Statement for the Media by Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI Baghdad, Abo Hanifa Holy Shrine, 29 December 2024

Today, we were honored first by visiting the shrine of Imam Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man, by whose pure soil the city of Baghdad was honored.  Imam Abu Hanifa is followed by more than a billion Muslims around the world. Second, I was honored by meeting a group of distinguished sheikhs from the Fiqh Council of Senior Scholars to Preaching and Iftaa’(Verdicts), in whom I sensed wisdom and benevolence, and a deep sense of belonging and concern for this dear country, and for its past, present and future. This visit was an opportunity to discuss with their eminences and sheikhs the pressing issues facing Iraq and the region at this sensitive stage, and I conveyed to them the greetings of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his wishes for their success and progress.

At the beginning of my speech, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Fiqh Council for the warm reception with which I was met, which reflects the strength of the relationship between the United Nations and religious institutions in Iraq, a relationship that has always been based on cooperation to enhance security, peace and stability for Iraq.

During the meeting, we discussed the current situation in Iraq and the region, and I stressed the importance of dealing with matters wisely and calmly, putting Iraq's interests at the forefront in the face of challenges that may undermine Iraq's advancement and prosperity. We touched upon the multiple crises that affect stability in Iraq, whether in terms of security, political or social challenges, in addition to the tensions in the region that require continuous coordination between countries and regional and international institutions.

We also discussed the situation in Gaza and the difficult humanitarian conditions experienced by the Palestinian people, and I explained to them the position of the United Nations and its Secretary-General, which is to seek to end the conflict in Gaza and stop the fighting immediately, as the world cannot stand idly in the face of this human suffering. We all hope that the international and regional efforts will bear fruit in ending this tragic conflict quickly and permanently.

The United Nations continues to stand by Iraq and affirms its commitment to continue supporting the Iraqi people in their quest for stability and prosperity. There is no doubt that this fruitful cooperation with the Fiqh Council will remain an essential element in achieving the goals of peace and stability in Iraq and the region.