H.E. Neven Jurica, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, gave a statement on Security Council Debate on Iraq.
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to add our thanks to Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing. We also thank Ambassador Khalilzad for his report on the efforts of the Multinational Force in Iraq.
Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) under the able leadership of SRSG Mr. de Mistura. The UNAMI mandate is an important one, assisting the Iraqi people and Government to achieve stability, security and prosperity. Croatia salutes its efforts aimed at advancing political dialogue, extending electoral assistance, supporting the constitutional review process and facilitating the regional dialogue process. We commend Mr. De Mistura's approach in resolving disputed internal boundaries.
While not underestimating the remaining challenges, we are pleased to be presented with a very different picture of Iraq than just a year ago. The recent episodes of violence should not obscure the larger trend of improved security that has begun to assert itself with the surge in MNF-I forces. Despite the challenges, there is visible progress in achieving the political, economic and security objectives set by the Government of Iraq, and these achievements should not be belittled. There are continuing improvements in the capacity of Iraq's national security forces, which we see as critical in reaffirming the independence and sovereignty of Iraq. We welcome this progress and commend the resolute steps taken by the Iraqi Government to assume greater responsibility for security, including its response to the threat of sectarianism, terrorism and outlaws.
The institutions of today's Iraq are based on democratic elections and a constitutional referendum. Now they need to be consolidated. Violence must not be allowed to disrupt the political process. By the same token, my delegation continues to believe that without serious advances in the political process, the recent security gains may be at risk. We share the view of the Secretary-General that more needs to be done to help Iraqi communities resolve the fundamental issues that divide them. The Government of Iraq and all the political actors should raise to the occasion and act responsibly, engaging in a meaningful and inclusive political dialogue, while rejecting sectarianism and extremism.
We are looking forward to the upcoming provincial elections, as an occasion to consolidate the democratic institutions of Iraq and advance national reconciliation. We took note of the preparatory activities already underway and hope to see the timely adoption of the Governorate Elections Law. The intensified pace of enacting the relevant legislation should also be applied to other important areas, notably on the issue of the on the hydrocarbon resources, the implementation of Article 140 of the Constitution and the constitutional revision process.
The dialogue and constructive engagement of Iraq's neighbors is another critical component in the long-term stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq. Aiding groups that attack Iraqi and coalition forces and undermine the security and stabilization of Iraq is unacceptable. My delegation takes note of the positive trends in regional dialogue, including last week's Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighboring Countries of Iraq, as well as the preceding meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Kuwait. Regular meetings of the three Working groups are encouraging. We have listened with attention to Mr. Pascoe's comments and can only echo his call on the need to further strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation.
Moreover, my delegation is mindful of the need to protect and assist displaced and vulnerable Iraqis, through concerted effort by all concerned parties: the Government of Iraq, Iraq's neighbors and the international community. Following the launching of the Iraq Consolidated Appeal in February, we hope to see further contributions and pledges.
At this point, Iraq is still at a stage where it deserves our support – that is the support of the international community, and particularly the countries of the region – in its transition to a stable, peaceful and prosperous democracy. We look forward to the forthcoming Iraq Compact Annual Review Conference in Stockholm as an opportunity to reaffirm the international commitment to assist in the realization of the aspirations of the Iraqi people. For its part, the Iraqi Government should meet its obligations as a responsible partner and co-owner of this process.
The UN is well placed to play a central role in assisting the Iraqi Government in this endeavor, both through the UNAMI mandate and through its co-leading role in the Iraqi Compact. Let me conclude by expressing our support and gratitude to all the UN staff on the ground who under difficult conditions continue to carry out the tasks entrusted to them in resolution 1770.
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