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UN speech ... Statement by H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani
Republic of Iraq
Statement by H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani
President of The Republic of Iraq,
At the General Debate of the 66th Session of the
United Nations General Assembly
New York, 23 September 2011
Mr.President,
Allow me at the outset to congratulate you and our brothers, the people of Qatar, on the occasion of your Presidency of the 66th session of the General Assembly. Our delegation will be of assistance to you in performing your duties, and we are confident
that the experience and wisdom you enjoy will be an important factor in the success of the General Assembly. We also give our thanks to your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Deiss, for his Presidency of the General Assembly in its outgoing session. I would also like to congratulate the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon for his re-election for a second term as Secretary General and wish him all success in his work.
Mr. President,
It is an honor to stand in front of you one more time, to brief you on the notable
developments that Iraq is witnessing while its working on building a modern state that
lives in peace with its people and neighbors. Simultaneously, Iraq is building a homeland
where everyone lives in peace and stability without regard to sectarian, ethnic or factional
affiliations; a system where the rule of law prevails and human rights are respected; and a
system that is based on democracy and the peaceful transition of power. This is the basis
for the path which we are moving on and continually implementing. The events that are
currently taking place in the Arab region have proved the correctness of the path we have
followed and are now following. The values of change and reform, which Iraq has and
will continue to calls for, have become an essential part of the aspirations of the Arab
People for freedom and for their ability to chose their political system of their own full
will on the basis of democracy and human rights.
We have come a long way in building our political system, which is based on the
National Collaboration Government. Iraq has started to restore its elements of strength
that were lost due to more than three decades of internal and external wars conducted by
the former dictatorship; and the international isolation and sanctions that Iraq
experienced; as well as the collapse of security institutions and the outbreak of sectarian
strife that threatened its national existence that the country suffered after the collapse of
the former regime. We began to overcome these negativities and they became a part of
the past through our determination, willfulness and the help of the International
community.
In the area of development, having witnessed the big improvement in the security
situation in Iraq, we are still relying on the five year plan for the years 2010-2014 which
was announced by the Iraqi Government on April 4th 2010, and the licensing rounds that
were held between Iraq and major companies in the field of Oil and Natural Gas
investments to improve our Oil Industry. That was done to turn the wheels of
development and push the economy to advanced levels. It is expected that the direct five
year plan will include about 2,700 strategic projects in different sectors with a cost of 186
Billion Dollars. The plan would provide about 4 million job opportunities that will help
1
deal with the unemployment problem in Iraq. It is hoped that by the end of this plan, the
per capita income of the Iraqi individual would increase to 8,000 Dollars per year, and
poverty levels would decrease by 16%.
In addition to this, we were able to get rid of the sanctions and restrictions imposed
on Iraq as a result of the invasion of Kuwait. Based on Security Council Resolutions
1956, 1957 and 1958, adopted on 15 December 2010, Iraq has been freed completely
from all of the restrictions imposed on it which have prevented the country from
benefiting from scientific and technological advances, and Iraq has gained its sovereignty
in regards to its financial resources. After this important stage in building the state, we
feel that we are taking firm steps on the road of democracy and development and that we
have a bigger need to open the doors of investment in Iraq. Therefore, the economic
policy of Iraq is based on encouraging investments and providing the appropriate
legislative environment to protect investors and their capital, so Iraq can become a safe
and fertile investing environment in many essential sectors, such as oil, natural gas,
electricity, reconstruction, infrastructure and other economic sectors. From this stage, I
call on all countries to open collaboration channels with Iraq in the field of investment,
and to take advantage from the available opportunities. Iraqi Kurdistan has witnessed
important developments in the fields of construction, economy, culture and others.
Thousands of villages that were destroyed by the Dictatorship were rebuilt; cities towns
and roadways were modernized. The region has more than (15) public and private
Universities with more than 100,000 students, compared to the past where there was only
one University with number of students don't exceed couple of thousands.
At the end of this year, the United States Forces will withdraw according to the
agreement signed between the two countries in 2008. During this year our security forces
proved great ability to combat terrorism and provide security. These forces are capable
and efficient to fill the vacuum that the withdrawal of United States forces will create,
and that will promote the Iraqi national abilities to keep the gains achieved in the new
Iraq. But the need will push the government of Iraq to keep numbers of American experts
and others to benefit from their experiences in the fields of training and capacity building
and according to the need of Iraq to these experiences. On this occasion, I would like to
express on behalf of the Government and people of Iraq our thanks and appreciation for
the assistance and support that were provided by the people and government of the
United States, other friendly states and the United Nations to promote democracy in Iraq
and its reconstruction. I avail the opportunity to be here in New York to express to the
people of New York and all Americans the feelings of sympathy and solidarity on the
tenth anniversary for the terrorist attacks in September 11.
In the extent of Iraq's International and Regional relations, the Constitution of Iraq
and the national program for the current Iraqi Government determined the general basis
for our Foreign Policy. It provides that Iraq is a founding and effective member in the
League of Arab States and it is obliged with its charter in addition to that Iraq is part of
2
the Islamic world. On this basis Iraq is working on hosting the Arab summit at the end of
March 2012. Also, Iraq respects the principles of good neighborliness and is obliged with
not interfering in the internal affairs of the other states, seek to solve the disputes with
peaceful means, establish its relations on the basis of common interests and reciprocity
and respect its international obligations, on this basis we invite the two neighbors Turkey
and The Islamic Republic of Iran to resort to diplomacy and positive dialogue to solve
the issues and to stop the bombing of Iraqi territories in the Kurdistan region which is
causing many victims from the innocents and civilians.
When it comes to our obligations to disarmament and non proliferation, the Constitution of Iraq was clear in deternlining the position of Iraq concerning this issue, Article (9 E) of the Iraqi Constitution provided that the Iraqi Government shall respect and implement Iraq's international obligations regarding the non-proliferation, nondevelopment, non- production, and non-use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and shall prohibit associated equipment, materiel, technologies, and delivery
systems for use in the development, manufacture, production, and use of such weapons.
On this clear position and commitment of Iraq with the international Charters concerning
disarmament, the Security Council adopted on 15 December 2010 Resolution 1957 which
lifted all restrictions that were imposed on Iraq in this concern. In this context, we would
like to confirm the legitimate right of States to peaceful use of nuclear power and its
technologies according to the rules of the relevant International conventions. This right
constitute one of the foundations for the disarmament system and non- proliferation.
Within this approach, when it comes to the nuclear file of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Iraq believes in the legitimate right of states in using nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes. This right is guaranteed by the international Charters; at the forefront of those
charters is the non-proliferation treaty. We affirm the importance of reachinga peaceful
solution in dealing with this issue; dialogue and calm diplomatic work are the best ways
to achieve this goal. On the other hand any escalation will harm the interests of all parties
and will put the security of the region at a great risk.
Mr. President,
Iraq is concerned about the tragic situation of the Palestinian People which is the
result of Israeli Practices which are incompatible with international laws and customs and
international humanitarian law. Iraq is doing everything in its capacity to support the
struggle of Palestinian People in getting all its inalienable rights, in particular establish its
independent state on their homeland, with its capital Jerusalem, and in this regard, Iraq
endorses and supports the direction of the Palestinian Authority to go to the United
Nations to achieve full international recognition of a Palestinian state during the meeting
of the current session of the General Assembly, and calls on the international community
and all peace-loving forces to stand by the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle
to achieve its goals, and demanding the Israeli government to fully withdraw from all
Arab territories occupied in 1967.This would contribute to the settlement of the Arab-
3
Israeli conflict, and to bring comprehensiveand fair peace in this vital region of the world.
Making the Middle East an area that is free from weapons of mass destruction is
considered a vital matter to achieve peace, security and stability, and this requires Israel
to join the Non Proliferation Treaty and to put its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
system of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The countries of the Arab world are witnessing significant developments and
unprecedented reforms and political changes, the effects of those will be reflected on the
future of the whole region, and will extend to areas beyond their effects. Iraq as an early
actor in initiating this change supports the struggle of the people of the region in order to
gain their freedom and to choose their political system and their right to peaceful
demonstrations and protests in the so-called Arab spring. We hope that these changes
contribute to regional stability and security and to avoid anything that might threaten the
unity and sovereignty of the countries of the region or stirs strife or sectarian and ethnic
conflicts.
In the area of international cooperation, Iraq will work to develop his cooperation
with all countries that stood with it and supported it in the stability of the ongoing
political process and the strengthening it and in reconstruction. We refer here to the
United States of America and to the European Union, when we mention these two parties
we mention them not because they are the only ones that stood with Iraq, but because we
are linked by mechanisms of action that should be implemented. There are many friends,
who stood with us in the difficult times we have witnessed, and we will keep and
remember this favor, and we will develop relations of cooperation with them. After the
withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq by end of this year we will work to enhance
and expand the scope of cooperation based on the strategic framework agreement signed
between the two countries in 2008, the relations according to this agreement will be for
the long-term and will cover all aspects of life. The situation is the same with the
European Union, After finishing drafting the Partnership and Cooperation agreement
between Iraq and the European Union and the possible signing of the agreement in the
near future and the signing of the memorandum of understanding on the Strategic
Partnership in the field of energy between Iraq and the European Union. The cooperation
between the two parties will take a broader scope in various fields covered by this
agreement. Our economic, Commercial and political relations with the People's Republic
of China are expanding. Our relations with neighboring countries, Arab countries, India
and Pakistan are also constantly improving.
In the area of the relationship with the United Nations, we will continue in the
approach of constructive cooperation with all United Nations bodies, in the forefront of
these is the Security Council and the General Secretariat and will keep the commitments
which we made to ourselves. I would like to take this opportunity to express my
appreciation for the efforts made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General,
Mr. Ed Melkert throughout his time in Iraq, and I wish himsuccess and good health for
4
him and his family, and I welcome the new representative of the secretary-general, and
we will continue our cooperation with him in a way which enable him to carry out these
tasks in accordance with resolution 1770 and the subsequent resolutions. The United
Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will receive all forms of support,
assistance and in particular during the next phase, and we will do our best to provide the
necessary protection for its staff and premises.
Mr.President
We look forward with confidence and optimism to the future, and we are working on
Iraq to become, as it is one of the emerging democracies and with the attributes of
richness in natural and human resources, an important factor in regional stability, security
and prosperity and as a living example of democracy and federalism, voluntary coexistence
of different ethnic and sectarian groups.
Thank You
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Republic of Iraq
Statement by H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani
President of The Republic of Iraq,
At the General Debate of the 66th Session of the
United Nations General Assembly
New York, 23 September 2011
Mr.President,
Allow me at the outset to congratulate you and our brothers, the people of Qatar, on the occasion of your Presidency of the 66th session of the General Assembly. Our delegation will be of assistance to you in performing your duties, and we are confident
that the experience and wisdom you enjoy will be an important factor in the success of the General Assembly. We also give our thanks to your predecessor, Mr. Joseph Deiss, for his Presidency of the General Assembly in its outgoing session. I would also like to congratulate the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon for his re-election for a second term as Secretary General and wish him all success in his work.
Mr. President,
It is an honor to stand in front of you one more time, to brief you on the notable
developments that Iraq is witnessing while its working on building a modern state that
lives in peace with its people and neighbors. Simultaneously, Iraq is building a homeland
where everyone lives in peace and stability without regard to sectarian, ethnic or factional
affiliations; a system where the rule of law prevails and human rights are respected; and a
system that is based on democracy and the peaceful transition of power. This is the basis
for the path which we are moving on and continually implementing. The events that are
currently taking place in the Arab region have proved the correctness of the path we have
followed and are now following. The values of change and reform, which Iraq has and
will continue to calls for, have become an essential part of the aspirations of the Arab
People for freedom and for their ability to chose their political system of their own full
will on the basis of democracy and human rights.
We have come a long way in building our political system, which is based on the
National Collaboration Government. Iraq has started to restore its elements of strength
that were lost due to more than three decades of internal and external wars conducted by
the former dictatorship; and the international isolation and sanctions that Iraq
experienced; as well as the collapse of security institutions and the outbreak of sectarian
strife that threatened its national existence that the country suffered after the collapse of
the former regime. We began to overcome these negativities and they became a part of
the past through our determination, willfulness and the help of the International
community.
In the area of development, having witnessed the big improvement in the security
situation in Iraq, we are still relying on the five year plan for the years 2010-2014 which
was announced by the Iraqi Government on April 4th 2010, and the licensing rounds that
were held between Iraq and major companies in the field of Oil and Natural Gas
investments to improve our Oil Industry. That was done to turn the wheels of
development and push the economy to advanced levels. It is expected that the direct five
year plan will include about 2,700 strategic projects in different sectors with a cost of 186
Billion Dollars. The plan would provide about 4 million job opportunities that will help
1
deal with the unemployment problem in Iraq. It is hoped that by the end of this plan, the
per capita income of the Iraqi individual would increase to 8,000 Dollars per year, and
poverty levels would decrease by 16%.
In addition to this, we were able to get rid of the sanctions and restrictions imposed
on Iraq as a result of the invasion of Kuwait. Based on Security Council Resolutions
1956, 1957 and 1958, adopted on 15 December 2010, Iraq has been freed completely
from all of the restrictions imposed on it which have prevented the country from
benefiting from scientific and technological advances, and Iraq has gained its sovereignty
in regards to its financial resources. After this important stage in building the state, we
feel that we are taking firm steps on the road of democracy and development and that we
have a bigger need to open the doors of investment in Iraq. Therefore, the economic
policy of Iraq is based on encouraging investments and providing the appropriate
legislative environment to protect investors and their capital, so Iraq can become a safe
and fertile investing environment in many essential sectors, such as oil, natural gas,
electricity, reconstruction, infrastructure and other economic sectors. From this stage, I
call on all countries to open collaboration channels with Iraq in the field of investment,
and to take advantage from the available opportunities. Iraqi Kurdistan has witnessed
important developments in the fields of construction, economy, culture and others.
Thousands of villages that were destroyed by the Dictatorship were rebuilt; cities towns
and roadways were modernized. The region has more than (15) public and private
Universities with more than 100,000 students, compared to the past where there was only
one University with number of students don't exceed couple of thousands.
At the end of this year, the United States Forces will withdraw according to the
agreement signed between the two countries in 2008. During this year our security forces
proved great ability to combat terrorism and provide security. These forces are capable
and efficient to fill the vacuum that the withdrawal of United States forces will create,
and that will promote the Iraqi national abilities to keep the gains achieved in the new
Iraq. But the need will push the government of Iraq to keep numbers of American experts
and others to benefit from their experiences in the fields of training and capacity building
and according to the need of Iraq to these experiences. On this occasion, I would like to
express on behalf of the Government and people of Iraq our thanks and appreciation for
the assistance and support that were provided by the people and government of the
United States, other friendly states and the United Nations to promote democracy in Iraq
and its reconstruction. I avail the opportunity to be here in New York to express to the
people of New York and all Americans the feelings of sympathy and solidarity on the
tenth anniversary for the terrorist attacks in September 11.
In the extent of Iraq's International and Regional relations, the Constitution of Iraq
and the national program for the current Iraqi Government determined the general basis
for our Foreign Policy. It provides that Iraq is a founding and effective member in the
League of Arab States and it is obliged with its charter in addition to that Iraq is part of
2
the Islamic world. On this basis Iraq is working on hosting the Arab summit at the end of
March 2012. Also, Iraq respects the principles of good neighborliness and is obliged with
not interfering in the internal affairs of the other states, seek to solve the disputes with
peaceful means, establish its relations on the basis of common interests and reciprocity
and respect its international obligations, on this basis we invite the two neighbors Turkey
and The Islamic Republic of Iran to resort to diplomacy and positive dialogue to solve
the issues and to stop the bombing of Iraqi territories in the Kurdistan region which is
causing many victims from the innocents and civilians.
When it comes to our obligations to disarmament and non proliferation, the Constitution of Iraq was clear in deternlining the position of Iraq concerning this issue, Article (9 E) of the Iraqi Constitution provided that the Iraqi Government shall respect and implement Iraq's international obligations regarding the non-proliferation, nondevelopment, non- production, and non-use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and shall prohibit associated equipment, materiel, technologies, and delivery
systems for use in the development, manufacture, production, and use of such weapons.
On this clear position and commitment of Iraq with the international Charters concerning
disarmament, the Security Council adopted on 15 December 2010 Resolution 1957 which
lifted all restrictions that were imposed on Iraq in this concern. In this context, we would
like to confirm the legitimate right of States to peaceful use of nuclear power and its
technologies according to the rules of the relevant International conventions. This right
constitute one of the foundations for the disarmament system and non- proliferation.
Within this approach, when it comes to the nuclear file of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Iraq believes in the legitimate right of states in using nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes. This right is guaranteed by the international Charters; at the forefront of those
charters is the non-proliferation treaty. We affirm the importance of reachinga peaceful
solution in dealing with this issue; dialogue and calm diplomatic work are the best ways
to achieve this goal. On the other hand any escalation will harm the interests of all parties
and will put the security of the region at a great risk.
Mr. President,
Iraq is concerned about the tragic situation of the Palestinian People which is the
result of Israeli Practices which are incompatible with international laws and customs and
international humanitarian law. Iraq is doing everything in its capacity to support the
struggle of Palestinian People in getting all its inalienable rights, in particular establish its
independent state on their homeland, with its capital Jerusalem, and in this regard, Iraq
endorses and supports the direction of the Palestinian Authority to go to the United
Nations to achieve full international recognition of a Palestinian state during the meeting
of the current session of the General Assembly, and calls on the international community
and all peace-loving forces to stand by the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle
to achieve its goals, and demanding the Israeli government to fully withdraw from all
Arab territories occupied in 1967.This would contribute to the settlement of the Arab-
3
Israeli conflict, and to bring comprehensiveand fair peace in this vital region of the world.
Making the Middle East an area that is free from weapons of mass destruction is
considered a vital matter to achieve peace, security and stability, and this requires Israel
to join the Non Proliferation Treaty and to put its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
system of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The countries of the Arab world are witnessing significant developments and
unprecedented reforms and political changes, the effects of those will be reflected on the
future of the whole region, and will extend to areas beyond their effects. Iraq as an early
actor in initiating this change supports the struggle of the people of the region in order to
gain their freedom and to choose their political system and their right to peaceful
demonstrations and protests in the so-called Arab spring. We hope that these changes
contribute to regional stability and security and to avoid anything that might threaten the
unity and sovereignty of the countries of the region or stirs strife or sectarian and ethnic
conflicts.
In the area of international cooperation, Iraq will work to develop his cooperation
with all countries that stood with it and supported it in the stability of the ongoing
political process and the strengthening it and in reconstruction. We refer here to the
United States of America and to the European Union, when we mention these two parties
we mention them not because they are the only ones that stood with Iraq, but because we
are linked by mechanisms of action that should be implemented. There are many friends,
who stood with us in the difficult times we have witnessed, and we will keep and
remember this favor, and we will develop relations of cooperation with them. After the
withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq by end of this year we will work to enhance
and expand the scope of cooperation based on the strategic framework agreement signed
between the two countries in 2008, the relations according to this agreement will be for
the long-term and will cover all aspects of life. The situation is the same with the
European Union, After finishing drafting the Partnership and Cooperation agreement
between Iraq and the European Union and the possible signing of the agreement in the
near future and the signing of the memorandum of understanding on the Strategic
Partnership in the field of energy between Iraq and the European Union. The cooperation
between the two parties will take a broader scope in various fields covered by this
agreement. Our economic, Commercial and political relations with the People's Republic
of China are expanding. Our relations with neighboring countries, Arab countries, India
and Pakistan are also constantly improving.
In the area of the relationship with the United Nations, we will continue in the
approach of constructive cooperation with all United Nations bodies, in the forefront of
these is the Security Council and the General Secretariat and will keep the commitments
which we made to ourselves. I would like to take this opportunity to express my
appreciation for the efforts made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General,
Mr. Ed Melkert throughout his time in Iraq, and I wish himsuccess and good health for
4
him and his family, and I welcome the new representative of the secretary-general, and
we will continue our cooperation with him in a way which enable him to carry out these
tasks in accordance with resolution 1770 and the subsequent resolutions. The United
Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will receive all forms of support,
assistance and in particular during the next phase, and we will do our best to provide the
necessary protection for its staff and premises.
Mr.President
We look forward with confidence and optimism to the future, and we are working on
Iraq to become, as it is one of the emerging democracies and with the attributes of
richness in natural and human resources, an important factor in regional stability, security
and prosperity and as a living example of democracy and federalism, voluntary coexistence
of different ethnic and sectarian groups.
Thank You
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
