General Assembly Security Council

 

UNSC meeting of Iraq/ UNAMI

(October 4, 2022 1930 hours IST)

 

 

APPROVED INDIA STATEMENT

 

    Thank you,  Mr. President. I take note of the briefing by Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. We appreciate UNAMI’s work in Iraq. I welcome the participation of Permanent Representative of Iraq in the meeting. 

 

2.    Nearly a year after the holding of peaceful, free and fair parliamentary elections, the people of Iraq still do not have an elected government. The continuing political impasse impacts the people of Iraq directly, who have already endured immense challenges in the last two decades — from terrorism to economic hardships. 

 

3.    India urges all political parties to rise above their differences and assume greater responsibility to overcome the current stalemate. A peaceful dialogue on a constructive way forward is the need of the hour. In this regard, we welcome the convening of the national dialogue among Iraq’s political leaders and parties. Constructive engagement by all parties in the dialogue is a critical first step to avoid further political deadlock and violence. 

 

4.    The ongoing political instability also affects the security situation in Iraq, which continues to be fragile and volatile. We are deeply concerned about the continued terrorist attacks of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Terrorist forces must not be permitted to exploit the current political vacuum in the country. 

 

5.    The continued possession of arms and weapons in large quantities outside of State control is matter of grave concern. It poses a serious challenge to stability in Iraq. The deadly clashes of August 29-30 serve as a timely reminder and highlight the urgency of addressing this issue within Iraq’s constitutional framework. 

 

6.    The repeated violations of Iraq’s sovereignty under the pretext of counter-terrorism operations must end. We condemn all such acts and call upon Iraq’s neighbours to work with the Iraqi authorities to address all security challenges that they face.

 

7.    Despite its internal challenges, Iraq continues to be a positive contributor to regional stability and friendly relations. We welcome Iraq’s efforts and constructive role in promoting regional talks aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region. 

 

8.    We also welcome the cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait to achieve an amicable solution to the issue of missing persons and the return of Kuwaiti properties. It is imperative to maintain the momentum and move towards an early and mutually satisfactory conclusion of this important humanitarian file.

 

Mr. President, 

 

9.    Let me conclude by reiterating the importance of the sense of urgency required for Iraq’s political leaders to overcome divisions, set aside partisanship and attempt to put the interests of the people of Iraq at the forefront. An end to the political deadlock is urgently required to meet people's aspirations and hopes, and secure their safe and prosperous future. 

 

I thank you. 

 

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