New York, 4 October 2022
Let me start by thanking France for the work done in September and wish you President all the best for the month of October. You can rely on our support.
Going to the issue under discussions. Thank you, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert, for your briefing and we welcome the representative of Iraq to this meeting.
Mr. President,
We condemn in the strongest terms the deadly attack in Iraq. Albania expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims’ families and wishes a speedy and full recovery to those injured. Furthermore, we call on Iran to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from intimidation, threats, and further escalation of violence.
We reaffirm our strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemn all attempts to undermine Iraq’s stability and political independence.
Furthermore, we are also worried about the security situation regarding the threat posed by Da’esh. I reiterate Albania’s principled support for accountability for all violations of international law, for delivering justice, and for taking a firm stance against impunity.
Mr. President,
Iraq has gone through enormous challenges in recent years, however, the deadlock in the government formation process following the October 2021 parliamentary election is a growing threat to the stability of the country, and its role in the region.
We urge all parties involved to rise above their differences, and commit to inclusive dialogue.
Mr. President,
There is an urgent need for a new Iraqi government to tackle many challenges ahead as mentioed by SRSG Plasschaert. Women and girls are affected by many of these challenges. An inclusive and united government, with meaningful participation of women, will better respond to the hopes and aspirations of the Iraqi people.
In the current acute and dire situation that Iraq is facing, we commend the Iraqi authorities for the repatriating process while respecting the principles of accountability and reintegration.
In addition, concerning the repatriation and return of all Kuwaiti and third-country nationals or their remains, we welcome the intensified field mission, which will increase the possibility of identifying new burial sites in Iraq, and we commend the recent handover of Kuwaiti property. This is also an essential step forward in Iraq’s efforts to strengthen its social contract with its citizens and neighbors.
We also welcome the adaption of the Law for Emergency Support for Food and Security and Development and hope that its implementation will lessen the suffering of the Iraqi people.
Mister President,
Considering that Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to the effects of climate change, we commend the work UNAMI does on the impact of climate change in Iraq, and we took note of the concerns of the Iraqi PM during the GA session to this issue.
In conclusion, we believe that UNAMI is a critical partner to the Iraqi people and has played a vital role in helping Iraq during this democratic transition.
Thank you!
