Speech by Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI, Dr. Mohammed Al Hassan, in the Opening of the Grand Nuri Mosque in Mosul

Excellency Mr. Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia` Al-Sudani,

Honorable Ministers and Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Good morning,

I am pleased to stand among you today, in the ancient city of Mosul, as it announces to the whole world, through the opening of the Grand Al-Nuri Mosque, the triumph of the will to live over the culture of death, and the victory of hope over despair.

It is a great joy to see this towering edifice, which was for long centuries witness to the brilliance and tolerance of the Islamic civilization, return to its former glory to be a beacon of knowledge and peace once again. This achievement would not have come to light without the sincere determination of the Iraqi people, the generous support from the United Arab Emirates, and the tireless efforts of UNESCO under the umbrella of (Reviving the Soul of Mosul) and the role of Iraqi government. To all of you we extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude.

Years ago, we stood here on the ruins of a city torn apart by the worst crimes of this century at the hands of ISIS. They wanted to erase the identity of this tolerant land and extinguish its civilized light, but they did not realize that the blood of the people of Iraq, from its south, center to north, would melt as one to liberate this pure land and its human heritage. The sons of Iraq have made great sacrifices over the decades, and the people of Nineveh have provided a model of steadfastness and devotion, and the heroes of Iraq have written unforgettable epics to commemorate their martyrs.

Today as we celebrate the rehabilitation of this mosque and its neighbor Al-Tahra Church, we are not celebrating the stones that have been rebuilt, but we are celebrating the revival of the Iraqi spirit. It is the symbol for the return of life, a mark of rejection of extremism, and the restoration of the values of co-existence that have been and remain a beacon of this country. I say this publicly: Mosul has returned and will return, and I call for the lifting of restrictions on Mosul and its people.  

I would like to congratulate and commend the Government of Iraq, both at the national and local level, in Nineveh, and the efforts of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia` Al-Sudani, for his pivotal, important, and tangible role in this journey. We commend the successes achieved on the path to restoring stability and rebuilding what the war has destroyed, and we appreciate and support the continuation of these steps.

Brothers and Sisters,

This rebuilt edifice reminds us that the potential opportunities in the land of Iraq are the strongest and transforming these opportunities to achievements requires from all of us, as international partners and friends of Iraq, to continue standing by its noble people and government. I, affirm, from this podium that the United Nations will remain, as it always has, a strong support and steadfast ally of the people of Iraq in their quest for peace, prosperity, and dignity.

Let this day be a new chapter, a chapter where features are built, dignity is preserved, and peace prevails throughout Iraq from one end to the other.

Thank You