Security Council Press Statement on Kirkuk

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President François Delattre (France):

The members of the Security Council expressed concern over recent reports of violence near the city of Kirkuk, Iraq.

Council members called on all sides to refrain from the threat and use of force, and to engage in constructive dialogue as a pathway to de-escalation and a means to preserve Iraqi unity while upholding the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.

Council members reaffirmed their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Iraq, as well as the importance of remaining focused on efforts to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh).  Council members likewise voiced their full support for United Nations efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iraqi stakeholders.