SRSG Kubiš on Eid-ul-Fitr: An Occasion for Reconciliation as the Foundation for Lasting Peace

“There is good cause for optimism about the future. Daesh’s hold on parts of the country is shrinking as well as its support base. Preparations are underway to liberate the remaining territory controlled by this terrorist organization,” Mr. Kubiš said.

“Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of prayers, contemplation and compassion for Muslims, but Ramadan this year was marred by the violence engulfing Iraq, most prominently terrorist bombings that deliberately targeted civilians and particularly the latest one in Baghdad which killed and injured hundreds of innocent people,” Mr. Kubiš said. “Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their families.” 

The SRSG said the peace the country and its people need must be built on solid foundations of unity, cooperation, justice and tolerance to prevent regression into the past and its disastrous setbacks.

“As we mourn the dead, we must look after the living and the future generations. We must not lose sight of the paramount goal despite the enormity of the human losses. Sustainable peace and security following liberation of the territory from terrorist Daesh cannot be achieved without a historic compromise that will put an end to the divisive policies of intolerance, inequality and political and social injustice,” the SRSG said. He added: “My message to the Iraqis is that this Eid-ul-Fitr is the right occasion to think about rebuilding the ties of brotherhood that have linked your society together for ages and reinvigorating the values of tolerance and coexistence which have distinguished your ancient land and made it the safe haven for all its communities, of all the minorities, based on the inalienable rights of every human being to live in dignity and safety.”

“As the country celebrates the Eid, our thoughts are with the Iraqis who have lost their loved ones in the violence, those who are suffering from their injuries and the millions who have been displaced from their homes and towns. We owe it to them to press ahead with the efforts for a just society living in lasting peace.”

"I wish you all a peaceful holiday. Eid Mubarak."