UNSC Briefing on United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

(February 24, 2022; 1000 hrs.)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing today. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the meeting.

Mr. President,

2. At the outset, I express my heartfelt condolences to all the families, who have lost their loved ones in the terrorist attacks in Iraq, including the recent cowardly terrorist attack in Diyala province which resulted in the death of 11 Iraqi security personnel. We strongly condemn all such acts of terrorism.

Mr. President,

3. The people of Iraq, despite facing economic and security challenges, have expressed their will through the ballot during the recently ratified Parliamentary election. We welcome the increased participation of women in the election and their success in winning more than 25% of the seats. The critical situation facing Iraq now requires all political parties to assume greater responsibility to overcome the current political stalemate. I reiterate India’s support for the democratic process in Iraq. We encourage all political parties to work together for early formation of a new government.

4. Meanwhile, we are witnessing politically motivated attacks on leaders, party offices and other institutions. Violence and intimidation should not be the tools for redressing political grievances. We urge all parties to reject violence and resolve their political differences through dialogue and legal avenues.

5. In this context, the continued possession of arms and weapons in large quantities outside of State control poses serious challenge to stability in Iraq. There is also an urgent need for all regional actors to stop using Iraqi territory as a launch pad for targeted attacks on other countries in the region. A strong, stable, and sovereign Iraq would lead to greater security and stability in the region.

Mr. President,

6. The Secretary General’s report of February 10 on the implementation of UNSCR resolution 2576 states that between November 23, 2021 to January 05, 2022, there were 123 attacks by ISIS on security forces, in addition to continued targeting of community leaders and civilians. This staggering statistic is a cause of serious concern. The signs of re-emergence of ISIS in Iraq is a matter of grave concern and it calls for urgent action by the international community. Despite the success of the Iraqi security forces in combating this group, ISIS remains active in the country and the region, with its affiliates functioning independently at many places around the world. We reiterate our firm conviction that terrorism in one part of the world is a grave threat to peace and security of the entire world.

7. The people of Iraq recently celebrated the 4th anniversary of the victory over ISIS. Many brave Iraqi men and women have sacrificed their lives to ensure the defeat of ISIS. As a country that has long borne the brunt of terrorism, India is acutely aware of its human cost. We are confident that people of Iraq would continue to be vigilant against a resurgence of ISIS or its affiliates.

8. It is also critical that the international community and Iraq’s partners continue their support and assistance to enable the Iraqi security forces in the fight against terrorism and build their capacity to address future threats. Such support and assistance should ensure the irreversible defeat of ISIS.

9. The violations of Iraq’s sovereignty on the pretext of counter-terrorism operations in northern Iraq must end. Iraq’s neighbours should work with the Iraqi authorities to address all security challenges faced by them.

Mr. President,

10. We welcome the cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait to achieve an amicable solution to the issue of missing persons and return of Kuwaiti properties. It serves as a model of how countries can come together and achieve post-conflict reconciliation through constructive engagement. We recognize the significant support provided by International Committee of the Red Cross to facilitate progress on this issue. We hope that all parties will continue to strengthen their cooperation until the matter is resolved to the mutual satisfaction of Iraq and Kuwait.

Mr. President,

11. India and Iraq have historically enjoyed strong people-to-people ties. India has always responded to the urgent needs of Iraq. For example, recently, more than 30 Iraqi children with congenital heart disease, whose surgeries were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, were operated at an Indian hospital in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Health.

12. As a steadfast supporter of a democratic, pluralistic, federal, unified, and economically strong Iraq, India will remain a willing partner of Iraq’s economic recovery, reconciliation, and reconstruction. India will continue to provide its full support to efforts for peace, security, and development in Iraq.

I thank you.

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