Situation Concerning Iraq - 8739th Security Council Meeting

Critical ‘window of opportunity’ in Iraq closing fast, Special Representative Tells Security Council.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 02:01:17
• Production Date: 3 March 2020
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Personal Subject: JEANINE HENNIS-PLASSCHAERT
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION FOR IRAQ - UNAMI
• Subject Topical: CORRUPTION; ELECTIONS; HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS; TERRORISM; WAR
• Geographic Subject: IRAQ; SYRIA
• MAMS Id: 2537656
• Parent Id: 2537304

Description

Speakers Urge Forming Government Committed to Addressing Citizens’ Needs

Iraq today stands at a crossroads that could lead to a safe, prosperous future, even as it continues to grapple with complex political dynamics and the long echoes of war, the senior United Nations official in Baghdad told the Security Council today.

“The critical window of opportunity is closing fast,” said Jeanine Hennis‑Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), as she briefed the 15‑member Council. At the present juncture, she said, Iraq’s political leaders can either stand idle or place themselves in the service of their fellow citizens. Among the main issues facing the country are a fluid, puzzling security context — with unidentified groups using the cover of peaceful protests to muddy the water — as well as rampant corruption, the lingering threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and challenges in forming a new Government.

Recalling that a complicated political situation emerged following the announcement in late 2019 that Iraq Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi would resign, she said it remains unclear whether political parties will arrive at a new consensus candidate within the designated time frame. Meanwhile, the impact of the human rights violations committed in the country during the war are still being felt and accountability is a matter of burning importance to the Iraqi people. Calling for free, fair and credible elections, she noted that the State-to-State violence, which took place in Iraq in January, was seen as a clear threat. “Regional security developments should not eclipse domestic priorities and rightful demands for reform,” she stressed.

As Council members took the floor, many underlined their continued support for Iraq as it rebuilds from the rubble of its long war. Several expressed concern about the country’s political stalemate, urging its leaders to push forward with the formation of a Government committed to addressing the needs of the people. However, many also raised concern about tensions flaring across the wider region, emphasizing that Iraq must not become the theatre for more confrontation.

“Conflict and military operations are not an option for a country that has been affected by war for so long,” said the representative of Indonesia. Underlining his delegation’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said that, in recent months, the international community has witnessed how crucial security and stability are for the country’s recovery — as well as how fragile those conditions are and how easily they can be derailed by any miscalculation. He also pointed to new challenges in the delivery of humanitarian aid resulting from the recent political upheaval and called for the United Nations continued support.

The representative of the Russian Federation was among those speakers who sounded alarm over the continued threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh and other terrorist groups, including those that are slipping into Iraq from across Syria’s border. While the Government of Iraq clearly views the recent public protests as a form of democratic self-expression, he nevertheless warned that it is unacceptable for outside forces to exploit those protests as a lever to pursue their own interests. Recalling that the United States illegal killing of Iran General Qasem Soleimani in January violated Iraq’s sovereignty, he warned that the latter “cannot become an arena for the settling of political scores” and stressed that no one has the right to undermine Baghdad’s relationships with its neighbours.

The representative of the United States, however, cautioned that Iraq is currently threatened by Iran-backed militias which recently besieged her country’s embassy in Baghdad and launched rocket attacks. The Government of Iraq should take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of diplomatic facilities, she said. Agreeing that the country stands at a crossroads, she called on its next political leaders to deliver reforms that will combat corruption and promote fair and free elections. The United States will use all available tools to provide accountability for corruption and human rights abuses, she vowed.

Belgium’s representative emphasized that, as Iraq embarks on the long path of reconciliation, it must respond to the legitimate aspirations of its people. Condemning all acts of violence committed against Iraqi protesters — including by State forces — he called on all parties to engage in constructive dialogue. He also joined other speakers in expressing concern about the continued threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh, expressing hope that Iraq will continue to work with the international community on that front.

The representative of Iraq also addressed the Council, agreeing that, in the five months since taking to the streets, “the protesters have succeeded in making their voices heard”. However, those months also saw Iraq subjected to several violations of its sovereignty. “Iraq is now on the cusp of a new era of stability,” he said, outlining the Government’s efforts to respond to popular demands. Rejecting violence, he voiced concern that outside forces infiltrated demonstrations in an attempt to defame both the peaceful protesters and Iraqi security forces. In addition, he called for continued international support in Iraq’s fight against the remnants of ISIL/Da’esh while emphasizing the country’s sovereignty and rejecting all efforts to render it a battleground for conflicts.

Also speaking today were representatives of Germany, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Tunisia, Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Viet Nam and China.

The meeting began at 10:04 a.m. and ended at 12:05 p.m.

For further details please see SOURCE below.
MEETINGS COVERAGE