UNSC Briefing on Iraq – UNAMI Report

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

11 May 2021

Mr. President,

Thank you for giving me the floor. I thank Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. I take this opportunity to congratulate her Deputy Ms. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, who has recently assumed charge. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq Ambassador Mohammad Hussein to this meeting.

2. Let me begin by reiterating India’s firm support for Government of Iraq’s efforts to achieve peace, stability, economic recovery through reform and reconstruction, and national reconciliation. India has always responded to the urgent needs of Iraq. We have, in the past, supported the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq and also contributed through the World Food Programme. Our Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme continues and has grown from strength to strength over the years.

Mr. President,

3. With the passage of the First amendment to the Federal Supreme Court Law and the decision of the Parliament to dissolve itself ahead of the elections scheduled for 10 October, the main bottlenecks have been cleared for the holding of early elections. I applaud the steps taken by the Iraqi authorities and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to ensure a free, fair and inclusive electoral process, despite the pandemic constraints. The support and technical assistance extended by UNAMI and UNDP to IHEC in its efforts to ensure full preparedness for the elections is well appreciated.

4. High voter turnout in the upcoming elections will be key in ensuring a parliament and government that are representative of all Iraqis. It will also ensure that the government has the confidence of the people of Iraq. UN and international observation of the elections, as requested by the Government of Iraq, will help build this confidence among the Iraqi people and therefore, India fully supports this request. It is important for the Security Council to respond to Iraq’s request positively.

5. The elections cannot be considered truly inclusive without the full and effective participation of Iraqi women. In this regard, the steps taken by the government to promote women’s electoral participation and to prevent and address violence against women candidates, including through the establishment of a Higher Committee, are positive developments.

6. Successful post-conflict recovery and economic development in Iraq would require stability and security in the country. We are concerned at the increasing number of attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq. Our heartfelt condolences for the people of Iraq who have lost their loved ones in these dastardly attacks. The tireless efforts of the Iraqi authorities to combat terrorism in the country need to be complemented with greater co-operation from the international community. We cannot afford to lower the guard against ISIL or other terrorist groups in Iraq. We must learn from past lessons regarding the consequences of misplaced complacency against terrorism.  39 Indian nationals were brutally killed by ISIL and we hope to see a day when we do not lose lives of more innocent civilians to terrorism.

7. We welcome the adoption of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law. Implementation of this key legislation and the recent Sinjar agreement will help Iraq move closer to achieving justice for the victims of the crimes perpetrated by ISIL. They will also contribute to restoring normalcy to the lives of survivors, enhance their quality of life and pave the way for their safe return through reconstruction of areas ravaged by the terrorism.

8. Despite the efforts by the Government of Iraq to provide protection to all diplomatic missions, attacks against diplomatic establishments and the coalition forces have continued. Such attacks threaten Iraq’s stability and risk escalating tensions. The stability of Iraq should be of paramount importance to the region. We hope that a long-term solution can also be found to the issue of possession of weapons by armed groups and other non-state actors.

9. The violations of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the pretext of counter-terrorism operations must come to an end. Iraq’s neighbouring countries need to work with the Iraqi authorities to address all security challenges faced by them.

10. The recent visit of Pope Francis to Iraq has highlighted the rich cultural diversity and multi-religious heritage of the country. The visit has also contributed to a positive debate on furthering religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and to ensure that no one is left behind. This is critical for achieving national reconciliation and sustaining peace in Iraq. The call for an inclusive national dialogue by the Prime Minister is also a step in the right direction.

11. The passage of the Federal Budget Law provides a positive beginning for the resolution of differences between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. We encourage both sides to seize the momentum and conclude a mutually satisfactory long-term sustainable agreement on all outstanding issues. These discussions can also be part of the proposed national dialogue.

12. We take note of the efforts made by the Iraqi government to resolve the issue of internally displaced persons in the country. The international community should fully respect Iraq’s sovereignty and jurisdiction and support its efforts to address this issue in accordance with its relevant domestic laws.

13. India takes positive note of the recent identification of Kuwaiti and third country nationals from the remains sent by Iraqi authorities last year and the return of the remains of a missing Iraqi soldier from Kuwait. These efforts will provide solace to the families of the deceased. With the excellent cooperation between the Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities and the support extended by the ICRC and other international partners, India is hopeful that further progress can be achieved on this issue quickly, bringing a mutually satisfactory closure.

Mr. President,

14. Let me conclude by reaffirming India’s steadfast support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. India shares a civilizational relationship with Iraq. We have always been supportive of a democratic, pluralistic, federal, unified and prosperous Iraq fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens. As a longstanding friend, India will remain a willing partner of Iraq in its nation-building endeavours to deliver prosperity to its people.

I thank you.

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