Security Council Press Statement on Recent Terrorist Attacks in Iraq

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Abdou Abarry (Niger):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the recent cowardly terrorist attacks in Iraq.  The members of the Security Council condemned the terrorist attack in Basra, Iraq, on Tuesday, 7 December.  The attack resulted in at least 4 deaths and at least 20 injured.  The members of the Security Council also condemned the terrorist attack in northern Iraq, on Friday, 3 December.  The attack, which was claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), resulted in at least 13 deaths.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Iraq, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for the independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, democratic process and prosperity of Iraq.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Iraq and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for Iraq’s security and the continued fight against terrorism, including against ISIL/Da’esh.