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I thank the Secretary of State John Kerry for convening this critical meeting. Let me also welcome Iraq’s Foreign minister Al-Jaafari and thank SRSG Nickolay Mladenov for his insightful briefing and dedicated work. A united and democratic Iraq within the internationally recognized borders, with a viable, inclusive, and representative government, where the interests of all the groups and components of the society are taken into account, is the only antidote to the spread of murderous radical extremism, which is threatening the very existence of Iraq as we know.

Divisive actions of the previous government, including the failure to respect the November 2010 power-sharing agreement between Shias, Sunnis and Kurds, contributed to a sense of alienation among large segments of society, playing into the hands of ISIL seeking to impose its rule on Iraq and the region by brutal force and gut-wrenching violence.

Muslims, Kurds, Turkmens – no one is safe where ISIL sets foot. Yezidis, Shabak, and also Christians who have been part and parcel of Iraq’s unique heritage are persecuted, forced to convert, and brutally executed. Mass rapes and horrific abuses of women and children are routine. Even small children are forced to watch public executions. Destruction, displacement, and death: such is the daily reality for millions of Iraqis.

It is against this horrific background of ISIL murderous onslaught that the new government of Iraq must tackle the multiple challenges facing the country today. At a time of such extreme difficulty, the solidarity and support of the international community could not be more important. 

Mr. President,  

We warmly welcome the formation of an inclusive government under the leadership of Mr. Haider al-Abadi. As it juggles the multiple challenges and tasks, it is essential that it should avoid the mistakes of the previous government that has put Iraq’s people and the country’s unity and territorial integrity at grave risk.

Past sectarianism and divisiveness must be overcome giving way to a genuine and credible process of reconciliation. Real inclusiveness and representation of the various social, political, religious, and ethnic groups must be guaranteed. Women, the youth, and the civil society- all vital assets for the development and future prosperity of the country- must have an equal say in the decision making.

Strengthening good governance, accountability, and the rule of law, resolving existing problems of revenue- and wealth- sharing must be tackled head on, in a fair and inclusive manner. The strengthening of the armed and security forces compliant with the high standards of human rights remains a key priority.

The humanitarian crisis must be urgently addressed. Sustained humanitarian assistance by the international community is vital for saving lives and addressing the urgent needs of a stricken population. Lithuania has contributed to humanitarian efforts through relevant EU multilateral aid mechanisms. Today, my capital decided on a national contribution through UNICEF which will be transferred shortly.

Mr. President, 

The international community must stand firmly with Iraq by providing the necessary economic, financial, and military support. The recent international conference in Parisand the meeting in Jeddah of Gulf Cooperation Council members and regional states should act as a catalyst for long-term assistance for and a renewed focus on Iraq.

The United Nations and UNAMI have stood with the people of Iraq through good and bad.  Their engagement with the newly elected government on the whole range of needs and concerns remains critical. UN’s counter-terrorism bodies have an important role to play by assisting Iraq through demand-based capacity building, improving counter-terrorism legislation, and sharing best practices of CT and deradicalisation.

Mr. President,

These latter measures are particularly important in order to counter ISIL’s operations and recruitment machinery within Iraq. At the same time, brainwashed fanatics and deadly adventure seekers from far beyond Iraq’s borders, duped by the extreme apocalyptical ideology of ISIL, are joining its ranks. Foreign terrorist fighters are a threat to Iraq and to the international community as a whole. In this respect, we consider very timely the holding next week of a high level meeting by the Security Council on this important matter.

To conclude, Mr. President, to assist Iraq, the international community must act as one to tackle the spread of radical extremism and the likes of ISIL, and we appreciate your dedicated efforts in this respect. In doing so, we must keep in mind the impact of the ongoing Syrian crisis on Iraq and the region.

At the same time, is absolutely crucial that winning against the terrorist threat should be accompanied by the new Iraqi government winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. This can only be done by restoring the trust of all the Iraqis in their rich regional, ethnic, and religious diversity, men and women, young and old alike, in the capacity of the state to stand up and care and fight for their security, dignity, and their rights, on the basis of the rule of law, genuine equality, inclusiveness, reconciliation, and justice. We welcome the adoption of today’s PRST and reaffirm our readiness to work closely with our partners for the future of Iraq.

I thank you Mr. President.