Security Council

5444^th Meeting (Night)

Security Council congratulates Iraq on 20 May Inauguration of Government,

Condemns Terrorist acts aimed at provoking intercommunal tensions

Presidential Statement Urges Peaceful Participation in Political

Process, Expresses Hope That Key Ministers Will Be Appointed As Soon As Possible

While congratulating the people of Iraq on the 20 May inauguration of their constitutionally elected Government, the Security Council this evening also wholly condemned acts of terrorism in the country, including recent horrific attacks on civilians and religious sites callously aimed at provoking intercommunal tensions.

In a statement read out by its President for the month, Basile Ikouebe ( Congo), the Council urged all Iraqis to participate in the political process peacefully and demanded that those who continued to use violence lay down their arms.  Encouraged by the diverse representation in the new Government, the Council expressed the hope that the key ministers of defence, interior and national security affairs would be appointed as soon as possible.

Encouraging the new Government to work tirelessly to promote national reconciliation through dialogue and inclusion and to reject sectarianism, the Council underlined the high expectations in the new Government to deliver improvements in security and stability, in human rights and the rule of law, in the provision of essential services, and in economic progress and prosperity, and urged the Government to work effectively and energetically towards that goal.

In a series of related provisions, the Council strongly urged all States and relevant international organizations to enhance their help to Iraq’s sovereign Government at the current crucial time, noting the particular role of Iraq’s neighbours and calling on them to examine how they could reinforce their contribution, and looking forward to the continued efforts of the League of Arab States.

The Council reaffirmed its support for a federal, democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq, as a responsible member of the international community, in which there was stability, prosperity and full respect for human rights and the rule of law.  It also reaffirmed Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The meeting began at 7 p.m. and ended at 7:05 p.m.

The full text of S/PRST/2006/24 reads as follows:

“The Security Council welcomes the inauguration on 20 May of Iraq’s constitutionally elected Government and congratulates the people of Iraq on this milestone in their country’s political transition.

“The Council is particularly encouraged by the fact that the Government is representative of Iraq’s many diverse communities and expresses its hope that the Ministers of Defence, Interior and National Security Affairs will be appointed as soon as possible.  The Security Council encourages the new Government to work tirelessly to promote national reconciliation through dialogue and inclusion and to build an atmosphere in which sectarianism is rejected.  The Security Council, at the same time, urges all Iraqis to participate in the political process peacefully, demanding that those who continue to use violence lay down their arms.  The Council wholly condemns acts of terrorism in Iraq, including recent horrific attacks on civilians and religious sites aimed callously at provoking intercommunal tensions.

“The Security Council underlines the high expectations in the new Government to deliver improvements in security and stability, in human rights and the rule of law, in the provision of essential services, and in economic progress and prosperity.  The Council urges the Government to work effectively and energetically to this end.  The Council also strongly urges all States and relevant international organizations to continue and enhance their help to Iraq’s sovereign Government at this crucial time.  The Council notes the particular role of Iraq’s neighbours and calls on them to conform to relevant Security Council resolutions and to examine how they can reinforce their contribution.  In this context, the Council also looks forward to the continued efforts of the League of Arab States, including the forthcoming conference in Baghdad, in support of the political process the Council has endorsed.

“The Security Council reaffirms its support for a federal, democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq, as a responsible member of the international community, in which there is stability, prosperity and full respect for human rights and the rule of law.  The Security Council also reaffirms the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.”

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For information media • not an official record