Iraq’s Ambassador to Spain Participates in International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, Announcing Iraq’s Willingness to Host Next Conference

The Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of Spain Dr. Saleh Hussein Ali Al Tamimi, participated in the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, which was held under the title ” Education as a Tool for Prevention, Peacebuilding and Empowerment of Victims of Terrorism” in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, accompanied by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid.

Ambassador Al Tamimi delivered the opening speech at the high-level session of the conference, in his capacity as co-chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In his speech, he conveyed the greetings of the Iraqi Prime Minister to the conference organizers, and stressed Iraq’s full support for the efforts made to support victims of terrorism, noting the interest of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the National Security Advisor in the success of the conference.

The Ambassador extended his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Spain for its continuous efforts to support victims of terrorism, stressing the full support of the Iraqi government for the goals of the conference. He also praised the joint efforts of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, chaired by Iraq in cooperation with Spain and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, stressing the importance of the conference in enhancing the ongoing international support for victims of terrorism, ensuring their human rights, and meeting their needs.

The Ambassador indicated the significant transformation that Iraq has witnessed, from a country affected to a leading country in supporting victims of terrorism. He called on UN member states to cooperate to adopt a new resolution in the UN General Assembly that focuses on updating the international framework for supporting victims, as well expressing his appreciation for Iraq being chosen as co-chair the group with Spain.

Additionally, the Ambassador announced Iraq’s readiness to host the next international conference on victims of terrorism in Baghdad, explaining that the Iraqi government places support for victims of terrorism and achieving justice at the forefront of its priorities, as it has taken many national measures to help them and reintegrate them into society.

At the end of his speech, the Ambassador warned of the serious tensions in the Middle East, referring to the increasing escalation and inhumane attacks against civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, which could lead to disastrous consequences on the humanitarian and economic levels in the region and the world. The conference witnessed a wide participation at a high level, including His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares, Minister for Home Affairs, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in addition to the President of the Basque Country, Mr. Imanol Pradales.