Statement to the press by SRSG for Iraq and Head of UNAMI Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan

Our visit to Najaf to meet the Marjaiya, represented by His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, is part of on-going and continuous engagement between the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and relevant stakeholders and actors in Iraq.

You are all aware of the high regard and respect that His Eminence Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani enjoys in the hearts of everyone, including the United Nations, and how deeply he cares about Iraq, its stability and distancing it from any tensions that could harm the country. This is in addition to his vision that he explained during our first meeting on the future of Iraq, encapsulated in the principles set out in the statement that was issued at the time. I informed His Eminence Sayyid Mohammed Rida Al-Sistani of the meetings conducted in the United Nations headquarters in New York and the deliberations held with the different members of the international community there.

You are also aware that the situation in the region is critical, changes are fast-paced and the challenges are significant. The UN and its Secretary-General, whom I represent in this country, is striving to keep Iraq safe and out of harm’s way, away from crises or political tensions, in order to maintain the hard-won gains the country has achieved for its security and the stability that Iraq has recently been enjoying.

Today, we also discussed with the Marjaiya, here in Najaf, the means, measures and steps to distance Iraq from any negative developments that do not serve the security, stability and future of Iraq. Let me be very frank, the situation in the region is difficult, fluid and fast paced. However, we have great confidence in the wisdom and ability of the leadership in Iraq to overcome the challenges of this period. There is direct co-ordination between UNAMI and the political leadership of Iraq, in particular His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. From the city of Najaf, we call on all political forces and groups in Iraq to put the interest of this country first, stressing that the security of Iraq and the Iraqi people is sacrosanct. The overarching goal is to maintain the security and stability of Iraq for all.

I am full of hope and confidence in the ability of this country and the entities and actors in Iraq to face these challenges, give priority to the paramount interests, exercise wisdom and pursue efforts to chart a bright, hopeful future for all the people of this country, from all different affiliations.

Iraq is in dire need of efforts at a thorough and accelerated pace to dispose of the legacies of the painful past, which requires bold and speedy decision-making. As we say, the sooner the better. We encourage the decision makers in this country to take the necessary, long-awaited decisions for reconciliation in this country.

God willing, we will see and hear good news in the coming days, to strengthen, foster and consolidate the security and stability of this country and contribute to the development and improvement if its relations with neighboring, regional and international countries.

Iraq should not be an arena for score-settling. This country has a trajectory of civilization to regain the stature it deserves.

I discussed with His Eminence Sayyid Mohammed Rida the importance and necessity of providing the requisite guarantees to all groups in Syria, the need to avoid any acts of retaliation against anyone, security for all Syrians and accountability through independent and transparent judicial processes. All Syrians must be protected.

We also stressed that Iraq is not to be used as an arena for settling scores on account of any external foreign actors.

This is our message today with the Marjaiya. We thank His Excellency, the Governor, for his hospitality and generosity. We hope that this country focuses on its interests and gains. We have full confidence in this government and in the leaders of this country.