Security Council Press Statement on Iraq Election Certification

 

The following Security Council press statement on Iraq Election Certification was read out today by Council President Claude Heller (Mexico):

The members of the Security Council congratulate the people and the Government of Iraq on the certification by the Federal Supreme Court of the 7 March parliamentary election results as another important step in the political process, and reaffirm their commitment to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and emphasize the importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people, the region, and the international community.

The members of the Security Council call on all political entities to respect the certified election results and the choices of the Iraqi people, and for Iraq’s leaders to engage, as quickly as possible, in an inclusive political process to form a Government that represents the will and sovereignty of the Iraqi people and their hope for a strong, independent, unified and democratic Iraq. 

The members of the Security Council commend Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission for its work in holding this successful parliamentary election, including the electoral appeals and complaints processes.  The members of the Security Council also commend the work of the Iraqi security forces to strengthen stability and security for the people of Iraq, including their important work to provide security and public order throughout the election process.

The members of the Security Council additionally commend the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the role played by the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Ad Melkert, for providing technical assistance and support throughout the electoral process. 

The members of the Security Council condemn the recent terrorist attacks by those who sought to deny the voice of the Iraqi people by attempting to disrupt the elections and the Government formation process through violence, and stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people in the face of these unacceptable and deplorable attacks.  The members of the Security Council reiterate that no terrorist act can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community.

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For information media • not an official record