EXPRESSING UNITED NATIONS DEEP COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE OF IRAQ, SECRETARY-GENERAL

WELCOMES SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1770 AS CHANCE TO ENHANCE CONTRIBUTION

Following is the text of the statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the Security Council today:

I welcome the decision of the Security Council today to renew and strengthen the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1770 (2007).

The United Nations is deeply committed to helping the people of Iraq, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to now enhance, where possible, our contributions in crucial areas, such as national reconciliation, regional dialogue, humanitarian assistance and human rights.

A peaceful and prosperous future is for Iraqis themselves to create, with the international community lending support to their efforts.

The United Nations looks forward to working in close partnership with the leaders and people of Iraq to explore how we can further our assistance under the terms of this resolution.

I take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation and respect to the people and Government of Iraq for their courageous efforts to make their country more stable, democratic and prosperous.

As we remember our colleagues who died in Baghdad four years ago, I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who continue to serve the United Nations in Iraq.  As we move forward, their safety and security will remain a paramount concern.

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