YouSaid · the spoken record

Hennis-Plasschaert

lines on the record: 231
first: 2019-02-13
most recent: 2023-10-10
sittings or episodes: 14
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

“As a former politician, I know how tempting it is to go all- out in an election campaign, but things can get ugly and even risky if campaigns turn into platforms for whipping up rage or fear about others. I therefore call on all actors, be they at the national or regional levels, to play their part in maintaining stability in the run-up to the December elections — and that should include efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation. With the Government now one full year into its tenure, driving forward the many good plans Iraq has committed to implementing remains a collective responsibility. I cannot conclude without acknowledging the devastating fire that occurred in Al-Hamdaniya last month, which claimed the lives of more than 100 people. We again convey our sincere condolences to all those affected.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family involved. I further welcome the long- anticipated handover by Iraq to Kuwait of 22 genetic profiles that were discovered in March 2022 in Najaf. The regular exchange of genetic data is much needed to shed light on the fate of those still missing. And of course, we continue to engage the Government of Iraq on the retrieval of missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Swift and decisive action is now needed. I can only emphasize the importance of Iraq’s upcoming provincial council elections. For many reasons, including the stepping up of service delivery, they represent a critical imperative for all Iraqis.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Turning to the issue of Al-Hol returnees, in the past month, a further 173 households returned to Iraq. In other words, Iraq continues to serve as an example for other States with nationals in Al-Hol. There is no denying it, challenges on the ground abound. The accessibility of core civil and identity documents, in particular their timely issuance, must be addressed as a matter of priority. And, as Iraq grapples with the vast needs of returnees and host communities, the criticality of continued international support cannot be overemphasized. I will zoom in on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. The adoption of innovative DNA technology by the Government of Kuwait has led to the identification of one more missing person.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Previously Council members heard me say that the Kurdistan region’s parliamentary elections are long overdue. Initially scheduled for October 2022, they were postponed to November this year and recently further delayed to 25 February 2024. To state the obvious, we expect all parties to ensure that this new election date will not again fall victim to internal political strife. With the current administration in a caretaker capacity, the region’s democratic process must prevail. There is so much at stake. On a different note, as any other Member State, Iraq has committed, through its Constitution and international human rights treaties, to protect the fundamental rights of all its citizens, without discrimination. That point bears repeating in the light of recent debates on the use of universally accepted terms.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Sadly, instead, we continue to witness different power competitions in which non-State armed actors have the upper hand. Recent events in Kirkuk, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, are also of concern. While the situation has calmed down for now, the precariousness of that context cannot be overlooked. As Council members know, in past years, UNAMI has facilitated dialogue sessions among the representatives of Kirkuk’s components. And we are still convinced that an agreement can be reached. But for that to happen, it is imperative that the needs of people be prioritized over political gain. Of course, the provincial council elections on 18 December are of great importance as well, especially because Kirkuk has not seen local elections since 2005. There is something else.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“In August 2020, I highlighted in my briefing to the Council (see S/2020/845, annex I) that the lack of specificity in Iraq’s 2005 Constitution continued to shape the debate between Baghdad and Erbil. With the situation persisting today, what does that mean? It means that 18 years have gone by without an agreement on the gradual enhancement of the federal system; 18 years without a sustainable framework for natural resource distribution or disputed territories; 18 years without laws delineating rights and obligations. Instead, we continue to witness constant ad hoc crisis management. What I am essentially saying is that, 18 years on from the Constitution’s adoption, it is imperative to move to comprehensive and solid solutions. As for the Sinjar Agreement, I regret to inform the Council that no progress has been made.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Soon after, Iraq’s Council of Ministers agreed to provide financial relief in the form of loans for the next three months. That enables the Kurdistan Regional Government to pay, for the time being, the salaries of its public servants — a positive development and, frankly speaking, one that was overdue. That said, the agreement is temporary in nature and therefore not enough. Hence, more and urgent work lies ahead so as to avoid a new period of uncertainty for the region’s public servants. I said this in past years and will repeat it now: civil servant salaries should be shielded from political disagreements. Similar to any other Iraqi civil servant, those working in the Kurdistan region have families to look after and obligations to fulfil.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Legitimate concerns have been addressed by Kuwait and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Given the priority attached by the Iraqi Government to dialogue as a means to finding solutions, as well as its commitment to maintaining positive relations with its neighbours, we hope and expect that cooperation and good neighbourliness will prevail. Bearing in mind the risks of miscalculation and escalation, it is essential to resolve the matter expeditiously, and also important is the continuation of talks to demarcate the rest of the maritime border. With regard to Baghdad-Erbil relations, to discuss the Kurdistan region’s financial challenges, a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, headed by its Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, visited Baghdad on 14 September.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“We therefore welcome ongoing efforts on the activation of bilateral committees between Iraq and Türkiye aimed at addressing border security concerns. And, of course, I cannot talk about stability in the region without mentioning the unprecedented and horrendous developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which have already had a catastrophic human toll and could impact the entire region. Still focusing on the Middle East, I would also like to flag a recent decision of Iraq’s federal Supreme Court regarding the 2012 agreement between Iraq and Kuwait regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway. Taking into account the separation of powers, Iraq’s Government has meanwhile made its commitment to the principles of international law and its respect for bilateral agreements and United Nations resolutions crystal clear.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“All sides consider long-term security as essential, and we can only emphasize Iraq’s genuine commitment to the agreement. As I said on many occasions, this is the way to go about addressing security concerns: through dialogue, joint committees and the actual implementation of agreements — all, of course, in accordance with international law. With that in mind, I wish to express hope that Iraq and Türkiye will also embark on a sustainable way forward. Türkiye’s security concerns are well understood. And on that note, I would like to echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the recent attack in Ankara. In saying that, constant cross- border attacks are a risky way to advance interests and one with numerous adverse effects.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“A further topic that cannot be overlooked is the influence of non-State armed actors in certain areas, which not only undermines confidence in the State, but also creates an environment of fear and anger. The Government continues to proactively engage with countries throughout the region on issues related to energy, water, economic cooperation and security. That is important, as regional partnerships and integration are obvious catalysts for stability in Iraq and beyond. Now, within that context, I wish to highlight the implementation of the Iraq-Iran security agreement. Great efforts have been made by Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, to secure its borders, and further work to sustain those achievements is ongoing.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Hence, it is for good reasons that the Government has made the issue of water security one of its top priorities. Another issue that should not be underestimated are the feelings of exclusion, marginalization and stigmatization. Why does that matter for stability in Iraq? It matters because if those sentiments are left to simmer, among other spillover effects, people will again become vulnerable to extremist propaganda. I am, of course, aware of the ongoing efforts by the Government to end displacement, but further progress on enabling people to return to their areas of origin, including Jurf Al-Sakhar and Sinjar, remains critical. Equally important is much-needed momentum to enact legislation on enforced disappearances, as well as the amendment to the amnesty law.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“All of that must be understood alongside Iraq’s rapidly growing population, with predictions that it could double over the next three to four decades. Why am I saying this? Because with more Iraqis coming of age without corresponding job opportunities or advances in quality of life, it is not difficult to see where this trend may go: the embers of discontent could flare up easily again and again. Climate change and water scarcity are, of course, other obvious threat multipliers. This past summer, again, temperatures in Iraq exceeded 50 degrees Celsius. Last June, the International Organization for Migration recorded almost 14,000 families as internally displaced because of drought conditions across 10 of Iraq’s governorates. Needless to say, if left unaddressed, this is only the beginning of a rather nightmarish situation.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“At the same time, it is clear that the intricate web of graft and vested interests, built up in Iraq over decades, will not be dismantled overnight, especially when those who stand to lose can draw from myriad financial, political and security resources, creating the community of collusion I have referred to in previous briefings. Also, and as spelled out numerous times, Iraq’s economic structure is in a precarious place, heavily reliant on oil and a public sector so big that it is simply unsustainable. Although steps taken thus far surely signal positive momentum, further structural reforms are going to be critical. Otherwise, a thriving private sector with high levels of employment will remain elusive.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Corruption is still pervasive, and combatting it, as the Prime Minister recently said, is something the Government has been working on, is still working on and will continue to work on. He rightly added that, without fighting corruption, the Government will not be able to implement its economic vision and development programmes. It is true that the Government has made admirable commitments, from efforts to, for instance, increase transparency around custom revenue collection to pursuing the extradition of individuals implicated in the theft of federal resources. A new campaign, called “Where did you get this?”, has seen the Federal Integrity Commission audit the financial records of electoral candidates.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“It charts an ambitious course for the country until the end of 2025 and includes allocations with the potential to address critical needs, such as infrastructure development and reconstruction. Notably, this budget represents the highest proportionate allocation to the delivery of social services yet, and will hopefully expand access to health care, education and a number of other essential public services. To cut a long story short, with last year’s gains in political stability and an ambitious federal budget in hand, Iraq is well-positioned to seize the many opportunities in front of it. That said, and as we all know, the country’s complex and at times fast-evolving environment also means that this is not an easy feat, let alone a given.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“The passing of a new law on social security means that, for the first time, all Iraqi workers can benefit from public entitlements such as health insurance, and maternity and unemployment benefits. As most members will know, a trailblazing initiative for regional infrastructure, known as the Development Road project, was launched some months ago. Meanwhile, Iraq is taking further steps towards leveraging its own natural resources more effectively and responsibly, thereby aiming to reduce energy waste and shore up its energy independence. Also, and importantly, to address the concerning issue of rapid drug proliferation, the Government has developed a national strategy for the prevention of narcotics and psychotropic substances, among other measures. I already briefly mentioned the recently adopted federal budget.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: Today we are roughly one year on from the formation of Iraq’s current Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. Since its inception, several important steps and promising initiatives have emerged. To name but a few, long-awaited reforms in the banking and finance sectors are now under way. One example is the launch of an electronic platform for foreign currency sales, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to both transparency and efficiency. A new Iraq Development Fund has been established. This, coupled with the change ushered in by the recently adopted federal budget, has the potential to spur private sector investment.”
2023-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9432 (2023) · source
“Of course, all of that can be easily spoiled, whether through unchecked corruption, interference from within, intrusion from the outside, a groundswell of disillusion or political horse-trading against the common good. What I am essentially saying is that now is not the time to be complacent or take it for granted that Iraq has turned a corner. I sincerely hope that all will remain committed.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Facilitating and allowing a plethora of different voices to be heard, including those that disagree with or critique prevailing decisions, is both healthy and essential. I would therefore like to express our sincere hope that Iraq’s leaders and authorities will publicly embrace civic engagement, as well as freedom of expression, in order to prevent a resurgence of a sense of isolation and disillusion among Iraqis, particularly the younger generation and women. To be clear, accountability, the rule of law and respect for human rights are equally essential to preventing recurring cycles of crises. In conclusion, and as we have spelled out so often, Iraq has tremendous potential. And through the Government’s ambitious plans — provided that they are fully implemented — many of the drivers of instability can be addressed.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“The Iraqi authorities, assisted by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tripartite Commission, have continued their efforts to locate witnesses and possible burial sites for Kuwaiti and third-country nationals. It goes without saying that we welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to establish a committee made up of members of security agencies, chaired by the Human Rights Directorate of the Ministry of Defence and mandated to support activities in that regard. We continue to await progress on the retrieval of missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. For my last point, let me revisit something I mentioned at the start of my briefing, which is the need for an active, empowered and protected civic space.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“On that note, I also want to draw attention to a simple fact, which is that regional security, economic and political developments are impacting Iraq and will continue to do so. I therefore cannot overstate the importance of the Government’s efforts to scale up diplomacy with and among its neighbours in a number of areas, from border security and trade to water-sharing and climate issues. Of course, regional stability will also hinge on respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and good-neighbourliness. I would now like to turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Ninety per cent of Iraq’s rivers are polluted, and 7 million people are currently suffering from reduced access to water. That has become a significant multiplier of the threats to Iraq’s stability, and the priority that the Government has placed on the issue of water security is therefore most welcome. Plans for extensively updating Iraq’s water-management systems are said to be under way. That will be vital in meeting the demands driven by population growth and urbanization. And the fair sharing of resources among Iraq’s neighbours is equally important. If water is a competition, everyone loses. Bold domestic action and close regional cooperation offer the only winning solution.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“As we all know, the Iraqi caseload is overwhelming, and I can only emphasize how critical it is to continue providing support to Iraq in that regard, as well as for every country with nationals in north- east Syria to follow suit by repatriating its citizens. More generally, finding durable solutions for returnees from north-east Syria and all other internally displaced persons remains essential, something particularly relevant following the sudden closure in April of a camp in Ninewa governorate. Secondary displacement is difficult to control and creates new risks. I want to turn now to another issue, water, which represents the most critical climate emergency for Iraq. It is estimated that by 2035 Iraq will have the capacity to meet only 15 per cent of its water demands.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Local leaders on all sides have worked collectively to dispel that spike in tensions. But the challenges to reconciliation will persist until meaningful steps are taken, including towards a unified administration, stable security structures and reconstruction. Now, with the inclusion of the 2020 Sinjar Agreement as an explicit priority in the Government programme, it is high time to get things done. Iraq’s commendable commitment to ensuring the return of its citizens from north-eastern Syria continues to serve as an example. While new rounds of returns are expected, work is ongoing to reintegrate previous returnees into their areas of origin, or to pursue accountability aligned with the applicable laws, where relevant.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Whether in the context of the budget, questions surrounding hydrocarbon resources, disputed territories, the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement or any other outstanding issue, it remains essential for both to move beyond ad hoc engagements. Zooming in on Sinjar, we can only express disappointment that little to no progress has been made in the implementation of the 2020 Sinjar Agreement, despite the repeated declarations of commitment to it. To state the obvious, such stagnation creates further space for spoilers of various backgrounds and affiliations to exploit the situation for their own ends, and blocks thousands of displaced Sinjaris from returning to their areas of origin. Sadly, a recent rise in tensions between communities in Sinjar was in large part further fuelled by online disinformation targeting the Yazidi community.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“The political infighting in the Kurdistan region has clearly not helped, as it has also affected the relationship with partners in Baghdad. On 4 April, following a ruling by the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration, and in the absence of the long-awaited hydrocarbon law, Baghdad and Erbil announced that they had reached a temporary agreement to enable a resumption of oil exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. On 10 May, the Government of Iraq asked Türkiye to restart the exports, but so far they have not been resumed. Since the taps were turned off on 25 March, it is likely that hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue have been lost. Here I want to once again underline the importance of anticipatory governance with a view to achieving the structural institutionalization of relations between Baghdad and Erbil.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“At this stage, I can only express hope that the parties will now step up, bridge differences and work in the interests of all peoples. One glance at the history and geography of the Kurdistan region reinforces just how urgent the need is for sustainable solutions. The region’s parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for October 2022, are also long overdue. After consultations with all the parties, the region’s President has now set an election day of 18 November of this year. Let me take this opportunity to remind the parties that time is of the essence. Ensuring agreement on the outstanding electoral issues is urgent. Another postponement would be detrimental to public trust. With regard to the relations between Baghdad and Erbil, I note that the dynamics are still being described as good but complicated.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Turning to Kurdistan, disagreements between the two ruling parties in recent months drove the region close to the brink. Many had good reason to describe the political situation as increasingly reckless and irresponsible. While it is our firm belief that the outstanding fiscal, administrative, security and electoral disagreements could have been addressed months ago, the will to compromise was glaringly absent for far too long. That said, the repeated efforts by the region’s President, as well as others, to get the parties to return to the negotiation table, and the recent meeting between the region’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, have at last led to some good news. After more than six months, the Kurdistan region’s Cabinet met in full on Sunday.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“No training, capacity-building or technical assistance programme can combat the ill effects of political interference. The good news is that the Government has taken an express stance against the adverse effects of corruption, which have resulted from the system constructed over the past two decades. And yes, vested interests will undoubtedly make the required systemic reform an uphill struggle, but it must be done. Speaking of reforms, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Government to push Iraq closer to a state of energy independence. Again, that will not happen overnight. But from the issuing of new licensing rounds to efforts to reduce energy waste, including a clampdown on gas-flaring, that ambitious goal is increasingly close to being reached.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Those phenomena are, of course, nothing new, but, as I have said so many times, neither can last indefinitely. Economic diversification and major structural reforms remain urgent. And yes, there is no denying it: this will prove to be challenging for various reasons, including public expectations. After all, rather than developing an employment-generating private sector, successive Governments opted for the easy way out — that is, the creation of public sector jobs to “hush” civil unrest. This has led to a wage bill no country could afford. In saying that, let me also and once again emphasize that much-needed reforms will not take root if choked by the weeds of patronage and graft. Also, as I already mentioned, independent State institutions are critical.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“In other words, to break with the cycles of recurring crises, what must the priorities be? The fact is that Iraq has a full “to- do” list, and narrow or partisan actions will not help in checking it off. The resources needed to turn certain government goals into realities, such as adequate public service delivery, should be unlocked with the passage of a federal budget. That has yet to happen and, these days, all eyes are on Iraq’s Council of Representatives. Needless to say, agreement on a functioning budget, sooner rather than later, is critical, including for the timely organization of the long-awaited provincial council elections, now announced for no later than 20 December this year. Meanwhile, Iraq continues to rely on oil, and the public sector remains the biggest employer.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Does this mean that dynamics, trends, opinions and perceptions from outside the coalition are not relevant? Of course not — they are very relevant, I would say. In other words, the healthy interplay of opposition and coalition must be allowed to function, including through public exchanges between decision-makers, political leaders, authority figures and broader civil society. Also, and given the delicate balance needed to succeed in tackling core priorities, it is important to take into account the potential wider impact of a new law, action or proposal, whether initiated in Parliament, by the Government or elsewhere. Will it consolidate or potentially conflict with key objectives? Will it bridge or widen divisions between groups and communities? Will it unite or rather estrange people?”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Hence, I can only emphasize the need for relentless commitment from a wide range of actors, the significance of placing the national interest over that of any individual or party, the critical role of independent State institutions and the need for an active, empowered and protected civic space. The Government programme is leading the way, signed off on by all coalition parties united in the State administration alliance. That does not mean that there are no disagreements or quarrels, as is the case in other countries governed by a coalition. To bridge differences and to follow up on implementation in priority areas, regular meetings between government and coalition members take place. It is quite simple: the balancing of multiple differing opinions and interests requires constant compromise.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“As I mentioned in my most recent briefing to the Council in February (see S/PV.9253), the Government has shown its resolve to tackle a number of the pressing issues I just mentioned, and that still holds true. It is focusing on its core priorities and trying to avoid distractions that could threaten to upend prevailing political stability. That said, of course, it is early days, and we do not have a crystal ball to predict the unknowns, which could include the rise of potential disrupters. As I keep on emphasizing: what we do know is that any government in this position needs time, and that, in itself, is already a challenge. Amid low or no tolerance for a return to the status quo that existed before October 2022, the harsh reality is that there is no time to lose.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“While many acknowledged that Iraq, throughout its history, has overcome some very dark times, they also argued that the drivers of instability in the country’s more recent past remained, for the most part, the same — drivers such as corruption, weak governance, the presence of armed non-State actors, impunity, factional politics, poor service delivery, inequality, unemployment and an overreliance on oil. Having said that, Iraq’s enormous potential was also widely highlighted, as was the view that the moment to act is now, thereby reaffirming that the confirmation of Iraq’s Government last October opened a crucial window of opportunity. So the question is: where do things stand now?”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: With the next mandate renewal for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) around the corner, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect, just a bit, and more importantly, to look ahead. In the past months, numerous people and entities have analysed the events that shook Iraq 20 years ago, as well as the developments since. Few would deny that it has been a very rough road, a road that has seen not only the compounding of existing fragilities, inherited from previous decades, but also the exposure of new weaknesses.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9324 (2023) · source
“The urgency is for Iraq’s political class to seize the brief window of opportunity it has been awarded and finally lift the country out of its recurring cycles of instability and fragility. Lastly, I would like to once again congratulate Iraq’s national football team on its recent Arabian Gulf Cup victory. It is worth noting that Iraq hosted the tournament for the first time since 1979, after decades of isolation, violence, strife and tensions. In my humble opinion, it is a great testimony to Iraq’s return to normality and its potential to rally not only the nation but also its regional partners around a common and positive objective.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“I can therefore only encourage the international community to continue its support. I would now like to turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Of course, we very much welcome the steps taken by the Government of Iraq to encourage more witnesses to come forward. We also commend the continuing cooperation of the members of the Tripartite Committee on the provision of satellite imagery. Both are vital to the efforts to identify other potential burial sites. In conclusion, I would like to convey both a sense of hope and a sense of urgency. The hope is that the confirmation of Iraq’s new Government will provide an opportunity to structurally address the many pressing issues facing the country and its people.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Again, established diplomatic instruments are at everyone’s disposal, including when neighbours are faced with perceived national security threats. For Iraq to further bolster its domestic stability, it is incumbent on all of us to help foster an enabling environment. In anticipation of the next speaker, I should reiterate that Iraq remains one of the countries of the world most badly contaminated by explosive ordnance. Its nationally led clearance efforts, including national budget allocations, are truly commendable. However, the sector as a whole remains underfunded, and Iraqi civilians are consequently paying the price. In 2022, explosive remnants of war continued to be the leading cause of child casualties in Iraq and the cause of a third of civilian casualties overall.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“With regard to Iraq’s external relations, I am pleased to report that the Government continued its policy of openness and balance, based on, of course, mutual interests and on respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and good- neighbourliness. As I stated on 20 December, during the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, held in Amman, I wholeheartedly support the Prime Minister in his endeavour to make Iraq a platform for dialogue and investment. That said, Iraq continues to face repeated and destabilizing violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. To state the obvious, messaging through strikes does nothing but recklessly heighten tensions, kill people and destroy property.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Zooming in on the Kurdistan region, in my previous briefings I outlined the risks of political infighting. Regrettably, divisions among the ruling parties in the region continue to have adverse effects on its institutions and its people and have even translated into one coalition party boycotting the Cabinet sessions since October. Last Saturday, a meeting of the parties in Sulaymaniyah offered a glimmer of hope. While the meeting in itself was an important message, I can only emphasize the need to act quickly and pragmatically. To be clear, the Kurdistan region’s political parties cannot afford to lose any more time, and swift compromises on outstanding fiscal, administrative, security and electoral disagreements are therefore urgently needed.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Some initial steps have been taken to that end, including a number of high-level visits and the creation of joint technical committees. The dynamics have been generally described as positive, and that is a good thing. Yet a structured dialogue, which continues to be of great importance to institutionalizing relations, is still missing. And crucially, those consultations have yet to be translated into concrete agreements, including, as mentioned, on the pressing issue of the 2023 federal budget. All things considered, it is our hope that the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court will not stymie the ongoing negotiations on the budget. Rather, we want to see both Baghdad and Erbil remaining incentivized to reach a lasting arrangement that will enable them to move away from constant crisis management.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“I believe that Sergio Vieira de Mello, before he flew out to Baghdad in 2003, said that respect for human rights is the only solid foundation for durable peace and development. In line with his words, I want to emphasize that silencing, obstructing, dismissing or undermining constructive criticism achieves only one thing. It tarnishes the image of the State and erodes public trust, whereas encouraging public discourse enables institutions to flourish and adapt. Needless to say, a genuine commitment to human rights is pivotal to any country, including Iraq. Turning to relations between Baghdad and Erbil, the Government programme expressed a commitment to resolving outstanding issues between the federal authorities and the Kurdistan Regional Governments, including legislating the oil and gas law within six months.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“They range from the significant environmental challenges, the importance of energy independence, the continued returns of Iraqi nationals from Al-Hol and other camps and prisons in north-eastern Syrian Arab Republic, the need to swiftly implement the Sinjar Agreement, the long-awaited finalization of the Kirkuk dialogue, the transition from humanitarian response to durable solutions and development, to constitutional amendments and substantive progress on security- sector reform, to name but a few. I will certainly report on those issues in future briefings, but there is one more area I would like to mention now, which is the protection and promotion of human rights, including accountability for human rights violations and abuses.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In a related observation, let me reiterate that oil dependency leaves the Iraqi economy more vulnerable to external shocks. Iraq should therefore prioritize sustainable economic diversification, including the development of a value-adding, employment-generating private sector. There are of course many other areas that require the immediate attention of Iraq’s Government.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, and there is no denying it, delays in introducing much-needed and long-awaited economic, fiscal and financial reforms are palpable throughout the country. Most recently, it has been concerning to see increases in the exchange rate on the parallel market adding to the pressure on ordinary Iraqi women and men. In the short term, it is obviously essential that a federal budget be passed as soon as possible. Further delay will only worsen the situation resulting from the well-known spending constraints. On that topic, I would like to yet again caution against measures that will further bloat Iraq’s public service sector. Despite the pressing need to address high levels of unemployment, Iraq simply cannot afford to add to the burden of an already extremely inflated public sector.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“That means giving no respite to those who extract State resources for private or other interests. Moreover, systemic change will prove vital. I have spelled it out so many times. Over the years, Iraq’s corruption has turned into a system — that is, it has become something that has gone beyond a collection of individuals or a series of events. The ongoing Government efforts to improve public service delivery should also be acknowledged. That said, and mindful of managing public expectations, I want to remind the Council that effecting meaningful change that has a positive impact on the lives of all citizens will take time, because it can happen only through structural change, which requires systemic socioeconomic reform, stronger institutions and better governance at every level.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In its first three months in office, Iraq’s new Government, under the lead of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia‘ al-Sudani, showed its commitment to tackling the most pressing challenges facing the country, including endemic corruption, poor public service delivery and high levels of unemployment. On the fight against corruption, the Government has taken a number of important steps, including with regard to the recovery of stolen funds and the investigation of corruption allegations. I can only encourage the Iraqi Government to persevere, as those who stand to lose will undoubtedly seek to hinder those efforts. But if Iraq is to build a system that serves the needs of society rather than of a closed community of collusion, ensuring accountability across the spectrum is absolutely essential.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Needless to say, we eagerly await a further increase of women in decision-making positions. Looking ahead, and as I explained, no one can expect Iraq’s challenges to be resolved overnight, but I would also like to see the glass as half full. In my most recent briefing to the Council, last October (see S/PV.9145), I emphasized — not for the first time — that, since 2003, too many opportunities to conduct meaningful and much-needed reform have been wasted, while stressing that pervasive corruption is a major root cause of Iraqi dysfunctionality. I made it clear that it is past time to act on several key issues, and that the window to do so is only too brief.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source