance with their international law obligations. Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have claimed that there were certain interferences in their humanitarian work. We request a list of those NGOs and their legal status to ascertain if those activities were conducted in line with their legal status.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Regarding the joint report issued by UNAMI and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) , entitled “Human Rights in the Administration of Justice in Iraq: legal conditions and procedural safeguards to prevent torture and ill-treatment”, I would like to note that competent investigative committees are considering that issue. The Foreign Ministry of Iraq has clarified to the United Nations that the report included some inaccurate information. We sent a memorandum to the OHCHR office in Iraq on 6 October. In the memorandum, we note that we find it strange that the report refers to certain violations committed in 3 out of 16 facilities under the authority of the Ministry of Defence. That is strange, particularly since the Ministry of Defence has only one detention facility.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“47, on supporting and empowering women, and ratifying the anti-human trafficking law. Sixth, regarding the Human Rights Commission in Iraq, since 10 November the current members of the Commission have resumed their functions until a new Parliament is formed and new members are nominated. Seventh, regarding human rights and the rule of law in Iraq, I have a number of comments to make in relation to the reports of the Secretary-General. They are as follows. The Government has taken a number of measures to protect demonstrators and prosecute offenders. We set up a number of investigative committees, in 2019, 2020 and 2021, which have issued penalties against members of the security forces who acted individually and in a manner inconsistent with Government regulations.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Fifth, regarding the empowerment of women, my Government has made the following efforts: establishing a centre for the prevention of gender-based violence, which provides health, psychosocial and legal services to victims, as well as issuing a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), which ensures the protection of women in times of peace and war; drafting a code of conduct for the internal security forces to ensure that women are protected from abuse and violence in law enforcement operations; setting up investigative and misdemeanour courts specializing in trying domestic violence cases; drafting a law that amends Iraq’s penal code to include provisions for the protection of women’s rights; and enacting a law that allows women to join the security forces, as well as Law No.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Fourth, with regard to the provision of basic services, we have achieved the following: establishing 1,000 model schools across Iraq; finding solutions to the salinity of the Euphrates and the low water levels in the river; issuing loans for macro projects, to the tune of $14 million; raising the capital of the Iraqi housing fund to $1.4 billion; and continuing our efforts to develop State institutions, including digitalization and e-commerce, as well as establishing a specialized court to enact cybercrime laws and providing remote working opportunities for women at home.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Third, we once again condemn the use of Iraqi territory to settle political scores, achieve political goals or under the pretext of fighting terrorism. We call for respect for State sovereignty and the principle of good neighbourliness. Iraq addressed two identical letters to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General on 4 November, contained in document S/2021/927, detailing violations committed against Iraqi territory and airspace, which amounted to 1,950 violations in the period from 1 June to 30 September.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Under that national strategy, the Government enacted Law No. 8 of 2021, the Yazidi Survivors Law, to address damages and the harmful effects of crimes perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant against Yazidis and other components of Iraqi society, including Christians, Turkmens and Shabaks. Second, on 29 September, Iraq repatriated 441 Iraqis who had been stranded in the Al-Hol camp in Syria and transported them to the Jeddah 1 camp in Ninawa. Iraq will soon receive 202 children from Syria. In that regard, Iraq calls on the international community to urge countries that have nationals among the foreign terrorists in Iraq and Syria to repatriate them as soon as possible, in line with the relevant procedures.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I thank in particular the Secretary-General for his 7 November press release (SG/SM/21007) and the Security Council for its 8 November press statement (SC/14692) in that connection. I also thank all regional and international organizations that have issued statements of condemnation in that regard. Allow me to make a number of observations regarding a few elements in the reports of the Secretary- General on the electoral process and on the situation in Iraq (S/2021/946). First, the Government of Iraq thanks the Security Council for supporting the security of the country. Iraq remains committed to implementing the national counter-terrorism strategy and the strategy to combat the financing of terrorism, in line with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288).”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“The Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq has taken up the task of conducting the elections and considering appeals made in that connection. The Commission accepted the request of certain political parties to recount and retabulate a number of polling stations prior to any adjudication by the competent judicial authorities. The Commission is currently finalizing the results before referring them to the Federal Supreme Court. I note that the Commission and the Court have the final say regarding the results of the elections, which we are eagerly awaiting. With regard to the events following the elections, particularly the failed assassination attempt against the Prime Minister, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to the countries that have condemned that cowardly act.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“I would also like to express my gratitude to all members of the Security Council and to the international community for accepting Iraq’s request to ensure the United Nations monitoring of the elections. I also thank UNAMI, the European Union, our allies, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, local organizations, Iraqi security forces and the Independent High Electoral Commission. I also welcome the statement of the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, the press statements issued by the Security Council and UNAMI in that regard, and the statement issued by the members of the Council (SC/14701), welcoming the success of the elections, and the Secretary-General’s report on the electoral process (S/2021/932).”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“In line with resolution 2576 (2021), adopted at the Council meeting held on 27 May (S/PV.8780), the Iraqi people participated in the elections to demonstrate their determination to build the foundations of a democratic system and to launch reforms. The Iraqi people are now looking forward to creating a national Government capable of carrying out its tasks and providing basic services. The elections have seen technical, procedural and security improvements that have contributed to much smoother elections than before. We dedicated every effort to these elections, which succeeded thanks to the work of the security forces and the political, social and religious stakeholders. I seize this opportunity to welcome the statement issued by the Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Mr. Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me to thank and congratulate the representative of Mexico on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. I also thank Ambassador Martin Kimani, Permanent Representative of Kenya, for his able leadership of the Council last month. I express my appreciation to Ms. Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) ,for her efforts and her briefing. I also take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Amal Kabashi. I thank her for speaking to the concerns of Iraqi women, who have made tremendous progress, alongside Iraqi men, in the political process and in raising future generations of Iraqis. We stand with her and all women of Iraq.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“To conclude, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to United Nations-led and international efforts to achieve our noble goal of strengthening international peace and security and maintaining it throughout the world.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Likewise, we welcome the recommendations of the Group of Governmental Experts on problems arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus on combating those issues. We wish to call on international partners to redouble their efforts in capacity-building assistance, specifically to developing countries, on the basis of requests from those States themselves. We wish to emphasize the importance of mechanisms to address the needs of countries by providing them with the necessary resources. We would also like to underscore the need to promote information-sharing and the exchange of best practices on small arms and light weapons in order to build capacity and shore up expertise in developing countries as part of international efforts to implement Sustainable Development Goal 16.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Two decades have elapsed since the adoption of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Nevertheless, the flow of those weapons continues unabated. Their illicit trade, stockpiling and nefarious use in many parts of the world, specifically in the Middle East, are destabilizing factors. Peace and security are jeopardized and lamentable human casualties are heavy. For that reason, Iraq welcomes the adoption of the outcome document of the seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action (A/CONF.192/BMS/2021/1) and calls for its full implementation.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We have therefore supported all instruments, resolutions and international initiatives, specifically those under the umbrella of the United Nations, that are aimed at curbing the uncontrolled flow of small arms and light weapons, in addition to preventing their illicit trade. We have adopted tangible measures at the executive level in order to prevent the illicit entry of those weapons onto our territory, to confiscate unlicensed weapons and to establish a database dedicated to their inventories. Furthermore, we have strengthened our legislation in that regard, including through a law on weapons adopted in 2017, updating our legal instruments and supplementing mechanisms related to the carrying of such weapons.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Such weapons fuel and sustain conflict, and they have a negative impact on economic growth and development in our countries. The main victims of that scourge are civilians, in particular the elderly, women and children. Today the international community is at a critical and delicate juncture. Terrorism and organized crime are exacerbating a number of regional and international crises. For all the reasons I just mentioned, a number of initiatives, resolutions and international conventions have been drafted with the aim of countering and eradicating terrorism and organized crime. For that reason, Iraq believes that there is a need to shoulder our responsibility collectively, as well as to redouble our efforts to demonstrate the political will required to stamp out that scourge.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Mr. Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on Mexico’s presidency of the Security Council for November. I wish to thank you for the initiative to dedicate this meeting to discussing the impact of the diversion and trafficking of arms on peace and security. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered this afternoon by the representative of Qatar on behalf of the Group of Arab States. I also wish to thank Mr. Geiss and Ms. Devoto for their briefings. Iraq is well aware of the importance of combating the diversion of, and illicit trade in, small arms and light weapons, as well as their harmful effects, which pose a threat to the security of States and societies. We have seen an increase in armed violence.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We are confident that the international community will work relentlessly to support my Government’s efforts in that regard, because international security is contingent on domestic security in every State of the world. I should also like to thank the members of the Council for supporting Iraq’s sovereignty, addressing all the challenges facing it and rejecting its being turned into a battleground for third parties.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Allow me to end my statement by reiterating my Government’s commitment to work seriously to ensure the welfare and prosperity of our people through the implementation of our international and national obligations, as well as to uphold good governance in accordance with the Constitution and our national laws, with a view to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have a high priority on our Government’s agenda. I would note here the statement made by the Ministry of Planning of Iraq on 16 February indicating that the poverty rate in Iraq decreased over the past two years, 2018-2019, compared with 2014. This shows that the Government attaches great importance to developing our country’s economy and creating job opportunities despite also combating terrorism.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“In closing, I thank the Secretary-General for his support for Iraq through emphasizing the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also thank the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the Head of the Mission for their efforts in this respect. We hope that following the full defeat of Da’esh, the international community will continue its support for Iraq and its people in order for them to remain strong and steadfast as well as to meet their aspirations. My Government thanks France, Germany and Denmark for supporting Iraqi development projects and Iraq’s efforts and those of the Mission in the area of mine clearance.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“We stress Iraq’s commitment to continuing its efforts to meet its financial obligations in terms of compensating Kuwait, in connection with which Iraq paid an additional amount of $250 million on 28 January. Progress was made in the relations between the central Government and the Regional Government during the recent period. Successful consultations have been held between officials from both sides, in particular after their meetings, which led to an initial agreement on the federal budget for 2020 as well as on issues related to oil revenues. The federal Government is seeking to conclude talks with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq so as to reach a final agreement between the two parties following the formation of the new Government.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“In that regard, I am pleased to inform Council members of recent developments concerning this issue, particularly regarding resolution 2107 (2013), paragraph 4. My Government has achieved the following. Iraq is making efforts to implement its obligations regarding missing Kuwaiti persons and property. As Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said, the remains of 21 missing persons were found in Al-Muthanna governorate on 29 January. We hope that the ongoing analysis will yield positive results. A number of remains were also handed over to the Kuwaiti side on 8 August 2019. In that respect, my Government urges the fraternal Kuwaiti side to inform it as soon as possible about the results of efforts to determine the nationality of the persons whose remains were handed over.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“My Government seeks through various relevant institutions, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Women’s Empowerment, under the Office of the Prime Minister, to establish, in cooperation with United Nations specialized agencies, all programmes for reintegrating such people into society, including those in camps and detention centres. Iraq looks for more cooperation and support in that area. Cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait is among our top priorities regarding our relations with the sisterly State of Kuwait and in cooperation with the United Nations. We stress that my country is fully committed to implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions and will spare no efforts to fulfil its obligations towards the international community.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“In order to completely eradicate terrorism, Iraq looks forward to cooperating with sisterly and friendly countries as well as regional and international security organizations. It hopes for further support from the international community in combating terrorism and acquiring technical assistance for criminal investigations and identifying sources of financing for the Da’esh organization and the accounts of persons and entities that collaborate with Da’esh. Regarding victims of terrorism, there is still an urgent need to step up efforts for the rehabilitation and reintegration of men, women and children affected by terrorism, particularly in the liberated areas.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“In that regard, the countries concerned must take urgent decisions pertaining to the return of those families to their countries in coordination with the Iraqi Government. That issue is a great burden for my country. My country thanks Turkey, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, Sweden, Georgia, Belarus, Ukraine, Algeria and Uzbekistan for their response to the request by the Iraqi authorities to receive their nationals who were members of the Da’esh terrorist group, which amounted to 828 extradited persons. From this rostrum, my Government urges other countries that were approached to take back their nationals who are women, young people and children under the age of criminal legal responsibility.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“With regard to dealing with the elements of Da’esh detained by the Iraqi authorities, our country has informed their countries that they are being held by the relevant Iraqi authorities and that the rights of all accused persons during investigation and prosecution are fully guaranteed. We also ensure their right to meet representatives of their embassies during all stages of the trial pending sentencing. Iraq asserts that any assistance in terms of military training, advanced technology and the weapons needed to fight the Da’esh organization should be at the request of the Government, in accordance with bilateral and multilateral agreements. Concerning the repatriation of families of Da’esh elements to their countries, Iraq still needs to develop programmes for their return to their homelands.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Remnants of the Da’esh terrorist organization continue to constitute security concerns. The movement of its elements from Syria to Iraq continues to threaten the security and stability of my country. That should be addressed through joint international efforts, which requires the international community to continue to cooperate in the fight against terrorism, support the Iraqi security forces and train them. In that regard, I would like to thank all members of the international community that provided assistance to the Iraqi security forces, without which my country would not have been able to repatriate 80 per cent of internally displaced persons to their places of origin.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Regional and international partners of Iraq should support the country in its efforts to restore stability and achieve reconstruction. We therefore call on the Security Council to emphasize the need to respect Iraq’s sovereignty, not to undermine its security and to assist its efforts to ensure stability. With regard to the attacks on the United States Embassy in Iraq and the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Najaf, my Government has rejected and condemned such violations and set up investigation committees. I reaffirm before the Council that my Government is committed to providing the necessary protection to all accredited diplomatic missions in Iraq, in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and on Consular Relations of 1961 and 1963, respectively.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq is a steadfast national demand that should not be disregarded under any pretext or in any circumstances. Earlier this year, in four letters addressed to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary- General (S/2020/15, S/2020/26, S/2020/55 and S/2020/84) Iraq condemned the attacks that had violated its sovereignty in breach of the principles of international law. At the same time, we emphasized that Iraq was committed to ensuring that its territory was not used to target any other State. We acknowledge the importance for the international community to stand by Iraq and to assist it in addressing any violations committed on its territory through legal and diplomatic means.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“There is now significant cooperation between protesters and security forces to ensure peaceful protests and to block infiltrators. Meanwhile, the Government has made efforts to restore stability and ensure normalcy despite the situation in my country. The Baghdad Operations Command and the Mayoralty of Baghdad have successfully restored normalcy and opened markets and streets, as well as gradually lifting security restrictions in Baghdad, particularly in the International Zone and the rest of the cities and provinces. The applicable Iraqi Constitution provides for the non-interference in the domestic affairs of other States and for Iraq to resolve all conflicts peacefully. It also emphasizes the need to preserve Iraq’s vital interests. My Government therefore rejects being a battleground for regional conflicts.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“The security forces instructed by the Government have exercised the utmost restraint when dealing with the unfortunate incidents during the demonstrations. Some elements of infiltrators have sought to undermine and subvert the peaceful movement of the protestors, seeking to defame the security forces and the peaceful protestors at the same time. The instructions to security forces from their leadership prohibit the use of live ammunition against protestors in any form or their being targeted directly with tear gas. The number of casualties has recently declined, despite continuing protests in the central and southern provinces of Iraq. This can be attributed to the strenuous efforts of the caretaker Government to implement the package of reforms it has announced.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Iraq looks forward to the international community playing an important role in assisting us in holding the coming elections by providing necessary technical assistance. In this respect, we call on the United Nations to provide all technical resources necessary to ensure the success of these upcoming elections, in accordance with the mandate of UNAMI. Iraq recognizes the importance of and is committed to upholding basic rights and international obligations, notably human rights, such as the right to life, the right of peaceful assembly or demonstration, and the freedom of expression. The Government continues to carry out its responsibilities to protect the Iraqi people. My Government therefore condemns and rejects any form of violence.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“A woman judge was selected to Chair the Board of Commissioners, an unprecedented and important step towards promoting the participation of women in high-level State decision-making processes. It is also an incentive for the participation of women in the political process. Turning to the electoral law of the Iraqi Parliament, late last year the latter adopted this law, which is considered to represent an important change vis-à-vis the previous electoral laws. The new law ensures a more just representation of segments of society through new mechanisms for electoral constituencies, and the broader participation of young people in political life. The law reduces the minimum age of eligibility for election to Parliament from 30 to 25 years.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“The President of the Republic will mandate another candidate to form the Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the periods specified therein. With regard to preparations for prompt elections in our country to meet the demands of the protestors, a law drafted by the Independent High Electoral Commission was enacted on 5 December 2019, which ensures the holding of fair and free elections with greater transparency, in line with the reforms demanded by the people. Nine new members — seven judges and two counsellors — were elected to the Board of the Independent High Electoral Commission, in the presence of the representatives of the United Nations, the media, non-governmental organizations and unions.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Iraq is now on the cusp of a new era of stability and looking forward to new prospects for joint work in order to achieve the socioeconomic life that the Iraqis deserve. Despite the difficult situation in Iraq of recent times, there have been intensive political consultations in the past few months to meet the legitimate demands of protestors in terms of achieving the desired reforms, which are also supported by the highest religious authority in the country. On that basis, on 1 February President Barham Salih of the Republic of Iraq mandated Mr. Mohammed Tawfik Allawi to form a new Government. In a letter addressed to the President dated 1 March, Mr. Allawi apologized for not being able to form a new Government.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Iraqis have been protesting for five months, demanding change, economic reform and end to corruption. The protestors have succeeded in making their voices heard by the Government and political, religious and society actors alike. Concerning the conflict in the region, it is no secret that Iraq was targeted in January. These violations were a breach of our sovereignty and have had a negative impact on the stability in the country. Regarding counter-terrorism, our security forces continue to fight the remnants of the terrorist organization Da’esh after having liberated all our cities, to the extent that no Iraqi territory is now controlled by terrorists, thanks to the sacrifices of all kinds made by these forces and with the support of the international community.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source