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Thursday, 12 December 2024, 4:48 am
Press Release: UN News

6 December 2024

“As you have heard many times by now, today’s Iraq is not the same as the Iraq of 20 years ago, or even five years ago. Iraq today is more secure, stable and open, despite the many obstacles facing the country,” Mohamed Al Hassan said in his first briefing to ambassadors.

The envoy, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), expressed confidence that the country “is capable of overcoming crises and facing challenges towards forging a more secure, bright and hopeful future.”

Nationwide census, major investments

Mr. Al Hassan outlined recent milestones, starting with the successful conduct of the national census last month – the first to include the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north, since 1987.

Preliminary results indicate that Iraq’s population has nearly doubled over the past 30 years, surpassing 45 million, and “decision makers will now be able to plan based on reliable facts and figures.”

Key political appointment

Another key development was the October election of a new Speaker of the Council of Representatives, the Iraqi parliament, “after a year of vacancy and various unsuccessful attempts.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani continues to invest in major infrastructure projects throughout the country, including building roads, bridges, schools and transportation networks.

Promoting regional peace and integration

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“In a region that is ‘on fire’, Iraq’s Government has shown strong resolve to keep the country out of the widening regional conflict, while standing firm as a strong voice for regional peace and stability,” he continued.

The Prime Minister “has consistently called for an end to regional tensions, stressing the need for respect of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Moreover, looking beyond the current conflicts, the Government is also striving to position Iraq…

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Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) recalled on Tuesday the tremendous sacrifices made by Iraqis to retake their homeland from the terrorist group ISIS and provide stability and security to the entire country.

On December 10, Iraq commemorates Victory Day, which marks the liberation of its territory from the terrorist group ISIS.

The Iraqi Victory Day emphasizes the need of maintaining the progress made by all Iraqis and their international allies, according to a statement released by UNAMI.

Iraq’s Victory Day represents an appeal for everyone to strengthen national unity and create a resilient Iraq that is free from the tensions and conflicts that affect the region.

UNAMI urged ongoing efforts to clear Iraq of all types of radicalism and extremism, not only the remaining ISIS members.

The UN also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Iraqi government and people in regaining authority and sovereignty over their country as well as in attaining long-term stability and progress.

Iraq has demonstrated to the world that, with the help of its people, it is possible to overcome obstacles and build a more promising future for all of its residents, according to UNAMI.

In 2014, the terrorist group ISIS took control of large areas in Iraq and Syria before being defeated in 2017.

More than five million Iraqis had to flee the governorates of Nineveh, Salah Al-Din, parts of Kirkuk, Diyala, and Anbar because of ISIS control over these areas in 2014.

Iraq announced in late 2017 the liberation of all its territories from the grip of ISIS, but the authorities are constantly launching security operations to pursue remnants of the terrorist group.

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2024-12-06T17:50:11+00:00

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Shafaq News/ The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Mohamed Al-Hassan, delivered a comprehensive briefing to the UN Security Council, highlighting Iraq’s strides toward stability and the ongoing challenges it faces.

“Iraq today is not the same as it was 20 years ago or even five years ago,” Al-Hassan said. “Despite numerous obstacles, Iraq is more secure, stable, and open.” He expressed confidence in Iraq’s ability to overcome crises and move toward a brighter future.

Al-Hassan outlined positive developments, including the successful completion of Iraq’s national census, the election of a new parliament speaker, and the recent Kurdistan Region elections. He also praised the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and improving public services.

The envoy commended Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s firm stance in keeping Iraq out of conflicts, calling the country a “strong voice for peace and stability.”

“PM Al-Sudani has consistently called for an end to regional tensions, stressing need for respect of Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Efforts to position Iraq as a hub for transportation, energy, and trade were also lauded. “Such initiatives underscore Iraq’s efforts to foster regional integration and prosperity, which also bring hopes and opportunities.”

While highlighting progress, Al-Hassan acknowledged that corruption continues to hinder Iraq’s socio-economic growth, stressing that “Iraq requires comprehensive changes and reform that will bolster accountability, promote competency, improve transparency, and fortify governance systems.”

“I fully trust the government is taking promising steps in this direction.”

The envoy also called for stronger state institutions and the promotion of human rights as “the country moving away from its dark past.” However, he expressed regret over delays in appointing the board of the Independent High Commission for Human Rights…

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