Help Iraq regain stability: UAE

Addressing a meeting on ‘International Compact with Iraq’ held at the UN on Friday night, UAE’s Ambassador to the US, Saqr Gobash said: “We call upon the international community and international organisations to enhance cooperation with Iraq and provide necessary support and assistance to enable it fulfil its national vision, achieve security and ensure the unity of its lands and people.”

Gobash also reiterated his country’s continued support to the government of Iraq and its people as they strive to create a safe, independent, united, and sovereign Iraq, capable of realising development and prosperity for its people, and reintegrated into the region as well as the international community.

The UAE , he said, has been committed to the implementation of all international resolutions related to Iraq, including the Security Council’s resolution 1546 (2004) which called for the assistance of the international community in implementing the international compact with Iraq initiative which was launched by its government.

“The UAE was honoured by hosting the first preparatory meeting for the International Compact with Iraq, which concluded with the Abu Dhabi Declaration last September stressing UAE commitment to continue its support for Iraq until it achieves its national goals and regains its natural place on the international stage,” said Gobash.

The UAE envoy also expressed concerns over the deteriorating condition in Iraq, saying: “While we renew our support to the political, economic and security pledges taken by the Iraqi government, we are concerned about the deteriorating security conditions and the continued violence in the country, which present serious threats to peace and security in the whole region.”

“Meanwhile, we recognise the size of the challenges and responsibilities that the Iraqi government shoulders to lift Iraq out of its ordeal united and free.”

He added: “In this regard, we stress the importance of the international community’s support for this government in order to help it succeed in its efforts and endeavour to maintain security and stability and confirm its sovereignty over its land.”

“And we stress the necessity of refraining from interference in the internal affairs of Iraq. We hope that the recent diplomatic moves, including the top world leaders’ meeting held on March 10 in Baghdad on ‘The security and stability of Iraq’, and the coming meeting of foreign ministers of neighbouring countries to be held in Turkey next April, will succeed in reaching permanent solutions to end the violence and stop the bloodshed.”