PRESS STATEMENT ON SECURITY COUNCIL IRAQ CONSULTATIONS

Following is the press statement on Security Council Iraq consultations delivered today by Security Council President Ellen Margrethe Løj (Denmark):

As required by Security Council resolution 1546 (2004), members of the Security Council have discussed the mandate of the Multinational Force in Iraq, and the relevant provisions for the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board.

The members of the Security Council listened to the statement by Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari and the briefing on the activity of the Multinational Forces by Ambassador Patterson of the United States.

The members of the Council noted the letter of Foreign Minister Zebari of 24 May 2005 (S/2005/337) requesting the Council to allow for the continuation of the mandate of the Multinational Force in Iraq “until the completion of the political process” and in accordance with Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).

The members of the Council also noted the letter of Foreign Minister Zebari of 26 May 2005 requesting the Council to allow for the continuation of the arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board.

The members of the Council agreed upon the continuation of the mandate of the Multinational Force in Iraq in accordance with Security Council resolution 1546 (2004) and at the request of the newly elected Iraqi Government.  The members welcomed the progress made in recruiting, training and equipping Iraqi security forces and look forward to those forces progressively playing a greater role and ultimately assuming responsibility for Iraq’s national security.

The members of the Council similarly agreed upon the continuation of the relevant arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board in line with Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).

The members of the Security Council look forward to continued progress in Iraq’s political transition, consistent with United Nations Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).  The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and for a federal, democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq, in which there is full respect for human rights.  The members of the Council welcome efforts undertaken by the Iraqi Government to ensure the full respect for human rights by all Iraqi authorities, and encourage the Government to continue these efforts.

The Security Council deplored the violence directed against innocent civilians and the Iraqi authorities and re-emphasized its call upon Member States to assist in the security of Iraq’s borders and prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, as well as the flow of arms and financing to terrorists, consistent with their obligations under Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).

The members of the Security Council stressed the need for Iraq’s constitutional process to be inclusive, participatory and transparent.  They encouraged the Transitional National Assembly and other relevant institutions to reach out broadly to all segments of Iraqi society, with a view of promoting genuine political dialogue and national reconciliation and ensuring that all Iraqis have a voice in the drafting of the constitution.

The members of the Security Council also welcomed the international community’s support to Iraq and underlined the importance of assistance from all States and relevant international organizations in support of Iraq’s political transition, national dialogue and reconciliation, economic reconstruction, and stability, consistent with Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).

The members of the Security Council expressed support for the initiative of the European Union and the United States to host, at the request of the new Iraqi Government, an International Conference to provide a forum for Iraq to engage the international community on its priorities, vision and strategies for the transition period and welcomes the leading roles of Iraq and the United Nations in preparations for the conference.

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