UN Security Council meeting on Iraq / UNAMI

(May 17, 2022; 1500 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Thank you Madam President. I thank Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her comprehensive briefing. We appreciate UNAMI’s close cooperation with the Government of Iraq in providing the necessary assistance sought by them to tackle the multiple challenges being faced by Iraq. I thank Ms. Hanaa Edwar for her insights. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to this meeting.

2. We take note of the discussions between various political parties in Iraq towards formation of a new government. I reiterate India’s support for the democratic process in Iraq and encourage all political parties to work together for early formation of a new government, which can take measures to fulfill the aspirations of Iraqi people, especially the women and youth, and promote inclusiveness and reconciliation.

3. We also note with appreciation the positive steps taken by Iraq to implement the national counter-terrorism strategy. Only through such efforts, we can eliminate the threats posed by ISIL and other terrorist groups in Iraq. We welcome the continued cooperation of Iraq with the Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee.

4. Despite the success of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by Iraqi Security Forces, ISIL remains active in the country, as acknowledged by the recent report of the Secretary General on the terrorist group. ISIL’s ability to launch attacks at a steady rate, including through hit-and-run operations and ambushes, is deeply concerning. The focus of this Council should be to eliminate every threat posed by ISIL and other terror groups in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. We support continued international efforts to assist Iraq in combating terrorism, including through training of Iraqi security forces.

5. Military actions inside Iraqi territory by Iraq’s neighbours is a clear violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. Similarly, continued possession of arms and weapons by non-State groups in Iraq outside of State control is also a matter of great concern. Armed groups in Iraq should disarm and show commitment to the democratic principles.

Madam President,

6. We applaud the Government of Iraq’s concerted efforts to maintain friendly and cordial ties with all its neighbours and to facilitate dialogue between the regional countries. We also welcome the ongoing cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait to achieve an early amicable solution on the issue of missing Kuwaiti persons and third-country nationals, as well as the return of Kuwaiti property.

7. India’s friendship with Iraq is steeped in history. Our people to people ties and the multi-faceted bilateral relations are very strong. India has always responded to the urgent needs of Iraq. Our technical and economic cooperation programme has grown from strength to strength over the years. There are more than 1700 Iraqi students pursuing higher studies in educational institutions in India and around 15000 Iraqi citizens visit India every year for medical treatment in various hospitals in India.

Madam President,

8. India remains steadfast in its support for Iraq’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We hope to continue our partnership with the new government, as soon as it is formed, in furthering Iraq’s endeavors towards peace, stability and prosperity for its people.

Thank you.

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