Madam President, 

China welcomes the adoption of the resolution with regard to the extension of the mandate of UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD). As the host country of UNITAD, Iraq has made expressed requests in the form of a letter with regard to the length of the mandate and transfer of evidence, among others. China always maintains that the sovereignty and leadership of the host country should be respected, and that the Security Council should fully respond to the legitimate requests and concerns of Iraq. 

The resolution that the Council has just adopted in response to requests from Iraq only extends the mandate of UNITAD to September 17, 2024. It also requests the Secretary-General to provide recommendations regarding the transfer of evidence to Iraq by January 15, 2024, and request the Special Advisor to develop an completion roadmap in consultation with the host country in six months. We hope that the above requests of the Council will be fully and effectively implemented. We hope that UNITAD will maintain close communication with the host country, properly transfer evidence, orderly plan the exit, and cover the last mile of its mandate, so as to achieve the historical mission of supporting the domestic accountability mechanisms of Iraq. 

Iraq has made tremendous sacrifice in combat against Da’esh and the recovery of territories occupied by terrorist organizations. The international community should continue to firmly support Iraq's efforts in eliminating the remnants of terrorist forces, bringing terrorists to justice, and consolidating the hard-won counterterrorism achievements. 

Thank you, Madam President.