SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQ

 

The following Security Council press statement on Iraq was read out today by Council President Zalmay Khalilzad ( United States):

As required by resolution 1790 (2007), members of the Security Council discussed on 13 June the mandate of the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF-I), and certain arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB).

The members of the Security Council received a briefing by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who provided the Council with an update on current developments in Iraq.  United States Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reported to the members of the Council on behalf of MNF-I.  United Nations Comptroller Warren Sach also briefed on the status of DFI and IAMB.  As requested by the Government of Iraq in its 10 June letter, the members of the Council agreed upon the continuation of the MNF-I mandate and of the arrangements for DFI and IAMB, in accordance with resolution 1790 (2007).

The members of the Security Council also received a briefing from Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), and congratulated United Nations staff for their tireless and determined efforts on behalf of Iraq.  The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation for ongoing United Nations support and encouraged continued and robust United Nations assistance in support of the Iraqi people and Government.  The Security Council also encouraged the Government of Iraq to work with the United Nations to help UNAMI execute its mandate in accordance with resolution 1770 (2007), including in finalizing the location of a new UNAMI compound in Baghdad and agreement on a financial contribution towards its construction.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful completion of the 29 May conference in Stockholm on the International Compact with Iraq.  While noting continued political, security and humanitarian challenges facing Iraq, members of the Security Council recognized the important efforts made by the Iraqi Government to improve security, national reconciliation, budget execution, reconstruction and economic progress, as well as combat terrorism and sectarian violence across Iraq.  They welcomed the commitment by the Iraqi Government to consolidate progress on rule of law, promoting human rights, advancing national dialogue and reconciliation, the constitutional review process, assisting displaced persons, and pursuing socio-economic reforms for the benefit of all.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their call upon the international community, particularly those countries within the Expanded Neighbours Process, to support Iraq in its pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, and takes note of their efforts thus far.  They reaffirmed their strong support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.

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For information media • not an official record