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

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

“All Iraqis, no matter what ethnic or religious community they belong to, stand to lose if they fail to cooperate against the growing threat of terrorism, radicalism and extremism. Today there is a growing understanding that if any security plan is to succeed, it needs to be broadly accepted by all. There is agreement among key decision-makers that security cannot be provided without full respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, international humanitarian law and human rights standards. The conditions that breed discontent and violence in Iraq need to be addressed as a matter of priority so that disaffected communities, particularly those currently located in conflict areas, can be brought back into the democratic process. The Iraqi Constitution remains the guiding framework for legitimately resolving all grievances.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“As a result of those investigations, the United Nations has verified systematic and widespread human rights violations committed by ISIL and associated armed groups, along with violations and abuses committed by armed groups supportive of the Government and some committed by the Iraqi security forces. A public report was published in July, while a second one is currently in preparation. Due to the gravity of the crimes committed by ISIL, I welcome the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council to dispatch amission to Iraq to investigate alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law and humanitarian law. The fall of Mosul forced people to understand that it was not just the survival of their country that was at stake, but the very existence of their communities.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Minority communities, including Christians, Yazidis, Shabaks, Turkmen, and others, have been particularly targeted by ISIL, which has systematically and deliberately sought to cleanse them from territories under its control, perpetrating acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and possibly genocide. The United Nations Mission in Iraq continues to investigate reports of violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law. Our teams have conducted over 500 interviews with victims of and witnesses to those violations.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Having said that, I have to note with growing concern that available funding for humanitarian operations will be exhausted before the winter and additional support will be needed. The current crisis has had a devastating effect on the respect and protection of human rights in Iraq. The United Nations estimates that, since January, there have been some 25,000 civilian casualties, including at least 8,500 killed and more than 16,000 wounded. On behalf of the Secretary-General and the entire United Nations team in Iraq, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all civilian casualties across Iraq and to the victims of terrorism.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“The Government's efforts must be encouraged and its financial commitments to remedy this humanitarian catastrophe must be recognized. The United Nations stands ready to provide additional help in improving the coordination and delivery of services. On behalf of the entire United Nations family, I would like to thank those Member States that to date have responded to our call for assistance and followed through with generous support to the United Nations humanitarian effort. I would also like to recognize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has contributed some $500 million ofthe total $712 million given so far for the United Nations effort in Iraq. Over 60 per cent of that substantial donation has already been spent on tents, food and other items for the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“With winter fast approaching, immediate and critical measures must be taken. Furthermore, since more than 2,000 schools are currently providing shelter to internally displaced persons (IDPs) throughout the country, the start of the school year has already been delayed by a month. In response, the United Nations has mounted a massive humanitarian effort across Iraq to provide food, shelter, water, sanitation and health assistance. We continue to face immense challenges in reaching the estimated 650,000 people who are still in the areas of active conflict. I would like to take this opportunity to call on the Government of Iraq to formulate a national strategy to address the displaced people's situation, as well as to immediately restore the payment of salaries and essential social services throughout the country.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“But I am encouraged to report that in the face of this growing threat, cooperation and coordination on security between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government has substantially increased. Iraq is facing an escalating emergency, with as many as 1.8 million people displaced since January. About 850,000 of them have sought refuge in the Kurdistan region alone. Just in the past fortnight, an additional 10,000 families from Diyala province have been displaced from their homes. The humanitarian crisis is not just in the north of the country; tens of thousands of people have fled to the south, where many are being hosted by families and religious institutions. The pressure on local communities across the country is growing, since the continuing influx has created a massive shelter crisis.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“In recent weeks, the combined efforts of targeted airstrikes, Iraqi security forces and Kurdish Peshmerga operations have enabled some areas to be brought back under the control of the legitimate authorities. They have been instrumental in saving thousands of lives from imminent death on Mount Sinjar, in the town of Amirli and elsewhere. They have protected the city of Erbil; they have safeguarded key infrastructure, including the Mosul and Haditha Dams, and they have halted ISIL's advance towards the capital, Baghdad. Despite those successes, however, ISIL forces have most recently been able to take control of key towns in Salahadine province.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Months before Mosul fell into ISIL's hands, the provinces of Anbar and Ninewa had become fertile ground for this terrorist organization. Throughout this period the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq observed and underscored the organization's evolving strategy of terror, which continues to systematically undermine the legitimate authorities through kidnappings, assassinations and violence. It seeks to use the discontent among some communities to turn it into bitterness and violence. It is using its consolidated control over extended territory in both Iraq and Syria, combined with an ideology of hatred, fear and nihilism, to present a clear danger to the very existence of a unified Iraqi State. It is a threat to the region and to international security.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“It is also looking to the international community for support. Today, as Iraq faces life-threatening danger from the advances of ISIL, its people look to the countries represented here - the members of the Security Council, their neighbours, allies and friends. They look to the international community and the United Nations for collective measures aimed at removing this threat to peace in Iraq and the rest of the region. Since the beginning of the year, ISIL and its affiliated armed groups have captured large parts of northern and western Iraq. They have gained access to substantial amounts of weapons and financial and natural resources. Their networks, spanning the globe, reach out in order to recruit foreign fighters in their battle to dismantle the Iraqi State.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Finally, its consistent pronouncements, most recently through the adoption of resolution 2170 (2014), continue to encourage the people of Iraq by letting them know they are not alone. Iraq's transition has been painful and scarred by much violence. Its people, however, have shown an unmatched ability to persevere, despite the difficulties. Most recently, amid a rapidly deteriorating security environment, they came out to vote in a competitive election that was followed, finally, by a peaceful transfer of power. As Iraq's new Government of national unity is moving to restore security to large parts of the country, it is also seeking to strengthen the relationship between the ethnic and religious communities and to develop inclusive policies that contribute to social peace and cohesiveness.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: It is indeed an honour to brief the Security Council today on behalf of the Secretary- General. This is the fourth time I have addressed the Council on the devastation inflicted on the people of Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). On behalf of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), I would like to thank the Security Council for its continued interest and unity in expressing support for the people and the Government of Iraq, as well as for making it possible for our Mission to fulfil its mandate. The Council's consistent calls for inclusive political engagement, timely elections and a process for forming a Government have not gone unheeded. Its condemnation of the violence and human rights abuses has been welcomed by Iraqis.”
2014-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7271 (2014) · source
“Particular gratitude is due to our security colleagues and the Fijian and Nepalese United Nations guard units. I look forward to continuing to fulfil the mandate entrusted to UNAMI by the Security Council and I express my deep and sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Iraq for their warm and cordial welcome.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“Iraq-Kuwait relations can also result in dividends for the region with Iraq's relations being strengthened with all other countries in the Gulf neighbourhood. For my part, I intend to visit Kuwait at the earliest opportunity after the Eid to pursue the dossier and further Iraq- Kuwait cooperation. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me by the Secretary- General and the Security Council to lead the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq. I want to the note before the Council my personal gratitude to my team in Baghdad, in Erbil and in Basra, and to everyone in UNAMI and the United Nations country team for their commitment to undertaking their political, humanitarian, developmental and support tasks in a high-risk environment.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“I also wish to inform the Council that we stand ready to facilitate more contacts between the two countries at all levels. Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations are excellent at a Governmental level. It is time that those relations trickle down to a people-to-people level. The Kuwaiti leadership has reiterated its desire to broaden and deepen its relationship with Iraq. Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Buzstin's proposal for a joint meeting of young Iraqi and Kuwaiti artists in Kuwait to exhibit their talents together as part of a United Nations event has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Kuwaiti leaders. The security situation in Iraq permitting, UNAMI, with the cooperation of United Nations Development Programme and the two Governments, will pursue the idea further.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“I am also pleased that an Iraqi witness approached UNAMI to identify a grave site in Kuwait. UNAMI will work closely with the relevant Iraqi authorities to take that witness to the site. It is our hope that those efforts might also lead to tangible results. The Secretary-General has called for more regular contact between the joint Iraq-Kuwait interministerial committee on missing Kuwaiti property in order to build a better understanding through the practical means of finding the national archives. I am pleased that Iraq and Kuwait have agreed that the property committee will now meet twice a year. The Iraqi Prime Minister made it clear to me that he will act on any information on the archives to help resolve the issues. UNAMI stands ready to assist Iraqi efforts in that direction.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“The present report speaks of our efforts not only to keep the issue at the forefront, but also to come up with new ideas to see how we could move forward together on a subject that has eluded closure for a decade now in relation to the missing persons and since 1990 in relation to the national archives. In consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, we have identified the International Commission on Missing Persons as a partner to Iraq. We believe that cost-effective scientific and technological means could help overcome many of the challenges in the search for missing persons. It is my hope that the situation in Iraq will stabilize to enable Governmental consideration of such proposals so that new means and techniques can be employed in the search operations.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“The major element standing in the way of the relations reaching their full potential is the current instability in Iraq. As long turmoil continues, decisions on matters such as the missing Kuwaiti persons and property are likely to take more time and effort. The Kuwaiti Government is understandably anxious that the security situation and the political stalemate in Iraq and its attendant demands will leave UNAMI with little time or space for its mandated role on the missing Kuwaiti persons and property. I wish to assure it and the Security Council that our commitment to that humanitarian endeavour remains clear and that Iraq remains devoted to implementing its obligations.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“UNAMI stands ready to continue providing its good offices and legal and technical support to the process. I also wish to present today the third report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/480) on the issues of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, pursuant to resolution 2107 (2013). Iraq's relations with Kuwait continue to show strong signs of improvement. Kuwait's donation of $10 million towards humanitarian relief for internally displaced persons in Iraq demonstrated its goodwill towards its neighbour. The normalization of relations is on a strong footing, and I am hopeful that the two countries will only draw more closely together, thus mutually benefitting from the increased closeness.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“That has led to the inability of the Regional Government to pay public sector salaries. In an apparent reaction, Erbil has also begun to export oil independently, which has been challenged by the federal Government. Despite UNAMI's efforts to find acceptable compromises, strong disagreements remain. Relations between Baghdad and Erbil have further deteriorated due to the exchange of harsh statements between their respective political leaders, which has led to Kurdish ministers suspending their participation in the Council of Ministers of Iraq. I call upon all political leaders to refrain from radical statements and accusations that may further complicate the situation. Indeed, today I am encouraged because Kurdish Members of Parliament in the Iraqi Council of Representatives continue to engage actively in the political process.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“On 3 July, the President of the Kurdistan Region declared his intention to address the current political impasse through a referendum for independence because of an enduring deadlock over a number of critical issues, including the hydrocarbon and revenue-sharing laws, the status of the Peshmerga, the adoption of the 2014 federal budget and the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. The Federal Government in Baghdad has rejected all moves towards independence as unconstitutional. I would like to once again highlight that the 2014 federal budget draft law remains outstanding, seven months into the fiscal year. As part of the ongoing dispute, the Kurdistan Regional Government has not received its anticipated budget allocations since March.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“At a time like this, for any Administration to succeed, it must have substantial support from the communities and work on the basis ofa clear programme that saves the country from terrorism, sectarianism and division. Iraq needs and must receive regional, interregional and international support. Iraq alone cannot face the current challenges without support from its allies, the region and the international community. The threat of ISIL is not and will not be limited to Iraq alone. Therefore, serious engagement among various stakeholders is urgently needed. Allow me to briefly turn to developments in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and address the deterioration of relations between Baghdad and Erbil.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“A new Parliament was elected in late April in an election that saw a turnout of over 62 per cent. Last week, the political blocs demonstrated that they can reach agreement, when they elected the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and his deputies. The momentum generated by the election of the legislature's leadership must now translate into the election of the leadership of the executive branch, including a new president and a new Government. Iraq cannot afford a protracted Government formation process, as the current threats continue to challenge the existence of the Iraqi State. At the polls, the Iraqi people did not give any single political bloc a full majority in the Parliament. The message of those who voted has been clear - all groups must compromise and cooperate in bringing the country together.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“In fact, itwillbe impossible without addressing the root causes of violence and implementing a political and social package that addresses the concerns of all communities without exception. A political road map and a comprehensive vision for re-engaging all communities in the country's decision-making process in a serious manner are vital. Demands from Sunnis and all other components of Iraqi society that are legitimate and constitutionally sound should be addressed without delay. The impasse between Baghdad and Erbil must be solved immediately. Existing disparities in poverty and development also breed legitimate resentment, including among some Shia communities in the south of the country. Addressing those and other such concerns can only be done through adherence to the democratic political process and the Constitution.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“If any security plan is to succeed, it will need to be broadly accepted across the political, sectarian and ethnic divide; it will need to be implemented in full cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government; and it must be implemented in line with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. And there is also one condition sine qua non that should be met for any security plan to succeed, and that is a very simple condition - everyone should stand together against terrorism. No one can disengage, as the threat affects all communities. Everyone should support the legitimate national institutions of Iraq. However, we must be absolutely clear - a military solution is not enough, and alone it will certainly not be effective.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“They pose a direct threat to vital infrastructure, including the Bayji refinery and a number of airbases, access to which would substantially increase their financial and security resources. In response to the crisis, forces from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, also known as the Peshmerga, have moved into areas vacated by Iraqi security forces, including in the disputed internal boundary areas, and are currently engaged in battles with ISIL as well. The solution to the crisis cannot be found in the toolbox of military operations alone.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“As the cycle of violence and instability in Iraq continues, many ask what can be done to turn the tide. It is clear that Iraq will never be as it was before the fall of Mosul. While ISIL remains the most significant threat to the sovereignty of the country, it has been joined in a temporary alliance of convenience by a number of other groups with different goals. Former Baathist militants and Sunni tribes have used the cover ofISIL's advances to join hands. Their aims are wide ranging; some are broadly sectarian, others are anti-Government or seek the overhaul of the constitutional order. ISIL and associated armed groups have waged fierce battles against the Iraqi security forces, and have captured large portions of the governorates of Ninewa, Anbar, Salah al-Din and Kirkuk, and parts of Diyalah.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“I would like to call upon all actors to the conflict to ensure that human rights standards and international humanitarian law are respected and upheld throughout all phases of the armed conflict, and to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, social infrastructure, and cultural and historic heritage. The Government of Iraq must do all it can to hold accountable any individual who commits violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights law. Civilians must be guaranteed that they can leave areas affected by the violence in dignity and safety, and must have their right to access humanitarian assistance respected. All parties must establish humanitarian corridors, especially for besieged communities, and respect the right of impartial organizations to provide humanitarian assistance for those in need.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“UNAMI has serious concerns regarding the safety and protection of civilians in areas affected by violence, particularly the members of vulnerable groups, such as women, female-headed households, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and diverse ethnic, religious and cultural communities. We have received reports of women being targeted and having severe restrictions placed on their freedoms in areas under ISIL control. I am also alarmed by the killing and maiming of children due to indiscriminate attacks, including shelling on populated areas, and the ongoing recruitment and use of children as young as 12 by all parties.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“The Mission also conducts direct advocacy with political, civic and religious leaders with the aim of mitigating the effects of the violence and by raising the awareness of all parties to the conflict concerning their obligations to protect civilians. UNAMI and the United Nations country team are devoting all available resources to ensuring the coordination of the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians impacted by the violence. Despite our efforts, however, between January and June this year, 5,500 were killed and some 12,000 wounded. Almost 900 people have died in July alone. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all civilian casualties, to the victims of terrorism, and to the members of the Iraqi security forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“The United Nations is ready to assist with the disbursement of the funds and to help augment the Iraqi Government's efforts to that end. The United Nations stands ready to work with the authorities to take expeditious steps to establish a comprehensive registration system that covers all of Iraq, and will help assist with tracking displacement. I would also like to thank Member States for their generosity, and in particular the recent pledge by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of $500 million, which will allow the United Nations to continue to provide life-saving support, including shelter suited to both winter and summer. The spreading violence is having a grave impact on the human rights situation in Iraq. UNAMI closely monitors and reports on the impact of the conflict on civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“This new influx joins the more than 225,000 Syrian refugees who had already sought protection in the three Kurdish provinces of Iraq. I would like to commend the efforts of the thousands of host families across Iraq and all local and national officials who are involved in the humanitarian response. Let me assure the Council that the United Nations will continue to work closely and in coordination with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to address the urgent humanitarian needs of those displaced by the current conflict. Let me also be unequivocally clear. We will spare no effort to reach all who have been affected by the fighting, no matter where they are. I would like to strongly welcome the Government of Iraq's decision to allocate $400 million to address the needs of the displaced.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“These repugnant acts, which form one part of a growing tragedy of displacement, have been strongly condemned by the Iraqi Parliament, Government and religious authorities, as well as the Secretary-General and the Security Council. Since the beginning of the year, an estimated 1.2 million Iraqis have lost their homes. More than three-quarters of them are displaced in areas that are not under the Government's control or in highly insecure zones. Millions more remain trapped in areas of fighting. The United Nations has identified over 1,600 sites of displacement across the country. The picture emerging is highly concerning. The governorates of the Kurdistan region of Iraq now host over 300,000 newly displaced, and their capacity to respond has been overwhelmed.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“It has sought to radicalize people by exploiting legitimate grievances.It has manipulated divisions within Iraqi society with the intention of exacerbating sectarian divides, fomenting social unrest and undermining the Government and elected representatives. Just over the course of the past few weeks, minorities in the Ninewa province have come under direct attack by ISIL. Christians have been given an ultimatum to convert, pay a tax, leave, or face imminent execution. Shia, Turkmen, Yazidis and Shabaks are facing systematic abductions, killings or the destruction of their property. The houses of minority residents in the city have been marked. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced or forced to flee and seek refuge, while many others have been executed or kidnapped.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“Its terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations. Recruiting and using foreign fighters, and engaging in murder, hostage-taking, kidnappings, gross human rights violations are all reasons why the international community and the Security Council should demand in no uncertain terms that ISIL cease all hostilities and atrocities, and call upon Member States to cooperate in efforts to enforce existing sanctions and hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these horrific terrorist acts, war crimes and crimes against humanity. ISIL's strategy has been clear from the very beginning. It has aimed to establish a permanent foothold beyond the control of the authorities through terror and violence.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“On 29 June, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) - also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham or simply the Islamic State - took down a military outpost on the Iraq/Syria border and declared control over parts of both countries. This group, which is listed under the United Nations sanctions regime as an Al-Qaida affiliate, has taken over Iraq's second largest city and is now in control of about one-third of the country. In so doing, it took some $450 million from the coffers of the Iraqi Central Bank in Mosul. It controls critical infrastructure, including oil fields and pipelines. It has substantially increased its military capabilities. From a splinter group of Al-Qaida, ISIL today has grown to be a complex threat to peace and security in Iraq, the entire region and beyond.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: Please allow me to begin by first wishing a blessed holy month of Ramadan to all our Muslim friends and colleagues, and by saying to them Ramadan kareem. I am honoured to present to the Council today two reports on behalf of the Secretary-General. The first is pursuant to resolution 2110 (2013), on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the most recent developments in Iraq. The second is pursuant to resolution 2107 (2013), related to relations between Iraq and Kuwait. In my first and second briefings to the Security Council in November of last year (see S/PV.7068) and in March this year (see S/PV.7149), I spoke of how eastern Syria and western Iraq were becoming one battlefield.”
2014-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7224 (2014) · source
“I am convinced that is Iraq's wish as much as Kuwait's. On behalf ofUNAMI, I would like to assure the Council that we will do everything in our ability to make that happen. I am more than ever convinced that the outstanding humanitarian issue of the missing Kuwaiti nationals, as well as of missing property, including the national archives, must be brought to closure without further delay so that the two countries can definitively turn the page. With the support of Member States, UNAMI will continue to assist the people and the Government of Iraq in implementing the Mission's mandate. I thank the Government and people of Iraq for their cooperation. I especially wish to thank our staff, national and international, as well as the Secretariat, for their dedication, without which our mission would be impossible.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“UNAMI has suggested for the two property committees to convene in the near future and for Iraq to use the occasion to return Kuwaiti belongings. I believe that those meetings between the two property committees should happen on a more regular basis in order not only to build understanding and empathy between the two sides but also to devise practical means of achieving a breakthrough on the national archives. On the question of the national archives, I would also like to express my disappointment that not a single lead has emerged so far. UNAMI is working very closely with the Government of Iraq to assess existing archival arrangements. As Iraq completes its payment of compensation to Kuwait, in 2015, I would very much welcome the opportunity to be able to announce progress on the issue of the missing Kuwaiti nationals and property.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“As I wonder about what has sustained those families who have no knowledge or information of their loved ones, I realize that it is their unyielding hope that keeps them going, even though no remains have been found since 2004. I believe that there are a number of ways in which UNAMI can assist on that issue, including through adopting a new local approach to searching for information, maintaining the spotlight on that very important and sensitive humanitarian issue and assessing how it could best assist in the search for useful information from a wider Circle of potential sources. Needless to say, I am also pleased that 100,000 books, academic theses and other objects belonging to Kuwait have been found and collected in recent months.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Kuwait's National Committee for Missing Persons and Prisoners of War Affairs is seriously concerned that, with each passing day, the search for those missing becomes harder. Those in possession of information may become more removed and inaccessible. Despite the lack of progress during the past decade, the Committee members demonstrate an admirable sense of purpose and resolve. I have the highest respect for the Committee and for the families of the missing. The Committee joins UNAMI in approaching the issue, including missing Iraqis on its soil, as a humanitarian task. Loss and pain clearly transcend nationalities. Any family with a missing member, be they Iraqi or Kuwaiti, would relate to the grief and pain of the other.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“The Emir and others made it clear that they desired nothing less for Iraq than peace, stability and prosperity. It is therefore comforting that my political deputy, Ambassador Gyorgy Busztin, carries out his duties as the overseer of that mandate against the very conducive backdrop of strong Iraq-Kuwait ties. During the reporting period, UNAMI served as an observer to Iraq's two interministerial bodies on missing Kuwaiti nationals and property. We note the sincerity and resolve of the Iraqis. However, it is with much regret that, despite the sincerity, time and effort that Iraq continues to invest in that humanitarian endeavour, I can report no new results with regard to the issue of missing persons.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“They also look to the Security Council to continue to guide us in an united manner. I now wish to briefly turn to and present the second report ofthe Secretary-General on the issues ofmissing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including its national archives, pursuant to resolution 2107 (2013). I visited Kuwait for the first time in my capacity as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on 17 and 18 March. I had the honour to meet His Highness the Emir, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and the Emir's adviser, as well as the National Committee for Missing Persons and Prisoners of War Affairs. I was very gratified to see the Kuwaiti leadership's strong wish for stability in Iraq.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“They need to build thousands of schools to prepare their children for the future, and to invest in a modern health-care system. They need an independent judiciary and a modern public administration. They need a vibrant civil society and a dynamic private sector. They aspire to uproot corruption and sectarianism. No one in Iraq would disagree that those are the long-term challenges that everyone in the country faces in seeking Iraq's social, political and economic development. Everyone welcomes the role of the United Nations in supporting Iraq's critical transition. The people ofIraq look to UNAMI to be an impartial partner and expect the United Nations country team to bring forward international experience and expertise to assist their difficult transition to democracy.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I want to reiterate our call to the Government of Iraq to swiftly support the finalization, signing and entry into force of the status-of-mission agreement without further delay. The United Nations plays an important role in Iraq in promoting political dialogue and human rights, as well as in engaging in the development agenda. I would like to thank the United Nations country team and our partners in the Iraqi Government for finalizing a new United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Iraq for the period 2015 to 2019. While it will continue to provide the basis for development assistance, it should also support efforts to enhance social cohesion in the country. The people of Iraq are tired of war and confrontation. They want to reconstruct their country and use their wealth to the benefit of all.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I commend the recent steps taken by the United States, including a recent decision to resettle a number of those residents in the United States, as well as to provide $1 million in seed funding to the United Nations multi-donor funded project - the trust fund, as it is known - to support their resettlement and integration in third countries. I also call on the Government of Iraq to ensure that all security and humanitarian arrangements are provided for the Camp Hurriya residents in accordance with the signed memorandum of understanding. On a separate note, I would like to mention that the Mission continues to face some operational challenges due to the absence of a status-of-mission agreement 10 years after the Mission's establishment.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Those standards also require that no person who was under the age of 18 at the time the crime was committed should be executed. Iraq currently has two men on death row who were under 18 when the crimes for which they have been convicted were perpetrated. I would now like to address the issue of the residents of the temporary transit location at Camp Hurriya. To date, 356 residents have been relocated outside Iraq, with the largest number being accepted in Albania and Germany. I welcome the appointment of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the relocation of the residents, Ms. Jane Holl Lute, as a positive step for engagement with the international community on finding relocation countries.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I appeal to the political parties to focus their platforms on the future, not the past. The people of Iraq deserve the opportunity to make a free choice for the future to which they aspire. On this occasion, I would also like to call on the political leaders of the Kurdistan region to work together and to finalize the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government after the successful elections in September 2013. Iraq continues to implement the death penalty. In 2013, 177 Iraqis were executed, followed by another 50 this year. I wish to reiterate the Secretary-General's call for Iraq to consider a moratorium on all executions, in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolutions and international conventions. Such international instruments have defined the standards governing the use and implementation of the death penalty.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I would like to commend its efforts to establish the necessary procedures to ensure the effective participation and representation of women in the electoral process, and urge it to continue its work. All concerns should be handled within the Constitution and the legal process. The people of Iraq must not be prevented from voting and choosing their representatives on 30 April. Any delay for political or other reasons will set a dangerous precedent for the country. A transparent and credible election is one of the pillars of democracy. I want to take this opportunity to encourage the people of Iraq to vote and to make an informed choice on the basis of strong political platforms that promote a harmonious and cohesive society that represents all religious and ethnic affiliations.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Over the past few days, some controversy has emerged over the decision ofthe Electoral Judicial Panel to disqualify certain candidates from participating in the election. Most recently, the IHEC commissioners submitted their resignations, allegedly over political pressure being exerted on their work. I reiterate my full support for the independence and integrity of the Independent High Electoral Commission. The Commission's independence is guaranteed by the Constitution, and I call on all political entities to protect its integrity. The Commission has demonstrated a high level of professionalism. It has the technical capacity to organize the forthcoming elections, and there is no reason to delay them.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source