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Remarks by Ambassador Dai Bing at the UN Security Council Briefing on UNAMI

2022-02-24 12:29

Mr. President, 

China thanks Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for the briefing, and welcomes the representative of Iraq to today’s meeting. 

At the end of last year, Iraq successfully concluded the parliamentary elections, and the domestic political process entered a new stage. We commend the Iraqi Government and people for their tremendous efforts, and sincerely look forward to the Iraqi parties taking this opportunity to further strengthen unity and to build consensus on the way forward for political arrangements through dialogue and consultation under the constitutional and legal framework, so as to lay a solid political foundation for the realization of long-term peace, stability and prosperity in the country. 

We applaud the electoral support provided by UNAMI in accordance with the Council’s mandate. At the conclusion of elections in Iraq, we hope that UNAMI will complete the finalization of electoral assistance as soon as possible, and devote more resources and energy to supporting the Iraqi national development priorities. When conducting human rights and humanitarian-related work, there is a need to follow its mandate strictly, pay attention to communication and coordination with the Iraqi Government, and strengthen the screening and verification of information. 

Iraq continues to face complex security challenges. Since last December, the Council has issued two press statements condemning the terrorist attacks in Iraq. The international community should stand firm in its support for Iraq to eliminate extremist terrorist forces such as the Islamic State (IS), and consolidate the hard-won achievements in counter-terrorism. China appreciates Iraq’s recent repatriation of a large number of its citizens from Al Hol Camp in Syria. We also call on countries concerned to shoulder their responsibilities like Iraq, and to advance the identification and repatriation of FTFs and their families in Iraq as soon as possible. Iraq has repeatedly protested against foreign unilateral military operations in Iraq. And we urge the party concerned to earnestly respect Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

China appreciates Iraq’s efforts to develop good neighborly and friendly relations with countries in the region. We welcome the close cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait on the issue of missing persons and properties, and support the Council to issue press statement on the positive progress made in this work. Two days ago, the Council adopted Resolution 2621 declaring that the UNCC has fulfilled its mandate and deciding to terminate its mandate. This is a significant milestone in regional peace and post-conflict reconciliation. We sincerely hope that Iraq and Kuwait will take this opportunity to continue to deepen their partnership, actively respond to common challenges, and inject positive energy into the stability and development of the region. 

Mr. President, 

Over the past 30 years, the situation in Iraq has been full of ups and downs, and people have endured hardships. Standing at a new historical starting point, the international community should firmly support Iraq in independently choosing the development path that would suit its own national conditions, actively help Iraq rebuild its infrastructure, accelerate economic and social development, and improve people’s livelihood and well-being. 

China is a sincere friend of the Iraqi people. During the most severe period of Iraq’s security situation, Chinese enterprises remained in Iraq, providing the necessary guarantee for people’s livelihood and economic operations of Iraq. After the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, China dispatched anti-pandemic expert team to Iraq, and provided multiple batches of anti-pandemic supplies and COVID-19 vaccine assistance. China will continue to work with the international community in support of Iraq’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development. 

Thank you, Mr. President.

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