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

1. “Since the peoples of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran all share water resources, I urge them to enhance their cooperation in the efficient management of water resources. Although tangible results in the search for Kuwaiti missing persons have yet to be achieved, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence continues to carry out excavation and exploration missions, as well as efforts to identify new witnesses. On 25 July another session of the tripartite mechanism took place in Kuwait. Repeated calls to the international community have prompted Member States in possession of satellite imagery from 1990-1991 to come forward with information that could assist in identifying burial locations.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

2. “As of 24 July, donors had contributed $324 million to the humanitarian response plan, which is 57 per cent of the plan's requirements. In order to ensure that critical assistance to vulnerable communities is available, I appeal to the donor community to continue its generous funding. The ongoing demonstrations in southern governorates have brought to the fore their long- neglected social, economic and development needs. The United Nations country team in Iraq is developing a strategy and programmes to scale up assistance. Furthermore, it is expected that water scarcity in the five southern governorates will increase in the coming months, putting about 25 per cent of a population of 2 million at risk of water shortages, water borne-related diseases and possible displacement.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

3. “One year after the liberation of Mosul, United Nations Mine Action Service clearance teams have removed 43,700 explosive hazards in the city, including 1,000 improvised explosive devices. The United Nations Development Programme's Funding Facility for Stabilization has continued to support 2,361 projects, with the successful completion of more than 1,000 in five governorates. Since January, more than 684,000 displaced people have returned, while, as of 15 July, just under 2 million Iraqis remain displaced. The security and protection environment remains volatile, posing serious protection risks to Iraqi civilians. Abductions, disappearances, detention, increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence and violations of child rights continue. For many, a combination of such factors has led to secondary or repeated displacement.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

4. “Iraqi women politicians undertook to work across the party divide * for example, to establish a women's parliamentary caucus, for the first time, and women's platforms to develop Government policies and strategies to increase women's participation and representation in politics, and foster gender mainstreaming in all parliamentary processes. On 19 July, Deputy Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs and Development Coordinator, Ms. Marta Ruedas, convened a meeting of the Development Cooperation Forum in Baghdad, where more than 20 international partners were presented with 61 United Nations country team projects that are ready for funding through the $1 billion Recovery and Resilience Programme. I urge Member States to support Iraq by accelerating delivery on the commitments made in Kuwait in February.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

5. “On 31 July, UNAMI met with members ofthe national team to discuss progress and challenges in implementing the Iraqi National action plan on resolution 1325 (2000), including the lack of a dedicated budget to support activities under the plan. I am very pleased to note that Ms. Suzan Araf Maroof, who is seated next to me, participated actively in that meeting. LastweekUNAMI facilitatedameetingwithwomen leaders, civil society activists and elected women, which adopted a consolidated vision of women's demands for the inclusion of gender perspectives and gender equality considerations in the Government's programme. The recommendations are attached to my briefing notes. This week Deputy Special Representative Walpole chaired a United Nations meeting with Iraqi women expected to sit on the next Council of Representatives.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

6. “I applaud the dedication and professionalism of all recounting staff, both Independent High Electoral Commission and judiciary personnel. The recounting increased public confidence in the electoral process and election results. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Alice Walpole, and I met with numerous political leaders, women, minority and civil society actors to promote the meaningful participation of women in political, economic and social life, including their representation at the highest levels in political and decision-making structures, including in the future Government and Council of Representatives.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

7. “Based on the election law amended on 6 June, the board of judges that was assigned to supervise the electoral process adopted modalities for the recounting of ballots that were subject to complaints or allegations of fraud, in line with the Federal Supreme Court ruling of2l June. On 6 August, the board ofjudges announced that the manual recount had been completed. The process then moved on to results-tabulation to generate the provisional election results. Throughout the recounting process, an electoral monitoring team from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), complemented by experts of the United Nations Development Programme, provided oversight, advice and assistance. I welcome the orderly, transparent, credible and well-organized conduct of the recount. I commend the board ofjudges for its hands-on impartial work.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

8. “However, these measures remain insufficient to address the depth of people's needs and concerns. I urge political leaders to listen to the voice of the people and accelerate the process of formation of a patriotic, inclusive and non-sectarian Government, with a strong and empowered Prime Minister, which will give priority to political, economic and social reforms, investments, creation of jobs, reconciliation, justice, equality, accountability and good governance, including the fight against corruption; which will put all armed formations under strict control of the State and resolutely act against insubordinate militias and criminal gangs; and which will ensure the full sovereignty and real independence of Iraq, free from foreign interference.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

9. “Al-Sistani warned that if the new Government failed to abide by its commitments and deliver on its reform programme or if the new Council of Representatives or the Judiciary did not act appropriately, the people, supported by all forces of good in the country, would have no other option but to develop other ways to impose their will on officials. On 30 July, Prime Minister Al Abadi met in Baghdad with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. They also underlined the need to expedite formation of the new Government and to resolve all issues between Erbil and Baghdad based on the Iraqi Constitution. I note with appreciation that Prime Minister Al Abadi has made major efforts to provide swift and tailored responses to legitimate popular demands, bringing temporary relief to people living under arduous conditions.”

   2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

10. “In his Friday sermon on 27 July, the Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, called for the early formation of a future Government comprising competent, honest members and a Prime Minister who should be decisive and courageous enough to fight the financial and administrative corruption that is the root cause ofmost ofIraq's problems. The new Prime Minister should have authority and take responsibility for his Cabinet. The new Council of Representatives should abolish privileges and amend laws that do not achieve justice and equality for the people.”

    2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

11. “The head of the Sa'iroun Alliance, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who himself led massive public protests in Baghdad as recently as 2016, with similar demands as today's demonstrations, urged the suspension of Government-formation talks until the legitimate demands of protesters were met. The historically low voter turnout witnessed during the 12 May parliamentary elections, when sapproximately 60 per cent of eligible voters did not participate, had already delivered a strong message of dissatisfaction with the current state of management of public affairs.”

    2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

12. “However, their messages have swiftly become increasingly politicized, criticizing national leaders and successive Governments for ignoring the needs of the people and social justice, expressing their deep and growing frustration with old political leaders and the political system, based on sectarian quotas they deem corrupt, dysfunctional and stagnant, and deploring foreign interference in the internal matters of Iraq. It is to be noted that many of their demands echo demands made in the demonstrations that engulfed predominantly Sunni governorates several years ago. The leader of the Fatah Alliance, Hadi Al-Ameri, publicly acknowledged that politicians had failed the people, reconfirming the need to reform the political process and to establish a Government of services and not of privileges for political parties.”

    2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

13. “Mr. Kubis: Following the parliamentary elections held on 12 May, complaints and allegations of electoral fraud and mismanagement resulted in the decision to conduct a partial manual ballot recount. The situation has been further complicated by public demonstrations, which started on 8 July in Basra governorate and spread to other predominantly Shi'a southern governorates and Baghdad. The protesters are mainly young people with complaints over the lack of delivery of basic services, shortages of electricity, lack of jobs and pervasive corruption.”

    2018-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8324 (2018) · source

14. “I would like to call upon the Member States in possession of relevant satellite imagery from 1990 and 1991 to come forward and provide analysis and information to the Government of Iraq that could assist in the identification of burial locations. The missing Kuwaiti property file also did not register any direct progress during the period under review. UNAMI has been meeting with the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss how best it can support and facilitate the repatriation of already located Kuwaiti property, which has been pending for more than a year.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

15. “I wish to underline that the United Nations in Iraq, in cooperation with the Government, has been engaged, notably through the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse network, established in 2016, in an urgent follow-up on reported situations. With regard to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, in April, for the second time in 15 years, Iraq hosted meetings of the tripartite mechanism, demonstrating its commitment to the missing persons file and a steady return to normality. I am grateful for the positive response received with regard to the proposals put forward by UNAMI during those meetings, namely, a pilot project to conduct mass grave site surveys in Iraq with the help of the United Nations Global Service Centre in Brindisi.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

16. “I therefore appeal to the donor community to further extend its generosity to the people of Iraq for humanitarian, stabilization, demining and rehabilitation needs. Despite the Prime Minister's 2017 directive on the civilian character of IDP camps, a continued military presence in camps across Iraq, the sexual harassment of women and girls, the diversion of humanitarian assistance, the detention and disappearance of their residents, recruitment activities inside the camps and attacks by armed actors on humanitarian staff remain deeply concerning. In April Amnesty International issued a report that concluded that Iraqi women and children with perceived ties to Da'esh experience serious protection issues in camps, including the denial of assistance, restrictions on freedom of movement and sexual harassment, rape and sexual exploitation.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

17. “A new Government, based on such an approach, will guarantee the future of Iraq as a stable, prosperous, united, democratic, fully sovereign and independent federal State with good relations with all its neighbours, based on mutual respect, non-interference and common interests as prerequisites for stability, cooperation and prosperity, including in the region. The humanitarian crisis in Iraq continues. More than 2.1 million people remain displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. However, the funding to provide the most vulnerable with emergency support is at critically low levels. Out of the required $569 million in the humanitarian response plan, only $101 million in donor contributions - 18 per cent - had been received as of 15 May. In addition, demining and stabilization efforts are underfunded.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

18. “Building on the achievements of the current Government, we urge political leaders to prioritize inclusive, non-sectarian dialogue and to ensure the swift formation of a new genuinely national Government that reflects the will of the people of Iraq. It is essential that the new Government works as one across the sectarian and ethnic divides in pursuing much-needed political, economic and social reforms, based on the principles of patriotism and citizenship with equal rights, responsibilities, justice and opportunity for all and good governance, while working to improve the economy, public services delivery and social justice.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

19. “I also wish to highlight the readiness and availability of United Nations electoral advice and expertise in support of any activities and measures that may be required to retain confidence in the process, including in the light of the forthcoming provincial council elections across Iraq on 22 December and Kurdistan regional elections on 30 September. Given the controversies around the Council of Representatives elections, the Kurdistan regional Independent High Electoral and Referendum Commission has decided not to use electronic vote tabulation machines. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) stands ready to advise and support that electoral process. The post-election phase represents a crucial time for Iraq.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

20. “On 17 May, I called on the Electoral Commission to act expeditiously and seriously address all complaints, including, as necessary, the conduct ofa partial manual recount in selected locations, notably in Kirkuk. I stressed the importance of undertaking such measures in full transparency, witnessed by stakeholders, to strengthen confidence in the process. I also called on all political actors to uphold the peace and to remain committed to resolving any electoral disputes through the established legal channels. We urge the independent electoral management bodies to adjudicate all appeals properly, fully and in time to enable corrections of the problems, justice and the timely certification of the final election results.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

21. “Six Kurdistani parties have questioned the credibility of the electoral process in the Kurdistan region and have been calling for a recount of the votes in the Kurdistan governorates, and even for a reholding of the elections. On the other hand, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have announced their satisfaction with the outcome of the elections and their intention to start dialogue on coalition-building with political parties in Baghdad. In Kirkuk governorate - one of several hotspots of complaints - the situation remains volatile, with Turkmen and Arab parties demanding manual recounting ofthe election results, while the Independent High Electoral Commission has complained that they have obstructed its work.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

22. “Amid questions about the legality of their decisions, including from the Independent High Electoral Commission, on 28 May, the Council of Representatives voted to request the Commission to undertake the manual counting of 10 per cent of the ballot boxes, which could trigger the manual counting of all the ballots in the case of a discrepancy of 25 per cent or more. It also requested cancellation of the out-of-country and IDP voting. On 24 May, the Council of Ministers decided to form a High Commission to investigate reports and documents pertaining to the elections. The High Commission already referred the Independent High Electoral Commission to the Integrity Commission, a move rejected by the Commission as interference in its independence.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

23. “Some other political forces and leaders have raised concerns over some of the technical shortfalls encountered with the electronic vote tabulation devices, as well as reports of fraud and vote rigging, active intimidation of voters, including by some armed formations, and political interference. They have demanded the recount of votes in some governorates, the annulment of results of out-of-country voting and the voting of the internally displacedpersons (IDPs), and even fresh elections.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

24. “I also urge political leaders to ensure the full participation of women in negotiations on the formation of the next ruling coalition and the Government, and their representation at the highest levels in Iraq's political and decision-making structures in the Parliament and the Government, as pledged by many political leaders in the election campaign. Following the closing of the polls and the announcement of the preliminary results, many Iraqi political leaders publicly endorsed the electoral process, including the Prime Minister and the President. They continue to urge a timely conduct and conclusion of the complaint process, certification and acceptance of the results, and a speeding-up of the formation of the new Government, within the constitutional timeline and in accordance with relevant legal procedures.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

25. “The new Parliament will also experience a massive turnover; according to the preliminary results, less than 100 of the incumbent members - the total number of which in the current Parliament is over 300 - have secured their place in the new Council of Representatives. The decision by more than half of the voting population not to exercise their democratic right sends a strong signal to the elites ruling the country since 2003. I urge the Iraqi political elites to draw the necessary conclusions on the need for improved representation, justice for all, democratic accountability and good governance, devoid of corruption, a sectarian quota system, nepotism or patronage.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

26. “He saluted the tireless efforts of electoral officials, party agents and the security forces in making the elections largely peaceful and orderly. Following the elections, international partners, including the Governments of Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and the United Kingdom and the European Union, also congratulated the Iraqi people. The elections, held in a generally calm and stable environment, were marked by a low voter turnout: the Independent High Electoral Commission informed about the participation of44.5 per cent -just 10.8 million out of 24.3 million eligible voters - a significant decrease in comparison with previous national elections in Iraq after 2003.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

27. “Mr. Kubis: On 12 May 2018 - within the constitutional time-frame - Iraq held elections for its national Parliament, the Council of Representatives. Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, after the closing of the polls, noted that the country had held the elections on time, that people had been able to cast their votes and select their representatives freely and safely and that the liberated areas had experienced a free voting process for the first time after the victory of the Iraqi forces and the defeat of Da'esh. The Secretary-General, on 13 May, congratulated the people of Iraq on the holding of parliamentary elections and stated that, following the military defeat of Da'esh, the elections represented further progress in building a stronger Iraqi democracy.”

    2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8271 (2018) · source

28. “In conclusion, allow me to take this opportunity to thank my outgoing Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who is also Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Ms. Lise Grande, for the truly outstanding work in her over three years in Iraq. When we praise major achievements in the areas of stabilization and when we applaud the hard work and significant outcomes achieved in the humanitarian area, including the civilian-military cooperation that succeeded so well in the protection and for the benefit of the affected civilian population, notably during the Mosul liberation campaign, we need first of all to recognize the leadership and achievements of Deputy Special Representative Grande, who, together with her colleagues, made it happen.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

29. “I would like to take this opportunity to call on the international community to consider ways in which it could support the search for missing Kuwaiti persons, including through the procurement of field equipment and providing forensic, DNA and anthropological training and capacity-building for the Iraqi and Kuwaiti technical teams. Those Member States in possession of satellite imagery from 1990-1991 are particularly encouraged to come forward and provide analysis and information that could help in identifying burial sites to the Government of Iraq. I also reiterate my call on Iraq and Kuwait to come to an agreement on the swift repatriation of located Kuwaiti academic textbooks that have been awaiting an official handover for more than a year.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

30. “Despite the strong support demonstrated by Kuwait and the commitment to its international and humanitarian obligations shown by Iraq, the full normalization of relations will take place only once all outstanding issues concerning Kuwaiti missing persons and property have been resolved. The Government of Iraq, in particular its Ministry of Defence, is making proactive efforts to re-animate the search for missing Kuwaiti persons. I deeply regret that the past 13 years have not yielded tangible results. During the latest meeting of the tripartite mechanism, which took place on 6 February in Kuwait, tripartite members meaningfully acknowledged the review project of the International Committee of the Red Cross that would serve to streamline and prioritize work, re-orient activities and guide the mechanism.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

31. “The Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization (FFIS) of the United Nations Development Programme has continued to scale-up its efforts to stabilize newly liberated areas of Iraq. The FFIS is now cleared to work in 31 of the more than 40 cities and districts that have been liberated by Iraqi security forces. Since we last reported to the Security Council (see S/PV.8112), 360 projects have either been completed or are under development, thereby bringing the total number of stabilization projects to 1,887. In Mosul alone, nearly 600 stabilization projects are under way.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

32. “With elections looming, we urge Iraqi senior political leaders to broaden women's political space and appoint them to leadership positions within political parties, as well as ensure their meaningful participation in all electoral processes, including participating in negotiations leading to the Government's formation following the holding of national elections. I welcome the Government's willingness to work with the United Nations country task force on monitoring and reporting to develop an action plan to address violations committed against children in times of conflict. To that end, Prime Minister Al Abadi has endorsed the establishment of the national inter-ministerial senior committee for monitoring and reporting on children affected by the armed conflict.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

33. “Prime Minister Al Abadi confirmed days ago that the federal and regional Governments are in the final stages of negotiations with regard to some concrete areas that would address urgent needs and concerns of the people of the region, beginning with the payment of salaries and the re-opening of the airports in Erbil and Suleimaniyah. Such steps are urgently needed. I commend the Iraqi federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government for their concerted efforts and strong coordination aimed at the implementation of the national action plan on women and peace and security.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

34. “Observation of the elections, both domestic and international, will be a vital component in fostering credibility and acceptance ofthe results. I strongly urge domestic observer groups, as well as the international community, to participate in observing the elections, and the international community in providing the necessary support. Credible and acceptable elections with high voter turnout, including in the liberated areas and in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, with specific measures to facilitate women's participation, will empower the new Government to implement reforms, improve accountability and promote inclusiveness and reconciliation among various components and groups in Iraq. I am encouraged by the recent positive developments in relations between Baghdad and Erbil.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

35. “Although Da'esh's so-called caliphate has been defeated, the terrorist organization and its sleeper cells, including among IDPs, continue to pose a threat. On 18 February, in the course of a counter-terrorism operation in Hawija and surrounding areas, a special force from the popular mobilization forces was ambushed and over 20 fighters were martyred. In addition, the new electronic ballot counting system, including the customization and development of the software for results tabulation, continues to be a work in progress and requires accelerated support, including from the United Nations and other international partners, in order to ensure the envisaged enhanced integrity and credibility of the elections.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

36. “Yet a number of challenges remain. The voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), under conditions of safety and security, is an critical issue for the success and credibility of the elections. In the months ahead, the Government expects that as many as 2 million of the 2.5 million who are still displaced will return home. I am also encouraged by the decision of the Government to establish voluntary return committees with humanitarian representatives in each governorate to oversee the return process. The Iraqi security forces providing an environment of security, which would enable voters to exercise their right to vote in safety, free from terror and fear of intimidation, is an overriding concern.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

37. “It is indeed essential that the elections will confirm the vision of Iraqis working together across the sectarian and ethnic divides in pursuit of the needed political, economic and social reforms based on the principles of citizenship with equal rights, justice and opportunity for all and good governance, devoid of the compromised quota system and corruption. Only a new Government, based on such approach, will guarantee the future of Iraq as a united, democratic, fully sovereign and independent federal State and as a factor of stability, cooperation and prosperity for its people and the region. The Independent High Electoral Commission has steadily continued its preparations for the parliamentary elections. The Commission has registered 205 political parties, and 27 political coalitions have been approved to contest the elections.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

38. “In his concluding remarks, the Secretary- General stated, "[i]n a world where unfortunately good news is scarce, and in the region where unfortunately we see many situations getting worse, the fact that Iraq is on the right track and the fact that the international community has shown its confidence in Iraq is a very important piece of good news." As the security forces continue to clear out remnants ofDa'esh, Iraq is increasingly focusing on the upcoming parliamentary elections on 12 May. Many Iraqi political forces decided to form cross-sectarian, cross-ethnic coalitions across the political spectrum.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

39. “Mr. Kubis: This Security Council meeting is taking place just days after the Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, so generously co-hosted by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, thereby showing once again his and his country's commitment to the humanitarian, peace and development cause in the region and in the world. The Conference was attended by more than 70 Member States and international organizations and 2,000 private-sector companies. It mobilized nearly $30 billion to support reconstruction. That massive regional and international response is extraordinary proof of the continuous solidarity with, and confidence in, the Government and the people of Iraq.”

    2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8184 (2018) · source

40. “I would like to thank former Deputy Special Representative Gyorgy Busztin for his excellent work, efforts and commitment to the file since the adoption of the resolution in 2013.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

41. “The long-awaited review report of the International Committee of the Red Cross was submitted to last week's forty-fifth Tripartite Committee meeting in Cyprus. It offers an exhaustive historical overview and technical assessment of all aspects of previous search efforts for burial sites, and makes concrete recommendations on prioritization and further exploration of specific locations. Members of the Tripartite Commission will work together to translate the recommendations into a plan of action. In November, Alice Walpole, my newly appointed Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, took charge of this file in accordance with resolution 2107 (2013).”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

42. “In the year ahead, the UNDP estimates that $289 million is needed to stabilize priority locations in liberated areas, and we are appealing to donor countries to step forward to provide these urgently needed resources. Demining is a critical priority, and the United Nations Mine Action Service needs continued support as well. On the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third- country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, the Government of Iraq is fully cognizant of its international and humanitarian obligations relating to the file. Since assuming a proactive role last year, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence has made impressive efforts, including through exploration and excavation, to identify additional grave sites.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

43. “The Iraq Humanitarian Response Plan has received 71 percent of the $985 million required for 2017. We ask partners to continue to make their generous contributions so as to ensure that the people who have suffered the most receive the assistance they need. Through the Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than 1,460 projects have either been completed, are under development or are being implemented in 23 liberated cities and districts in Anbar, Salah al-Din, Diyala and Ninewa governorates. More than 95 per cent of all stabilization projects implemented under the Funding Facility are undertaken by the local private sector. We are committed to ensuring that the more than 200 projects under way in priority Christian and Yezidi towns are implemented as quickly as possible.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

44. “The elections will face a number of challenges, including the first-time use of new voting technology, the holding of two simultaneous elections, a tight timeline, pending provincial council and parliamentary elections laws, and security concerns, notably in the areas where internally displaced persons have returned to their homes. I urge that these challenges be resolutely addressed in the months to come. Otherwise, holding elections when parts of Iraq remain insecure and large numbers of people, particularly from the Sunni communities, continue to be displaced could cast doubts on the inclusiveness and credibility of the elections and thus the acceptability of its results both internally and abroad. Humanitarian partners have reached more than 6 million Iraqis this year, including 2 million impacted by military operations in Mosul.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

45. “UNAMI continues to engage with Iraqi political parties to advance national reconciliation and settlement, working with the Government of Iraq to identify key priorities and deliverables over the next few months in the run-up to the national and provincial elections in May. Social reconciliation, focused on the return of IDPs, is now a critical priority. On 23 October, a new Board of Commissioners for the Independent High Electoral Commission was approved by the Council of Representatives. It was a major disappointment for Iraqi civil society and UNAMI that, for the first time, no women were appointed to the Board. Elections for the Governorate councils and the Council of Representatives are scheduled to take place on 15 May 2018, in accordance with the Constitution, and the Constitution should be fully respected in this respect as well.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

46. “In the wake of the resignation letter received on 29 October from the-then Kurdistan Regional President, Masoud Barzani, the regional parliament promulgated a law that temporarily redistributed his presidential powers among the executive, legislative and judiciary. It has given Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and his Deputy, Qubad Talabani, the heavy responsibility of finding a way out of the region's political, economic and social crisis and steering Baghdad-Erbil relations away from confrontation. For that, they will need the support of every sector of Kurdistani society and its political forces as the Regional Government works on solutions to the crisis.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

47. “Now that the issue of the referendum has found its constitutional resolution, UNAMI urges for the continuation of the high-level intergovernmental dialogue on military and security issues, in order to avoid confrontations during the deployment of federal forces in the disputed areas and to enable federal authority to be established over Iraq's external border crossings, including the international airports in the Kurdistan region, with the aim of enabling their reopening for international flights as soon as possible. UNAMI also calls for an immediate start to negotiations with Government representatives on other key matters, such as the budget, salaries and oil exports. UNAMI has offered its support for such negotiations, should both sides request it.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

48. “Following the second verdict of the federal Supreme Court on 20 November, Kurdistan's Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani again affirmed his respect for the Constitution, noting that the federal Supreme Court's rulings are final and cannot be challenged. UNAMI has repeatedly called on all sides to refrain from the threat or use of force and from inflammatory statements and confrontational steps. Our message is clear. All outstanding issues between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government must be resolved through a constructive partnership dialogue aimed at arriving at sustainable solutions on the basis of the Constitution that will also guarantee the full constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and its people.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

49. “I also urge the competent authorities, both federal and of the Kurdistan region, to carry out prompt and impartial investigations into all incidents and to bring those responsible to justice. On 6 November, the federal Supreme Court concluded that it did not find any provision in the Constitution authorizing the secession of any component of the federal system of the Republic of Iraq. On 20 November, the federal Supreme Court decided that the referendum was unconstitutional and that all of its results and effects should be cancelled. The Government of Iraq welcomed both decisions. On 14 November, the Kurdistan Regional Government confirmed its respect for the federal Supreme Court's interpretation of article 1 of the Iraqi Constitution, and thereby the unity of Iraq, pursuant to its decision of 6 November.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source

50. “Although in most cases the withdrawal of Peshmerga forces from those areas took place in coordination with the Iraqi security forces, sporadic clashes did occur. Even now, however, control over some disputed areas and border crossings, including Fish Khabur, remains unresolved. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) received reports of civilian casualties, primarily from the Kurdish community in Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu and other areas. I welcome the measures taken by Prime Minister A1 Abadi to enforce law and order through the federal forces in areas that have witnessed an increase in violence as a prerequisite for the mostly Kurdish IDPs to return to their homes.”

    2017-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8112 (2017) · source