YouSaid · the spoken record

Zebari

lines on the record: 184
first: 2003-12-16
most recent: 2013-06-27
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“We continue to fight an insurgency, crime, incidents of sectarian violence and foreign terrorists trying to incite civil war and prevent the consolidation of our democratic gains. The continued cooperation between Iraqi forces and the Multinational Force remains necessary for our security and critical to attaining the goal of self-sufficiency in defending our country and securing peace. In reference to my letter to the President of the Security Council of 9 June (S/2006/377, annex), the Government of Iraq therefore requests, and welcomes, the continued presence of the Multinational Force in our country. We thank those forces, and the coalition countries, for their vital contribution and commitment to the people of Iraq.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5463 (2006) · source
“This inspiring exercise of our democratic rights is a credit to the determination and courage of the Iraqi people to secure their future and their country. Our first permanent national unity Government has now assumed office for a four-year term, in accordance with the constitution, and is held accountable by the 275 men and women of the freely elected Council of Representatives. These achievements mark the completion of our timely compliance with our obligations under the political process mandated in Iraq's transitional administrative law and endorsed in resolution 1546 (2004). However, as we have enjoyed this political progress, a difficult and destructive security situation persists.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5463 (2006) · source
“I thank the members of the Security Council for allowing me the privilege of addressing the Council today. In accordance with Security Council resolution 1637 (2005), and pursuant to Iraq's request in a letter to the Security Council dated 27 October 2005 (S/2005/687, annex), the mandate of the Multinational Force in Iraq is now due for review. Over the previous 12 months, despite formidable challenges, the people of Iraq have realized historic progress towards a pluralistic, federal and united democracy. The Transitional National Assembly drafted a new permanent constitution, which was successfully ratified through public referendum on 15 October 2005. In December, over 70 per cent of the eligible electorate voted for Iraq's first constitutional Government, in the third internationally approved election of 2005.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5463 (2006) · source
“But Iraq also provides the test case for success or failure. Nowhere are the goals of freedom, democracy and progress more at stake. We know our clear way forward, but we need your help. We need the help of every Member nation and of the Organization to win this fight. We must stick together, or we will lose together. Now is the time when determination and perseverance are most needed. The more intense the engagement now, the sooner we will be able to stand on our own feet and defend a democratic, united, prosperous and free Iraq. There is surely no worthier goal.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Iraq stands alongside New York, attacked on 11 September 2001, Madrid, Beslan, London and Sharm el-Sheikh as a wake-up call. We must show no sign of weakness. We are determined to rebuild our country. We are ready to fight anyone who seeks to return us to tyranny through the barrel of a gun or a suicide mission. I wish to reiterate to the Security Council that as long as conditions require it, we need the help of the Multinational Force. To rebuild, we also need the arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq to continue. To lead the international effort, we need UNAMI to increasingly fulfil the role outlined in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004). Finally, Iraq is proud to stand with the other nations of the world as a country that upholds the core values of the United Nations Charter.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“But there are differences in the way in which neighbouring countries respond. We feel strongly that, unfortunately, there is a lack of political will in Syria with regard to its commitments to Iraq. Regrettably, the bulk of foreign fighters are coming across the Iraqi- Syrian border, and the Syrian Government has yet to demonstrate serious cooperation in helping us to stop that transit. We repeat our call upon our neighbours to tighten border controls, act forcefully against hateful propaganda and demonstrate clear action to stem the tide of terror. The alternative to peace is bloodshed and endless violence by an emboldened enemy with an established base from which to export its murderous campaign. The terrorists know that, and so do we. Global terror has never been more of a threat.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Increasingly, Iraqi forces are successfully taking over areas of responsibility from the multinational forces, as we saw recently in Tal Afar, Najaf and other bases in the country. But this is a multifaceted effort. We need more training, better intelligence, better forces and better coordination. There is an ongoing need for continued support from the multinational forces to complete the job and to help us to build a professional, non-politicized force answerable to a democratically elected Government. We again ask our neighbours to root out elements of terror and join us in regional strategic cooperation. Neighbouring countries have responsibilities towards Iraq that they have agreed to through bilateral or ministerial meetings, and which fall under resolution 1546 (2004) and the more recent resolution 1618 (2005).”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Our efforts to rebuild and stabilize Iraq are being challenged at every step, and we expect terrorists to step up their attempts to create civil tension and prevent national unity ahead of the constitutional referendum. The battle being fought in Iraq is not ours alone, but a fight to protect the freedoms of the rest of the civilized world. Many Security Council members present today have been affected by terrorism. There is a moral obligation to relieve the Iraqi people of their burden, and we appreciate the sacrifices and the work of those multinational forces that support us in Iraq. Despite the bravery of our own fledgling forces, we cannot do it alone. The more we build our security and military capabilities, the sooner the multinational troops can go home.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“But as we enshrine our human rights in a new Constitution, we know that our future cannot be determined in ink. What happens on the ground will determine how far we can translate our vision into a more promising reality. The gravest human rights Violations in Iraq today are the senseless atrocities inflicted upon us by terrorists. We are bearing the brunt of thousands of our people being slaughtered by foreign extremists or thugs of the former regime, bitter for having lost their iron grip on Iraq's riches. They have only a nihilistic message, but no agenda, for Iraq or for the region, except to prevent, through a deadly cycle of Violence and terror, democratic ideals from taking root.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“We acknowledge that there are some difficulties in the process of human rights development in Iraq. We are taking proactive measures to investigate any reported human rights violations through independent inquiries and parliamentary committees. We remind the Security Council that the ability of the United Nations and human rights non-governmental organizations to be able to work in our country and compile human rights reports is in itself a positive achievement. We welcome all international human rights organizations, and encourage them to have a presence in our country. We salute the European Union's JUST LEX initiative aimed at bringing our security and police forces and penal and legal officers up to international human rights standards of practice.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“We need to accelerate capacity-building in the ministries, based on the principles of good governance and public accountability. We require a more concerted international effort, led by the United Nations, to speed up the distribution of donor funds and reduce system bottlenecks. We are rebuilding our nation on the principles of human rights and equality, rather than on the mass graves and genocides of the past. But to succeed we must be self-appraising in our progress and, after two and a half years of freedom from dictatorship, we must also recognize that human rights development - the heart of a free and democratic nation - takes time. It requires constant education and the establishment of practices and institutions to uphold and protect individual, minority and public rights.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“We also welcome the United Nations coordination activities with donor countries, through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, in partnership with Iraq's national development strategy. Now is the time to accelerate the mechanisms to implement the international commitments made in Madrid and reinforced in Brussels and Amman. The level of disbursement from the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq has improved, compared with 2004, but we are looking with concern at the spending level managed by the World Bank. We also support the Secretary-General's call to donor countries to provide the $107 million required for Iraq's elections, in addition to the amount set aside by the Iraqi Government. We urgently need to improve basic services and the everyday standard of living.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“While the political transition is an Iraqi-led process, we ask the United Nations to play a more vocal and more Visible role in Iraq. No international organization does a better job of organizing credible, honest elections in emerging democracies than the United Nations. We again urge Member States to adhere to their obligations under resolution 1546 (2004) to provide protection and funding for United Nations facilities in Iraq so that UNAMI can contribute more effectively to democracy-building in our country. Democracy cannot flourish without social development and reconstruction. We note the United Nations efforts regarding reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance, as outlined in the Secretary-General's report.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“Iraq welcomes and appreciates the United Nations role in Iraq, especially the work of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ambassador Ashraf Qazi, who played an important part in consensus-building in the constitutional process. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) contributed important advice to the Constitutional Committee and to the Electoral Commission, and we welcome their efforts to increase their presence on the ground by setting up offices in Erbil and Basra. Iraq will be heading into a critical phase in the next three months, and we call upon UNAMI to fulfil its mandate fully, according to resolution 1546 (2004), broadening its physical outreach and providing more personnel support.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“The National Assembly has adopted a new electoral law based on a system according to which Iraq's 18 governorates will each elect its own representatives, thus creating a broader coalition and representative Government. Forty-eight Assembly seats are allocated as compensatory seats for minority groups that are unable to meet the electoral quota. Encouragingly, voter registration has surged in all areas of the country, the latest figures and assessment indicating about 14 million people so far. If constituents are registering to vote in peaceful political opposition, then that is democracy at work. We are committed to meeting the remaining deadlines mandated in the Transitional Administrative Law and endorsed by resolution 1546 (2004), but we need greater international assistance in order to do so.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“That sends an important message: there will be no will of the majority without the consent of the minority. The draft Constitution is the most progressive in the region. It provides a framework for democracy to thrive, and we are very proud of what we have produced, particularly in such a difficult security environment. The next step is to ratify the draft Constitution in a national referendum on 15 October, when the people of Iraq will have the final say. In order to build national consensus, the draft remains open for debate. A vigorous public awareness campaign is under way, and the United Nations is printing 5 million copies to be distributed to Iraqi households. If ratified, the referendum will be followed by nationwide general elections in December for a constitutionally elected Government.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“The Charter enshrines human rights, minority rights and equal rights before the law regardless of ethnicity, religion or beliefs. It protects freedom of speech and conscience, the sovereignty of law, the peaceful transfer of power and full political rights in a parliamentary, federal and democratic Iraq. It upholds our historical tradition of the peaceful coexistence of diverse faiths and guarantees religious freedoms. Power is separated between the legislature, the executive and an independent judiciary, within a federation devolving power and resources to the regional and local levels. What we have produced does not satisfy all the demands of any group, but it is the best deal that could be delivered based on negotiation and consensus. We demonstrated a commitment to compromise instead of exerting individual maximalist demands.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“The Constitution Drafting Committee was therefore expanded to better represent Iraqi society by including communities that did not take part or that did not fare well in the January elections. Every Iraqi must have a sense of ownership of our country's future, and we have a responsibility to future generations of Iraqis to craft a democratic Constitution based on public consent. There was a short delay in presenting the draft charter to the National Assembly while all parties tried to reach broader agreement on some of the key issues. But this is the first time in 80 years that a constitution has been so openly and publicly debated. It is important that we stick to the timetable set out in resolution 1546 (2004), but in this case too much was at stake to rush through an unfinished or unworkable charter.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“In accordance with the political process endorsed by resolution 1546 (2004), Iraq's general elections were successfully held on 30 January, initiating a peaceful transfer of power to the National Assembly, which convened on 16 March, and a Transitional Government, which was formed on 3 May. The national unity Government constitutes the most broadly representative Government in Iraq's history in terms of ethnicity, faith and political affiliation. Thirty-one per cent of Assembly members are women. The priority of this phase of our political transition has been to draft a new permanent Constitution for Iraq. That historic document will provide the foundation on which to rebuild our country as a peaceful, stable, united and federal Iraq, and the only way to realize that vision is with the input and the consensus of the entire constituency.”
2005-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5266 (2005) · source
“We look forward to the day when our forces are able to assume full responsibility for maintaining our national security, at which time there will be no need for the engagement of the multinational force in Iraq. Until then we need the continued presence of the multinational force in Iraq. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks and gratitude to the States participating in the multinational force for their valued contribution. Finally, the newly elected Government of Iraq recognizes what its people expect of them, and we endeavour to deliver. We are confident that we will succeed. Our people prove that the majority want democracy. Iraqis should be respected for their resilience and determination in rising up to the Challenges they face every day.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“An international conference on Iraq in Brussels next month is being organized by the United States and the European Union, together with the Government of Iraq. We hope to seize the momentum generated by the success of the January elections and the instalment of a new Government to strengthen the existing international partnership and forge new support for Iraq's reconstruction, military-security development and democratic transition. We are encouraged by the positive attitude demonstrated during the preparations, and we welcome those participants who are dealing with our country constructively, in good faith and with respect for the new order.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“In that regard, we urge the United Nations to expedite the appointment of a United Nations Electoral Adviser to continue supporting the Commission's preparations for the upcoming general elections in December. The mandate of the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB) is also due for review at this time. The Government of Iraq believes that IAMB is useful in promoting greater transparency as the Iraqi Government, at its discretion, disburses the resources of the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI). As such, we propose to continue the IAMB mandate until the end of the political process in Iraq. At the same time, we urge all Member States to take seriously their responsibilities under resolutions 1483 (2003) and 1518 (2003) to deposit funds into the DFI.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“We are aware that the United Nations is moving to extend its technical assistance, and we urge that the process be accelerated. We believe any delay in drafting and ratifying the constitution could provide a vacuum that anti-democratic forces could exploit. Here we need the awareness and engagement of the international community to achieve our goals. Let me express our gratitude to Ambassador Ashraf Qazi in his important role as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. We also welcome the recent developments towards staffing new United Nations facilities for the United Nations Assistant Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in Erbil and Basra. We also remind the Security Council of the effective and important work of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq in the previous elections.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“As we have just learned from the European experience, a permanent constitution is unlikely to succeed if drafted behind closed doors, in isolation from the constituency. We are reaching out and engaging all groups in a broad consultative dialogue in the writing of the constitution. In our social, religious and ethnic mosaic, the only route to peace, tolerance and national unity is for all Iraqis to be represented in this process. My Government is committed to ensuring that the constitutional process will be inclusive. The constitution will provide the foundation for the new Iraq and will be an Iraqi-authored document, but we are facing a tight deadline to complete the drafting by 15 August. The United Nations has a history of experience it can bring to advising the drafting committee, which has already begun its work.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“The new constitution will enshrine the ideas of any free people in its charter: pluralism, democratic rights, federalism, human rights and civil liberties. It will also embrace our diversity within our unity and reaffirm Iraq's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. That is a tremendous challenge, but we all realize what is at stake, and we are determined to meet the challenge. We recognize that the constitution is neither just for this generation, nor just for the winners of the January election, but for all Iraqis and for future generations to come - who all have a stake in its success. A satisfactory formula can only be reached with the input and consensus of all the country's communities.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“The next step in our transition is the most critical test for the future of our country. The mandate of the new Transitional Government, outlined in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004), is to draft a new permanent constitution by 15 August. This will be subject to a national referendum in October, leading to general elections for a constitutionally elected Government in December 2005. Success in drawing up the new constitution will be the definitive turning point for Iraq's stability and the entire process of democratic change. Drafting this cornerstone document of our future will also be an exercise in compromise and consensus- building. It will bring together the competing agendas for all Iraqi groups and produce a unified national agenda.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“Coordinated by the relevant ministries, in close cooperation with the multinational force, our forces have grown, and efforts to increase training and equipping them, and improving their performance, are ongoing. They have shifted from defensive to offensive Iraqi-led security initiatives. As combat and security responsibilities have been gradually turned over to our forces, they have simultaneously increased their intelligence capabilities, and are producing effective results in their mission. Here I would like to report that we are proud of the courage and enthusiasm of the new recruits to our forces: brave men and women who stand daily on the front line, despite horrific losses to their ranks from daily suicide attacks on patrols and recruiting centres. The number of recruits volunteering to serve their country continues to increase.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“Although we are in continuous dialogue with our neighbours to establish security mechanisms through regional cooperation, in good faith with the Iraqi Transitional Government, we urge them to put an end to the flow of those terrorists who could wreak havoc, not only in Iraq, but beyond. Here we would like to urge our brothers in Syria to do more to prevent the movement of extremist elements from entering our country. For our part, in tactical and strategic cooperation with the multinational force, we have been steadily building the capacity of our security, police and military forces. In turn those forces have assumed increasing responsibility for the stability of our country.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“We have repeatedly urged each of our neighbouring countries to abide by their obligations under resolution 1546 (2004) to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, arms for terrorists, and financing that would support terrorists. Some have been more forthcoming than others in their response. To our regret, despite repeated assurances of their willingness to cooperate, some have refused to translate those assurances into concrete action. We learned recently that Syria has stopped more than 1,000 foreign fighters from entering Iraq from Syria. We welcome that action, but note that it confirms our long-held view that Syria has been one of the main transit routes for foreign terrorists, as well as for the remnants of the previous regime.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“In response, 8.5 million Iraqis defiantly and courageously headed to the polls to cast their vote against the past and to vote instead for the freedom and peace to which they aspire. We recognize that the transition we are going through from dictatorship to democracy is fraught with many challenges. The total collapse of the State and its institutions has created internal complications and instability. There are foreign elements that are determined to exploit the transition in Iraq for their own extreme agendas, to prolong the suffering of the Iraqi people and to undermine the stability mission of the multinational force.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“As we enter into the constitutional process, we anticipate that the campaign of destruction and intimidation will continue, perpetrated by a deadly mix of remnants of the former regime determined to turn back the clock, and foreign elements whose sole agenda is to destroy the ongoing political process. Their horrific and merciless tactics may shift, but their evil intentions remain the same - to foment civil division and spread terror among innocent civilians throughout the country in an attempt to undermine the new democratic system. But as they destroy, we rebuild. On 30 January, Iraqis sent a loud and clear message that they will not be intimidated and that their future will not be dictated by terrorists and supporters of tyranny. The terrorists threatened that they would wash the streets of Baghdad with the blood of voters.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“As I wrote to you, Madam President, on 24 May, our country continues to face an armed insurgency, including foreign elements opposed to Iraq's transition to democratic rule. Despite our continuing efforts to build up our security forces, those forces cannot as yet assume full responsibility for maintaining our national security and defending our borders. We believe that, in order to complete the transitional process and build on the political achievement to date, we need the multinational force to continue to provide its essential contribution to our security. I would like to reiterate my Government's formal request for a continuation of the multinational force's mandate.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“We remind the Security Council that each step in our political transition has been implemented so far according to the timetable endorsed in paragraph 4 of resolution 1546 (2004), and we reaffirm Iraq's commitment to meeting the deadlines for the completion of that process. Although our achievements to date are praiseworthy, they have been made at great cost to the Iraqi people and our security forces, as well as with the sacrifice of the multinational forces. While my Government is committed to meeting its obligations under resolution 1546 (2004), we would like to acknowledge that we in Iraq still face a destructive campaign of terror and violence that aims to derail the political process and undo the progress that has been achieved so far.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“In the formation of the Transitional Government, we reached out to all communities in Iraq and forged a national unity Government that is inclusive and representative. We did include new members in the new Government, sharing power with those who boycotted or did not fare well in the January elections. I am pleased to report to the Security Council that those who chose not to take part in the January elections or who were unable to participate because of the intimidation campaign in their areas, are now recognizing their misjudgement and rallying themselves in preparation for the December round of elections.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“That transformation adhered to the political process mandated in Iraq's transitional administrative law and endorsed by Security Council resolution 1546 (2004). The Interim Government and the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq delivered on their pledge to hold free and fair elections, on time, throughout the country. Those elections heralded a new dawn of optimism, and inspired confidence in our democratic transition. The efforts of the authorities and the remarkable courage of the Iraqi people on 30 January were duly recognized throughout the world. We have proved that political transition can be orderly, democratic and expressed by the free will of the Iraqi people through the ballot box, not through violence. For the first time in five decades, we have had a peaceful transition of power from one Government to the next.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 12 of resolution 1546 (2004), adopted unanimously on 8 June 2004, the mandate of the multinational force in Iraq is now due for review. The newly elected Government of Iraq, and the Iraqi people, pay tribute and express gratitude to the multinational force for its contribution towards establishing security in our country. In the exercise of its mandate, it has helped Iraq to accomplish another year of historic and dramatic progress on the road towards democracy and stability - progress on which I am now pleased to report to the Security Council. In June 2004, the Iraqi Interim Government reasserted Iraq's sovereignty and assumed full responsibility and authority in guiding Iraq from being an occupied country to an emerging democracy.”
2005-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5189 (2005) · source
“We have welcomed the United Nations; we have called on the United Nations; we have urged the United Nations to be re-engaged and to come and help us. In my personal View, internationalizing the issue could complicate the matter, although there are so many ways in which Member countries can help, bilaterally or through the Security Council or the United Nations. Finally, I appreciated very much the kind words of the representative of the United Kingdom. I think I have answered all the questions. I thank Council members for their patience.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“The idea of an international conference has been on the table for quite some time. We Iraqis want as much international support and aid as possible to help us achieve our goal of a stable, peaceful and prosperous country. In my personal view - and I will be very honest and direct - I think an international conference is long overdue. Such a conference should have taken place much, much earlier. Now, I think, we have passed the time: we have a political plan; we have other arrangements. If we compare our situation with that of Afghanistan for instance, I think the time gap becomes apparent. Let us also answer the question of what a conference would achieve in terms of consolidating international support and involvement. We are asking for those things publicly and openly, with the United Nations as the main body in that connection.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Terrorists, who are blinded by hatred and a culture of death and killing, make no distinctions among humanitarian organizations and their representatives, Western diplomats or military commanders in the field. All of them have become "legitimate" targets for terrorists, and they need security and protection for their operations and their facilities. I think the draft resolution very clearly addresses the need for a unit of multinational forces to protect such operations and installations. On the question of weapons of mass destruction and the International Atomic Energy Agency, we understand that this issue is still outstanding - left over from previous resolutions. We have discussed it among ourselves in the new Administration. But at this stage it is too soon to address it.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We are reaching out to them, but at the same time it is very important - as, I think, they understand - that we, the Iraqi people, should freely determine our political future without anything being dictated or imposed, while at the same time respecting their legitimate national security interests in the region. That is how we are dealing with that issue. With regard to the other question put by the representative of the Russian Federation, I have described the United Nations role we expect. We need a leading role for the United Nations: a truly engaged, positive role. That will not be easy, and assistance is needed from the Security Council and from Member States at large.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Yes, we need a stronger Iraqi representation on that board and we must have a stronger say and not be merely symbolically represented. In fact, we need to be strongly represented on that board. On the question of neighbours - the neighbours are very important and helpful, and we should engage them. I personally attended the most recent conference of Iraq's neighbouring countries, and our relations are very good. I would describe them as very progressive with all the countries - with Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. We have been informing them and explaining to them how important Iraq's security and stability is, and we need their cooperation, we need their support. They can play a very constructive role in helping us stabilize, and we have introduced our list to them - what they can do to help us.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We will have the elections - the local electoral commissions, let us say - in which they can participate. We are not trying to be exclusive; we are trying to be inclusive. But one definitely cannot include every Iraqi political, tribal or religious leader. I think I have answered the question about the time frame. I tried to answer the question about the partnership. Concerning the reference to the arms embargo in the draft text, I think that this is the first time this has come up, which is a very hopeful sign for Iraq, which was under embargo for so many years under the previous regime - at least there is an opening, and we should build on that. Concerning the international development fund monitoring board, I think we have discussed this issue with our friends, and we are going to raise it.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We are making progress in training and in getting better intelligence. In particular, many new security agencies have been established recently. The Defence Ministry has been re-established, and the National Intelligence Service has been re- established. We are making progress with the border police and with the other military and security formations. I will skip some of the questions, because I have answered some of them. I will go through some of the questions posed and remarks made by the Ambassador of Pakistan. I referred to 400 political parties, groups and associations. That is the number that we have managed to count; it is an ongoing process. One definitely cannot include everyone, but in the context of the political process the political conference is coming up, which will include others.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Our position has been that there is really another way to be represented; the political process is open, and if one seeks recognition, there are elections and other ways to do it. One does not need to resort to violence in order to make a point. That is the position of the Iraqi interim Government. There will be no place - no room - for militias in Iraq, apart from the one Iraqi army and the police forces. Yes, we do need our country to have control over security, authority over security, and this has been an issue we have discussed. We have differed sometimes with our Coalition friends. Security is a complex issue. It is not only the use of force; it definitely involves intelligence, political and economic issues, the closure of borders - so it is a multifaceted approach, the way we see it.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“The Ambassador of Chile raised a number of questions. I will start with the last one, about the fate of the militias. We have been working for some time with the Combined Joint Task Force and the Coalition Provisional Authority to dissolve them and, according to the transitional administrative law, to abolish or to put an end to all militias, whoever they are made up of, that are working and operating outside of the law. That includes Shi'a and Kurdish, political parties, and integrating all of those militias into the new Iraqi army and the new Iraqi army formations. The process has already started. One of the problems that we have faced recently with Moqtada Al- Sadr is the use of violence and arms to prove a point or to see recognition.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I think that the Prime Minister, Mr. Ayad Allawi, and the Cabinet held their official meeting today and addressed this issue frankly today. We have been in constant consultation and contact with them and are considering preparing those letters on behalf of the Iraqi interim Government. I appreciate very much the comments of the Ambassador of France, and I also enjoyed very much our discussion this morning and the exchange of views. I appreciate his support for the draft resolution's being adopted by consensus, to show the people of Iraq and of the world that the Security Council is united in its desire to see a truly sovereign Iraqi Government assuming real authority and power and overcoming current difficulties. I think that is a shared objective that we in Iraq highly appreciate and for which we express our thanks.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“They are investing money, giving assistance and making sacrifices to train our police, our army and so on. But leading up to that we need our own command, let us say, to be there and to liaise or coordinate through certain structures. I think that this is the first condition. The second principle is that we think that the Iraqi interim Government and the Iraqi transitional Government really should have a say about the final status of these forces. We need them. The question is a hypothetical one. I think that we are going to need these forces for quite some time, but, as a sovereign Government, we must definitely have a say in that respect; it will not be open-ended forever. But we must have a say in the duration of the mandate of these forces. I think these are the two elements that we have tried to explain.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I answered some of the questions posed by the representative of Germany, but let me say this with respect to his two main questions on the principal two elements that we need to see in any arrangement or agreement to regulate relations between the Iraqi interim Government and the multinational force. I think that for us the first element is very important - that Iraqi forces, the military, the police, security forces, intelligence and whatever other arrangements exist should come under Iraqi control and Iraqi command, and that they not be part and parcel of the multinational force or under foreign command. We are talking about full sovereignty. I think that we should say that very clearly and loudly. There is also an understanding from our friends and allies. They are helping us to build these forces.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We are here as the representative of the Iraqi interim Government, and we can speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and the new arrangements. We did not read the text only a couple of days ago; we read it weeks ago, when it was first distributed, and we are completely familiar with it. We could take an examination on it, explaining, item by item, what the draft resolution entails and what it contains, because this is not an academic exercise for us; this is our future. So we definitely know what we are talking about and what is at risk. Secondly, I would say that we in the new Iraqi Government are open to any consultation, at whatever level the Council deems necessary, as it is very important for us to reach out to as many people, as many members as possible.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I think there is now a greater realization that the United Nations has an important role to play than when we experienced difficulties in December or January. Yes, that role is dangerous and challenging, but when has the United Nations not carried out its work in difficult circumstances? We welcome that role. I believe that Mr. Brahimi and the recent United Nations mission did a remarkable job. It was risky and very dangerous for the members of the team, but they rose to the challenge, and we are very proud of their positive and constructive re-engagement. Our friend the representative of Germany raised a number of questions, and I will address them. But I would also like to make a number of comments, because we think it is important to clarify several things.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source