Thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to congratulate Gabon on assuming the Presidency of the Council for this month, and I thank France for its work as the President for last month. China thanks Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing, and welcomes the permanent representative of Iraq at today’s meeting. I congratulate Iraq on celebrating its national day today. 

At present, Iraq is at a crucial political phase, facing such major tasks as forming the new government. We sincerely hope that the parties in Iraq will strengthen unity, properly settle their differences, and within the constitutional and legal framework conduct dialogue and consultations to seek consensus on next steps of political arrangements, with a view to laying a solid political foundation for lasting peace, development and prosperity. All members of the international community should fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of Iraq, and support the Iraqi people in independently choosing a development path that fits their national conditions.

With its strategic location, as well as ethnic and religious diversity, Iraq should become a propeller of regional cooperation, not an arena for geopolitical competition. China commends Iraq for developing good neighborly and friendly relations with countries in the region and promoting regional integration. We support Iraq, in its joint efforts with Kuwait in achieving progress in the search for missing Kuwaiti nationals and property. China has always stood for the full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, Iraq included, and has always stood for common security through cooperation.

Iraq has made huge sacrifices in combating Da’esh and recovering the territories originally occupied by terrorists and extremist organizations. The international community must continue its from support to Iraq in eradicating the remnants of terrorism and consolidating the hard-won counter-terrorism results. UNITAD must hand over as soon as possible the evidence it has collected to Iraq, and help Iraq bring terrorists to justice in accordance with domestic law. China welcomes Iraq's continuous efforts in repatriating and resettling Iraqi citizens from Al-Hol camp in Syria. We urge other countries to shoulder their responsibilities like Iraq has done, and speed up the identification and repatriation of FTFs and their families from Iraq.

Over the past three decades or so, Iraq has experienced ups and downs in its situation, and Iraqi people have endured hardships. Under the current circumstances, the international community should continue its firm support to Iraq in safeguarding its security and stability, and actively help the country rebuild and develop, with a focus on improving people's livelihood. UNAMI and other UN agencies must channel more resources and attention to supporting Iraq's national development priorities. UNAMI’s human rights-related and humanitarian work must strictly follow the mandate, closely communicate and coordinate with the Iraqi Government, and improve screening and verification of information.

Thank you, Mr. President.