Plasschaert informs the Security Council tomorrow on developments in Iraq

by **claud39** Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:18 am

02/15/2021

{Baghdad: Al Furat News} The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennes-Plasschaert, will brief the United Nations Security Council on developments in Iraq and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Tuesday.

According to UNAMI's statement, the briefing will be at six o'clock in the evening, Baghdad time.

The session will be broadcast live on the website {click [url=http:// http//webtv.un.org/ %C2%A0]here[/url] }, and the text of the UN Special Representative's briefing will be published in both Arabic and English.

The latest report submitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council regarding the situation in Iraq can be found via the following link: {click here }.

Ammar Al-Masoudi

https://alforatnews.com/news/%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%B7-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82

by **claud39** Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:23 pm

Security Council: In addition to persisting insecurity, Special Representative presents other challenges for Iraq in 2021

FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Plasschaert informs the Security Council tomorrow on developments in Iraq SC%20slide

Plasschaert informs the Security Council tomorrow on developments in Iraq SC%20slide

"Exiting the pandemic, elections, economic reforms, strengthening the rule of law and creating a more secure environment for all", these are the main challenges enumerated this morning in the Security Council by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMI).

In 2021, the Iraqis hope to turn the page on these different fronts, explained Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, noting that the security situation continues to be of great concern in the country, as evidenced by the attacks of January 21 in Baghdad and those committed yesterday in Erbil, which were unanimously condemned by the members of the Council. The representative of Iraq confirmed that his country is facing a situation combining economic crisis, war on terrorism and COVID-19 pandemic, and he presented the measures taken by the Government to respond to the alarming denunciations of rights violations rights against demonstrators and other human rights activists.

In the fight against terrorism, while last December marked the third anniversary of the territorial defeat of Daesh, the Head of UNAMI observed that violent extremism has not been defeated and that it still constitutes a serious threat to the stability of Iraq. In this regard, the United States called for addressing Iranian-backed militias and Iranian-led destabilization activities in Iraq, as well as remaining elements of Daesh. The Russian Federation called on all actors involved in the fight against terrorism in Iraq to respect the sovereignty of the Iraqi state and to coordinate their actions with Baghdad. The delegation said it had launched a process to seek compromise agreements, being in contact with all Iraqi political forces. In this context,  

The Iraqi electoral process was also on the menu, since the Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Independent High Electoral Commission, decided that the elections will take place on October 10, 2021, four months later than the initial date. However, Parliament has not yet finalized the current law on the Federal Supreme Court, a jurisdiction that must certify election results. The Special Representative therefore urged the parties to act immediately in this direction. She also called on parties and candidates to operate in a free and safe environment, as well as members of the media. A request for election observation, made by the Government of Iraq, is currently being submitted to the Security Council, she said.

The United States, like other members of the Council, expressed support for the principle of observation of the Iraqi elections by the international community and commended the crucial role that UNAMI is playing in supporting electoral preparations. We need this support to build citizens' confidence in the democratic process and to ensure strong participation, Iraq said. Responding to appeals from members of the Council on respect for the rights of demonstrators, the delegation explained that the Government ensures that illegal groups do not target these people, having also asked the security forces not to use their weapons. against them. In addition, the delegation continued,

Nine months after the announcement of the establishment of the fact-finding body for the crimes committed against the demonstrators, France deemed it urgent that it be operational. Similarly, recalling the funeral of Iraqi Yazidis held last week, Ireland echoed Nadia Murad's call for the Council to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are held accountable. The delegation, however, reiterated its opposition to the death penalty and regretted the latest executions in Iraq, like Mexico, which called for a moratorium on the application of the death penalty by providing for its eventual abolition.  

On the humanitarian level, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert recalled that 30,000 Iraqis reside in Hol camp in Syria and expressed concern about the closure of refugee camps in Iraq over the past three months, stressing “the precipitation and the 'opacity' surrounding these decisions which risk precipitating another crisis. The UK said it was troubled by the belatedly announced and uncoordinated closure of IDP camps and urged the Government of Iraq to coordinate with the UN to ensure all returns are safe, dignified and voluntary.

The Iraqi representative referred to the measures taken to this end, such as the provision of identity papers to the displaced. He confirmed the closure of 47 camps over the past six months and the return of 66,000 families to their places of residence. The Government has also drawn up a plan for the reconstruction of the homes of internally displaced persons, to which it is providing humanitarian aid as well as cash compensation.
 
Iraq's economic difficulties also worried the Special Representative and members of the Council, with an exceptional devaluation of the Iraqi dinar of more than 20% at the end of December. Nonetheless, the expected growth in oil prices should enable the Government to make progress on pressing issues such as the provision of public services and salaries of civil servants.
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert nonetheless deplored the lack of progress in the implementation of the essential reforms provided for in the economic white paper, such as the fight against economic and political corruption, the promotion of robust governance, transparency. and responsibility. The Head of UNAMI also stressed the need, for the stability of the country,

The Special Representative further noted that despite persistent restrictions on movement, the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Subcommittee have managed to hold meetings attended by participants virtually or in person, in order to continue examining the issue of nationals. Kuwaitis, nationals of third States and missing Kuwaiti property, including national archives. She confirmed the official closure of the cases of 20 missing Kuwaitis, which represents significant progress 16 years after the last identification.

Ms. JEANINE HENNIS – PLASSCHAERT,  Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), condemned the deadly rocket attack against Erbil last night and called for close collaboration between Baghdad and Erbil to bring the culprits to justice. In this new year, Iraqis hope to turn the page on several fronts, she explained: end of the pandemic, elections, economic reforms, strengthening of the rule of law and creation of a more secure environment for all. But much remains to be done, she warned, stressing the long-lasting impact that the multiple and interrelated crises that hit Iraq will have. Decisive and concerted action is therefore more than urgent, according to her.
Economically, Iraq continues to experience serious financial and economic difficulties, as evidenced by the exceptional devaluation of the Iraqi dinar by more than 20% at the end of December. However, an increase of nearly 40% in oil revenues since November 2020 has eased the liquidity crisis, leaving some leeway for the Government. The expected growth in oil prices should enable the Government to move forward on pressing issues such as the provision of public services and salaries of civil servants.

Unfortunately, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert lamented, little progress has been made in implementing the much-needed reform measures, which were outlined in last year's economic white paper. She reiterated that Iraq can neither afford to continue to depend on resource extraction, nor to bear the excessive burden of a disproportionate public sector.
The fight against economic and political corruption, the promotion of robust governance, transparency and accountability, must all be the watchwords of such a reform, she recalled, advising to finally give priority to a sustainable economic diversification, as well as the development of a private sector that creates value-added jobs. She stressed that the 2021 finance law agreement requires reconciliation and compromise between Baghdad and Erbil, but negotiations between the two parties are still hampered by laws missing since 2005 such as the oil revenue sharing law. , while other areas of contention relate to disputed territories.
“A positive and stable relationship between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan region is absolutely essential for the stability of the whole country. " “A positive and stable relationship between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan region is absolutely essential for the stability of the whole country. " “A positive and stable relationship between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan region is absolutely essential for the stability of the whole country. "

The Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Independent High Electoral Commission, has decided that the Iraqi elections will be held on October 10, 2021, four months later than the original date. However, Parliament has not yet finalized the current law on the Federal Supreme Court, a jurisdiction that must certify election results. The Special Representative therefore urged all parties to act immediately in this direction.
Likewise, she called on parties and candidates to operate in a free and safe environment, as well as members of the media. She thus called on all stakeholders and authorities to come together, to agree on a "code of conduct" and to allow all Iraqi candidates to operate freely, regardless of their ethnicity, sex or language. , religion or belief or their past. A request for election observation, made by the Government of Iraq, is currently before the Security Council, but whatever the Council's response, these elections must be conducted and controlled by the Iraqis, the Special Representative recalled.

She also insisted that "the UN does not take sides". Unfortunately, transparency, justice and accountability remain largely absent, especially when it comes to the repression of public demonstrations throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan region, she lamented. If that doesn't change, public anger will flare up again sooner or later, she warned.

In the fight against terrorism, while last December marked the third anniversary of the territorial defeat of Daesh, the Special Representative observed that violent extremism has not been defeated, deploring the suicide attacks in a market of Baghdad, which killed at least 30 people and injured more than 100 others. Likewise, attempts to inflame the situation, as was the case with last night's rocket attack in Erbil, pose serious threats to Iraq's stability, she noted.

On the humanitarian level, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert has expressed concern about the closure of refugee camps for three months, with the imminent possibility of new closures, underlining the haste and opacity surrounding these decisions which risk precipitating another crisis. She stressed the importance of taking safe and dignified measures to address the displacement problem, calling on the Iraqi authorities to rapidly deploy durable solutions. She also reminded them that some 30,000 Iraqis reside in Hol camp in Syria, including humanitarian cases not affiliated with Daesh.
She pointed out that Hol's camp is a time bomb which, if it explodes, will have huge consequences. Iraq has the responsibility to take back its citizens, starting with humanitarian cases, she declared. Regarding Sinjar, she said that last October's agreement between the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan was only a very first step, and her visit to the region last month confirmed her means that there is still a lot of work to do.

With regard to Kuwaiti nationals, third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, the Special Representative noted that despite the continued restrictions on movement, the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Subcommittee had succeeded in hold meetings attended by participants virtually or in person.
She confirmed the official closure of the cases of 20 missing Kuwaitis, which represents significant progress 16 years after the last identification. She called on all partners to seize the momentum of recent progress and advance the search for missing persons. Finally, she asserted that for elections to be reliable, unfounded theories and accusations must be refuted and intimidation replaced with accountability.
The US, in this first intervention of the Biden Administration on the situation in Iraq, declared that their priority is to help Iraq to assert its sovereignty in the face of its enemies, both at home and abroad, by preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State and working for the stability of Iraq.
"This means supporting Iraq's efforts to hold credible, inclusive and peaceful elections scheduled for October 2021," the US delegation added before welcoming the recent letter submitted to the Council by the Government of Iraq requesting UNAMI to provide election observers for its October elections. The United States expressed support for this international observation of the Iraqi elections and commended UNAMI's critical role in assisting with electoral preparations. An aid of 9,

The United States has found it necessary to tackle Iranian-backed militias and Iran's destabilization activities in Iraq, as well as the remaining elements of ISIL. The delegation expressed its appreciation for the evidence UNAMI is trying to gather regarding humanitarian abuses and human rights violations, as well as the Mission's efforts to ensure accountability, including its support. in favor of a strengthened judicial system and the fight against enforced disappearances.

Regarding Iraq's economic development, the United States noted that the drop in the price of oil, COVID-19 and the overall security situation are having dire consequences for the country's economic situation. "The United States has provided Iraq $ 706 million since the start of fiscal 2019 and more than $ 2.4 billion in humanitarian and development assistance since 2014," the delegation said.
The United States said this assistance helps provide shelter, essential health care, emergency food assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services throughout Iraq. The delegation also declared its support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons, including members of minority ethnic and religious groups.

The Ireland condemned the firing of rockets that hit Erbil today, causing casualties, and encouraged the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to bring the perpetrators to justice. She rejected all attempts to destabilize the country while it is on the path to a peaceful future. Ireland underlined the Council's unity in its support for the fight against terrorism. Recalling the funeral of Iraqi Yazidis held last week, Ireland echoed Nadia Murad's call for the Council to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are held accountable. The delegation however reiterated its opposition to the death penalty and regretted the recent executions in Iraq.

Ireland said it supports the democratic process in that country, welcoming Prime Minister al-Kadhimi's determination to pursue political reforms and hold elections, which have been postponed until October. Iraqis must be able to vote freely and calmly and all Iraqi officials must play their share of responsibility in this process, wished Ireland, which pledged to study the request of the Iraqi Foreign Minister for the observation of the elections. .
She wanted the process to include women, youth and minorities from the start. But the delegation said it was concerned about the targeting of protesters, activists and human rights defenders. The perpetrators of such violence must be held accountable for their actions, she demanded before calling on the federal and regional governments to end impunity and promote human rights. Finally, the delegation encouraged the authorities to work with UNAMI on a strategy to find durable solutions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the displaced.

The Chinese believed that the elections to be held this year is an important step for Iraq. The Security Council must therefore carefully study Iraq's requests for support for the electoral process, the delegation said. China has also invited the Government of Baghdad and that of Kurdistan to conduct their discussions further. On the fight against terrorism, China condemned the suicide attacks of January 21 and called on the international community to help the country to eradicate this scourge. In this light, China has asked to avoid "double standards". Likewise, any military action on Iraqi territory must obtain the agreement of the Government, she added.

Meanwhile, China has called on the international community to help Iraq fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The international community must also maintain its support for the reconstruction of the country, pleaded the delegation, giving its example: China has sent a team of experts to train Iraqi medical personnel and has just sent 15,000 doses of vaccines against the COVID-19.

The Norwegian took note of the request for assistance by the Government of Iraq to the Security Council for the observation of elections in October 2021. Noting that the security situation continues to be very worrying in Iraq, condemned the Norway Last night's rocket attacks in Erbil, which killed a contractor and injured several members of the Global Coalition against ISIL. She said continued international support for Iraq's democratic process and reconstruction efforts after ISIL's territorial defeat essential, adding that this support should include stabilization efforts and humanitarian support.

Norway called for addressing the underlying causes of conflict and instability in Iraq, which range from economic, social and political aspects, to water security issues and climate change. "National dialogue and reconciliation remain vital for Iraq's stability," Norway insisted before calling on the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to agree on federal budget allocations and oil revenues. Norway endorsed the concerns of the Special Representative regarding the humanitarian consequences of the hasty closure of camps for internally displaced persons. Finally, concerned about the kidnappings, torture and targeted assassinations of demonstrators and activists,

The Estonia advocated that all Iraqis are working to improve the conditions for the holding of credible elections, transparent and inclusive, that are important to rehabilitate the Iraqi political system. It took note of the request made to UNAMI for the observation of the ballot. The Security Council must study all options to respond to this request. The delegation called on the Government to accelerate reforms in its white paper and to take concrete measures to improve governance, strengthen the rule of law and ensure state control of the armed forces.

Estonia expressed serious concern at terrorist attacks targeting diplomatic missions and convoys and condemned the rocket attack launched yesterday on Erbil. Reiterating its support for security and the fight against Daesh, the delegation called on all actors to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and to refrain from any military action threatening Iraq's stability. Estonia also expressed concern about the violence inflicted on protesters, civil society activists and journalists. She urged the Government of Iraq to take further steps to ensure the accountability of perpetrators of all rights violations and to protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines commended the Iraqi Government for continuing its efforts to hold free, fair and credible elections. The delegation took note of the finalization of the electoral legislation intended to facilitate the preparation of the poll. She also underlined the essential role played by UNAMI, in particular in electoral assistance, hoping that the commitment of the United Nations will be strengthened in order to help the Government guarantee the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, organized by and for Iraqis.

Although Iraq celebrated the anniversary of ISIL's defeat on December 10, security threats persist, she noted. For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it is disheartening that the violence continues to hit civilians, diplomatic missions and convoys. These unjustifiable acts, she said, undermine all efforts to promote stability.
In this light, the delegation called on the international community to provide support to the Government of Iraq to strengthen its capacities as well as state control and to respond to the economic crisis facing the country. Finally, it welcomed the progress made in the identification of missing nationals and property, from Kuwait and from third countries, welcoming the action of the tripartite commission in charge of these issues,

The Tunisia welcomed the fiscal reforms undertaken by the Government of Iraq to implement economic reforms and fighting corruption. Tunisia supported the move of the Government of Iraq, which asked the Security Council to strengthen the role of UNAMI, so that the country can receive more advice, support, technical assistance and election observers in the next elections. .

Tunisia urged the international community to help Iraq cope with Daesh attempts to destabilize the country. She particularly condemned the attacks committed on January 21 in Baghdad and yesterday in Erbil, which show that the threat of Daesh continues. In Tunisia's view, the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government must succeed in resolving the disagreements which persist between Baghdad and Erbil, in particular regarding the sharing of revenues and the transfer of budgetary allocations to the Region of Kurdistan. Finally, Tunisia welcomed the cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait in the search for missing persons.

And Kenyaurged the Government of Iraq and all Iraqi parties to ensure the holding of credible and transparent elections. The delegation encouraged the United Nations to respond favorably to Iraq's request for election observation. Calling for an end to violence against women, Kenya further underscored the importance of including women in the democratic process, which includes strengthening institutional capacities. The delegation welcomed the encouraging economic reforms undertaken by the Government. She recalled the presence of the Daesh threat and condemned the acts of violence, including yesterday's attack in Erbil. Kenya urged the Security Council to remain vigilant against Daesh activities and to help Iraq become a peace-exporting country. Finally,

The Russian Federationconsidered that it is impossible to quickly resolve the problems facing the Iraqi authorities, especially since the situation is worsened by a sharp drop in the level of public revenue due to the fall in oil prices, in the context of further to the spread of coronavirus infection. Likewise, the fight against terrorism remains topical, noted the delegation. Despite the successes achieved by the Iraqis on this front, the security situation in the country remains fragile. She cited the sad example of the recent double terrorist attack in central Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 32 civilians, as well as that of yesterday in Erbil.

According to the Russian Federation, it will be possible to resolve the remaining internal issues through inclusive dialogue. The country said it has launched a process to seek compromise agreements, being in contact with all Iraqi political forces. In this context, the delegation called on all external actors interested in stabilizing the internal situation in Iraq to refrain from taking any measures that could undermine this process. The Russian Federation said that further improvement in relations between Baghdad and Erbil will help Iraq to strengthen security and effectively use its economic potential for the benefit of all.

In addition, the attitude of Iraq and Kuwait to resolve all the problematic issues of the Iraqi file deserves special support, according to the Russian Federation for whom Iraq should not become an arena of regional clashes. The delegation therefore called on the international community to engage in constructive interaction in the interest of promoting peace and stability throughout the Middle East region, in particular on the basis of Security Council resolution 598 (1987). and the Russian concept of collective security.

the Franceunderlined the responsibility of the Security Council to live up to the expectations of the Iraqi Government, which expressed the wish to see the United Nations involved in the observation of the elections scheduled for October 2021, a ballot whose stake is strategic for the future of the country and the stability of the region. France will attend this discussion as it is in Brussels to defend the idea of a European contribution to the observation of the elections.

"Supporting Iraq also means standing by its side so that its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity are preserved," France insisted before stressing that the January 21 attack in Baghdad shows that the threat Daesh continues and even intensifies. The delegation called for preserving the capacities of the international coalition to act alongside the Iraqi security forces so as not to jeopardize the progress of recent years. She also called for support for the Iraqi Government's efforts to put an end to the destabilizing activities of certain armed groups which, in recent months, have attacked diplomatic influence in particular. France was particularly concerned about the continuation of incursions into the north of the country.

In addition, France has placed emphasis on the fight against the economic and political corruption which is sclerosing the country and the fight against impunity for crimes committed against demonstrators. Nine months after the announcement of the establishment of the fact-finding body, France deemed it urgent that it be finally operational. In addition, France has deemed it essential that the return of displaced persons be voluntary and that it takes place in safety and dignity.

The delegation underlined the responsibility of the international community to contribute to stabilization and reconstruction in areas liberated from Daesh. “France is taking its part, notably with a hospital project in Sinjar, the first stone of which was laid on November 24. Finally, she hoped that the dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil would advance,

The Niger noted that Iraq comes from afar and the country is trying to rebuild after years of conflict. He commended the efforts of the Government of Iraq in this regard. In terms of human rights protection, the delegation deplored the killings and attacks against human rights activists and defenders. The Iraqi Government must take the measures required by the situation and bring their perpetrators to justice, demanded Niger, also calling on it to take the necessary measures to overcome the existing administrative and security difficulties. He also called on the Government of Iraq to put an end to the violations of children's rights.

On the electoral process, Niger said a sustainable process must include Iraqi women and youth, especially with the Women's Consultative Group. Women must play an informal leadership role in their communities during conflict to transform this dynamism into a positive political contribution. The Security Council and the international community should support the Iraqi authorities in their legitimate quest for more democracy, peace and progress, Niger urged. The delegation regretted that the transnational threat of terrorism remains present in the country with the recent terrorist attacks committed in Baghdad by Daesh.

Le Viet Namsupported the efforts of the Government of Iraq to ensure the long-term stability of the country. He also praised the activities carried out by Iraq in view of the elections scheduled for October, hoping that these elections will be organized in a free, fair and inclusive manner. The delegation also encouraged the Government to implement the reforms necessary to face the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, while inviting it to strengthen its relations with its regional counterpart in Kurdistan to resolve the problems. outstanding.
Concerned about the security situation in Iraq, Viet Nam reiterated its condemnation of all acts of terrorism and extremist violence which claim civilian lives. In this regard, he called for full respect for the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq by all regional and international actors. The delegation then called for a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return or settlement of the displaced, warning of a “secondary displacement crisis”.

In this context, Viet Nam commended the efforts of UNAMI and United Nations agencies to assist Iraq in its quest for national stability and security and to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, poverty and the pandemic. He also urged international donors to continue their assistance to Iraq through UN agencies. Before concluding, the delegation reaffirmed its support for the continued cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait in the search for Kuwaiti and third country nationals missing and the return of Kuwaiti property.

the Mexicowelcomed the financial contributions of Germany, the United States, France, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the European Union to the organization of the Iraqi electoral process, before urge the Government of Iraq to continue to strengthen its institutional capacities in electoral matters. Mexico urged the central government of Baghdad and the regional government of Erbil to reach agreement on federal budget allocations and oil revenues. Concerned about the crackdown on public demonstrations and the shutdown of the media, Mexico urged the Iraqi government to guarantee the exercise of civil liberties, including freedoms of demonstration and expression.
He also called on him to release the detained protesters and provide information on the fate of those who are still missing. Noting that 21 people were executed for terrorist acts on November 16, Mexico categorically rejected the application of the death penalty, "a violation of human rights", and called on the Government of Iraq to promote actions aimed at to establish a moratorium on the application of the death penalty and its possible abolition.

Finally, Mexico commended the efforts of the Government of Iraq to strengthen cooperation with regional partners such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, thereby promoting stability in the region. Mexico welcomed in particular the progress made in handing over the remains of Kuwaiti and third country citizens, through the mediation of UNAMI and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Finally, Mexico has indicated that it wants to consider the recent request by the Government of Iraq to extend the mandate of UNAMI in view of the elections to be held next October.

The India, after expressing its condolences to the Government and people of Iraq following the terrorist attacks of January 21 in Baghdad, said these attacks are a reminder of the challenge posed by ISIL to peace and stability in the region. With terrorism remaining "the most serious threat to humanity," India called on the international community to maintain its support for the Iraqi security forces and government so that they can face it. The delegation expressed concern that the majority of the 10,000 ISIL fighters active in the region are in Iraq. The objective of this Council should be to eliminate any threat posed by ISIL and other terrorist groups in Iraq and elsewhere in the world, she stressed, pleading for a holistic approach in the global fight against this. scourge.

Welcoming the organization of parliamentary elections in Iraq next October, India has declared its full support for the Iraqi request for a UN observation of the ballot. We will support any process which respects Iraq's sovereignty, strengthens the democratic exercise and makes it credible and acceptable to the Iraqi people, she assured, before welcoming the "positive progress" made in the preparation of the elections. and the valuable support provided by UNAMI. The delegation then applauded the efforts of the Government to maintain friendly ties with other countries in the region and called on it to ensure the security of diplomatic missions.

Concerned about the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq, India also welcomed the cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait to reach a solution on the issue of Kuwaiti nationals and missing third States and missing Kuwaiti property, with significant support from the ICRC.
Finally, reiterating its support for a democratic and unified Iraq, the delegation recalled that its country has contributed $ 30 million to Iraqi relief and reconstruction efforts. India, she added, is also the "preferred destination" for many Iraqis who come for treatment, a cooperation that continued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking of a "critical moment" for Iraq, the UK considered it essential that the October elections be free, fair and credible. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the ongoing democratic process and looked forward to further discussions on how the United Nations can support the elections, following Iraq's request for observation. Faced with the serious economic crisis affecting the country, the delegation supported the reforms proposed by the Government, calling on all parties to agree on a viable budget that will allow Iraq to rebuild better after the COVID pandemic. 19.
For the UK, last m
onth's devastating attack in Baghdad shows the importance of the ongoing work of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, in partnership with Iraqi security forces. Deeply disturbed by the belatedly announced and uncoordinated closure of camps for internally displaced persons, the delegation urged the Government to coordinate with the United Nations to ensure that all returns are safe, dignified and voluntary. She also welcomed the government efforts to strengthen relations with regional neighbors, including Turkey, and to advance the issue of missing Kuwaiti people and property.

The Iraq recalled that it faces a situation combining economic crisis, war against terrorism and pandemic Covid-19. On the economic front, he expressed concern over fluctuations in oil prices and increasing spending on counterterrorism measures, demining and reconstruction. In this regard, he referred to a reform of fiscal policy, ensuring that the Government strives to increase its revenues while reducing its expenditure.
Regarding the pandemic, the delegation acknowledged that the situation remains "difficult", despite a high recovery rate of those infected. In addition, the country is facing dwindling resources and more than 23,000 medical staff have contracted the disease.
Iraq then indicated that, in accordance with its new constitution, it is trying to meet the aspirations of the Iraqis who demonstrate. To this end, it strives to build confidence among different groups of the population, especially young people, and to fight against violations of the human rights of demonstrators.
The Government thus ensures that illegal groups do not target these people and has asked the security forces not to use their weapons against them. In addition, the delegation continued, the Government is working to restructure the security forces so that they come under the Ministry of the Interior and offer them human rights awareness programs. In addition,

The Government is also making great efforts to fight ISIL and other terrorist groups in Iraq, the delegation said, condemning the deadly attacks in Baghdad on January 21 and in Erbil yesterday. Reiterating her commitment to cooperate with the international community to combat this scourge and ensure better use of the armed and security forces, she welcomed the support expressed by the Security Council to her country in its war against terrorism and violent extremism.
. Iraq needs continued support to strengthen its operational and logistical capacities, she said, before expressing her commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and their personnel. Attacks by illegal groups target, she said,
With regard to the return of the displaced, an issue that it described as a priority, Iraq affirmed that it is acting in coordination with UNAMI, the UNHCR and the Iraqi Red Crescent to reduce the suffering of these people and facilitate their return. Among the measures taken in this case, he mentioned the supply of identity papers to the displaced but also the closure of 47 camps over the past six months and the return of 66,000 families to their place of residence.
The Government has also drawn up a plan for the reconstruction of the homes of internally displaced persons, to which it is providing humanitarian aid as well as cash compensation. The country, added the delegation,

Referring to the current electoral process, Iraq welcomed the adoption, on January 17, of a preliminary law providing for the financing of the organization of the elections scheduled for next October. Noting that more than 40 parties have been registered by the Election Commission, he mentioned the purchase from a foreign company of electronic equipment and the establishment of several thousand electoral pilot sites.
On the other hand, thousands of voters were registered biometrically, out of the 26 million registered, noted the delegation, before recalling that Iraq sent two letters to the Security Council to obtain support from the UN in the form of election observation. We need this support to build citizens' confidence in the democratic process and to ensure strong participation, she again pleaded.
She also underlined the continuation of the dialogue with the Kurdistan Regional Government, in particular on the budget, border crossing points and oil revenues, and the strengthening of partnerships with the countries of the region, in particular Turkey. Finally, Iraq insisted on the importance of cooperation with the "brother country" of Kuwait, which focuses on the exhumation of the remains of missing Kuwaiti nationals and the return of Kuwaiti property, starting with the national archives. in particular on the budget, border crossing points and oil revenues, and the strengthening of partnerships with the countries of the region, in particular Turkey.
Finally, Iraq insisted on the importance of cooperation with the “brother country” of Kuwait, which focuses on the exhumation of the remains of missing Kuwaiti nationals and the return of Kuwaiti property, starting with the national archives. in particular on the budget, border crossing points and oil revenues, and the strengthening of partnerships with the countries of the region, in particular Turkey.
Finally, Iraq insisted on the importance of cooperation with the “brother country” of Kuwait, which focuses on the exhumation of the remains of missing Kuwaiti nationals and the return of Kuwaiti property, starting with the national archives.

https://www.un.org/press/fr/2021/sc14437.doc.htm