SC - High-Level Event on Iraq

Statement by Mr. Johannes Kyrle, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria
New York, 15 December 2010

Let me at the outset convey to you, Mr. President, our deep condolences for the passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. We will remember him in particular for his contributions to stability in South-Eastern Europe and, more recently, to peace, security and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

We would like to thank the United States for convening this debate at a crucial moment in Iraq’s democratic process. I would also like to convey to you, Mr. Secretary General, Austria’s deep appreciation for the outstanding commitment of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq.

Today also marks a milestone in Iraq’s return to its rightful status in the international community. As a member of this Council in 1991, Austria voted for a number of the measures we will bring to a close today. Austria supports this step in recognition of the progress achieved by Iraq and in support of reconstruction and economic development for the benefit of its people. Last but not least, we do so as a strong encouragement to the incoming government to fulfill outstanding Chapter VII obligations.
In 1991, Austria supported resolution 687 and 707 on the premise that actions requested from Iraq represented first steps towards the goal of establishing a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and missiles for their delivery in the Middle East. Today this goal remains as important as ever. In light of Iraq’s commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament, we hope that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty will be ratified soon and that the welcome provisional application of the Additional Protocol to the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement will be followed by its ratification at the earliest possibility. We also expect the destruction of chemical weapons to continue at a determined pace.
As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait, we look to Iraq for a fresh resolve to forge a new partnership with Kuwait that is built on mutual trust.
As border security is paramount to confidence between neighbors, any shadow of doubt regarding the acceptance of the finality and inviolability of common borders should be avoided. We therefore encourage Iraq to re-affirm its commitment to resolution 833 with respect to its land and maritime boundaries.
Efforts should also be reinforced to clarify the fate of missing persons as well as to settle the issue of the restitution of Kuwait’s national archives. With Austria’s chairmanship of the United Nations Compensation Commission drawing to a close, let me also underline the importance of a functioning mechanism succeeding the Development Fund for Iraq. A continuation of payments into the Compensation Fund needs to be assured in accordance with resolution 1483 until Iraq and Kuwait can come to a consensus on a future compensation regime.
Much has been said today on the fundamental changes we have witnessed in Iraq - a country whose pluralistic traditions and proud history as a cradle of civilizations we admire as much as we ardently support its secure and prosperous future. At the same time, pressing challenges remain which require determined stewardship.
As the European Union Foreign Ministers underlined on 22 November, there is an urgent need for the formation of a stable and representative government which is able to rededicate itself to the pursuit of national reconciliation. Such a government will be vital to responding to the aspirations of all Iraqis - regardless of creed or ethnicity - and to respecting, protecting and promoting their human rights.
We hope to see a renewed resolve by the new federal government and the leadership of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region to come to a compromise on their respective boundaries and competences as well as the distribution of revenues, including from hydrocarbon resources.  Austria encourages the continuation of UNAMI’s efforts to build trust between Arab and Kurdish communities in the North, in particular by facilitating dialogue on the safeguarding of language rights, the rights of detainees and the resolution of property disputes.
Austria condemns all indiscriminate attacks on civilians and reiterates her deep concern about recent attacks on religious minorities including Christian and Muslim places of worship. We urge the Iraqi government to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that all Iraqis are adequately protected and able to practice their faith in peace and dignity.
Austria is also concerned about the reported incidents of harassment and intimidation against internally displaced persons in Kirkuk, including threats of forced eviction.
During our term on the Council, we have witnessed a marked decrease in the level of violence, Iraqi Security Forces progressively assuming their responsibilities and the steady anchoring of democratic processes. Those gains have been hard fought for and often challenged by unspeakable violence against innocent civilians. Austria will continue to support the Iraqi people in building a secure, stable, democratic, unified and prosperous country beyond our term on the Council. We look forward to working with a new Iraqi government towards this goal, bilaterally and in the framework of the European Union.
Finally, I wish to assure the Secretary General of Austria’s continued support for the important work of Special Representative Ad Melkert and his entire team. Let me also assure you that their safety and security – as for all UN personnel – remains of utmost concern to us.