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, there are concerning reports of the security situation in some parts of Diyala and Baghdad governorates, where, according to some sources, armed groups or militias may have targeted and intimidated the local population. I call upon the Government of Iraq to ensure that security returns to those provinces and that such allegations are investigated. All communities should be able to freely participate in the forthcoming elections. Indeed, they should be encouraged to do so. As such, we are confident that, from a technical perspective, the two elections can take place on time. The IHEC is also conducting a large-scale out- of-country voting operation, which will include 19 countries and will allow Iraqis living abroad to register and vote in the general elections.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I am pleased to report that technical preparations are on track, including the distribution of approximately 75 per cent of the new electronic voter registration cards. In addition, security arrangements are being put in place for the elections. Those preparations cover areas of the Anbar governorate that are accessible to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and its officials. UNAMI continues to provide technical advice to the Commission. In addition, we have embedded a staff member within the Commission who will work to ensure that voters reach voting centres as safely as possible. UNAMI is also working with the IHEC to ensure that the displaced residents of Anbar can take part in the elections.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Both the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government have taken steps that should allow for progress to be made on all outstanding issues related to the management of the hydrocarbon sector and revenue sharing, as required by the Constitution. I take this opportunity to once again urge all parties to work in a spirit of compromise with the goal of quickly resolving all issues related to the approval of the 2014 federal budget law. UNAMI stands ready to assist in that process. In just over a month, on 30 April, Iraqis are scheduled to head to the polls to choose their national representatives. It will be Iraq's third national election under the 2005 Constitution, and it is likely to be its most contested race to date. On the same day, voters in the Kurdistan region will also choose their governorate council representatives.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“I would like to welcome the vital and constructive engagement by the United States in facilitating an interim arrangement that would now allow for the negotiations to continue, with the goal of adopting the 2014 budget with the agreement of all components of Iraqi society. Under that interim arrangement, I further welcome the decision of the Kurdistan Regional Government to begin exporting 100,000 barrels of oil per day through Iraq's existing pipeline network to Turkey without preconditions. To build on that first step, experts from the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government should meet soon to assess future month- to-month export targets based on technical capacities and in a manner consistent with the Iraqi Constitution.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“The situation escalated when the budget transfer to the Kurdistan Regional Government was halted in February. To resolve the budget dispute, both the federal and regional Governments engaged with each other through the exchange of official and technical visits, as further delays in the budget law could very soon place serious constraints on the federal Government's spending, including in areas of delivering services. I have extended my good offices to facilitate that dialogue in order to reach a robust and transparent agreement on the equitable distribution of budget allocations derived, in part, from oil and gas exports.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“The Anbar crisis poses the most serious challenge to the Government of Iraq's efforts to maintain the very stability and security needed for building a democratic State. Since the onset of the crisis in late December 2013, the Council of Representatives, for example, has witnessed boycotts by three of its largest blocs. That has resulted in the Council's inability to secure a quorum for the majority of its meetings. It has also brought the entire legislative process to a halt during this critical time. The approval of the federal budget law has emerged as a significant challenge. It has been affected by unresolved negotiations between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on oil-export rights and the sharing of revenues derived from oil products.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Let me be absolutely clear: without securing additional funding, the United Nations will very soon be unable to continue its humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the fighting in Anbar. I am aware that a number of Governments have indicated their willingness to consider co-funding on the condition that the Government of Iraq contribute to the $103] million strategic response plan, which we put forward and launched earlier in March. Given the compelling humanitarian needs, the capacity of the United Nations and its partners and the impartiality of the assistance provided through the United Nations, I call on the Government of Iraq and the international community to urgently support the strategic response plan.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Three months of fighting has led to the displacement of over 66,000 families, which represents just over 400,000 people. Many remain trapped in areas of active conflict. The intensity and nature of the fighting is significantly constraining regular access by the United Nations and other humanitarian actors to those affected. Despite the difficult circumstances, the United Nations is delivering assistance where it can and recently accessed areas that were previously unreachable. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Government of Iraq, provincial authorities, Iraqi security forces and our local partners and national staff who have made that possible. Unfortunately, with many stocks drawn from our reserves in Iraq, our own and our partners' resources are diminishing rapidly.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Less than a month after the plan's adoption, 5,000 tribal members from Anbar and an additional 7,000 local Anbar residents have already been recruited, while 1,940 displaced families have received funding. However, the cessation of hostilities was short-lived, underscoring the nature of the threat facing Iraq and its neighbours. The signs are not promising for an early resolution of the crisis. The United Nations continues to closely follow all attempts to find a peaceful solution. All our interlocutors in Baghdad and Erbil expressed their support for the United Nations as an impartial and trusted partner. In such a volatile situation, the United Nations primary concern has been to provide lifesaving assistance to those displaced by the fighting.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“The Government of Iraq has furthermore attempted to resolve the crisis on the basis of a 14-point plan to restore stability and security in Anbar. The plan has put in motion a process that aims to build confidence among federal, provincial and local actors and establish strategic cooperation on the ground. It offers a time-bound cessation of hostilities and an amnesty period for insurgents who are not affiliated with the terrorist groups. Another key feature is the boosting of provincial police resources through the recruitment of approximately 10,000 local tribal members. The Government has also decided to allocate new funding in order to compensate families and communities who have been most affected by the fighting and to support development projects in Anbar.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“In all meetings, I have stressed that, while the United Nations will support Iraq's fight against terrorism, the challenges facing the people of Iraq cannot be resolved without dialogue and concessions. While a security response is necessary to tackle the threat of armed groups and terrorists, a range of strategies is needed to successfully address the conditions that enable terrorist activity. The protection and advancement of human rights, equality before the law and the inclusion of those who feel marginalized will become central in any political resolution in the future. Those messages were boosted by the timely visit of the Secretary-General in January, during which he stressed the need for unity and a holistic approach to the problem of violence in Iraq.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Since the beginning of the crisis, I have called on the Government of Iraq to exercise restraint in taking military or paramilitary action and to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilian life and property. I welcome the assurances provided by the Prime Minister of Iraq that Iraqi security forces will not enter the city and that the Government is seeking a political solution that would allow the legitimate authorities to return to Fallujah. The United Nations is also closely following all attempts to broker a peaceful solution. Since the beginning of the crisis, I have also engaged in intensive meetings with leaders from across the spectrum of Iraqi politics.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Those traps have considerably slowed down the process of return for those families who want to go back to their properties. The situation in the city of Fallujah, which remains under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other armed groups remains a source of concern. The city is surrounded by Iraqi security forces. Civilian casualties and sporadic shelling of neighbourhoods and civilian have been reported. Indeed, on at least one occasion, shelling hit the general hospital. Many people have fled. However, large numbers of residents remain trapped inside the city, with nowhere to go and limited, if any, access to food and basic services.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“That threat is beginning to affect other parts of the country. The country's security is strained by well-armed and well- trained terrorist groups with access to substantial financial resources. Their goal is clear: to establish a permanent foothold beyond the control of the authorities and to consolidate a base for the expansion of their operations. They exploit divisions and weaknesses in Iraqi society and want to ultimately make the country ungovernable. Over the past few weeks, the capital of Anbar governorate, the city of Ramadi, has returned to Government control. Although isolated pockets of fighting remain, the local authorities and the security forces face the difficult task of clearing out buildings and securing roads that have been booby-trapped with sophisticated explosives by the terrorists.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“The situation is further compounded by unresolved constitutional issues that constantly bring to the fore the existing tensions between Iraq's communities. All that makes for a fragile and explosive combination. Today more than ever, Iraq's political, civic and religious leaders have the responsibility and duty to promote national unity so as to engage all Iraqis as stakeholders in the construction of a democratic future for their country. Participants in that endeavour will not only have to brave the threats of rising violence from terrorist activities, they will also have to acknowledge the need for compromises on pressing matters related to the national budget and revenue sharing. The need for unity is currently most visible in Anbar governorate, from which the most serious threat to the security of the country emanates.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I am honoured to present to the Council today two reports of the Secretary-General. The first report is pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2110 (2013) (8/2014/190) on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the most recent developments in Iraq. The second report is pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2107 (2013) (8/2014/191). During my last briefing (see S/PV.7068), I stressed that Iraq's future cannot be considered in isolation from the broader challenges that the region is facing. As divisions continue to plague Iraqi politics, the ongoing conflict in Syria has added a regional dimension to sectarian tensions and is affording terrorist networks the occasion to forge links across the border and expand their support base.”
2014-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7149 (2014) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me by the Secretary-General and the Council to lead the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. I look forward to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to UNAMI by the Council and I express my deep and sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Iraq for their warm and cordial welcome. I wish to place on record my deep thanks to the Security Council for its continued support.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“On 13 November, my deputy attended the first interministerial meeting on missing persons at Iraq's Ministry of Human Rights. I welcome the Government of Kuwait's intention to appoint an official dedicated to the file, to be based in Baghdad, and with Whom UNAMI looks forward to working closely. I wish to reiterate that, for UNAMI, the issue of missing persons remains an important priority. We therefore urge the parties to avail themselves of UNAMI'S engagement with both the Government and a wide range of political actors in Iraq, which may potentially assist us in carrying out that very important humanitarian task alongside the commendable efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“It is regrettable that such painstaking efforts have failed to produce tangible results to date. I wish to assure the families of the missing Kuwaiti nationals that UNAMI will play its mandated role with that in mind. I am also delighted that my political deputy received support for UNAMI's role from all the relevant stakeholders during his visit to Kuwait in October. It is my hope that that momentum will translate into UNAMI becoming an observer in the tripartite mechanism. As for the Government of Iraq, it is clear that it sees us as a constructive partner in its desire to fulfil its responsibility. It has subsequently invited us to be part of its interministerial committees on missing persons and property in an observer capacity.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“The cementing of ties bodes well for furthering progress on issues that are 22 years old and need to be brought to a close. The victims who have lost their loved ones deserve nothing less. National archives are seminal to a country's history. Kuwait rightly considers the original national archives as part of its identity, treasure and history. Iraq's efforts to remedy the loss of property and items belonging to Kuwait have yielded results over the years. However, it is disappointing to note that few clues have emerged to date that would give stakeholders the hope of identifying the whereabouts of those national archives. Iraq itself is not a stranger to the grief of missing persons. Many families have lost loved ones. Iraq's Ministry of Human Rights and the relevant bodies have shown commitment in that humanitarian search.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“In accordance with the resolution, based on an agreement between Iraq and Kuwait, the Council decided to hand over, under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, the responsibility to UNAMI, in particular to my political deputy, Gyorgy Busztin, to oversee the file. I would like to add that the transition to act under Chapter VI is clearly a testimony to the trust and mutual respect between the two neighbours. UNAMI's task is made easier by the deepening and expanding nature of the Iraq-Kuwait relationship. For the first time since 1990, in February, the Iraqi and Kuwaiti airlines resumed flights between Baghdad and Kuwait. Subsequent to those developments, the two countries are exploring cooperation in the areas of culture, youth, trade, transport and commerce, as well as other fields of common interest.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“Nearly 300 residents have been resettled outside Iraq, with the largest number accepted by Albania and Germany. Resettlement to third countries remains the only avenue to guarantee the safety and security of the residents. To that effect, the United Nations has established a trust fund aimed at facilitating humanitarian relocation efforts. I would like to appeal to all Member States to provide relocation opportunities to the remaining residents and to contribute to the fund. I now wish to present the first report of the Secretary-General on the issues of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including its national archives, pursuant to resolution 2107 (2013).”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“Let me now address the issue of the former residents of Camp Ashraf, which was officially closed on 11 September after the last 42 residents had been safely transferred to the temporary transit location in Camp Hurriya. UNAMI remains particularly concerned about the security of the residents after unidentified gunmen attacked the camp on 1 September. The attack left 52 people dead, while seven are still reported missing. UNAMI has condemned that barbaric act in the strongest terms, and we have repeatedly called on the authorities to investigate the incident. I call upon the Government of Iraq to ensure the provision of all security and humanitarian arrangements for the remaining Camp Hurriya residents in accordance with the memorandum of understanding.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“I would also like to commend the Kurdistan Regional Government for its hospitality, generosity and excellent work in setting up camps that address the needs of the refugees, as well as for their willingness to allow refugees to access educational services and to receive treatment in the camp medical facilities. The humanitarian crisis has major security and political implications that need to be addressed in coordination with the authorities. I would therefore like to call upon all authorities and actors to preserve the humanitarian space and to reopen the borders for those seeking refuge from the armed conflict and indiscriminate violence.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the Government and the people of Iraq for extending their hand towards those Syrians fleeing violence in their own country. The impact of the crisis is especially visible in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which to date has accommodated more than 98 per cent of the refugees. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that, while some 40 per cent of the refugees are hosted in camps, over 60 per cent reside in local communities in the governorates of Erbil, Dohuk, Suleymaniyah and Anbar. Currently, there are 80,000 Syrian refugees settled in 14 transit areas and permanent camps in Iraq, the largest being Domiz, which hosts some 45,000 refugees.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to report that, in recognition of the extent of their mutual interests, both Iraq and Turkey have recently taken important steps to improve their bilateral relationship. Furthermore, Iraq can take advantage of the region's ongoing transition to pursue closer ties in a range of areas. Chief among those areas of cooperation must be containing the threat posed by terrorist groups. I would also like to note Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's bid to host an international conference in order to unify efforts to combat terrorism and ward off radicalism. The Syria conflict continues to put pressure on the humanitarian response capacity of all actors. The total number of registered Syrian refugees in Iraq now exceeds 200,000 persons.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“It focuses on a number of key developmental challenges, namely, Iraq's reliance on hydrocarbon resources, the lack of a strategic role for the private sector and the banking system, the imbalance of public spending in favour of operational spending, the high unemployment rates, corruption and the reach of essential services to the most vulnerable and impoverished. In the light of the development plan, the United Nations in Iraq is preparing a new development assistance framework to align United Nations programming more closely with those priorities. Let me now turn briefly to Iraq's regional relations. I strongly believe that Iraq can and is poised to take up a prominent regional role. To that end, normalizing its relations with all neighbours is key. The process can be built on successfully on the basis of its experience with Kuwait.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“Against this encouraging backdrop, I regret noting that on 17 November, Iraq executed 12 persons convicted under the Anti-Terrorism Law and the Penal Code, bringing the total number of executed this year to 159. Once again, I appeal to the Government to declare a formal moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty. The central and provincial authorities in Iraq must complement each other in addressing the fundamental socioeconomic and development priorities. The Government took an important first step by issuing its new national development plan in September.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“We look forward to defining more clearly the parameters of such cooperation. The Government has also implemented some positive measures to address gaps in the justice system, including the establishment of an interministerial committee, which UNAMI has recently been invited to attend. According to this Committee, which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein al-Shahristani, the Government remains committed to releasing those improperly detained, restoring seized assets, and compensating families of the victims of terrorism. I am pleased to report that on 14 November, UNAMI was invited to observe the Committee's facilitated release of 54 prisoners, including two women. UNAMI commends this initiative and is eager to move forward with the Government on these matters.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“It is essential that, as the Iraqi Constitution provides, there be equal access to justice. In order to ensure that due process, fair trial standards and the presumption of innocence are respected, some legislative changes may be needed. The Government must ensure that law enforcement agencies have sufficient capacity and resources to prevent acts of terrorism and that they can properly investigate such crimes in a manner that respects democratic principles, including the rule of law and human rights. UNAMI is working with the Ministry of Justice on improving prison conditions and on criminal justice reform. I am pleased to report to the Council that the Government has now agreed in principle to permit UNAMI to conduct visits of detention centres under the authority of the Ministry of Interior.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“The United Nations estimates that a total of just under 9,000 civilians and members of the Iraqi security forces were killed, with thousands more injured, between July and October. I have joined the Secretary- General and others in publicly condemning this spiral of senseless violence. I would like to once again pay tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives in the service of their nation and to the countless innocent lives that have fallen victim to violence. While a military response is necessary, as I earlier noted, a range of strategies is needed to successfully implement policies that inhibit terrorist activity. These include rectifying violations of human rights by ensuring justice and appropriate compensation for the victims or their families, no matter when or by Whom those violations were committed.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“This includes identifying more effective coordination mechanisms, the absence of which has major consequences on security in the disputed areas, where many of Iraq's minorities reside. The Turkoman community continues to suffer terrorist attacks, as do the Shabak, the Yezidis, the Christians and other minorities in their respective areas. The unresolved issues around the disputed areas, including article 140 of the Constitution, also need to be addressed with a sense of urgency. The status of Kirkuk is at the forefront of these issues, as is the need for an equitable power-sharing arrangement endorsed by all its constituents. I call upon all leaders to ensure that the Governorate Council elections in Kirkuk take place as soon as possible.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“I further call on them to ensure that a favourable environment is in place to facilitate the preparations and conduct of elections in a transparent, peaceful and secure manner. I also appeal to all political and civic leaders to engage in a genuine effort to promote national cohesion by adhering to the principles ofthe Code of Honour and to engage constructively in the Social Peace Initiative. I would like to briefly note that a number of issues remain outstanding between Iraq's central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, including revenue-sharing and budget allocations. There is an urgent need to make progress on the security arrangements in the disputed areas.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“They pledged to reduce tensions and avoid issuing potentially divisive public statements. They also committed to a comprehensive dialogue and reform process, known as the Social Peace Initiative. This process has been supported by UNAMI and warmly welcomed by the international community. Both the national elections law and the Social Peace Initiative remain in a nascent and fragile state. They are at risk of being subverted by new tensions, which are expected to rise as election campaigns get under way. I therefore call on all political, religious and civic leaders to maintain their commitment to holding parliamentary elections on 30 April 2014 and to refrain from any actions that may unduly delay or undermine the process.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“I call on all Iraq's political leaders to build on this momentum and move forward to enact the Federation Council and political parties' laws. The United Nations stands ready to offer technical advice in this process. I strongly welcomed both the adoption of the new election law as well as the setting of 30 April 2014 as the date of the next general election. In a separate development, the Kurdistan regional authorities announced that the recently postponed provincial election in Iraqi Kurdistan should be held on the same day as the national vote. Secondly, in September, many of Iraq's political, religious, tribal and civil leaders took part in the Conference for Social Peace where they signed a National Code of Honour and committed to upholding the unity of Iraq and its people.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“Experience has shown that successfully countering terrorism requires a range of political and development interventions that advance social cohesion, democratic accountability and the rule of law. Most important, however, it requires leaders to work together to reduce political tensions. Achieving inclusion requires the complete implementation of the Constitution, including its articles on the separation of powers, federalism and decentralization. Recently, elements of such a multifaceted approach were utilized to successfully address two key political priorities. First, and critically, a new general election law was enacted on 4 November. With UNAMI's support, a spirit of compromise prevailed and consensus was reached.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“They seek to create a political vacuum by assassinating political leaders in governorates such as Ninewa, Anbar and Salah al-Din. They target Shiite pilgrims and Sunni mosques in order to incite communal conflict. The terrorists want to make parts of Iraq ungovernable. I Wish to use this opportunity to call on the Security Council to condemn in the strongest terms the recent spate of terrorist attacks. The Council's message will be seen as support for the people of Iraq in their just struggle against terrorism. As the international community stands up to crimes against humanity, so we must take a stand against all forms of widespread and deliberate targeting of civilians.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“All my interlocutors expressed their support for the United Nations as an impartial and trusted partner that can reach out to all parties. All expressed deep concerns over the escalation ofviolence. All spoke of the need to ensure that no component of Iraqi society feels marginalized. And finally, all shared a growing anxiety that outside influences, including the situation in Syria and the regional tensions as a whole, are fuelling the terrorist threat to Iraq. These were the messages that Iraqi political, civic and religious leaders asked me to deliver to the Security Council. Terrorism remains a significant threat to Iraq. Armed groups seek to foment a vicious cycle of violence reminiscent of the dark days of 2006 to 2008. Against the wishes of ordinary Iraqis, these groups are attempting to impose their will in parts of the country.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“In addressing the regional challenges the United Nations and, indeed, the Security Council have a responsibility and an important role to play. I believe that the latest developments announced over the past couple of days regarding the holding of the "Geneva II" meeting and the interim agreement with Iran are positive first steps that will have a positive impact on the region as a whole. Despite the violence, Iraqis remain hopeful for a peaceful, inclusive and democratic State. The people of Iraq have shown unparalleled resilience and a strong commitment to building a common future together. The United Nations has a crucial role to play in supporting their aspirations. Since my arrival, I have held discussions with political and civic leaders in Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, Anbar and Kirkuk.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“It is readily exploited by terrorist and armed groups that target civilians with the intention of inciting sectarian hatred and undermining the Government and the country's elected authorities. The ongoing conflict in Syria has added a regional dimension to sectarian tensions and is enabling groups such as Al-Qaida to forge links with similar factions across the border. Today more than ever, Iraq's challenges cannot be considered in isolation from the broader risks that face the region. Resolving the Syrian crisis through an inclusive national project and adopting a regional strategy against all forms of religious or sectarian extremism is vital to bringing stability to Iraq. This would create an enabling environment in which the country's ethnic and religious communities can find a balance without undue outside influence.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source
“Mr. Mladenov: I have the honour to present to the Council today two reports of the Secretary-General, the first pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 2110 (2013) (8/2013/661), on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the most recent developments in Iraq, and the second pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2107 (2013) (S/2013/654). As they strive to build a democratic State, founded on the rule of law and the protection of human rights, the people of Iraq continue to face serious challenges. The most pressing of these challenges is the security environment, which is currently deteriorating. It is compounded by political deadlock.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7068 (2013) · source