Thank you, Mr. President. I also welcome the presence of Foreign Minister of Iraq in today’s meeting. 
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2.​We strongly condemn the recent shelling in the Zakho district of Dohuk Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. On behalf of the government and people of India, I express our deepest condolences to the families, who lost their loved ones in the attack, and also wish speedy recovery to those injured.


 
3.​We welcome the timely condemnation of this dastardly attack by this Council. Such an attack inside the territory of Iraq is a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty. The attack on a civilian place also shows blatant disregard for international humanitarian law (IHL).


 
4.​ The Council needs to address some of the concerns outlined in the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq addressed to the President of the UNSC regarding the attack in Dohuk Governorate, in which Iraq’s Minister has asserted and I quote:  “Turkish forces committed an open and blatant aggression against Iraqi territories, its sovereignty and the lives and security of its citizens. On 20 July, 2022, when they targeted the resort in Dohuk governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by artillery shelling,  resulted in the martyrdom of 9 civilians and injury of 33 unarmed civilians”.


 
5.​Iraq’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected and relevant party needs to abide by its obligations under the International Humanitarian Law as well as cooperate with Government of Iraq in the investigation into these attacks to ensure accountability.


 
6.​Peace, stability and security in this region is of utmost importance to India. A strong, stable and sovereign Iraq would lead to greater security and stability in the region. We encourage all countries in the region to work together towards this end. As a longstanding friend of Iraq and its peoples, India will remain supportive of all endeavours to deliver stability, security and prosperity for the people of Iraq.
 


7.     Let me conclude by reaffirming India’s steadfast support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We continue to reiterate that the global is anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.  I thank you Mr. President.