Iraq must assert itself as a pole of regional stability [fr]

Thank you, Mr. President,

And I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her statement. UNAMI is doing an absolutely remarkable job under her leadership, in the service of the Iraqis, and she has the full support of France.

I also welcome the presence of the Iraqi representative here this morning.

Mr. President, I have three messages today.

My first message is one of support for Iraq as it asserts its essential role in regional stability and security. The regional conference to be held in Baghdad on August 28, which will be co-chaired by the Iraqi Prime Minister and President Macron, will be an opportunity for Iraq to assert itself as a pole of stability in the region. France is absolutely convinced that a prosperous and peaceful Middle East depends on a sovereign and stable Iraq.

This requires, in particular, that the Iraqi authorities exercise effective control over all the armed groups present in the country. It also means continuing the fight against Daech. As recent deadly attacks have shown, this terrorist group continues to be active in Iraq. It is essential that the international coalition continue to support the Iraqi authorities by adapting its methods of action to the threat.

My second message concerns the need to respond to the legitimate demands expressed by the Iraqi population, particularly since the start of the October 2019 protest movement.

The organization of early elections, which are scheduled for next October, is welcome in this regard. We are pleased that this Council has given UNAMI broader prerogatives, at the request of the Iraqi authorities, to support and observe the elections. On a national level, France has also contributed €1,000,000 to the financing of these activities. It is important that these elections have a high participation rate. This requires in particular that the climate be conducive to a peaceful campaign, that the security of candidates be ensured, and in particular the security of all those from the October 2019 movement as well as civil society.

Responding to the demands of the population, it is of course also to conduct the reforms that the country needs to get out of its dependence on oil, to fight against corruption, to ensure quality public services, including health services. Finally, it means ensuring that the perpetrators of crimes against demonstrators do not go unpunished, which is still largely the case today, unfortunately.

My third message concerns the humanitarian challenges facing the country, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial that the United Nations humanitarian response plan be replenished. With regard to the situation in Sinjar, it is essential that the security component of the agreement concerning this locality be effectively implemented to allow the return of the displaced Yezidi population. More broadly, we hope that the dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil will intensify in order to resolve all outstanding issues.

Finally, I would like to address the issue of the Kuwaitis, which was mentioned by the Special Representative, and the missing third-country nationals. Progress on this front is being confirmed with the identification of the remains of additional individuals in July. We hope that cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait will continue so that the torment of the families of the victims comes to an end.

Finally, I would like to conclude by reaffirming France’s full support for Iraq in the face of all the challenges it faces.

I thank you.