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

“It would be difficult to justify the operation of a sovereign Government if that Government were not able to manage its own finances. So I believe Iraq needs to be represented fully in whatever mechanisms or supervisory boards are envisaged in that area so that it can have an important or leading role in that regard. In addition, because we really cannot operate in a legal vacuum, we want a reference or an acknowledgement to the effect that the Transitional Administrative Law is very important for us, because every step that we take now or in the future will be implemented under that Law. These are our main points. We welcome a very important and central role for the United Nations in this process. In fact, in the political, electoral and reconstruction processes, we will need the United Nations in many ways.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“At this stage - here, I will be very honest; one can ask any member of the Iraqi Government or any Iraqi politician about this - a call for immediate withdrawal or a fixed deadline or timetable would be very, very unhelpful. It would be used by enemies to complicate the problems even further. If we are ready to assume responsibility, it can be done as soon as possible. But, as we can see, these attacks have a pattern: they are all politically motivated. As we pass through each stage, we see that the forces that want to derail this process are coming back and playing politics with bombs and suicide missions. We also really need the sovereign Iraqi Government to have control national resources and the country's finances.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“In fact, the collapse of the Iraqi State would have a huge impact on the entire region and on the Council's interests as well. We have constantly told those of our neighbours who believe that continued instability in Iraq will be in their interests that they are making a fatal mistake. We have all seen the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Istanbul, and that is just the beginning if we lose this battle, this confrontation. This is really a struggle between two wills regarding what kind of country we want to establish. Of course, we really want clear references to the status of the multinational force, to their operations and to their relations of cooperation with the Iraqi interim Government in a spirit of partnership.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“In particular, the people of Iraq need to see that this is a genuine transfer of sovereignty and authority to them, not a cosmetic attempt in that process. It is very important that the people feel and see that. So any language to consolidate and help us get to that point would be very welcomed by us. The following is a point that I highlighted in my statement. Yes, we need the multinational force to help us; we need the Council's efforts; we need assistance from Member States and from the rest of the international community. Iraq is no longer a local issue; it has become a regional and international issue. In fact, when we speak of the main front in the war against international terrorism, that is real to us; we feel it; we sense it. We are in the trenches every day. Iraq is not like other countries such as Afghanistan or Somalia.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“There will definitely be correspondence between the Iraqi interim Government and the Security Council, and the continued presence of the multinational force will definitely depend upon Iraqi approval - as opposed to the situation under resolution 1483 (2003) or 1511 (2003), in which the multinational force was there as an occupying force, against the wishes of the Iraqi people. This time, the force will be there by approval of the representatives of the Iraqi people. This is all I can say about that. (spoke in English) The representative of China asked two questions concerning what we need to see in this draft resolution. In my statement, I believe I enumerated the points that are important for us. But, to repeat them briefly, I think we need the draft resolution to be clear and unambiguous and to reflect full sovereignty very clearly.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“At this point - we say this very clearly, without any hesitation or feeling of shame - we are more concerned about the fate of many thousands of Iraqis, about the country's future and about the situation in the country. It is important to us that Iraqi forces be under Iraqi leadership. We should use our imagination to achieve a kind of coordination among Iraqi forces and their leadership and the leaders of the multinational force so that they can work together as partners in meeting the security threats confronting us.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“As for its terms of reference, as I mentioned in my statement earlier, we understand that the ongoing presence of the multinational force is needed more by Iraq than by the United States, the United Kingdom or Poland. We need that force and I have so stated very clearly to Arab leaders and Ministers for Foreign Affairs, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States. The dangers are great and will be exacerbated if a security vacuum should be created. We are not yet prepared; we have not completed our security or military preparations sufficiently to be able to say good-bye to the multinational force.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I will start answering the questions in order. First, to my good friend the Ambassador of Algeria, I will speak in Arabic. (spoke in Arabic) I thank him for his kind words. The draft resolution is extremely important to us in Iraq, to the region and to other Arab countries. With regard to the questions that he raised, I should like to state that the current wording of the draft resolution on the nature of the sovereignty, the terms of reference of the Government and so on is quite adequate. Our understanding of sovereignty is that it would be for and enjoyed by the Iraqi people and that the Government should run its own affairs, be free to make its own decision and have control over Iraqi security affairs. It should also control the country's financial resources and represent the Iraqi people in international forums.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“During the complex process of deliberation that preceded its formation, national reconciliation conferences were held in Arbil and Baghdad that were addressed by Special Adviser Brahimi. We are proud of the willingness of all parties involved to compromise and make neutral concessions for the greater good of a better future for all Iraqis. The endorsement of Grand Ayatollah Sistani also represents a very positive and important signal from the highly respected religious leader. Political development in Iraq is progressive and increasingly inclusive and we remain steadfastly committed to the clear steps we must take towards elections in 2005. Only by following this course will we preserve Iraq's territorial integrity and unity and realize a peaceful and prosperous country for our people.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Iraqi forces must be under Iraqi command, but operate in liaison and partnership with the multinational force to achieve this objective. The transitional Iraqi Government and the new Iraqi interim Government must have a say in the future presence of these forces and we urge that this be reflected in the new draft resolution. I would like to end by reminding the Security Council of the spirit of cooperation in the process of forming Iraq's new interim Government and the significance of its establishment. Of the 32 ministers, six are women, and the Government is the most representative of the Iraqi people in the history of our country. It is significant that the handover of power to the new Government was peaceful and entailed none of the bloodshed that has historically characterized the transfer of power in our region.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I stress that any premature departure of international troops would lead to chaos and the real possibility of a civil war in Iraq. This would cause a humanitarian crisis and provide a foothold for terrorists to launch their evil campaign in our country and beyond our borders. The continued presence of the multinational force will help preserve Iraq's unity, prevent regional intervention in our affairs and protect our borders at this critical stage of our reconstruction. It is an objective reality in Iraq today that we require the continued assistance and partnership of these troops, but we also need this presence to be regulated under arrangements that compromise neither the sovereignty of the interim Government nor the right of the multinational force to defend itself.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We thank President Bush and Prime Minister Blair for their dedication and commitment to this mission and we recognize the sacrifices of all coalition forces in helping the people of Iraq realize a stable, free and democratic Iraq. We must also recognize the sacrifices made by our people in this noble cause. The overthrow of the former regime led to the total collapse of the State and its institutions and since April last year we have been working very hard to re-establish Iraq's security, military and police forces. However, we have yet to reach the stage of being able to maintain our own security and therefore the people of Iraq need and request the assistance of the multinational forces to work closely with Iraqi forces to stabilize the situation.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“A preparatory committee has already been identified for the conference. An electoral commission has also been established to supervise elections, with the help and support of experts from the United Nations. Part of the mandate of the caretaker Government is to work closely with the United Nations and its agencies to prepare for general elections to be held in 2005. To achieve this, we seek the continued advice and support of the United Nations and call upon the Member States to assist Iraq in ensuring security conditions conducive to holding elections. In this respect, we Iraqis are grateful to the coalition that helped liberate us from the persecution of Saddam Hussein's regime.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Principles enshrined in the Transitional Administrative Law reflect Iraq's path of reform and democratization; the Law regulates the working of the interim and transitional Governments. Our brothers in the League of Arab States welcomed the passing of the Transitional Administrative Law, and we urge the Security Council to endorse and acknowledge this important and historic document. The continued support of the United Nations for the political process is critical to help us meet the challenges ahead. Here, I would like to outline further steps taken to ensure a more inclusive process. In order to further broaden participation, there are plans to hold a national conference - hopefully in July 2004 - to allow all those parties and individuals who wish to be represented to have their say in the democratic process.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“This transfer of sovereignty must also authorize the interim Government to control, administer and manage Iraq's resources and assets. Iraq must have a leading role in mechanisms agreed upon by the Security Council to monitor disbursement of its resources. We recognize that the formation of the interim Government is a milestone in the broader political process as defined in the 15 November agreement, which I presented to the Council in December 2003. In that respect, the Transitional Administrative Law, which defines the interim law during this transitional period, is fundamental to the political process. From now until the end of 2005, the Transitional Administrative Law will be the only legal framework and the interim arrangement that reflects the wishes of the majority of the Iraqi people for a free, united and democratic Iraq.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We seek a new and unambiguous draft resolution that underlines the transfer of full sovereignty to the people of Iraq and their representatives. The draft resolution must mark a clear departure from Security Council resolutions 1483 (2003) and 1511 (2003), which legitimized the occupation of our country. By removing the label of occupation we will deprive the terrorists and anti-democratic forces of a rallying point to foment violence in our country. We expect that the draft resolution will endorse a genuine and comprehensive transfer of power on 30 June. This means investing full authority in the interim Government to run Iraq's affairs, make its own decisions and have authority over Iraq's security matters.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I urge the Council to adopt such a draft resolution as soon as possible, to support the ongoing political process, reaffirm the need for Iraq to control its own resources and recognize Iraq's need for the continued presence of a multinational force in partnership with the Iraqi authorities. We strongly welcome and encourage adoption of the positive text of the draft resolution, now under consideration, and hereby present our views and proposed amendments so that the draft resolution may correspond more fully to the wishes and aspirations of the Iraqi people. Iraq's views must be represented and heard by all, as this draft resolution will be an endorsement of the democratic process that the Iraqi people have chosen to pursue, and as it is their interests that lie at the heart of it.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I would like to thank the United Nations, Member States and Secretary-General Kofi Annan for their support and assistance in the formation of the interim Government. I am grateful in particular for the ongoing efforts of Mr. Brahimi, who has been an excellent facilitator in achieving this successful outcome. This process, in our view, was reasonably legitimate and decent. We cannot say that it was totally perfect, but I think the outcome will prove in the days ahead to have been the best there could be under the current circumstances. Today I would urge the continued support of the international community through the adoption of a new draft Security Council resolution to endorse the establishment of the sovereign interim Government.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Over the past months, the Secretary-General's special envoy, the Iraqi Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional Authority were engaged in an exercise of broad national consultation that included public meetings and that reached out to tribal, religious and community leaders, political parties from inside and outside the Governing Council, prominent individuals and women's groups, among others. The selection of the interim Government was based on merit and qualifications, with an element of political and social balancing. While it represents the vast majority of the people of Iraqi society, it would have been impossible to include the more than 400 political parties and associations that have mushroomed to date in the new and free Iraq.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“On Tuesday, 1 June, the people of Iraq took the first step towards regaining their full sovereignty and independence. United Nations special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi supervised the introduction of a new interim Iraqi Government to assume authority on 30 June, which marks a major success in Iraq's transition towards democracy and towards ending the legal occupation of our country. The formation of the interim Government was the result of an extensive consultation process promoted by Mr. Brahimi, who, despite the security constraints, travelled throughout Iraq to solicit the views of all sectors of Iraqi society.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“After eight months of liberation, Iraqis are slowly beginning to get back on their feet with the help of their allied friends, and they are eagerly awaiting the help of the international community, led by the United Nations. And so we ask you today: please put aside your differences, pull together and work with us and all those who have contributed and sacrificed so much, to realize our shared objectives of a sovereign, united and democratic Iraq.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“The timetable presented to you today represents the calendar for a future democratic and stable Iraq in the heart of the Middle East, and we all have Iraq's national interests at heart and share the responsibility to make it work. One year ago, this Security Council was divided between those who wanted to appease Saddam Hussein and those who wanted to hold him accountable. The United Nations as an organization failed to help rescue the Iraqi people from a murderous tyranny that lasted over 35 years and today we are unearthing thousands of victims in horrifying testament to that failure. The United Nations must not fail the Iraqi people again.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Its geographic and strategic position means that developments in Iraq impact security and stability across the region of the Middle East. Members of the United Nations have an international responsibility to increase cooperation and overcome their differences to help us in the fight against terrorism. Iraq increasingly provides a magnet to terrorists and all those who want to bring their war against the United States to our country. However, this is not just a problem for the coalition. Just as the scourge of terrorism is a global phenomenon, the security situation in Iraq cannot be viewed in isolation. The consequences of allowing the terrorists to win in Iraq will spill over our borders and no country will be safe.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Without Iraqi participation in discussions that have Iraqi interests at stake, such as the recently formed United Nations contact group, decisions taken cannot be held as valid. Iraq is our country and our opinion must not be excluded. As Iraqis, we strongly disagree with those views that question the legitimacy of the present Iraqi authorities and I would like to remind you that the Governing Council is the most representative and democratic governing body in the region. For this reason, members of the United Nations Security Council should be reaching out and engaging us to encourage this nascent democracy in a region well known for its authoritarian rule. With the greatest respect, the situation in Iraq is much more complicated than that of Afghanistan or Somalia.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Ross Mountain, and we look forward to meeting him in Baghdad to discuss the United Nations role and operations in Iraq. We call upon the Members of the United Nations to look beyond their differences over the decision to go to war in Iraq and come together to forge an international consensus. Settling scores with the United States-led coalition should not be at the cost of helping to bring stability to the Iraqi people. This squabbling over political differences takes a backseat to their daily struggle for security, jobs, basic freedoms and all the rights the United Nations is chartered to uphold. For our part, we in the new Iraq are reaching out to our neighbours and engaging the international community, but we insist on playing a full part in any initiatives that concern the future of our country.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“His contribution underscores the need to see an expanded United Nations role in Iraq on many levels: humanitarian relief, capacity and nation building, promoting sustainable development and advancing the electoral and political process. We thus urge the appointment of a special representative in Iraq. Your help and expertise cannot be effectively delivered from Cyprus or Amman. We understand the devastating losses the United Nations suffered on 19 August, but as the United Nations has offered reassurance by its presence in so many dangerous and difficult situations, we are ready and willing to help provide whatever security is required to see it return to Iraq. We welcome the appointment by the Secretary- General of the acting Special Representative, Mr.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“The Iraqi people have always welcomed the vital role of the United Nations in Iraq and appreciated its humanitarian services and commitment to programmes, which have been a lifeline to so many Iraqis throughout the prolonged Iraq crisis. I would like to pay tribute to the late Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was an exemplary role model of how effective the United Nations can be in Iraq. Those of us who had the honour to work with him can tell you of his efforts in furthering the political process, particularly in establishing the Governing Council, and we feel a deep sense of loss at his tragic and untimely death.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Iraq is a country traumatized by a legacy of decades of unimaginable human suffering, gross violations of human rights and the effects of systematic policies designed to rip our country apart along ethnic or religious lines. What you see today is an unprecedented effort among leaders and political, religious, ethnic and sectarian groups to unite against the tyranny of the past and work together to build a democratic future for our people. This momentum demands international encouragement and recognition so that the Iraqi people can move forward with confidence and hope. Iraq must not live any longer in the past but look forward to the future, and the United Nations is the key forum for collective international action to help us achieve our goals of restructuring and democratizing our country.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“We consider it to be unambiguous, comprehensive and achievable, and we remain wholly committed to its implementation. However, we stress that progress will continue to depend on the security situation in Iraq; until we see significant improvements, the road ahead is not going to be easy. The capture of Saddam Hussein will deal a huge blow to his misguided former loyalists, but we need to empower Iraqis to take charge of their own security. This timetable gives a clear deadline for the transfer of this responsibility to Iraqis, but this must run in parallel with the political process towards a sovereign Iraqi Government.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“According to the timetable detailed in the Fundamental Law, a constitutional convention to draw up a permanent constitution for Iraq will be directly elected by the Iraqi people by 15 March 2005. A final draft will be presented and a popular referendum will be held to ratify the constitution. Elections for a new Iraqi Government, based on the new constitution, will be held by 31 December 2005, at which point the Fundamental Law will expire. This plan clearly spells out the steps we must take to rightfully restore full sovereignty to Iraq, in the interim through a transitional administration, and ultimately embodied in a new, historic constitution for our country. The Governing Council unanimously agreed upon this timetable at its inception.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Election of members of a transitional national assembly will be conducted through a process of regional caucuses in Iraq's 18 provinces organized by a national committee of selected Iraqis. Nominations to the caucuses will be solicited from political parties, local councils, professional, academic and civic associations and tribal and religious groups. Each governorate selection caucus will elect representatives to the new transitional assembly by 31 May 2004. The transitional assembly will then elect an executive and appoint ministers, who will form the transitional administration by 30 June 2004, when it will assume full sovereign powers; the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Governing Council will subsequently dissolve.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“The Iraqi Governing Council, in consultation with the Coalition Provisional Authority, will draft a Fundamental Law which sets out the timetable leading to elections, the mandate of a sovereign Iraqi transitional administration and the principles to be followed prior to drawing up a permanent constitution. The key elements include provisions for human rights and guarantees of freedoms, a federal structure for Iraq, civilian control of Iraqi armed forces, judicial independence and a timetable for drafting and ratifying Iraq's new constitution and holding direct elections. Approval of the Fundamental Law is to be completed by 28 February 2004. Bilateral agreements with the Coalition on security and on the status of Coalition forces in Iraq will be completed by the end of March 2004.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“But while the celebrations continue, we must persevere in efforts to empower our people to take charge of their own destiny as soon as possible and let Saddam's capture mark the beginning of a new era in Iraq's history. In accordance with paragraph 7 of Security Council resolution 1511 (2003), which invited the Governing Council to set forth a timetable for drafting a new constitution and holding democratic elections, we would like to present to the Security Council the timetable set out in the Agreement on Political Process. This agreement was signed on 15 November by the Iraqi Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, and it lays down the following principal stages and conditions.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source
“Saturday was a historic day for Iraq. We Iraqis have waited so long for our nightmare to be over, and now Saddam Hussein has finally gone, along with the fear, the genocide and the terror that he inflicted, and he is never coming back. Instead, he must now answer to the Iraqi people for his crimes against humanity. At last Iraqis can begin the long-overdue healing process of seeking unity, peace and national reconciliation without the shadow of evil hanging over them. On behalf of the Iraqi people, I would like to thank the Coalition for its part in delivering this mass murderer into the hands of the people he brutalized for so long so that justice can finally be done.”
2003-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4883 (2003) · source