Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION

Check against delivery.

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank you for your swift response to convene this important meeting following the recent events in the Republic of Iraq. I also thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her valuable briefing and welcome the participation of His Excellency Fuad Hussein, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq, in this session.

Mr. President,

The UAE supported convening this urgent session in response to the request outlined in the letter of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq, dated 21 July, following the attack targeting the Barkh Resort in Dohuk Province located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq last Wednesday.

The UAE condemns in the strongest terms this heinous act that resulted in 9 civilian deaths and more than thirty-three injured civilians. We offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Iraq, especially the families of the victims of this horrific crime, and we wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.

The UAE affirms its support for conducting the necessary investigations regarding the Dohuk attack and stands in solidarity with all measures taken by Iraq to protect its sovereignty, security, and stability as this attack not only represents a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, but it also constitutes a threat to Iraq’s security and stability.

This attack risks exacerbating the political and security challenges facing Iraq at this critical juncture. Nearly nine months have passed since the holding of parliamentary elections without the formation of a new government. Terrorist groups, including Da’esh, continue to launch attacks and target civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. The UAE strongly condemned and denounced last week’s terrorist attack that targeted a police station in the Salah Al-Din Governorate.

Finally, and in light of the decisive stance taken by the Council in its press statement issued yesterday condemning the Dohuk attack, we stress the need for all parties to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from any acts that may destabilize its security, regardless of the pretext.

I thank you, Mr. President