YouSaid · the spoken record

Kubiš

lines on the record: 502
first: 2003-04-11
most recent: 2021-11-24
sittings or episodes: 34
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

“To help ensure the integrity and credibility of the electoral process and the acceptability of the results, international and domestic observation of the whole process is critical. I urge all Member States and regional organizations to send observation teams, in coordination with Libyan authorities and institutions, notably the High National Elections Commission and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, when the time comes. The Presidency Council has become active in proposing a political dialogue to secure a smooth and peaceful political transition, as well as in considering ways to facilitate the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“At the press conference, the Chair stated that the High National Elections Commission would do everything possible to meet the 24 December timeline. Therefore, it is for the High National Elections Commission to establish a clear electoral calendar to lead the country to elections, with the international community’s support for the efforts of the Government of National Unity and all respective authorities and institutions, and to deliver, to the extent possible, free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, under demanding and challenging conditions and constraints. The international community could help create conditions that are more conducive for the holding of elections by facilitating the start of a gradual withdrawal of foreign elements from Libya without delay.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“1/2021, while the parliamentary elections can be organized on the basis of the existing law, with possible amendments that could be considered and approved within the coming two weeks. The High National Elections Commission has also already received the presidential election law. The High Council of State complained that the law was adopted without consulting the High Council of State. As stated by the Chair of the High National Elections Commission at his press conference on 17 August, the High National Elections Commission was ready to start implementation upon receipt of the electoral legislation. The timeline for implementation would be reconsidered once the parameters defined in the electoral laws were known.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“I would like to stress that the holding of elections in Libya, even in a less-than-ideal situation and with all the imperfections, challenges and risks, is much more desirable than no elections at all, which could only foster division, instability and conflict. As I heard from my interlocutors, that is the opinion of the majority of Libyans, notwithstanding all their valid concerns and fears as well as some contradictions and differences on the way forward. In the meantime, the House of Representatives is in the process of finalizing the electoral law for parliamentary elections. I was informed by the President of the House of Representatives, Mr. Agila Saleh, that the presidential electoral law had already been adopted as law No.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kubiš: Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, and Ireland on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month. We are just over 100 days from 24 December, the date of the parliamentary and presidential elections agreed by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in its road map and mandated by the Security Council in its resolution 2570 (2021). During my recent visit to Libya, I met with or talked to major political actors and some civil-society groups and representatives and urged them to secure an agreement aimed at protecting the electoral path and managing the post-electoral situation.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“I also urge the members of the LPDF, who are to meet by the end of the week, to put their differences aside and come to an agreement on a proposal for the constitutional basis for immediate consideration and adoption by the House of Representatives so that the elections can be held on 24 December. The relevance and effectiveness of those bodies rest on their ability to fulfil their responsibilities and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people. Interest groups, spoilers and armed actors must not be allowed to derail the process, which is aimed at restoring the legitimacy, unity and sovereignty of the Libyan State and its institutions. In that regard, the international community might have a special role in line with resolutions 2570 (2021) and 2571 (2021) to hold the spoilers to account.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“As evidenced since the fall of 2020, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and progress on the political track and the necessary economic reform agenda are interdependent. Positive steps are now needed to avoid backsliding on all tracks. We count on the sustained support of the Security Council and the Berlin process partners in that. I would like to thank a number of Libya’s international partners for supporting the work of UNSMIL and efforts of Libyan partners to further advance the different tracks by graciously hosting their meetings. It is incumbent on Libyan political actors to exert every effort to hold parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December in accordance with the road map of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum and as called for by the Security Council and the international community.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The meeting concluded by adopting the first comprehensive draft legislation in the Middle East and North Africa region on combating violence against women. The Libyan Ministry of State for Women Affairs sponsored the meeting, and the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Ms. Houria Eltermal, attended and announced that the Ministry would transmit the draft to the House of Representatives for adoption. I welcome the conclusions of the second Berlin Conference on Libya and the collective efforts of Member States and regional and international organizations to assist the Libyan people in their quest for unity, peace, stability and prosperity. As compared to the first Berlin Conference, Libya was an active participant and partner in finalizing the conclusions of second Berlin Conference. Now it is important to see their implementation.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Planned and often forced evictions targeting IDP communities by Libyan authorities is a growing concern. In May, some 500 Tawerghan families living in an IDP settlement at the Naval Military Academy in Tripoli were evicted. Two other sites in Tripoli where internally displaced persons, migrants and refugees live are facing forced eviction, with migrants and refugees subjected to harassment and attacks. I note that forced evictions without due process are human rights violations. UNSMIL, in cooperation with UN-Women and the United Nations Population Fund, hosted an in-person meeting in Tunis from 16 to 18 June for the Committee of Libyan Experts on Combating Violence Against Women. I would once again thank Tunisia and other partners that are hosting different meetings for their continued support.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I encourage those who provide support for Libyan security agencies alleged to be involved in those violations to shoulder their responsibility and take all feasible measures to prevent such egregious conduct. The overall humanitarian situation has seen some improvement since the ceasefire agreement of October 2020, with more displaced people returning to their areas of origin. The number of internally displaced persons decreased to an estimated 224,000 persons, marking a 19 per cent reduction since February. But serious challenges remain in ensuring that returnee populations have adequate and sustained access to basic services, such as health-care and education facilities, with primary infrastructure urgently continuing to require rehabilitation. All of that is happening in a situation gravely affected by the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Some 6,000 people have so far registered for such departures, which have been blocked for several months. In June, UNSMIL received yet more shocking reports of sexual violence against girls and boys in official detention centres for migrants. Such acts may constitute crimes under both international and national law. I reiterate that Libya is not a safe port of disembarkation for migrants and refugees. Member States that support operations to return individuals to Libya should revisit their policies, bearing in mind that migrants and refugees continue to face a very real risk of torture and sexual violence if returned to Libyan shores. Member States with influence must do more to prevent such crimes.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“As of 21 June, an estimated 6,377 migrants and refugees were being arbitrarily held at official detention centres across the country, a 550 per cent increase since January 2021. Those developments have significantly increased human rights, humanitarian and protection concerns. United Nations and other agencies continue to face restrictions from Libyan authorities on humanitarian access and access for human rights monitoring to detention centres. We again urge the Government to swiftly approve the resumption of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees- and International Organization for Migration-facilitated humanitarian evacuation and voluntary resettlement and return flights and departures of migrant and refugees from Libya.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Advancing those initiatives is essential for laying the groundwork for a longer-term national reconciliation process based on clear accountability, as well as to promote unity and social cohesion ahead of the December elections. The situation of migrants and refugees in Libya remains dire, as the number of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean continued to increase in the first five months of 2021. By 26 June, the Libyan Coast Guard had intercepted and returned to Libya 14,751 migrants and refugees, exceeding the total number of all returnees that was reached in 2020. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of migrants and refugees arbitrarily detained in official detention centres, without judicial review and frequently in inhumane conditions.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“It is my hope that the international community can support that process as it moves forward, within the framework of the Berlin process. On 31 May, the Presidency Council launched a series of workshops to develop a legal framework and structure for the Libyan High National Reconciliation Commission, with participation from the African Union, UNSMIL and the Minister of Justice, as well as legal experts and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The United Nations and the African Union are supporting initiatives planned by the Presidency Council, including meetings with tribal and local community leaders, women and youth.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“While Libya’s foreign currency reserves were largely protected during the past five years, the division in the Central Bank of Libya has eroded the integrity of the banking system and impeded monetary reform. Owing to the lack of a unified budget and successive oil blockades, both branches of the Central Bank extended credit to their respective former Governments, thereby accumulating large debts. Managing that debt is possible only if the Central Bank unifies. In plain terms, Libya’s banking system will likely collapse absent unification. The transmission of the audit report marks the end of the financial audit review and the beginning of the process to unify the two branches of the Central Bank of Libya.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I urge Libya’s security actors to jointly address that threat in consultation and cooperation with the 5+5 Commission and local actors, notably tribal leaders, guided by a broader interest to reinforce stability and security. On 8 July, I delivered the report of the international financial audit to the Presidency Council in the presence of Prime Minister Dbeibah and the heads of the two branches of the Central Bank of Libya. The audit was requested by the former head of the Presidency Council, Mr. Serraj, in a letter dated 10 July 2018 and was subsequently mandated by the Security Council, which requested that UNSMIL facilitate the process. The main finding of the audit is that the unification of the Central Bank of Libya is no longer simply recommended but required.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“It is imperative that Libyan and international actors agree on a plan to commence and complete the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces. Initial signals to that end are encouraging, but concrete steps and agreements are needed. The security situation is further complicated by recent attacks and a renewed terrorist threat by Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and the Islamic State/Da’esh, particularly in the south. The delayed reunification of Libya’s security and military apparatus along with the lack of a centralized and coordinated approach is allowing space for violent extremist organizations to recruit, operate and increase their asymmetric activities.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“That provided impetus for a Joint Military Commission meeting in Sirte from 19 to 22 June to discuss preparations for a safe opening, and a further meeting was to follow on 5 July to discuss final arrangements. However, the meeting was postponed by the eastern delegation to the Commission in reaction to the LPDF meeting and what they saw as attempts by certain blocs to postpone the elections. I stressed to the Commission the importance of moving ahead with opening the coastal road, as not doing so would serve the interests of spoilers. I also stress the need for all authorities and institutions active in the security field to consult and coordinate their moves with the 5+5 Commission. The continued presence of foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters also threatens the ceasefire.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The Secretariat will then reach out to Member States regarding support for the full deployment of the UNSMIL ceasefire monitoring component once the necessary financial resources have been secured. However, there is no clarity yet on when the Libyan component of the mechanism will be in place. The Government and the 5+5 Commission have also at times indicated that the main task of the United Nations component should be to monitor the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters rather than patrolling to verify compliance with the ceasefire agreement. The reopening of the coastal road is an essential step for ceasefire implementation. On 8 June, the Presidency Council issued an order to the Commander of the Sirte-Jufrah operations room to relocate its armed groups, a necessary step prior to the reopening of the road.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Every effort must therefore be made to preserve its unity and to insulate its work from the detrimental effects of the political stalemate and the standoff between Libya’s main political actors. The United Nations will continue to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Libya. In line with resolution 2570 (2021), preparations are ongoing for the deployment of an UNSMIL ceasefire-monitoring component in support of the Libyan-led, Libyan-owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism. The Secretariat is currently preparing for the first phase of the deployment of ceasefire monitors, including through the recruitment of personnel and the procurement of enabling elements.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“They have also complained about the failure by the Government of National Unity to pay the salaries of the opposing forces and fighters. If not addressed, all that could cause the suspension of participation of any of the two parties in the Joint Military Commission, which otherwise keeps demonstrating exemplary unity, patriotism and leadership in taking steps to implement the ceasefire agreement. I am concerned that although the ceasefire agreement continues to hold notwithstanding minor clashes between armed groups and criminal gangs, the unity of the Joint Military Commission and the implementation of the agreement could unravel if the political process remains stalled. The Commission has a vital role in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and its achievements have previously paved the way for political progress.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The Libyan National Army has not allowed the Government of National Unity to extend its authority to the areas that it controls. The Presidency Council and the Government have not been able to agree on the appointment of the Minister of Defence, a position crucial to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, progress on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups, security-sector reform and the reunification of the military. Recently the 5+5 Joint Military Commission postponed the reopening of the coastal road to connect the eastern and western parts of the country to protest the failure to take decisions that would facilitate the holding of elections on time and to protest the stalemate on the withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The ramifications of the political impasse and the risk that it poses to other key national priorities, particularly the security and economic tracks, are already beginning to manifest themselves. The House of Representatives has not adopted the budget presented by the Government of National Unity despite several rounds of consultations between the House of Representatives and the Government on finalizing the budget proposal. The last effort failed only this week, and that means that the country is moving towards the Eid holidays without a budget and without the necessary support that could be provided to the people. Up until now, the House of Representatives and the High Council of State have not agreed how to proceed on the appointments to sovereign positions despite several meetings facilitated by Morocco.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The Electoral Commission decided to move forward and start the implementation of the part of the process that does not fully require having the legislation in place. Yet there are limitations to what can be done in the absence of electoral legislation. If the impasse over the constitutional basis and the ongoing standoff between State institutions are not quickly resolved and if the key leaders of the country will not show the political will to reach a solution and a compromise and implement it, all that could reverse the positive momentum seen just a few months past, which started with the enactment of the interim executive authority and other positive developments.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I am deeply concerned about the wider ramifications of the stalemate in the political/electoral track and related cleavages that are the result of the standoff between key Libyan State institutions, in particular between the Government of National Unity and the House of Representatives, the Government of National Unity and the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Haftar, the House of Representatives and the High Council of State and those who want to respect the 24 December timeline for the elections and those who would see the elections delayed. On a positive note, despite the lack of a legislative electoral framework, the High National Electoral Commission initiated the voter registration update on 4 July, with a special provision for the inclusion of internally displaced persons.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We are ready to do so with the aim of facilitating the holding of the elections on 24 December, taking as our point of reference the LPDF road map and the legal committee proposal. The committee intends to meet next week in Italy. To increase our engagement with civil society, including the women and young people of the country, the UNSMIL leadership intends to engage them in a digital dialogue, used by UNSMIL in the past.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Old and new status-quo forces are using diverse tactics and often legitimate arguments with only one result — obstructing the holding of the elections. My predecessor, who had his own experience with similar approaches, called them spoilers — a correct description given the impact of their approach and manoeuvering. UNSMIL continues to facilitate efforts to find common ground, including through the work of a consensus-building committee established by the LPDF meeting in Geneva, which we will convene tomorrow, and through my own engagement with the political and other leaders in Libya. Together with High National Elections Commission, UNSMIL is requested to advise the committee convened by the House of Representatives, to which I referred earlier.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“However, it became clear in Geneva that LPDF members were fragmented into various blocs and interest groups with different affiliations. The various blocs maintained their entrenched positions, also reflected in their proposals, and the LPDF was unable and unwilling to reach an agreement on a final proposal for a constitutional basis for the elections. Because of that failure of both the constitutional bodies and the LPDF, the situation in Libya is becoming more difficult, confrontational and tense. Institutional, political and individual interests stand in the way of agreeing on the necessary legal framework for holding the elections on 24 December, as agreed in the LPDF road map, endorsed by the Security Council.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“The May session of the LPDF was unable to resolve those issues and insisted that an in-person meeting was necessary to negotiate a compromise. That meeting took place in Geneva, with the kind support of Switzerland, from 28 June to 2 July. At the request of some LPDF members, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) convened the LPDF’s Advisory Committee in Tunis from 24 to 26 June to prepare for the meeting in Geneva by developing options to bridge the differences over the unresolved issues. The Advisory Committee reached a broad consensus on a compromise proposal, which sought to address the concerns of the various constituencies and interest groups within the LPDF. The proposal was tabled during the Geneva meeting of the LPDF.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I also convened a virtual meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum at the end of May to consider a draft constitutional basis recommended by the Forum’s legal committee and address key issues that the Committee had left unresolved. The outstanding issues raised by LPDF members themselves included whether the presidential elections should take place through a direct vote by the people or indirectly through the Parliament; whether a referendum on the draft permanent constitution should be held first, even as a precondition for direct presidential elections; what the criteria for the eligibility of candidates, especially for President, should be; whether military personnel and dual-citizenship holders should be eligible and on what conditions; and questions about the representation of cultural components.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Regrettably, the House of Representatives, the body mandated to do so in consultation with the High Council of State, has not yet delivered. Last week, a new committee of the House of Representatives was established to prepare electoral laws for holding the elections on 24 December, and it requested United Nations support. I advised the Speaker of the House of Representatives to consult with the High Council of State, in line with Libyan Political Agreement, and to ensure that the legal and constitutional basis are in place for holding the elections on 24 December, as per resolution 2570 (2021), the conclusions of the second Berlin Conference on Libya and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) road map.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I come from my most recent visit to Libya, where I held consultations with a wide range of actors to convince them to safeguard and advance the course to national inclusive, free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections in December. While all my interlocutors reiterated their commitment to holding the elections on 24 December, I am afraid that many of them are not ready to walk the talk. I reminded them of the overwhelming demand and expectations of the Libyan people and the international community for the elections to be held on time, which is necessary to complete Libya’s democratic transition and prevent a return to conflict, violence and chaos. The constitutional basis for the elections should have been clarified by now.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kubiš: Let me begin by thanking Minister Le Drian and the French presidency for convening this timely in-person meeting. I would also like to welcome here among us His Excellency Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and other Excellencies, Ministers and high-level representatives of States Members of the United Nations, notably members of the Security Council but also other ministers. I thank them for joining this meeting. It is important both for understanding the situation in the country and for mobilizing the international community in support of the processes in the country that should strengthen its unity, stability and security, with a positive impact on the overall region.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Iraq is a success, a positive story in a region marked by many negative trends and developments. The United Nations in Iraq has shown its relevance and will continue to build on the firm foundations of its partnership with Iraq and its people.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Marta Ruedas, my Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs and Development, for their cooperation, capable leadership and management of United Nations activities across Iraq. Finally, I would like to warmly welcome my successor, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and wish her success in leading the Mission and in helping Iraq to achieve a durable and sustainable peace, stability and prosperity for its people. I encourage the authorities and society of Iraq to offer Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert the same generous support and cooperation that they have shown to me during my tenure. I have the honour of serving the United Nations and Iraq during a particularly difficult period that has against all odds and scepticism ended well, with promising future prospects for the country and its people.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, as this is my last report to the Security Council in my current capacity, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr. President, your predecessors and the members of the Security Council for the support you have kindly provided to me during the three years and nine months I have served in my post. I would also like to express my highest appreciation to UNAMI and United Nations country team staff for their dedication, professionalism, proactive efforts and unwavering commitment to working in support of UNAMI and United Nations mandates serving Iraq and its people. I would also like to express my gratitude to and appreciate for Ms. Alice Walpole, my Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, and Ms.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“This signals the Government's determined shift towards development and investment. I am delighted to report that on 11 and 13 November, respectively, after over a year of preparations, President Salih and representatives of the Iraqi Ministry for Foreign Affairs delivered to the Kuwaiti Ministry for Foreign Affairs numerous items of property taken during the invasion of Kuwait, including over 2,300 books, an archive of Kuwaiti television videotapes, a sword and a valuable painting. I welcome this clear indication of commitment by the Government of Iraq to resolving the complex file of outstanding issues with Kuwait. When I met the new Minister for Foreign Affairs oflraq, Mr. Mohamed Alhakim, on 5 November, he assured me that he would give the greatest attention to and support for efforts on this important file.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“The need for concrete results in public projects beyond the current focus on liberated areas is perhaps most evident in the southern city and province ofBasra. There, a combination of water scarcity and high levels of contamination in supplies of drinking water led to more than 100,000 being admitted to hospital with symptoms of gastroenteritis between mid-August and mid-October. On 28 October, the Government of Iraq chaired the first formal meeting of the Executive Committee on Recovery, Reconstruction and Development. This high- level committee is mandated to provide a coordination platform for strategic guidance on national priorities to take forward the work set out at the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, held in Kuwait in February.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Humanitarian actors and the UNAMI senior women's protection adviser are also concentrating on how to best strengthen the centrality of protection around women and children with perceived affiliations with extremist groups. A critical barrier to the return of internally displaced persons is that the need for residential buildings to be cleared of mines by mine action actors remains unmet. The Funding Facility for Stabilization reached a significant milestone, having now completed 1,517 projects across all nine sectors of work in the five liberated governorates of the country. There are 245 new projects already tendered, but they will not be implemented without additional donor support. We also urge the Government to begin making its own contributions to donor-funded international development programmes, including those under the Facility.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“In October, UNAMI established a women's advisory group on reconciliation and politics in Iraq, which will serve as a political inclusion mechanism to ensure that the voices, concerns and experiences of Iraqi women are included in political processes that shape national reconciliation based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity and non-discrimination. Nearly two years after the defeat of Da'esh by Iraqi security forces and coalition allies, more than 1.9 million Iraqis remain displaced, primarily in the north and west of the country. Although 4 million people have returned home since the end of the conflict, the rate of return has decreased significantly.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Also, Da'esh remains active in some other Iraqi provinces, notably in Kirkuk, Salah ad-Din and Diyala. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) continues to advocate justice and accountability for international crimes. On 6 November, UNAMI and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights jointly launched a report entitled Unearthing Atrocities: Mass Graves in Territory Formerly Controlled by ISIL. At least 202 mass graves have been discovered in Iraq, and they are believed to contain the remains of many thousands of victims of atrocities perpetrated by Da'esh. I am pleased to report that the Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh, Mr. Karim Khan, arrived in Iraq on 30 October.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Reports of the arrests of Da'esh terrorists and their leaders or on the elimination of sleeper cells and hideouts are issued almost daily. Security measures put in place for the Arba'een pilgrimage were successful. Among the 15 million pilgrims, close to 2 million foreign visitors were recorded to have legally and safely entered Iraq. Efforts to disturb this massive movement of people failed. Most of Da'esh's movements in recent months have reportedly been through the desert joining central Iraq and its Anbar and Ninawa provinces to the western border with the Syria. In response, Iraq has deployed thousands of troops on its border with that neighbouring country to curb Da'esh, which remains in control of several areas across the border in the Syrian Deir ez-Zor province.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“In this regard, Iraq will require and counts on the continued support of the international community. We must not let the country down. On 30 October, the results of the Kurdistan region parliamentary elections, held on 30 September, were approved. The first session of the new Kurdistan regional parliament took place on 6 November, but failed to elect its speaker and the two deputies. The dominant Kurdistan Democratic Party now intends to consult with all Kurdistan region political parties, notably the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, on the Government formation. The new Government of Iraq intends to introduce robust measures to further improve and achieve sustainable security throughout the country, intensifying efforts to uproot Da'esh terrorist cells to counter this insurgency.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“He recalled the return of millions of displaced families to liberated areas and the establishment of a national army and security forces. He also noted improved relations with all of Iraq's neighbours, including the Arab countries. Finally, he underlined that political processes in Iraq have witnessed a gradual departure from sectarian approaches and rhetoric. For all of this, he and his Government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, diverse armed forces and formations, and the people of Iraq deserve acknowledgment and gratitude. Iraq must now build on these foundations. The new Government intends to start immediately, particularly on the delivery of services and jobs, reforming and energizing the economy, and fighting corruption and administrative red tape.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“It also stresses the prevention of militia formations outside the framework of the State and the withdrawal of troops from the cities. The programme confirms that special attention will be given to resolving pending challenges with the Kurdistan region, including the issues of budget allocation and financial resources, oil and disputed areas. I commend the exemplary democratic transfer of power between the outgoing Prime Minister, Haider A1 Abadi, and incoming Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi. At the handover ceremony on 25 October, Mr. Al Abadi recalled the achievements of his Government in defeating Da'esh and uniting the country based on the Constitution, at a time when the economic situation had deteriorated owing to deep-rooted corruption and a massive decrease in oil prices.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“The programme outlines specific plans for reforms, investment and the private sector with a view to transitioning Iraq from a crisis context to sustainable development; recommends steps to tackle corruption across all sectors; and sets out a framework to guide the planning and work of each ministry. In addition to delivering tangible improvements in the daily lives of Iraqi citizens, a key focus area of the programme includes job creation for the unemployed, young people in particular. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of liberated areas and the return of internally displaced persons are also key priorities. The programme aims at strengthening security, fighting terrorism and enhancing law and order and the rule of law, among others, by putting all arms under the strict control of the State.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Hadi Al-Ameri of the Fatah Alliance on behalf of their coalitions - Islah and Binaa, respectively. All of these primary partners and political forces now share a responsibility for creating an enabling environment for the new Prime Minister and Government to deliver on its programme, and for its stability. The support of all the political forces represented in Parliament, including those who will now be in the opposition for the first time since 2003, will be essential. Barring this, Iraq's political forces and leaders will fail their people. The Government's programme, which includes advisory inputs from the United Nations, represents a general outline of a national project to respond to the needs and demands of the Iraqi people. As stated in the programme, its focus and pillar should be the citizen.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“No female or minority candidates were appointed to ministerial positions, but the Prime Minister intends to consider them for governmental posts and other key positions in subsequent rounds of Government formation. While the Government formation process has not been without controversies, the political blocs have demonstrated a willingness to act in support of the Prime Minister. Competition and differences have been largely political and not sectarian, and in this way they represent a break from the past. The guidance of the supreme Shia religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani, has significantly influenced the process. The main negotiations with Prime Minister Abdul- Mahdi have been led by cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr of the Sairoun Alliance and Mr.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Mr. Kubis: Following the certification of the election results on 19 August, the Government formation process moved forward with the election of Mohammad Al-Halbousi as Speaker of the Council of Representatives, on 15 September, and Barham Salih as President of Iraq, on 2 October, who then nominated Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister-designate. On 24 October, the Iraqi Parliament reviewed the new governmental programme, endorsed 14 out of 22 Cabinet ministers, and confirmed Mr. Abdul-Mahdi as Prime Minister. Of the five sovereign ministries, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Oil were endorsed, but the ministries of Defence and Interior are yet to be allocated.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Nevertheless, the procurement of field equipment, the provision of forensic DNA, anthropological training courses and capacity-building for Iraqi and Kuwaiti technical teams remain a major challenge and require further assistance from the international community. I am also pleased to report that the two sides are close to setting a date for the official transfer of a considerable consignment of Kuwaiti property.”
2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source