Iraq FM: We seek to apply Paris Agreement on Climate Change

INA - BAGHDAD 

Iraq Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein confirmed on Monday, that Iraq seeks to implement Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

During Iraq's speech that he delivered at the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement and the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of its founding in the Serbian capital Belgrade, and according to a statement by his office received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Hussien said that “The basic principles of the movement helped us overcome enormous challenges, and they are reflected today. We have tackled another serious challenge represented by the COVID-19 pandemic, as international cooperation and solidarity have proven the best solution to face the challenges of the pandemic,”

"We still have great challenges ahead of us in light of the international situation, especially the crises our regional environment is experiencing, which necessitates concerted efforts to ward off these dangers and resort to peaceful solutions, and from this standpoint, Iraq is keen to be a factor of stability in its regional and international surroundings. It seeks to bring views closer and works to find peaceful and sustainable solutions by putting forward initiatives to maintain international peace and security in our region, which has suffered from wars and crises,” he expressed.

He went on saying, "Since 2005, Iraq has went through five electoral rounds to choose representatives of the people and the government, as the democratic experience in Iraq is a new and young experience. Despite that, the democratic process has begun to deepen and expand, as yesterday Iraq experienced the largest electoral process, as hundreds of international observers attended to observe it by a decision of the United Nations Security Council, and here we would like to thank the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and thanks go to the other countries that contributed to sending observers to Iraq,”

“My country's government stresses the rejection of terrorism and extremism in all its forms, and encourages the policy of tolerance and acceptance of the other. My country has sought to assume all its responsibilities and committed itself to positive participation at the national, regional and international levels to combat extremism, counter terrorism and fight violence in the face of hate speech and the resulting beliefs and terrorist acts. The Iraqi government is looking forward to more international support in the reconstruction of the affected areas as a result of the terrorist occupation of Daesh terrorist gangs, to respond to the urgent necessary needs to enhance Iraq’s capabilities and efforts in rebuilding infrastructure, especially since the government has developed a comprehensive program for the reconstruction of liberated areas, infrastructure repair and land mine-cleaning, as well as remnants of war to ensure the safe and voluntary return of the IDPs,” Hussien said.

He pointed out that "the Government of the Republic of Iraq recognizes the important relationship between peace, security and development. Security is a prerequisite for development, and sustainable development can only be achieved when there is a peaceful and stable environment, through which we can renew our collective endeavor for peaceful coexistence, sovereignty and solidarity, so it is necessary that we remain united in our collective determination to support and respect the rule of law for peace, security and stability at the international level, we also stress the importance of exchanging best practices and resources among each other to deal with conflicts and achieve sustainable development, to create a world of peace and prosperity for all peoples, and that these goals can be achieved through the movement playing an effective and responsible role towards international issues, most notably climate change and achieving the goals of the sustainable development plan, and with only one decade left to achieve its goals, we must accelerate the implementation of the plan and build sustainable and flexible paths to address the long-term development consequences,”

"In this context, my government, in cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, seeks to implement Paris Agreement on climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the level of its oil industry and open up to the green economy. Iraq believes that nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to human survival, and Iraq seeks, together with the countries of the Movement, in multilateral efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons in order to achieve international peace and security,” he stressed.

Hussien noted that "the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, since its establishment, have waged a continuous battle to ensure that people who are subjected to oppression by foreign occupation and domination exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence against Illegal and provocative practices, and ensuring the right to self-determination and the establishment of independent state of Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital,”

He stressed, "Disputes are still continuing between some of the movement's countries without finding sustainable solutions, which led to devoting government budgets to armaments and slowing the achievement of development goals. Hence, Iraq calls on the group of countries of the movement to establish a small group whose mission is mediation and diplomatic endeavors to resolve differences between the movement's countries by means. As these differences lead to weaken the movement’s role in the international and regional relations scene as well as, lead to external interference in internal affairs and thus deviate from its path and principles that it adopted 60 years ago.  It was adopted by the movement and played an important role in the course of international relations and foreign policies,”

"In conclusion, allow me to stress the importance of revitalizing our movement and restoring its pivotal role in the international arena, unifying efforts and positions on various issues of concern to our countries in the international arena, and giving priority to the language of dialogue,” Iraq FM Hussien concluded.