SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQ ELECTIONS

The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of timely parliamentary elections in Iraq on 30 April, and commend the people of Iraq for demonstrating their commitment to a peaceful, inclusive and democratic political process.  The members look forward to the announcement of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) certifying the election results, and express their appreciation to the IHEC and the Government of Iraq, including the Iraqi Security Forces, for their dedicated work in preparing and conducting these elections, supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The members of the Security Council call on all political entities to work together in an inclusive and timely political process aimed at strengthening Iraq’s national unity, sovereignty and independence; and for Iraq’s leaders to engage, as quickly as possible, to form a Government that represents the will and sovereignty of the Iraqi people.  They believe that through its democratic institutions in cooperation with Iraqi society, Iraq can work to address the challenges facing the country for the benefit of all Iraqis and their hope for a strong, independent, unified and democratic Iraq.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their support for the efforts of the Iraqi Government to help meet the security needs of the entire population of Iraq, particularly in the current challenging security environment and during elections.

The members of the Security Council reiterate that no act of violence or terrorism can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, underpinned by the rule of law and respect for human rights, which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community.