YouSaid · the spoken record

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

lines on the record: 78
first: 2020-05-12
most recent: 2021-05-11
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“A trusted electoral process, with free and wide-ranging participation, can help steer the country towards the safe and prosperous future Iraqis deserve. The way to express one’s voice, to make one’s choice, is at the ballot box. This essential democratic exercise requires every voter, candidate, journalist and activist to play her part. Boycotting elections, and thus staying outside the electoral process, is risky business and potentially comes at a high cost. Now, as the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, I would like to end by conveying my best wishes to all those celebrating despite the restrictions.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Additionally, the remains of an Iraqi soldier were handed over by Kuwait to Iraq, in the first transfer of its kind since 2013. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families of the missing persons, who have long awaited information about the fate of their loved ones. Despite coronavirus disease-related challenges, the persistent efforts by the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tripartite Commission have collectively yielded progress. And it is my sincere hope that this cooperation will yield further positive advancements in the months to come. Allow me, in closing, to emphasize once again the importance of credible elections. At this critical juncture, transparency and the rule of law must prevail.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Families are rejected by home communities, denied protection by local authorities, stranded by security escorts en route, and even physically attacked. This is certainly not the path towards recovered and stabilized communities. The position of the United Nations remains unchanged. We fully understand and support the goal of the Iraqi authorities to end displacement. However, durable solutions must be in place to succeed in doing so. In other words, the focus must be on solving displacement rather than closing camps. On the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, the human remains of an additional eight Kuwaiti missing persons and one third-country national were identified since I last briefed this Council (see S/2021/152).”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“But to truly succeed, and at the risk of repeating myself, this should go hand in hand with concrete actions focused on bringing all arms under State control. More broadly, I would like to call, once again, for all parties to respect the principles of State sovereignty and territorial integrity. Turning to the humanitarian situation, over the past seven months, 16 camps have been closed or reclassified, affecting around 50,000 Iraqis. These closures, often carried out at short notice, did not always permit the necessary preparations for families to safely return to areas of origin. Needless to say, when camps are closed before return conditions are appropriate, Iraqis face dire consequences.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Also of grave concern is the fact that rockets and improvised explosive devices remain a constant in Iraqi life. Cynical and callous armed entities continue to seek to destabilize the country. And despite the Government’s objective of bringing all arms under State control, we are witnessing the use of new capabilities by non-State actors, with potentially devastating effects. Now, on the regional/international front, as I have said many times, the Iraqi Government is deeply committed to playing a constructive regional role rather than falling victim to external tensions. We are seeing early signs that this commitment is paying off. And yes, Iraq has great potential to operate as an honest broker, promoting peace and stability in the region.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Here too, the absence of an institutionalized dialogue and implementation mechanism between Baghdad and Erbil is being negatively felt, fuelling misperceptions and distrust. One brighter development is the passing of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law. The provision of reparations to survivors and the legal recognition of the atrocities against women and girls of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity further underscore the need to hold the perpetrators accountable for the crimes they committed. With regard to security, progress is being made in combatting the remnants of ISIL, with international support at the request of Iraq, but terrorism continues to claim far too many innocent lives.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“With regard to Kirkuk, I note that, for two years now, we have been facilitating dialogue between representatives of the components of Kirkuk. An agreement, however, has still not been reached. I would like to use this opportunity to urge all stakeholders to spare no effort and to conclude a fair agreement without further delay. The people of Kirkuk deserve to live in stable and prosperous conditions. With regard to Sinjar, representatives of the federal and Kurdistan Regional Governments are engaged in discussions around the security provisions in the agreement reached last October. These provisions have not yet been implemented, hindering progress on administration and reconstruction.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Now, this climate of continued impunity for serious crimes and human rights violations, such as targeted killings, abductions and intimidation, can only embolden perpetrators, further eroding trust in the State and raising serious concerns ahead of the October elections. Different, but also worrisome, are the developments in the Kurdistan region over the past year. These developments give rise to concern about the active curtailment of free expression. Critics of public authorities have risked not only intimidation, movement restrictions and arbitrary arrest, but some were also charged with defamation, and others, more recently, were prosecuted under national security laws. Let me say some words on Kirkuk and Sinjar.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, to avoid any misunderstanding, let me underline once again that the October elections are and will remain at all times Iraqi-owned and Iraqi-led, which means that the Iraqi authorities and stakeholders bear the full and ultimate responsibility. As I have stated many times, accountability for serious crimes and human rights violations remains limited — very, very limited. Despite public statements expressing intent to ensure accountability and the establishment of investigative committees, there have been few prosecutions for the killing and serious injury of protestors. No information has been made public on the patterns of violent attacks against demonstrators and critics, attributed to so-called “unidentified armed actors”.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Political pressure or interference, intimidation and illicit financial flows are all extremely harmful to the credibility of elections, and therefore to turnout. And as I also said before, candidates, campaigners, the media and voters must be free to exercise their democratic rights before, during and after the election. For elections to be trusted, disinformation must be combated with facts, and intimidation must be replaced with accountability. The people of Iraq spoke loudly and clearly when they demanded these elections; too many of them had to pay the ultimate price. Now is therefore not the time to let them down. The failure to hold credible elections would cause significant, lasting, widespread anger and disillusionment, which in turn could further destabilize the country at a time when strength and unity are desperately needed.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“On a separate note, the recent efforts of the Kurdish presidency aimed at seeking to build greater Kurdish unity are encouraging. A federation is only as strong as the bonds between its components, and these bonds are strengthened by community reconciliation and cohesion. Turning to elections, as I mentioned at the outset of my briefing, we are mere months away from a milestone in the brief history of Iraq’s young democracy. I am pleased to note that all necessary laws have now been adopted, including the Federal Supreme Court law. Our technical support for the Independent High Electoral Commission, is ongoing, and we remain committed to assisting Iraq in delivering these elections. Having said that, I reiterate my call to all Iraqi stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The world is watching.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“However, as elsewhere, the devil is in the details, given that ambiguous wording opens the door to divergent interpretations and mutual accusations of non-compliance. That bodes ill for the future of Baghdad-Erbil relations. It is also worrisome in the context of the upcoming elections, since disagreements could easily be exploited to amplify divisions. It is my hope that the Kurdish calls for stepped-up United Nations mediation will bear fruit. However, for that to happen, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq needs the buy-in of the federal authorities as well. One thing is clear: the all- important Baghdad-Erbil relationship urgently requires sustained, strategic dialogue as well as clear-cut implementation mechanisms. I have to admit that my experiences thus far do not lend themselves to optimism in this regard.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“In other words, the return on investment must benefit the Iraqi people and not illicitly flow into private pockets. Turning to the vital relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, as Council members have heard me say before, we remain in ad hoc compromise mode. Despite some intermittent successes in the form of one or two specific agreements, we are still in dire need of a long-term, constitutional way forward. Parties continue to express their willingness to come to the table, but in the absence of institutionalized, regular, structured dialogue, sustainable progress will remain elusive. As a case in point, the budget I was just referring to includes a deal on revenue-sharing between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, which was reached following lengthy negotiations.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Looking beyond COVID-19, the economic outlook will depend on both structural reform and the oil markets. Needless to say, only one of these elements is in Iraq’s control. Simply put, a continued dependency on oil is not a solid strategy; in fact, such a strategy is far from solid. On this note, modest — indeed, minimal — progress can be reported on the implementation of Iraq’s recent economic white paper. The Ministry of Finance has been disbursing quick loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises, and some private sector investment is taking place in the infrastructure, health-care, education and tourism sectors. But one cannot overemphasize the importance of tangible results for the population. Further, one cannot overstate the need for transparency, good governance and integrity in achieving these results.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“With regard to economics and finance, on 31 March, after months of intense political negotiations, the Council of Representatives approved — at long last — the federal budget law for 2021. While any budget is a work involving compromise, we do note that efforts to control public spending and invest in the private sector were thwarted as the budget law underwent parliamentary revision. It is also a matter of concern that the budget remains heavily reliant on the oil sector, which accounts for roughly 80 per cent of Government revenues under the 2021 projections. Although oil prices have since risen, volatility in 2020 wreaked havoc on the country’s gross domestic product, turning surpluses into deficits and putting pressure on public debt and foreign currency reserves.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“At the same time, like many other countries, Iraq is struggling, with a recent large spike in cases nationwide. An increase in oil prices has provided some budgetary breathing room, yet the economy remains in dire need of structural reform. And while Iraqi leaders call for stability as a prerequisite for progress, violent attacks against both civilian and military targets continue with troubling regularity. These are but a few examples of the daily struggle in Iraq. As we speak, and for the second year in a row, Iraqis have had to mark Ramadan, and will soon celebrate Eid, while observing safety measures that are as restrictive as they are necessary. I would like to take this opportunity to again express my sincere condolences to those who lost friends and family members in the tragic fire at Ibn al-Khatib hospital in Baghdad last month.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“We are now five months away from the all-important national elections, which are scheduled to take place on 10 October. These elections were a central demand of the protest movement. However, many of members of the protest movement continue to be persecuted with rampant impunity. The assassination of prominent activist Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni just two days ago, by unidentified gunmen in front of his house in Karbala, is yet another tragic example of this. Now, they may think they have silenced a voice. The truth is that they have only amplified it. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and all of those who have lost friends and family in the fight to have their voices heard. The promise of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recovery is in sight, with the beginnings of a vaccination campaign.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“I call on all partners to seize the momentum of the recent progress to further advance the search for missing persons. In conclusion, allow me to reassert that credible elections require the collective effort and commitment of all Iraqis. For the elections to be trusted, unfounded theories must be disproved, baseless accusations refuted and intimidation replaced with accountability. Transparency must rule, and loyalties cannot be for sale. In this all-important election year, I am hopeful that Iraqis can continue to count on the Council’s steadfast support and solidarity.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“I will now turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Despite the continued restrictions on movement, the Tripartite Commission and the Technical Subcommittee successfully held semi-remote meetings. The Commission confirmed the formal closure of case files for 20 Kuwaiti missing persons. That is significant progress 16 years after the last identification. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, who waited three decades for that conclusion. The sustained investigative work of the Iraqi Defence Ministry exemplifies Iraq’s commitment to that file. The long-standing cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait, with strong support from the Tripartite Commission and the International Committee of the Red Cross, is clearly bearing fruit.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Like any nation, Iraq has a responsibility to take back its citizens, starting with the humanitarian cases. Many promises have been made, and it is truly time to live up to them. Again, non-ISIL-affiliated humanitarian cases must urgently be tackled, without excuses. With regard to Sinjar, as I have said before, signing off on the October agreement was just a very first step. Visiting Sinjar last month, I again had an opportunity to engage with Sinjari representatives and officials. One thing is clear: much work lies ahead. Spoilers, domestic and external, continue to confuse the scene. I would therefore yet again like to stress the importance of establishing stable security structures without further delay, followed by a unified administration. There is undoubtedly a pressing need to do more, in unity and at a faster pace.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Today I can only repeat myself: the haste and the opacity surrounding camp closure decisions are of great concern to many. Once again, I would like to warn against decisions that could easily precipitate another crisis. To cut a long story short, closing camps cannot be an objective in and of itself. Instead, the focus must be on safe and dignified measures to solve displacement. We accordingly urge the Iraqi authorities to rapidly adopt and roll out their national plan for durable solutions. On a separate but related note, I would also like to remind the authorities of the approximately 30,000 Iraqis residing in the Al-Hol camp, in Syria, including a number of non-ISIL-affiliated Iraqi humanitarian cases. As we all know, the Al-Hol camp continues to be a ticking time bomb. If it goes off, the impact will be immense.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Once again, reckless attempts to inflame tensions, such as last night’s rocket attack on Erbil, pose grave threats to Iraq’s stability. Turning now to the humanitarian situation, when I last briefed the Security Council the Iraqi Government had recently renewed its efforts to close camps for internally displaced Iraqis, many of them women and children. Camp closures have been ongoing for the past three months, and the possibility of further closures is imminent. In November, members heard me affirm our understanding of the Iraqi interest in ending displacement, but I also emphasized that such closures should not lead to unwanted outcomes, such as secondary displacement, or people returning to areas without sufficient shelter or basic services. However, as we speak, that is unfortunately happening.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Of course, strengthening safety and security is as much about addressing the root causes of extremism as it is about the immediate ability to respond to threats on the ground. Despite operating in a uniquely complex geopolitical context, Iraqi leaders continue to maintain open relations in the service of a foreign policy that emphasizes the sovereignty of Iraq. As Council members have heard me underline before, the centrality of Iraq to regional stability cannot be overstated. Iraq must build its domestic resilience and be shielded from rivalries. That responsibility, of course, is shared first and foremost by the Iraqis themselves, but also by regional stakeholders and the international community as a whole.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, transparency, justice and accountability continue to remain largely absent throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan region, particularly when it comes to the repression of public protests. If that does not change, sooner or later public anger will erupt yet again. With regard to armed groups, spoilers and the security and penal environment, although Iraqis marked the third anniversary of the territorial defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) this past December, the heinous suicide attacks on a market in Baghdad, which killed at least 30 people and injured more than 100, painfully demonstrated that violent extremism has not been vanquished. They were a callous act of cowardice and a stark reminder that Iraq cannot rest on its laurels.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Credible elections require collective, concerted, timely and transparent efforts, with all parties, authorities and stakeholders assuming their respective responsibilities in the service of the Iraqi people. I must say that, after weeks of confusing declarations, I am encouraged by the very recent statements made by some senior Iraqi political leaders, clearly emphasizing the importance of credible elections and calling for the unity of the State and the nation, with an inclusive national identity. Turning to politics and domestic and social issues, on the pressing need for greater transparency, justice and accountability, let me clearly state that repression, violations of fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, enforced disappearances and targeted killings, have no place in a democracy.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“As I address the Council, I would also like to underline that, no matter what the Council’s response is, the elections will be Iraqi-led and Iraqi-owned at all times. I sincerely hope that all of Iraq’s political leadership truly takes that to heart. Equally important, yet not always fully understood, is the fact that the United Nations does not take sides. Our independence and impartiality define us. I have come to realize that facts do not always prevail. On the contrary, sometimes facts are easily overtaken by perceptions, which, in turn, can morph into false, even dangerous, but accepted realities. As I said last time, misinformation and conspiracies are poisonous.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“In that regard, the recent incidents are highly troubling, to say the least. With that in mind, I call on all parties, stakeholders and authorities to come together, agree on a code of conduct and allow all Iraqi candidates to operate freely, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, language, religion, belief or background. Any Iraqi who wishes to participate in the elections as a candidate or a campaigner must be able to do so without fear of intimidation, attack, abduction or assassination. It goes without saying that voters must feel entirely free to choose their preferred candidates. A request from the Government of Iraq for electoral observation is currently before the Security Council. I understand that a decision has not yet been made, but I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of obtaining clarity.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Turning to the electoral calendar, the Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Independent High Electoral Commission, decided on a new date for Iraq’s elections — 10 October 2021 — four months later than originally planned. Meanwhile, Parliament passed the legislation necessary to finance the elections, and the countrywide registration of candidates and alliances, as well as voter registration updates, are under way. However, Parliament has not yet finalized the outstanding Federal Supreme Court law. As the Court certifies election results, further delays cannot be accepted. I would like to urge all parties to proceed immediately; failure to do so will not be understood. For credible elections to take place, it is imperative that parties and candidates operate in a free and safe environment. The same goes for members of the media.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Those who followed the recent budgetary negotiations closely will have realized that the negotiations were not just centred on technical questions, such as barrels per day. They were also inherently political — about deeper misgivings and mistrust. Given the abundant lessons that Iraq’s history offers, many consider the current state of affairs particularly disappointing. Let me again emphasize that a positive, stable relationship between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan region is absolutely essential to the stability of the whole country. And, of course, enhancing and strengthening Iraq’s federal system require concessions on both sides and practising what one preaches. It requires the responsible use of moderate language by all.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“I repeat: a dependence on volatile commodity prices is no strategy at all and, ultimately, it can only backfire. On the budget and relations between Baghdad and Erbil, agreement on the 2021 budget law requires reconciliation and compromise between Baghdad and Erbil. In that context, I regret to again report that a final, durable agreement on budgetary and larger issues remains elusive. The harsh reality is that constructive negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil continue to be hampered by laws missing since 2005, for instance on oil and revenue sharing. Other areas of contention also include the disputed territories. To date, no agenda or timetable has been set to address those outstanding issues.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“However, unfortunately, very little progress has been made on the implementation of much-needed reform measures, as described in last year’s economic white paper. It therefore bears repeating that Iraq can afford neither continued dependence on resource extraction nor the excessive burden of an outsized public sector. As always, the fight against economic and political corruption, the promotion of robust governance, transparency and accountability must all be the watchwords accompanying such reform. As I have consistently pointed out in the past, numerous opportunities for meaningful and necessary reforms have been wasted since 2003. It is past time to prioritize sustainable economic diversification as well as the development of a value- adding, employment-generating private sector.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“As I pointed out in my most recent briefing to the Security Council (S/2020/1144, annex I), the impact of the multiple, interlinked crises afflicting Iraq will be lasting. Decisive and concerted action is therefore all the more urgent. Regarding the economy, Iraq continues to experience acute financial and economic difficulties, as reflected by the exceptional devaluation of the Iraqi dinar by more than 20 per cent in late December. Nevertheless, a nearly 40 per cent increase in oil revenues since November 2020 has eased the liquidity crisis, providing some breathing room for the Government. The projected continued increase in oil prices is expected to allow the Government to move forward on pressing matters, such as public service delivery and civil servant salaries.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Allow me to begin by condemning last night’s deadly rocket attack on Erbil. Such reckless attempts to inflame tensions pose grave threats to Iraq’s stability. Close collaboration between Baghdad and Erbil in order to bring the culprits to justice is now of the greatest importance. With regard to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, we have welcomed a new year in which Iraqis hope to turn the page on a number of fronts: recovery from the pandemic, elections, economic reform, strengthening the rule of law and delivering a more secure environment for all. While 2021 presents many opportunities for profound, positive change in those and other areas, much work remains to be done.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“Another important development took place two days ago. The Kuwaiti authorities publicly confirmed the identification of the human remains of seven persons as Kuwaiti missing nationals, thereby hopefully bringing some closure to their families. In conclusion, I would like to call for continued solidarity with the people of Iraq. Of course, with the ongoing global pandemic, the many challenges faced by all nations are well understood, and it may be easy to lose sight of Iraqis’ hopes and dreams at this critical juncture in their modern history. But if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that local problems hardly ever remain local, and that domestic trouble rapidly translates into trouble abroad. In other words, the continued support of the Council is vital and much appreciated.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“As I emphasized to all stakeholders and Sinjari representatives during a joint meeting in Mosul last week, swift, decisive and well-coordinated implementation will now prove essential. Stable security structures are the number-one priority, followed by a unified administration. I will now turn to the issue of missing Kuwaiti, third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Despite the difficult circumstances imposed by the pandemic, I am pleased to report that, under the aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross with the assistance of UNAMI, on 16 September the Government of Iraq handed over to Kuwait the remains of 20 persons exhumed from a mass grave site in southern Iraq last January. That step marks Iraq’s continuous commitment to bring the humanitarian file to a close.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In coordination with the Iraqi authorities, we continue our work on a joint durable solutions plan, while at the same time extending life-saving services to internally displaced persons, who are unable to find safe and affordable accommodation.With regard to Sinjar, a hard-won agreement was signed between Baghdad and Erbil in early October. It is an important agreement, as it could pave the way for a new chapter for Sinjar and all Sinjaris. It represents a chapter in which the interests of the Sinjari people will come first, reconstruction will be accelerated, public service delivery will be improved and displaced Sinjaris will be able to return home. Admittedly, signing off on such an agreement is just a very first step.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“The desire of the Iraqi Government to rapidly resolve internal displacement is both understandable and justified. However, in the absence of sufficient durable solutions, serious concerns around the planning and implementation of camp closures and consolidation have come to the fore in recent weeks. While we fully understand that the Iraqi authorities are working under tremendous time pressure, it must be clear that camp closures should not lead to another crisis — for instance, in the form of secondary displacement, which is already occurring.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“As I emphasized during my most recent briefing, constructive negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil are hampered by unclear constitutional guidance, and unfortunately that ambiguity is taking a daily toll on the numerous outstanding issues. In the past 15 years, many opportunities to arrive at a clear set of principles, rules and guidelines have been wasted, but agreement must now urgently be found on how to enhance the federal system. It is true that, with many other pressing issues on their plate, Iraq’s leaders and politicians may be tempted to ignore that issue, which would be the easy way out. However, the bitter truth is that, as long as no lasting solutions are found, the relationship will not get any better. The opposite will be the case.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“However, the recent vote in Parliament on the borrowing law has shown us once again how brittle the relationship is. Let us be reminded that it takes two to tango. We expect both parties to keep their side of the bargain. We expect both parties to demonstrate transparency — be it on revenue management or on countless other contentious issues. It should be clear, however, that a Kurdish region public servant is not only a Kurdish region public servant, but also an Iraqi citizen. The payment of public civil servants should be shielded from political disputes. They cannot and should not be collectively victimized. A solution is urgent, and political will to find a way out will once again prove essential.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“It should be understood that any form of misinformation — all kinds of conspiracies and/or a perceived lack of transparency or commitment — could lead to regrettable and most counterproductive miscalculations. Meanwhile, Iraq’s leadership continues to assert its independence and sovereignty, seeking to maintain all channels of communication open, as it builds a foreign policy that serves Iraq’s national interests. The centrality of Iraq in building regional stability is a fact. It also bears repeating that Iraq must be shielded from foreign power rivalries and that Iraqis must be given room to focus on their strength at home. With regard to the relations between Baghdad and Erbil, all of us will agree that a positive and constructive relationship between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan region is key to the stability of the whole country.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“Animated by a patriotic desire to better their country, the people of Iraq, in particular women and the youth, can seize this opportunity to make their voices heard, as voters or as candidates. Let me also use today’s briefing to reaffirm in the clearest of terms that electoral preparations must remain free from political interference at all stages.With regard to domestic and external armed groups and spoilers, while we welcome the decrease in attacks on diplomatic missions in recent weeks, the deplorable rocket attacks on 17 November are another stark reminder of the fact that much work remains to be done, including the hard work of broad, meaningful dialogue. For a variety of reasons, the coming months will be a delicate and crucial period.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“Late last week, the Iraqi Government sent a letter to the Security Council with a request “to obtain more support, technical assistance and electoral observation within the framework of UNAMI support to Iraq”. In a press conference, the Minister for Foreign Affairs explained the request and emphasized the need to rebuild public trust and to promote participation. I wish to underline yet once again that under all circumstances the elections will be Iraqi-owned and Iraqi-led. Indeed, the responsibility for credible elections lies not only with the Iraqi authorities, but with all Iraqi electoral stakeholders, all political actors and all Iraqi citizens, who are called upon to play a greater role in the public sphere.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In my meeting with him in mid-September, His Eminence made it clear that the early elections, if properly conducted, could provide a peaceful path out of the ongoing suffering of the country. His Eminence emphasized the importance of voting freely, without any pressure, and underlined the need for integrity, transparency and observation. I am pleased to report that Parliament recently finalized necessary electoral legislation, and, in line with mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), we are now ramping up our technical assistance. Iraq’s electoral institutional capacity can and must be strengthened. We therefore ask and expect the relevant authorities to step up and think in terms of solutions instead of obstacles.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“As I have done many times before, I also wish to emphasize that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be defended at every turn throughout Iraq. The current drastically reduced levels of violence are indeed encouraging, but Iraq’s reality remains harsh, with enforced disappearances and assassinations continuing to play a part in that reality. In this context, I would like to underline once again the pressing need for justice and accountability. A fact-finding committee has now been activated. However, it has not yet resulted in a swift end to perceived impunity. With regard to the June 2021 elections, I would like to recall the wise words of Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“As I have said before, they are ultimately the best devices in any peace and security toolkit, as they provide lasting solutions to unrest and conflict, building domestic resilience to replace constant crisis management. At the end of the day, domestic resilience is the best defence against any form of external interference. Iraqis recently marked the one-year anniversary of the protests that began in October 2019, which were a powerful expression of solidarity and patriotism by Iraqis who demand justice and wish to build a more stable, prosperous homeland and a moment to remember the brave souls lost. I truly hope that their shared determination to achieve a better future continues to inspire and guide Iraq’s leaders.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In addition, we must constantly be reminded of the fundamental importance of fighting corruption, while preserving fundamental rights in the process. In other words, any effort to reform Iraq’s economy must be accompanied by improved governance and transparency. The prevalence of muhassassa, patronage and clientelism also continues to hinder progress in Iraq. That too must urgently be S/2020/1144 tackled. Otherwise public resources — indeed the hopes and aspirations of the people of Iraq — will continue to be looted. Moreover, the fight against the scourge of corruption and the quest for more sustainable, inclusive forms of economic development and growth and for dignified employment are not just economic necessities.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In the meantime, the Iraqi Government has seen it necessary to resort to borrowing in order to meet its obligations for the remainder of 2020, including for the payment of public-sector salaries. The original borrowing law, as proposed by the Minister of Finance, had a clear objective, which was to create fiscal space to implement reforms — the reforms needed to diversify Iraq’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil; the reforms needed to boost economic opportunities while advancing sustainable development; and the reforms needed to meet the aspirations of the many Iraqis who took to the streets. However, the law, as actually amended and adopted by Parliament, significantly limits the Government’s room for manoeuvre. One therefore must ask whether the ends justify the means.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“To put it a bit more bluntly, we are left wanting on the political game plan. One thing is clear: without broad political consensus to transform the white paper into reality, it risks remaining just words on a page. But let me emphasize that serious, resolute measures to address the ongoing financial and economic crisis cannot wait, not for a day. The Government, Parliament, political parties and others will have to step up to the plate collectively. With elections looming, I can only hope that urgently needed reforms, including some very painful ones, will not be swept under the carpet. That would only worsen Iraq’s situation, and thereby sooner or later fuel social unrest. In other words, I very much hope that political leaders will resist the temptation to use the electoral calendar as a reason not to deliver.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“The economy is projected to contract by nearly 10 per cent this year. The impact of the pandemic has wreaked further havoc on already extremely weak private sector activity, and oil prices continue their extended slump, exerting downward pressure on the gross domestic product and domestic revenue. In mid-October, a long-awaited economic white paper was released. That important document provides a very useful overview of the structural imbalances that characterize the Iraqi economy. It also describes a variety of much-needed reform measures and acknowledges numerous opportunities that have been squandered since 2003. But while very few would dispute the urgency of steering Iraq towards economic recovery and resilience, we are left wanting on how and when that may be achieved.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In my previous briefing to the Security Council (S/2020/845, annex 1), I stated that the Government of Iraq is operating in the eye of multiple storms at once. From the outset, I would like to emphasize that this very much remains the case. Concerning the pandemic and its impact, several distinct, yet interlinked and mutually reinforcing, crises — on the political, security, economic, financial, social and, of course, sanitary fronts — continue to force the hand of the Government, pressing it into a reactive, crisis-management mode. And, while all of us hope for the beginning of a global recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is clear that its devastating effects can unfortunately be expected to last. The financial and economic situation in Iraq remains troubling, to say the least.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source