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Iraq
H. E. Mr. Jalal Talabani, President

25 September 2008

Statement Summary

H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani, President of the Republic of Iraq

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JALAL TALABANI, President of Iraq, said his country’s former regime had left behind security and political conditions that had drained the energy of the Iraqi people, damaged the economy and created significant environmental and social damage.  That regime’s foreign policy and its domestic practices had dragged the country into futile wars that left millions of victims, and had destroyed economic and state institutions.

While the Iraqi people were building a new federal State based on democracy, pluralism and the peaceful distribution of power, they had been impacted by terrorist acts that targeted all segments of Iraqi society, attempting to ignite sectarian strife and undermine the country’s political process and stability.  Iraq required support and assistance from countries around the world so it could build a modern nation that ensured justice, equality, the rule of law, respect for human rights and women’s participation in all spheres of life.

He went on to say that Iraqi Security Forces had assumed responsibility of security from the multinational forces in many of Iraq’s provinces, most recently, this month in Anbar.  Those forces were working to take full responsibility and to defend and preserve the democratic gains of the people.

The National Unity Government had taken the initiative to improve its relations with all countries, especially neighbouring countries.  Iraq no longer threatened international peace and security and called on the international community to move towards removing Iraq’s “Chapter VII” status and ending, or settling, all measures taken by the Security Council under resolutions based on Chapter VII, including on the issue of compensation.

He called on all nations to open, or re-open, diplomatic missions in Iraq, and strengthen existing missions by increasing their level of representation.  Iraq was planning to return to the international community by actively participating in meetings and conferences of the United Nations, its agencies and offices, on all global issues.  He thanked the international community for its efforts in helping Iraq handle the current crisis.  Iraq was eager to cooperate with the United Nations and called upon the Organization to expand its presence in Iraq.

He said the problems of the Middle East could be solved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and principles of the United Nations and international law.  The Iraqi Government supported the Palestinian people’s struggle for the resolution of their inalienable rights, including the creation of an independent State.

[Source: GA/10754]

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