Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador Norberto Moretti, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação no Iraque - 10 de outubro de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on the situation in Iraq
October 10th, 2023
I join others in thanking Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. I also thank Ms. Dhefaf Al-Jarahi for sharing her experience and opinions with Council members on the promotion of women’s rights in Iraw. And I welcome the Iraqi delegation to this meeting.
I also add my voice to those who express their sentiments and sympathy to the people and the Government of Iraq for the tragic fire that broke out on 26 September and claimed more than a 100 lives in Hamdaniya.
Colleagues,
Brazil values the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) activities in assisting Iraqi authorities to achieve their objectives as set out in Iraq’s governmental programme. As a Chapter VI Mission, UNAMI’s mandate responds to the request by the Iraqi Government to support domestic efforts and processes, in full respect of Iraqi sovereignty and ownership.
In line with the letter by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Mr. Fuad Hussein, addressed to the Council in May, the latest renewal of UNAMI’s mandate offers an opportunity for the Mission to prioritize and streamline the areas in which assistance is most requested by the Government of Iraq.
Brazil commends the progress achieved by Iraq on many domestic fronts since last May. Thaisincludes the passing of the federal budget, the scheduling of provincial and regional elections and the launching of a national plan to enhance women’s political participation. We also highlight Iraq’s accession to the Paris Agreement on climate change in December 2021.
Colleagues,
I would like to highlight some points of the Secretary-General’s latest report on the implementation of resolution 2682 (2023) (S/2023/700). The Secretary-General refers to the link between power shortages in Iraq and the effects of unilateral coercive measures. Iraq’s impossibility to make payments for foreign gas does not contribute to the country’s stability.
The Secretary-General’s report also informs on the repercussions in Iraq of deplorable episodes of Qur’an desecrations in other countries. They are a reminder of the importance of promoting religious tolerance to achieve a culture of peace. We welcome Iraq’s firm commitment to protecting diplomatic and consular premises in the country.
Counter-terrorism is another important aspect of the report. In their legitimate efforts to combat the threat posed by Da’esh or any other non-State actor, Member States must cooperate and abide by the prohibition on the use of force in their international relations, as per Article 2 of the UN Charter. Brazil acknowledges the willingness by Iraq to cooperate with the international community, including neighbouring countries, in their fight against terrorism.
The facilitation of regional dialogue is part of UNAMI’s mandate. Brazil welcomes the Mission’s offer to support negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait about their maritime border. We hope that the parties can engage in good faith dialogue in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions. The collaboration between the two countries in other areas, as in the repatriation of Kuwaiti property and missing nationals, exemplifies that constructive and forward-looking diplomatic engagement can settle complex disputes.
Finally, Brazil commends the ongoing efforts by the Government of Iraq, supported by the United Nations, to facilitate the return of displaced persons and repatriate nationals from Al-Hol camp in Syria. We acknowledge the Special Representative’s role in assisting Iraqi authorities in those efforts, including the reintegration of women and children within Iraq. This is an example of how to curb the threat that detention camps in the Middle East become breeding grounds for the radicalization of young generations.