With help, Iraq’s spirit of hope, forward-looking youths can keep nascent democracy on track, Prime Minister says |

“The hope of the Iraqi people has enabled them to seize a chance for life, progress and peace from the clutches of crisis and conflict,” the Prime Minister told leaders gathered in New York for the war. annual high-level speech of the National Assembly.

The Iraqi people have also used that spirit of hope to fight terrorism and ultimately defeat it on behalf of the entire world. “That task was arduous. Our people have made great sacrifices, not only to free their lands from the terrorist gangs of ISIL, but also so that they do not threaten people everywhere,” the Prime Minister explained.

“We have succeeded in rooting out this destructive ideology, to pay tribute to the ‘martyrs of Iraq’ who gave their lives to protect the values ​​of the nation,” he said. rule of justice, democracy and human rights. Iraq looks forward to receiving more support from the United Nations to rebuild the areas affected and occupied by ISIL terrorists.

Reconstruction of liberated areas

At the same time, he stressed that any potential UN aid to meet urgent and necessary humanitarian needs should enhance Iraq’s ability to rebuild destroyed infrastructure. in a way that can help our cities and people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to normal life.

Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi emphasized that the Iraqi government has developed a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of areas that were once under ISIL control, as well as for infrastructure restoration and a safe return. and volunteering of displaced persons. thank the donor countries and international organizations for their humanitarian assistance and assistance.

“From this podium, I reiterate Iraq’s call for its territories not to be used on the pretext of fighting terrorism or protecting the national security of other countries in a way that endangers the lives of others. our security and stability,” he said, calling for strengthening cooperation and ensuring respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Free and fair elections

Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi went on to say that Iraq is committed to defending the democratic processes and the people’s demand to exercise their rights in a democratic way, the Iraqi Government has made efforts to establish free elections. by and fairly with the assistance of the United Nations, Security Council and other international organizations have praised their integrity.

Despite the success of those elections, the political forces were unable to agree on the formation of a government, leading to a political deadlock. “My government has called for a serious and transparent dialogue between all political forces and parties to discuss how to get out of the current political crisis in the Government’s efforts to respond to the crisis. respond to the aspirations and hopes of the people,” he explained.

He added that his Government is seeking to build an Iraq that ensures coexistence among all Iraqis while respecting ideological and religious diversity and pluralism based on the principles of equity and Equality. This will be done by ensuring freedom of speech and human rights.

“Iraq aspires to become a source of stability, both regionally and internationally…and mend relations between countries in the region, which have long suffered from wars and crises. It is time to rebuild the region based on the balanced policy pursued by the Government,” he said.

Rivers dry, swamps threatened

Mr. Al-Kadhimi Iraq is facing serious challenges due to scarcity of water resources, changes in river flows and the construction of projects without taking into account the impact on water quotas. “Iraq is currently the fifth most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change.”

On top of that, most of the country’s swamps have dried up, taking a toll on the livelihoods of hundreds of families living there. These nature reserves are located on UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites and their degradation has caused internal displacement and greatly reduced the availability of arable land.

“Iraq calls on all countries in the region to engage in dialogue to resolve water issues in accordance with international treaties,” he said, noting that Iraq is an oil producer and is affected by the conflict. As a result of climate change, Iraq will also be affected by the measures taken to address the phenomenon related to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

However, his Government has been working on a wide range of projects related to clean energy, companion gas extraction and other areas related to the green economy. In all of this, Iraq needs help from the international community to be able to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.

Concluding, he said: “The challenges facing Iraq today are the result of decades of crisis and political strife. We are working to eliminate them, placing our hopes in our young society’s aspiration to defend democracy. Our young democracy still has a spirit of courage and hope. It needs the understanding and support of the international community so that we can continue to build a modern State, provide services and regenerate the war-torn infrastructure and rebuild it. infrastructure destroyed by war.