SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQ

The following press statement on Iraq was read out today by Council President Pascal Gayama ( Congo):

The members of the Security Council condemned, in the strongest terms, the 14 August attacks against innocent Iraqi men, women and children in Ninawah Province, which were aimed at widening the sectarian and ethnic divide in Iraq.  They joined with the Secretary-General in extending deepest condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the people and Government of Iraq.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their continued support for the Iraqi people and Government as they rebuild their country, and reiterate the need to promote national dialogue, reconciliation and broad political participation to ensure unity, peace, security, stability and the cessation of sectarian violence.

The members of the Security Council reiterate the Council’s call upon Member States to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, arms for terrorists and financing that would support terrorists.  The members of the Security Council reaffirm the need to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and by all means, in accordance with international law.

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