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

“It should also be underlined that no government can go it alone. In other words, it is of the greatest importance that political parties and other actors prioritize the country’s interest above all else. At the end of the day, it is and remains a joint responsibility. As any government will require both time and broad political support to move Iraq forward, let me emphasize the importance of managing public expectations. Overpromising and underdelivering can have dire consequences, and sugar-coating the situation will only add to feelings of frustration and disillusionment. Some three months ago, the Council of Representatives confirmed Iraq’s new President and Government, ending more than a year of tensions, political discord and power plays. Three out of 23 cabinet ministers are women.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Another 150 colleagues were wounded in the blast. While they fell victim to the violence they were committed to stopping, our work continued. But yes, 2023 will surely be a year of remembrance in many ways. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the successive Iraqi Governments for the constructive working relationship that they have maintained with the United Nations throughout these two decades. In the past four years, I have often said that Iraq’s situation could hardly be judged without placing it in the context of Iraq’s history, as decades of trouble continue to have an impact on the present. This still holds true today. Iraq’s challenges did not arise overnight, and dealing with both the legacy of the past and the many challenges of the present will take time, no matter who is in the driver’s seat.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: In May 2003, nearly 20 years ago, the Council adopted resolution 1483 (2003) to chart a way forward for post-Saddam Iraq. Sergio Vieira de Mello was appointed as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, for four months, to help set up United Nations operations at their early stages. At the time, he stated: “The people of Iraq, as we know only too well, have suffered and have suffered enough. It is time that we all […] come together to ensure that this suffering comes to an end, and that Iraqi people take their destiny into their own hands”. That same year, in mid-August, the Council established the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). A few days later, Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 colleagues lost their lives in an attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“The contribution of the tripartite Member States through their provision of satellite imagery analysis is equally important. The handover by Iraq on 4 July of additional missing Kuwaiti property, including a historical sword, two historical copies of the Holy Qur’an and items belonging to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information marks another positive step. Now it is hoped that with persistence, determination and commitment from all, more results will soon emerge. In conclusion, let me again emphasize the importance of embarking on a path towards political stability. And to repeat it once more, there are solutions. While it is in the power of any Iraqi leader to drag the country into a protracted and deadly conflict, it is just as much in their power to place national interests first and lift the country out of crisis.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“When I addressed the Council in May (see S/PV.9034), I raised the alarm about the fact that Turkish and Iranian shelling in the north had become a new normal for Iraq. With last week’s Iranian attacks, all I can do now is repeat myself. Those reckless acts — which have devastating consequences, killing and injuring people — must cease. No neighbour should treat Iraq as its backyard. No neighbour should be allowed to routinely violate Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity, yet it is happening time and again. On the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, we are pleased to see that Iraq’s efforts to reach new witnesses have continued unhindered. Those witnesses are of great importance in helping to locate new potential burial sites.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Party leaders should understand that they can only be truly influential if they accept the influence of others, and therefore a willingness to compromise is essential. More generally, monopolizing power breeds instability. That goes for both Iraq as a whole and for the Kurdistan region. I want to stress that the political fallout of not holding timely Kurdistan region parliamentary elections, of failing to manage public expectations properly and of neglecting basic democratic principles will have a high cost, and if that were to happen, it would not be for lack of warning. That is why we are impatiently waiting for the parties to fulfil their many promises and act in the service of the peoples of the Kurdistan region.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“And what reassurances would the international community need for them to support new elections? On the topic of elections, we have also actively engaged with Kurdistan Region authorities and political parties on several outstanding issues related to the sixth Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections. The elections were initially scheduled for 1 October, that is, three days ago. To date, however, Kurdistan Region political parties have yet to find common ground, and ,once again, the yellow and green divide is the single most disruptive factor impeding progress. In no uncertain terms, we made clear that, here also, we do not have a magic wand. Here too it comes down to political will.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“As calls for early national elections have become more pronounced, allow me to elaborate further on the topic. Besides the obvious benefits of political parties clarifying a number of matters in advance, we also emphasized the importance of following established legal procedures and mechanisms. We also made clear that, at this point in time, we would not be able to confirm the ability of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq to assist in new elections, as that would depend on a formal request by the Iraqi Government addressed to the Security Council and, of course, subsequent deliberations. Other questions are also worth raising. For instance, what are the guarantees that new national elections will not be held in vain once again? How will Iraqi citizens be persuaded that it is worth casting their vote?”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“A related feature is Iraq’s reliance on patronage and clientelism, which has resulted in a ballooning inefficient public sector that functions more as an instrument of political favour than as a servant of the people. While Iraq is by no means a poor country, private and partisan interests conspire to divert resources away from critical investment in national development. What I am saying is that Iraq’s political and governance system ignores the needs of the Iraqi people or, even worse, actively works against them. Pervasive corruption is a major root cause of Iraqi dysfunctionality, and, frankly, no leader can claim to be shielded from it. Keeping the system as-is will backfire sooner rather than later. That said, it is important to frame it as precisely that — a system — rather than a collection of individuals or a series of events.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Chief among them is the adoption of a federal budget, in the absence of which State spending could come to a halt by the end of the year. Work towards transformative change must be kicked off. Let us face it: since 2003, too many opportunities to conduct meaningful and much- needed reform have been wasted. Nearly 20 years on, Iraq’s leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital to the country’s future. Attempts to push through incremental reform, including in the fight against corruption, have failed thus far, having been actively undermined or obstructed. I have said it many times, including in this Chamber: corruption is a core feature of Iraq’s current political economy, built into everyday transactions. It is not just me saying this. This is widely recognized.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Too many Iraqis have lost faith in the ability of Iraq’s political class to act in the interest of the country and its people. A continued failure to address that loss of faith will only exacerbate Iraq’s problems. Focus is equally important. We have seen the announcement of a plethora of initiatives since the elections in October 2021, but too many tracks and too many cooks distract, confuse and blur the picture. As I said, there are solutions, but for solutions to see the daylight, genuine and timely dialogue is essential, including a willingness to compromise. Indeed, it goes without saying that delivering a functioning Government is merely the first step to overcoming the current crisis in a sustainable way. A wide range of critical issues must be addressed.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Of course, every situation has its own history and idiosyncrasies. But let me be clear: since the elections were held a year ago, all sides — and I mean all sides — have made strategic mistakes and miscalculations. Even more importantly, they missed many valuable opportunities to resolve their differences. With the risk of further strife and bloodshed still very tangible, dwelling on who did what and when is no longer an option. Therefore, it is time for all of Iraq’s leaders to engage in dialogue, collectively define core Iraqi needs and pull the country back from the edge. In other words, all leaders should assume responsibility and return the spotlight to where it must be focused: on the people of Iraq. Make no mistake: public disillusionment is running sky-high.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“While I am usually disinclined to air our initiatives publicly, I would like to emphasize our intense engagement during the past months and weeks — from participating in dialogue and holding countless bilateral meetings to drafting road maps and conducting shuttle diplomacy in various forms. Believe me when I say that we tried, non-stop. That said, we do not have a magic wand. Ultimately, it all comes down to political will. Equally important is the understanding that, at the end of the day, one can only be influential if one accepts the influence of others. If only there was a willingness to compromise. One thing is clear: the persistent and overt lack of trust perpetuates a zero-sum game in which commitment to concrete solutions is being avoided. Nevertheless, there are solutions.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Regretfully, some disruptive elements were present in the streets, and I can only reiterate the importance of keeping any protest from descending into violence. The fact is that the smallest spark can suffice to trigger a major disaster. We lent our full support to the national dialogue under the auspices of Iraq’s Prime Minister, a forum that has thus far been convened twice. For that initiative to bear fruit however, it is crucial that all parties — I repeat, all parties — take their seat. As an aside, it is worth noting that none of the parties was represented by women. That said, it is also incumbent upon all to act responsibly in times of heightened tensions. That means refraining from making provocative statements and feeding into counter-productive, not to say harmful, narratives.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“With that in mind, the absence of a functioning Government 12 months later is hard to justify. Last Saturday, new protests were expected. The hope was that they would be held peacefully, but, in the early morning hours, we woke up to another alert from our sense-and-warn alarm system. The day was not off to a promising start. Throughout the day, however, protester numbers remained relatively low, not because Iraqis are now suddenly content, but because they do not wish to be instrumentalized in the ongoing power struggle, as was made abundantly clear by many of those who took to the streets in 2019. It must be said that, last Saturday, the Iraqi security forces demonstrated great restraint in their response, adhering strictly to given orders.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“And we have not seen the end of it yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra witnessed intense fighting, while smaller incidents were reported in other southern governorates. On Saturday, 1 October, we remembered the victims of the Tishreen demonstrations. Three years ago, as Council members will recall, Iraqis took to the streets to protest a lack of political, economic and social prospects. It was a mobilization on an unprecedented scale, and it turned into a tragedy. Several hundred Iraqis died, and many more were severely injured, abducted, threatened or intimidated. As a result of the protests, the previous Government stepped down, and early elections were held a year ago. In other words — and I have said it often — last year’s elections were extremely hard-earned.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“And while one would expect that recent events would have served as a wake-up call, the harsh reality is that, to date, intra-Shia strife has not abated, and neither have Kurdish parties come closer to agreeing on a presidential candidate. Therefore, where do we stand now? The situation remains highly volatile. After more than two months of paralysis, Parliament resumed its sessions last Wednesday, 28 September, amid very tight security measures. Those measures, however, did not prevent further incidents, including a number of indirect-fire projectile impacts as well as clashes between protesters and security forces. To be clear: there is zero justification for violence. Yet in this instance again, many were injured — 11 civilians and more than 120 members of the Iraqi security forces, all sons of the country.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Supporters of political parties, many of whom carry weapons, got increasingly worked up. And one did not need a crystal ball to see where that could lead. Meanwhile, the ordinary Iraqi citizen was being held hostage to an unpredictable and untenable situation — a dire one that culminated on Monday, 29 August when the country stood on the brink of total chaos. Political tensions degenerated into armed clashes in the heart of the capital and elsewhere. The sad result was dozens of people killed and hundreds wounded. Those tragic developments are indisputably the result of the inability of Iraq’s political class to cast the die. In other words, actors across the spectrum failed to place the national interest first. They left the country in a prolonged impasse, further fuelling already simmering anger.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: Calls for Iraq’s leaders to overcome their differences and form a Government have abounded since elections were held a year ago. Over the past 12 months, we underlined time and again the importance of maintaining calm, dialogue, constitutional compliance, respect for democratic principles, the unimpeded working of State institutions and a functioning Government to effectively address the legitimate demands for better public services, jobs, security, an end to corruption, and justice and accountability, to name but a few elements. But regretfully, discord and power play prevailed over a sense of common duty. And as a direct result of protracted political inaction, Iraq experienced some very critical and dangerous hours. With protests and counter-protests being staged, tensions were on the rise for months.”
2022-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9145 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, as I said many times in past years, Iraq rightfully rejects the notion that it can be treated as an arena for external and regional rivalries, where neighbours, and any other actor for that matter, violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity routinely and with impunity. Indeed, it is of the greatest importance that all attacks on Iraqi territory cease. Such aggression not only recklessly heightens national and regional tensions, but also causes, as we saw, grave human tragedies.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“This horrific attack on a well-known and clearly identifiable tourist site demonstrates a shocking disregard for civilian life and for the universally accepted standards of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which seek to protect civilians. While all parties to any conflict must take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians at all times, that was clearly not adhered to. In my conversation with Iraq’s Prime Minister yesterday, he once again emphasized the importance of a transparent and thorough investigation, independent or jointly. He said that it was vital to put a stop to speculation, denials, misunderstandings and rising tensions. Meanwhile, I understand that Türkiye is also ready to address the issue jointly with Iraq in order to determine exactly what happened.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“He also stated that the Foreign Ministry had submitted 296 memoranda of protest against Türkish interference since 2018. During the same meeting, the parliamentary Security and Defence Committee recommended the expulsion of PKK elements from Iraq, the withdrawal of all Türkish forces, the redeployment of federal forces along the border with Türkiye, the abolition of any security agreements with Türkiye and a review of the defence budget to enhance its military capabilities. In essence: while no one wishes for further escalation, Iraq demands that Türkiye withdraw its forces from all Iraqi lands and calls for an investigation.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“On 21 July, Iraqi leaders from across the political spectrum held a high-level meeting and issued a joint statement condemning the Türkish attack and supporting the procedures for international complaints. On 23 July, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi met with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. In the joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides expressed their strong condemnation of the Türkish aggression on Iraqi territory. Also on 23 July, the Council of Representatives convened to discuss the incident in the presence of the Foreign and Defence Ministers, the Army Chief of Staff and the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations. In his presentation to Parliament, the Foreign Minister noted that more than 22,700 Türkish violations of Iraqi sovereignty had been recorded since 2018.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“In response to the tragic events, Iraq’s National Security Council held an emergency session the same day. That Council strongly condemned the Türkish attack and rejected the use of Iraqi territory as a base to attack neighbouring countries and settle accounts. Among other directives issued, the Foreign Minister was tasked with preparing an integrated file on the repeated Türkish attacks against Iraq, as well as to summon the Türkish Ambassador and recall the Iraqi Chargé d’affaires from Ankara, without sending a new ambassador to Türkiye. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs noted that Iraq’s Government would resort to the highest levels of diplomatic response, including the Security Council.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“In the meantime, the Türkish Foreign Ministry issued a press release, stating: “Türkiye is against all kinds of attacks targeting civilians, that it is ready to take all steps to reveal the truth, calling on Iraqi Government officials not to make statements under the influence of the rhetoric and propaganda of the treacherous terrorist organization and to cooperate in bringing the real perpetrators of that tragic incident to light.” The next day, on social media, the Türkish Embassy in Baghdad stated: “We join our condolences for our Iraqi brothers who were martyred at the hands of the [Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)] terrorist organization.” Meanwhile, also on 20 July, the PKK issued a statement denying presence in the area, blaming Türkiye for the attack.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“However, the next rounds hit the centre of the resort, killing, as I said, nine civilians, including three children, one of whom was a 1-year-old infant, and injuring 33. Eleven of the injured have reportedly undergone surgery, and three remain in critical condition. Immediately following the attack, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi established a committee. The same day, that committee visited the site of the attack to witness the devastation, collect evidence and engage with witnesses and local authorities. Based on its assessment of the evidence collected, the Government of Iraq, in the clearest terms attributed the tragic events to Türkish armed forces.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to provide an update on recent tragic events in the Zakho district of the Dohuk governorate, which resulted in the loss of nine civilian lives and the injuring of 33 others. In my most recent briefing to the Council (see S/PV.9034), I questioned — and not for the first time — the use of shelling and missiles as the new normal for Iraq, warning that that was a very risky way to advance interests, and one that further weakens the State of Iraq. Here is what we know so far. In the early afternoon of 20 July, five artillery rounds struck the Parkha resort. The resort is a well-known tourist destination and, as would be expected at this time of year, it was packed with visitors, including children. The first round impacted on an unpopulated hillside overlooking Parkha.”
2022-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9100 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: It is not at all my intention to disappoint any member of the Security Council. I was trying to say that desertification is a central concern. Desertification is a consequence of climate change, but not only climate change. It is also a consequence of reduced water flows and insufficient infrastructure. If I am now asked to give the footnotes on the scientific evidence, I will have to get back to the Council member, but I am also happy to invite him to Baghdad and to come with me to the Ministry, because it will be able to provide a very thorough presentation with all the evidence that there is.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“I also explained that water flows are actively being reduced by neighbouring countries, and I added that potable water and irrigation infrastructure and maintenance are significantly lagging behind in Iraq. Once again, I underlined that desertification is a central concern, that dust and sandstorms are really massive, and what we will need to see in Iraq, as well as in the region, is a national regional programme of action to understand and tackle the root causes, monitor, protect, prepare, establish early warning, and so on. But we cannot deny that there is desertification. It is a fact of life, and lately I have experienced it on a weekly basis.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: In addition to what has been clearly explained by the Permanent Representative of Iraq, I would just like to refer to my briefing in February (see S/PV.8975). In that briefing I spoke about water scarcity in the region, not just as a threat on the horizon, but as a present danger. In that briefing, I mentioned the immediate threats of the salinization of water and soils and desertification and disappearance of arable lands. In my briefing today I again underlined desertification as a central concern. In February, I added that much of the scarcity of water can be explained by climate change, but not only climate change.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“A sincere, collective and urgent will to resolve political differences must now prevail for the country to move forward and meet the needs of its citizens.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“In recent months, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence has stepped up efforts to reach new witnesses through broadcasts, the media and consular and diplomatic channels worldwide. As a result, at least two potential new witnesses have come forward during this period, confirming that broadcasts with a wide geographic reach can be helpful in eliciting information. That demonstrates that investing efforts in obtaining new witness information and insisting on acquiring satellite-imagery analysis from relevant Member States are essential to bringing this crucial and sensitive file to a close. I will conclude my remarks by underlining once more the importance of overcoming the political stalemate. Significant domestic vulnerabilities are being compounded by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and global geopolitical tensions.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“I have to say international observers have been deployed for less. Clashes have again erupted in recent weeks. That sadly made Sinjari families pack their belongings again and find their way back to the Kurdistan region to seek shelter. So let me reiterate: Sinjaris’ safety and security should be front and centre at all times. They deserve peace under the authority of the State. Domestic and external spoilers have no place in Sinjar. Baghdad and Erbil must assume their responsibility and urgently work together with only one objective: to improve the lives of people on the ground and promote the voluntary, dignified return of displaced persons to their homes. I would like to say a few words on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“While some of that can be traced back to 2014 as Da’esh kicked off its atrocities, eight years later, it is time to acknowledge that, yes, mistakes have been made in the past, but Sinjar is part of the State of Iraq. By giving room to external and domestic spoilers, the situation will not get any better. And by now, all stakeholders would do well to acknowledge that fact, notwithstanding their gratitude for the help and assistance received in the past. As Council members know, nobody said that the establishment of stable security and governance structures would be an easy ride. But there is no denying it: the lack of clear-cut coordination and implementation mechanisms, the dominance of partisan interests and the ongoing presence of spoilers significantly hamper meaningful progress.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“The implementation of any agreement, in particular this one, in winning hearts and minds is hard work. A piece of paper alone will not do the job. One needs to be on top of it 24/7, own it, constantly and proactively engage with the communities on the ground, provide explanations and clarify why a decision has been made and why it benefits the Sinjaris in the medium to long term. With that being said, significant divides and the fragmentation of local communities are also a fact of life in Sinjar, making things even more challenging. And within that context, it is also important to note that Sinjar has increasingly turned into an arena for external and domestic spoilers.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Not all people who joined other forces in the past can simply be painted with the same brush. It must be understood that some of them, absent the authority of the State, simply opted for a safety net, an identity and an income to provide for their families. We have also called on both Baghdad and Erbil to reach out to the people of Sinjar and open their arms to all Sinjaris. Meanwhile, critics of the Sinjar Agreement have continued emphasizing the lack of consultations with local communities. While no one dismisses good advice — and certainly not the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq — I have to say that local consultations have taken place and continue to take place. At the same time, it is true that both Baghdad and Erbil could and should step up their outreach at the grass-roots level.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“At the time, I expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a new chapter for Sinjar in which the needs of the Sinjari people would come first; that it would help displaced people return to their homes; and that it would accelerate reconstruction and improve public service delivery. But for that to happen, stable governance and security structures are, of course, prerequisites. Ever since the agreement was signed, I have called for its speedy implementation. Well, clearly, the opposite is true. To date, there is no agreement on the selection of a new independent mayor, and funds for a new local security force remain blocked, possibly owing to interference into unclear recruitment procedures. Concerning the recruitment procedures, I once again emphasize the importance of pragmatism and realism.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Let me also emphasize that Iraq does not need self-proclaimed armed arbiters. I once again underline the great importance of asserting the State’s authority. If the perpetrators are known, call them out. That is essential to upholding the rule of law. Concerning the ever-pressing question of Sinjar, as we know all too well, Sinjar’s recent history has witnessed horrific ordeals culminating in the heinous crimes committed by Da’esh. Today, while locals urgently need to rebuild their lives, they continue to face unconscionable obstacles owing to discord on security arrangements, public service provisions and a unified Administration. The Sinjar Agreement, signed by Baghdad and Erbil in October 2020, was seen by many as a glimmer of hope — a very first but important step in the right direction.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“What are we therefore looking at — cross-border shelling and missiles as the new normal for Iraq? That is a very risky way to advance interests, which further weakens the State of Iraq. Needless to say, any country or actor seeking to settle a dispute has established diplomatic instruments, including our good offices, at their disposal. With regard to Iraq’s very own armed actors operating outside State control, the reckless firing of rockets, including at an oil refinery in Erbil some two weeks ago, remains alarming and unjustifiable. Those attacks seek to undermine Iraq’s security and stability within an already extremely volatile politically charged post-electoral environment. The fact is that messaging by rockets and missile diplomacy are reckless acts with potentially devastating consequences.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“With the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming responsibility for up to 12 short-range ballistic missiles launched in the early hours of Sunday, 13 March, another worrisome chapter was opened. While the IRGC described the targeted location in Erbil as “the strategic centre for conspiracy and evil acts of the Zionists”, no evidence for such claims was found. The targeted site is known as a civilian area and a private compound. Although both sides — Iraq and Iran — are currently engaged in dialogue and do not wish to escalate the issue, Iraq rightfully rejects the notion that it can be treated as the region’s backyard, with routine violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Another case in point is the ongoing Turkish and Iranian shelling activities in the north.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“With the Kurdistan Region elections scheduled for 1 October later this year, it is of the utmost importance to level the electoral playing field, with all political actors, big or small, enjoying equal opportunities, while promoting a conducive electoral environment. Additionally, I can only underline that geography does not always play to the Kurdistan Region’s advantage. In other words, its unique geopolitical circumstances alone should be enough to give its leaders pause. Of course, that goes for the whole of Iraq as well. As I have said on countless occasions, whether we like it or not, a weak domestic home front only creates a welcoming environment for continued external interference. On a related note, let me also comment on incoming missiles and rockets, which are disturbing, disruptive and dangerous.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“In my remarks, I outlined the toxicity of political infighting and factionalism. I emphasized the importance of unity, not to be confused with uniformity. I spoke candidly about the need to move away from the yellow and green divide and the responsibility of leaders to guide outreach and to bring together opposing interests to focus on solutions that represent the interests of all peoples living in the Kurdistan Region, be it Erbil, Dohuk or Sulaymaniyah. However, one year later, that promising event seems to have gained zero traction. On the contrary, divisions have deepened, with adverse effects on the peoples of the Kurdistan Region. Without repeating my remarks of more than a year ago — but it must be clear — the Kurdistan Region has a choice.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“As I said previously (see S/PV.8975), a spirit of partnership and cooperation can and must guide all stakeholders, including with regard to the recent Federal Supreme Court ruling on the Kurdistan Regional Government oil and gas law. Having engaged with both sides on the matter, I am convinced that there is a way out. However — and there is no denying it — events in the past have gravely eroded mutual trust. It will therefore prove essential to build confidence, including by pledging to refrain from politically motivated, unilateral actions in future. I will now zoom in on the political situation within the Kurdistan Region. In May 2021, I participated in an event at the University of Kurdistan, a promising event with all Kurdistan Region political parties present.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Iraqi political inaction once again comes at a huge price, not in the short term for those in power, but for those desperately trying to make ends meet on a daily basis. I will make a few more specific observations, beginning with relations between Baghdad and Erbil. The sorry pattern of ad hoc negotiations continues to prevail instead of what is critically needed: an institutionalized, predictable mechanism for the comprehensive, holistic and durable resolution of all outstanding issues. While that is evidently necessary, such a mechanism continues to be plainly missing, and that deficiency is sadly coupled with internal rivalries on both sides as well.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“It is therefore high time — and, yes, I am repeating myself — to return the spotlight on where it must be, namely, the people of Iraq and a programme of action that provides adequate service delivery to all citizens; an end to pervasive corruption, factionalism and the pillaging of State institutions; the implementation of desperately needed reforms; the diversification of the economy; predictable governance instead of constant crisis management; an end to impunity, with accountability as a key feature of the State; and, of course, reining in non-State armed actors while asserting the State’s authority. Over the past three years, the Council has heard me make these points numerous times, and one thing remains clear: the neglect of the population’s most basic needs has gone on for far too long.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“It excuses a political deadlock while non-State armed groups fire rockets with apparent freedom and impunity. It excuses a political stalemate while ordinary people suffer. It excuses a political impasse while simmering public anger can boil over at any moment. My question therefore is: what will it take to realize that this situation is completely untenable? To date, political leaders subscribe to the notion of dialogue or another round of negotiations, but the necessary willingness to compromise is painfully absent. If one visits any market, Iraqis will say that the national interest is yet again taking a back seat to short- sighted considerations of control over resources and power play.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Such storms are expected only to become more frequent. In other words, continued inaction, also here, comes at enormous costs. Having said that, those storms are not the only concern for the people in Iraq. Iraqis continue to wait for a political class that, instead of being content with stale power battles, will roll up its sleeves to make headway on Iraq’s long list of outstanding domestic priorities. As the Council knows, national elections took place well over seven months ago, and multiple deadlines for the formation of a Government have been missed. It is true that Iraq is not the only country facing a protracted Government formation process. But Iraq’s political leaders would do well not to hide behind that argument. It distracts from what is at stake.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert: Our briefing today will hit many all-too-familiar notes, as notorious aspects of Iraqi political life are repeating themselves in a seemingly incessant loop of zero-sum politics. But before delving into that, I would like to share some impressions of the recent and ongoing wave of massive dust- and sandstorms hitting Iraq. While a dust- or sandstorm as such is not a new phenomenon for the country, the current wave far exceeds Iraq’s experiences in recent years. Briefing the Security Council in February (see S/PV.8975), I spoke about the dangers of climate change and its effects, with desertification as a central concern. Ever since, Iraq has been battered by intense dust- and sandstorms, which obscure the sky and send people running for shelter, even resulting in sickness and death.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“It is urgent for Iraq’s political leaders to overcome divisions, set aside partisanship and bury personal vendettas. Iraq truly has immense potential. If only that potential were fulfilled, how bright Iraq’s future could be.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source
“Turning now to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, on 16 February the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq facilitated the return, from Kuwait back to Iraq, the last six sets of human remains that were determined not to be part of the Kuwait or Saudi Arabia lists of missing persons. With that transfer, the identification process of all human remains discovered in Samawah, in Muthanna governorate, in 2019 and 2020 has been concluded. As I have stressed before, it is imperative for the Government of Iraq not to lose that momentum, but instead to take advantage of the experience gained so far and move towards the overall conclusion of this important humanitarian file. In conclusion, let me reiterate the importance of a sense of urgency.”
2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source