Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the UNSC vote on a draft resolution on renewal of mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq
Mr.President,
Russia voted in favor of UNSC draft resolution on the renewal of mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). What was the most important for us is that the American penholders of the file took on board the priorities of the host side.
The document makes it clear that UNAMI will terminate its work by December 31, 2025, and a joint plan for the drawdown and technical closure of the Mission should be agreed by the end of 2024. This being said, UNAMI’s mandate will be limited to supporting national efforts in areas that are key for Baghdad.
We count on close coordination between the UN Secretariat and the Government of Iraq on all issues relating to the timely and orderly withdrawal of the Mission. We are convinced that over the 20 years that have passed since its establishment UNAMI has fully realized its potential to help restore Iraqi statehood and that now the people of Iraq are ready to assume full responsibility for the political future of the country.
We express our firm support for Iraq's sovereignty and oppose any interference in Iraq's internal affairs. This is an imperative. We highly appreciate the readiness of the Republic of Iraq to build mutually beneficial relations with its neighbors in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. In that context, the willingness of Baghdad and Kuwait City to resolve all issues in the Iraq-Kuwait dossier as soon as possible, namely, the repatriation of the remains of Kuwaiti citizens and the return of Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives, is highly commendable.
We will continue to provide Baghdad with all possible support and are determined to further strengthen friendly Russian-Iraqi relations.
Thank you.
