YouSaid · the spoken record

Mladenov

lines on the record: 1,041
first: 2013-11-25
most recent: 2020-09-29
sittings or episodes: 54
sources: un-security-council

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“However, this goal is increasingly threatened by actions on the ground that exacerbate the divisions that exist between the two sides. We are deeply concerned to see the advancement of settlement activities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank on three occasions in the past month. On 14 May, tenders were issued for 85 housing units in Givat Ze'ev, south of Ramallah. On 6 May, the District Planning and Building Committee approved permits for 400 new residential units in the settlement of Ramat Shlomo, and, on 27 April, 77 tenders were issued for residential units in two other East Jerusalem settlements. These announcements come at a sensitive time in which the international community is looking to Israel to demonstrate its readiness to engage with the Palestinians on building peace.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“Both parties must make every effort to build upon existing agreements, including the relevant Security Council resolutions, the road map and the Arab Peace Initiative, in order to gain momentum towards a final status agreement.vThe Secretary-General stands ready to work with all in order to encourage a return to negotiations on the basis of an agreed framework. On 14 May, the Israeli Knesset confirmed Prime Minister Netanyahu's new coalition Government. Its guidelines state that it will "strive for peace with the Palestinians and all our neighbours, while safeguarding the security, historical and national interests of Israel". The Secretary-General and I will be engaging with the new Government to explore realistic options for a return to meaningful negotiations towards a two-State solution within a reasonable time frame.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“Nor should we underestimate the domestic challenges that Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike will have to overcome. The region is facing a complicated security threat. However, it is precisely because of the dangers that lurk in the Middle East today that both sides must show historic leadership and personal commitment to peace and negotiations. I take this opportunity to call on the new Government of Israel to take credible steps, including a freeze of settlement activity, in order to promote the resumption of meaningful negotiations. Continued security cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities remains a cornerstone of a peaceful resolution.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“Thousands of people have died so that today we may hold this truth - that peace cannot be achieved through violence, but at the negotiating table - to be self-evident. This hard-earned belief in peace and negotiations must not be allowed to wither away. If it does, it could further destabilize the Middle East for decades. To save it, to give hope back to people, we must act to advance the prospect of a two-State solution: Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. How to do this is not an academic question, but one that must be addressed by the parties on the ground, the international community and the United Nations as well. I do not underestimate the difficult decisions that both parties will have to take.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“I have also met with political, civil society and business stakeholders in the West Bank and Gaza and with key partners in Egypt and Jordan in order to begin developing a better understanding of the reality on the ground and the prospects for the future. The Middle East faces a Vicious tide of terror and extremism that presents a serious challenge not just to the region, but also to international peace and security. However, the inability to respond for over 60 years now, both to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a State and to Israel's quest for security, has fuelled a situation that is becoming more dangerous by the day. Generations of Palestinians and Israelis have come to realize that sustainable and just peace cannot be reached through conflict, but must be the result of negotiations.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I am honoured indeed to address the Security Council in my new capacity as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. At the outset, allow me to thank President Abbas and his Government for their warm welcome and genuine interest in working with the United Nations in advancing the just cause of peace. I would like to also express my gratitude to the Government of Israel for its warm reception and for engaging on a host of important issues related to the situation on the ground. Since taking up my assignment, I have engaged with Palestinian and Israeli leaders.”
2015-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7446 (2015) · source
“Allow me to thank Council members" Governments and the Secretary-General for the unity that they have shown in supporting Iraq, for the unyielding support for UNAMI and for the trust they have placed in me to lead this difficult Mission. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my colleagues in the Mission, in the Secretariat and in the United Nations country team for their commitment, bravery and hard work throughout the years. And I would like to thank the Government and the people of Iraq for the hospitality that they have extended to me, for their friendship and for their daily courage to never give up in the face of terror. It has been an honour serving as the Secretary-General's Representative for Iraq.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Those are the men and women who will build a new Iraq. What we in the international community can and must do is to help them succeed. We must support them in building democracy, without which the majority of Iraqis will not feel secure, nor will their human rights be protected. We must work with them to achieve a balance among their diverse communities inside the country, because without balance violence and extremism will persist. We must assist them in ensuring justice, not reprisal, for the crimes of the past and violations of today. Finally, we must grant the people of Iraq the respect and dignity that they deserve. That is the noble mission of the United Nations in Iraq.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Iraqi society has been deeply scarred and will take a long time to heal. But the medicine is to look forward to unity and reconciliation, not to turn to the failed policies of the past. ISIL flourishes when Iraq is weak, and Iraq is weak when it is divided by sectarian politics and when political patronage overtakes national loyalty. My unyielding optimism for the country, however, stems from the spirit of the ordinary Iraqi people, those who stood up to defend their country in the summer of last year, those who went out to vote despite car bombs and terrorist attacks, those Iraqis who do not care whether someone is Shia, Sunni, Christian, Yazidi, Kurd, Arab or from any other community. It is the overwhelming majority of ordinary Iraqis who have no foreign country to flee to, no foreign passport to rely on.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“The goodwill between Kuwait and Iraq is at its highest since 1990. I believe that this is a very opportune moment for their respective leaderships to come together on this important humanitarian issue, review efforts so far and decide on a new course of action. Resources, technology and a fresh approach may all be required. As always, UNAMI stands ready to support that process. As I conclude my tenure as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, let me say, on a more personal level, how humbled I have been by the people of the country. For decades they have lived with dictatorship, conflict and terrorism, yet they persist in their determination to build a democratic State. Generations have been scarred and brought up in fear - fear of oppression, fear for their future, fear for their lives.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“We have placed much emphasis on witnesses and continue to emphasise that the most modern scientific advances and technology should be utilized. A UNAMI-identified witness travelled recently to Kuwait during the reporting period. That visit, for which UNAMI and the Iraqi Government had worked hard, regrettably did not yield anything substantial. Time remains our most formidable foe. Our team is working to reach another witness, who has been overseas and who Kuwait believes holds the key to identifying a gravesite that may contain as many as 180 mortal remains. Let me assure the Council and the families of the Kuwaiti missing persons that the United Nations will continue to do its utmost to fulfil its mandate. Nonetheless, the key to achieving tangible progress is primarily in the hands of the parties themselves.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Let me turn briefly to the fifth report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2107 (2013), on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third- country nationals and on property. Iraq-Kuwait relations continue to be on the ascendant. High-level Iraqi visits and the results of the fourth Joint Ministerial Committee meeting are very encouraging. Kuwait's consulates in Basra and Erbil, when opened, will take Iraq-Kuwait relations to the next level. I wish that I could report similar progress to the Council on the missing Kuwaitis and the Kuwaiti national archives since the previous report (S/2014/776). The Kuwaiti Government and people are understandably disappointed that nothing tangible has been achieved for many years now. UNAMI shares their disappointment.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“While tackling the security and political challenges, the social and economic agenda must also remain in focus. Addressing pockets of deep poverty, particularly in the south of the country, providing quality social services, providing a business climate for investors, fighting pervasive corruption and, perhaps most urgent, facilitating the return of displaced persons to their homes and rebuilding areas liberated from ISIL - all such policies are all key to social peace in Iraq. I also take this opportunity to assure the people and the Government of Iraq that the United Nations will continue to provide international assistance and expertise in that process.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Those documents hold the key to seeing Iraq successfully move forward. Discussions on approving the necessary legislation for a national guard should be swiftly finalized. That is important in order to empower provinces to take more responsibility for their own security. It will also help ensure that all weapons are firmly under the control of the State. Most important, the Government should act decisively to rebuild the armed forces on a truly national basis. Part of the political agreement that has been the basis for the formation of the Government is to grant amnesty and to revise the justice and accountability law in order to allow Iraqis who have not committed crimes under the brutal regime of Saddam Al-Hussein to move forward with their lives and find their place in their country.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“The essential medicines pipeline will break at the end of March. The United Nations humanitarian country team, led by newly appointed Humanitarian Coordinator Lise Grande, has put together a list of fast- track priorities that cannot be postponed or ignored. We urgently need approximately $150 million to support IDPs, whose life-saving protection needs are enormous and likely to grow. I take this opportunity to appeal to the international community in that regard, at a time when Iraq is highly vulnerable and when support for the humanitarian operation will make a decisive difference in the direction of the country. As I conclude my mission in Iraq I would like to send a message to the Government of Iraq to encourage it to move swiftly on the full implementation of the ministerial programme and the political agreement.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Some 5.2 million people need humanitarian assistance in Iraq today, of whom 2.25 million are displaced and 235,000 are refugees from the conflict in Syria. To date, the population of the Kurdistan region has increased by some 30 per cent because of the influx. Despite the generosity of local communities across the country, one-third of IDPs in accessible areas are living in unfinished and abandoned buildings, makeshift shelters and spontaneous settlements. They are highly vulnerable and dependent on assistance to survive. Let me sound the alarm bell. Sixty per cent of humanitarian operations in Iraq are likely to shut down or be curtailed unless funding is received in the next few weeks. The food pipeline will break in mid-May unless funding is received before the end of March.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Despite very tight spending limits due to the fall in oil revenue, spiralling security costs and an massively expanded public sector wage bill, Parliament was able to set aside some $500 million to help rebuild lives and livelihoods in those areas that are liberated from ISIL. The United Nations is working actively with the authorities to set up a recovery and reconstruction fund through which Iraq's allies, neighbours and friends can contribute to this process as well. Most urgently perhaps, the Iraqi authorities and the United Nations need to redouble our efforts in supporting over 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced from their homes since January 2014. Let me recall for the Council the gravity of the situation on the ground by highlighting some numbers.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Political parties, however, should also show restraint in their statements in the face of such acts, which are clearly aimed at destroying Iraq's social fabric. It is in that respect that I welcome the Government's decision to conduct a full investigation into the alleged massacres in Diyala province. To paraphrase Prime Minister al-Abadi, a crime is a crime, no matter who has committed it, and all responsible should be held accountable It is also encouraging that, as we speak today, Iraq's President, Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament are holding a joint meeting to identify measures to address the events of recent days. The Government faces the additional challenge of a very fiscally constrained environment. In a hallmark of success in January, the Council of Representatives approved the 2015 budget.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Equally worrying is the increasing number of reports of revenge attacks committed particularly against members of the Sunni community in areas liberated from ISIL control. All of these ongoing human rights violations present a serious threat to the cohesion of Iraq. Some of Iraq's recent military gains in Diyala, Salah al-Din and Ninewa governorates have been marred by claims that militias have killed unarmed civilians and intentionally destroyed property and places of worship. It is imperative that the Government act swiftly and decisively to bring under control all armed groups that are outside of the Constitution. Failing to do so risks undermining the much-needed process of national unity and reconciliation.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“In January this year alone, there were over 2,200 civilian casualties, including 790 killed and some 1,500 injured. Almost daily terrorist attacks continue to deliberately target all Iraqis - most notably from the Shiite community, as well as from ethnic and religious minorities - across the country. The continued reports of massive human rights violations and abuses being committed by ISIL against civilians are gruesome. ISIL has made a point of not hesitating to openly publicize its crimes committed against men, women and children. The safety and security of members of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities in areas controlled by ISIL - particularly the thousands of women and children who remain in captivity - remain of grave concern.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“In addition to these developments, relations between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have improved following their historic agreement on energy exports and revenue-sharing. Improved cooperation is also evident between the Iraqi security forces, the Peshmerga, volunteers, local communities and the forces of the anti-ISIL international coalition. This cooperation has been key in dealing with the most recent security threats, including to the city of Kirkuk, the Ein Al-Assad air base and elsewhere in the country. Despite these positive steps, the process is fraught with risks. Armed conflict and acts ofterrorism continue to inflict a terrible toll on the people of Iraq. In 2014, at least 12,000 civilians were killed and over 23,000 injured.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“As such, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has strongly supported the Government's national reconciliation and social cohesion agenda. Recently, we convened in Baghdad a round table on social cohesion with prominent Iraqi political, religious and civil society representatives, who discussed the causes of recommendations that were presented to the Government. Subsequently, the United Nations convened round tables in Karbala and Basra, bringing together local leaders. During these meetings, participants reiterated the importance of strengthening social and religious cohesion, as well as of rectifying divisions within Iraqi society. the United Nations Development Programme is also expanding its community reconciliation initiative at the grass-roots level.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“I also encourage the Council of Representatives to adopt the necessary legislation to establish the Iraqi national guard so as to allow the provinces to take greater responsibility for their own security. In January, the Government submitted to Parliament a bill to that effect. An exclusively military solution to the problem of ISIL is impossible; indeed, it would be counterproductive. I therefore welcome the consistent calls for unity by the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament. Any effort to achieve unity through reconciliation must be based on the Constitution and the principles of inclusivity, with the full participation of political, religious and community leaders from across Iraq. A particular focus must also be placed on increasing the role and participation of women.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“While pursuing these objectives, Iraq's most pressing goal remains to win back territory taken by ISIL. In that respect, the Government hats taken important measures for security sector reform. The authorities have pledged to provide military and financial assistance to local leaders and tribal fighters to aid their struggle against ISIL. Since the beginning of the year, at least 4,000 Iraqis from Anbar and Ninewa have signed up as part of the popular mobilization force - an important first step in securing local forces for the liberation of Iraq's western provinces. I encourage the Government to empower and quickly provide all necessary means to these local fighters as they seek to free their homes from ISIL, while also supporting recovery and reconstruction.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“This understanding has been increasingly evident since the formation of a national unity Government set on addressing many long-standing concerns of the Iraqi people. I am, however, also paranoid that things may go wrong. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) remains in control of most of Iraq's western provinces; the fragile efforts towards unity and reconciliation need to be carefully nurtured if they are to bear fruit; while the economy has been hit by falling oil prices and skyrocketing security costs. Since its formation in September 2014, the Government has taken important steps in fulfilling its agenda. It has engaged countries of the region, all with a View to regaining the confidence of Iraq's population in the political process and promoting stability.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: l have the honour to present the second report of the Secretary-General (S/2015/82) pursuant to paragraph 6 ofresolution 2169 (2014), as well as the fifth report of the Secretary-General (S/2015/70) pursuant to paragraph 4 ofresolution 2107 (2013) on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, and missing Kuwaiti property. As I complete my tenure as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, to borrow a phrase, I remain a paranoid optimist - an optimist because, despite the year-long security crisis, Iraq's political, community and religious leaders have coalesced to save their country from terror. Today more than ever, there is a growing understanding that Iraq can move forward only on the basis of the principles of democracy, the rule of law, respect for diversity and inclusivity.”
2015-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7383 (2015) · source
“I also wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to my political deputy, Mr. Gyorgy Busztin, for having borne this responsibility with passion and commitment. I also thank my humanitarian deputy, Ms. Jacqueline Badcock, for her commitment and service in overseeing the humanitarian and development operations at a crucial time for Iraq. I wish both of them the very best in their new endeavours after they leave UNAMI. Once again, I express my deep and sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Iraq for their continued cooperation and assistance during these difficult times.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Last but not least, UNAMI has been unanimously welcomed by the tripartite mechanism as an observer, which I read as a vote of confidence in our impartiality, trustworthiness and work. I assure the Council and the families of the missing that UNAMI will continue to do all that it can to live up to the trust that has been placed in us. Two days ago, on 16 November, an explosion targeted a United Nations convoy in Baghdad. Thanks to the professionalism of the United Nations security teams, all our colleagues are safe. This incident reminds us of the conditions of hardship under which our staff must operate. As such, I would like to express my appreciation for their daily sacrifice, and to express appreciation to the Security Council and the Secretary- General for their support and understanding of our work.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Exploring leads, debriefing witnesses and informants, and digging trenches have taken place in a purposeful manner, despite the debilitating security situation. This has been recognized and appreciated by Kuwait. In September, a witness travelled to Kuwait; this was only the second witness to come forward since 2004. Sadly, the visit and the identification of the site that this witness had provided did not yield immediate results. A second witness, who has approached UNAMI volunteering to help, is going to travel to Kuwait in the coming days. Our teams are also working on the case of a third potential witness who may hold the key to a site containing a number of remains. These sensitive discussions on the subject show that we can continue engaging with Kuwait, Iraq and the families of the missing persons.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“I wish to present briefly the fourth report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2107 (2013) on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third- party persons and property (S/2014/776). I wish that I could report to the Council significant progress on the missing Kuwaitis and the Kuwaiti national archives since our last report (S/2014/485). The lack ofimmediate results, however, should not be the only yardstick by which we measure success. Iraq-Kuwait relations today are at their peak. UNAMI's endeavours and Iraq's persistence, especially in relation to the missing, have been noteworthy. In the past four months, as in the 13 months before that, Iraqis have shown an unwavering commitment to the search for the missing Kuwaitis.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“I will just take this opportunity to call on the Government to begin the process ofreforming the criminaljustice system of Iraq in order to promote accountability and strengthen the rule of law and the protection of human rights. In line with its programme, I also urge Iraq to move swiftly forward on an amnesty law that is in line with the Constitution. As we remain focused on the critical humanitarian situation, let us not forget or overlook the need for development support in Iraq. The new Government has inherited a dire fiscal situation; it is in need of international support not only to confront the menace of terrorism through military action, but to also implement vital fiscal, economic and social reforms.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“This coincides with the Government's ongoing efforts to engage its neighbours as part ofa comprehensive effort to promote stability in Iraq and the region. I strongly welcome the Government's efforts to explore the elements of a common political and regional security approach to combat ISIL. This has been a key feature in the discussions that Iraq's leaders have pursued with Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others. From the beginning of 2014 and until the end of October, at least 10,000 people have been killed and almost 20,000 injured. These are devastating times for the country. My colleagues Ms. Amos and Mr. Al-Hussein will brief the Council on humanitarian and human rights developments.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“I would like to encourage both leaders to seize the momentum and swiftly move forward towards a comprehensive, fair and constitutional solution to all outstanding issues, including the enactment of oil and gas and revenue-sharing laws. UNAMI, as always, stands ready to continue providing its good offices, as well as legal and technical support, to this process. The Iraqi Government's efforts are being reinforced by the support of the international community. I would like to thank those among Iraq's neighbouring States that have been responding with generous pledges and the delivery of vital humanitarian and security assistance in response to the crisis. I have recently visited with some of Iraq's regional partners, which expressed readiness to establish a strategic relationship with Baghdad.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“The Kurdistan Regional Government will also resume partially its oil contribution to the federal budget at a time of national crisis. This important step breaks a deadlock that was at the core of the most serious deterioration of relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region to date. It also reflects a new-found willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation to tackle difficult issues. On behalf of the Secretary-General, I want to commend Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al Abadi and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani for reaching this agreement, which is to the benefit of all Iraqis.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“This force would allow people to volunteer and defend their homes, with legal guarantees that the Government would provide support in line with the standards of other branches of the Iraqi security services. The United Nations Mission in Iraq has been asked to provide advice and technical assistance in the legal drafting process for the national guard law, and we look forward to working with our partners to conclude this process as soon as possible. I am further happy to report some important positive developments in the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad. Four days ago, with the support of the United Nations Mission in Iraq and the United States, an interim agreement was reached that allows public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region to begin receiving their salaries.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“I take this opportunity to also urge all armed groups outside of ISIL to seek the resolution of their grievances through serious dialogue with the Government in order to achieve genuine political reconciliation and to stand united against the danger of terrorism and violence for a better future for all Iraqis. UNAMI remains committed to assisting the Government of Iraq in these processes in accordance with its mandate. The process of working with local fighters should also go hand in hand with restructuring, retraining and re-equipping the Iraqi army. I am pleased to report that important initial steps have been taken, including the appointment of a number of new commanders. Moreover, the Government's programme provides for the creation of the Iraqi national guard.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Spurred by the growing brutality ofISIL, illustrated most recently by the massacre of 322 members of the Albu Nimr tribe, communities across the country are beginning to push back. Most recently, the Anbar and Ninewa Provincial Councils reached agreement with the Government to form local forces. It is the cooperation between the Iraqi Army, local volunteers and outside support that has made the liberation of towns like Amerli, Jurf al-Sakhar and Zumar possible. Most recently, this morning the oil refinery at Beiji and surrounding areas have been brought back under the control of the Government. Nevertheless, the presence of militia groups operating outside State structures remains a challenge. To deal with this, the Government is putting in place measures that should prevent non-State groups from bearing arms in public.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“The Iraqi Government's security strategy to counter ISIL is predicated upon organizing, supporting and integrating local communities into a national system that will allow them to keep their homes safe from terrorism; on restructuring and empowering the armed forces to fight ISIL; on strengthening cooperation with the Peshmerga; and on working with the international coalition and Iraq's allies and neighbours. I particularly welcome the Government's efforts to improve its cooperation with local tribes and other residents who are committed to protecting their communities from ISIL. In this process, the payment of salaries, the provision of weapons and training, and legal guarantees to the volunteers should be treated as a priority.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“These are just a few examples of the first steps in a broader initiative to restore confidence among Iraq's communities. Today I encourage the Iraqi Government to continue moving forward with consolidating its political, security and economic efforts in an inclusive and comprehensive manner in order to kick-start national reconciliation and dialogue and restore stability and economic growth to the country. This will also entail re-engaging all disaffected communities, particularly those located in areas of current conflict.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Despite the odds, this process was completed within the constitutional timeline. Then the focus shifted on ensuring a peaceful transition between the outgoing and incoming Administrations - a rare occurrence in Iraq's turbulent history. Finally, an inclusive Government of national unity was formed, based on national political agreement and a new ministerial programme. In the past few days, the Prime Minister has issued instructions preventing the armed forces from hoisting banners or flags other than the Iraqi national symbols, and discontinuing the use of logos and insignia of parties or political organizations. In a separate move, the Government has decided to allow displaced students to attend schools and universities in their current areas of displacement.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Its western provinces were overrun by ISIL; the Kurdistan region openly spoke of seceding; the southern governorates struggled with poverty while producing the country's riches; Baghdad was threatened on a daily basis by barrage of suicide bombers and improvized explosive devices; and Iraq's minorities have been subjected to unspeakable horrors. Faced with a common threat, the political, community and religious leaders across the country focused on pulling back from the brink and saving Iraq. A strategy emerged, which I am honoured to report was supported and facilitated by the United Nations Mission in Iraq. Leaders agreed that the response to ISIL should be based on the Constitution, national unity and reconciliation. First came the election of a new Speaker, a new President and a new Prime Minister.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“The crisis in Iraq has been further aggravated by the unresolved political, social and economic problems of the country's difficult transition to democracy; by the lack of agreement on the full implementation of the Constitution; by stalled reforms and sectarian differences; and by the country's exposure to the broader regional and global rifts. This explosive combination has consistently undermined public trust in the new Iraqi State for years, and it has driven communities apart, ultimately creating fertile ground for violence. As the crisis unfolded, Iraq almost collapsed.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“From the very beginning, ISIL's strategy has been obvious - to insert itself into the ethnic and religious fault lines of Iraq, to undermine legitimate authorities and to spread fear among the communities. Its goals have also been clear from the beginning - to destroy the Iraqi State and replace it with a state of terror that is built on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. To this end, it continues using parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria to advance on the rest of the region and threaten global peace and security.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Let me begin by presenting the Secretary-General's report pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2169 (2014) on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the most recent developments in Iraq. I am honoured to be joined here today by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Valerie Amos, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein. Twelve months ago, the city of Fallujah fell into the hands of the terrorist organization the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), setting off the displacement of some 2 million people - currently one of the largest such populations globally.”
2014-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7314 (2014) · source
“That threat, grave as it is, can be addressed if Iraq, the region and the world work together on the basis of the framework of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“The recent adoption of resolution 2170 (2014), the Arab League Resolution 7804, the Jeddah Communique, the Paris Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq and the recent NATO discussions all strengthen international support for Iraq in its time of need. The United Nations stands ready to support Iraq and the region by coordinating the political, social, humanitarian and financial efforts needed to address the current crisis. To conclude, let me be very clear. ISIL is a scourge that has brought untold sorrow to the people of Iraq and Syria. It has shown contempt for equality, fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person. It not only ignores but also shows disdain for international law, and its perverse ideas of justice are evidence of its deep reaction against the progress humankind has made over centuries.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“And finally, it is time for the pervasive issues of revenue and budget sharing to be resolved in line with the Constitution. As always, the United Nations in Iraq stands ready to continue to facilitate that process. All members of the international community should continue to work closely with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government and extend to Iraq the security, humanitarian and development assistance it needs. The stakes are very high for both the people of Iraq and the region. Iraq and all its regional neighbours have an unprecedented opportunity to restart positive bilateral relations based on mutual interests and partnership. That cooperation should be open and inclusive of all neighbours who can contribute to addressing the challenge of ISIL.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“I am also pleased to report that the Council of Ministers has initiated the process of drafting a law for the creation of a national guard. This will allow for the devolution of authority and will strengthen local engagement in the provision and management of security. In his most recent address to Parliament, the Prime Minister committed to resolving the outstanding budgetary disputes between the federal Government and the Kurdistan region. I encourage the Iraqi Government to swiftly move forward on restoring subsidies, starting in September, to the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should move quickly to reach agreement on the outstanding payments.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“I very much welcome Prime Minister Al-Abadi's recent orders to suspend Iraqi air force strikes in civilian areas, including in ISIL-controlled areas, and his public commitment to the protection of civilians. I urge the Government of Iraq to fully uphold that commitment. As Commander-in-Chief, Prime Minister Al-Abadi has also taken the initiative to restructure the leadership of the Iraqi armed forces. Those decisions are encouraging steps towards meeting the demands for reform. I further welcome the Council ofMinisters' decision to establish a reconstruction fund to rebuild the areas damaged by military operations. The United Nations stands ready to assist in that respect. The United Nations stands ready to assist in this respect.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Reforms that allow for better service delivery, policies that contribute to social peace and development, the devolution of authority, fair revenue-sharing among provinces, efficient public services, measures to combat pervasive corruption and, perhaps most importantly, the strengthening of the rule of law and democratic accountability will all allow the country to move forward. Transitional justice and reconciliation are impossible without addressing the human rights violations of the past and the present. Left unresolved, past grievances or abuses of human rights will undermine any attempt to resolve outstanding constitutional, legal or policy issues. I am pleased to report that, since its appointment, the Government has taken important steps and made a strong beginning for its collective work.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source